Jackie and Maurice: We’re Comfortable Outside the Comfort Zone

Rachael: Welcome back to Formative, the podcast where today's leaders are interviewed by the leaders of tomorrow. Today we're joined by Jackie Bravo, Executive Vice President and Corporate Secretary at BankUnited. Jacque shares how her love of math and structure led her into the world of finance. She also talks about the importance of taking accountability early, being someone others can rely on, and how leaning into the hard things can give you a real edge.

Hello and welcome. My name is Rachael Gazdick, and I'm your host and CEO of New York Edge. On every episode of Formative, a student from our afterschool program joins me as co-host, and today I'm joined by Maurice from M.S. 57K. Maurice, can you tell our audience a little bit about yourself?

Maurice: Hello, my name is Maurice, and I'm in seventh grade. My interests are basketball and football.

Rachael: Perfect. I think we're ready to go talk to Jackie then.

Maurice: I'm so excited to be talking to her.

What is your dream job today? Is it what you do now or something else?

Jackie: You know, I really like what I do. I actually like to work. I have a lot of energy, and I like to be involved in a lot of things and be in a position to make an impact.

One thing I'm good at is numbers and math, and I also like to be very social. So in my role at the bank, I'm in what's called the corporate secretary role. It’s a role that supports the board of directors. It’s very relationship-based. I also have a technical role where I oversee tax, investor relations, and community development.

So I get to do both things,the technical and the social aspects,and I actually really enjoy the job I'm in right now.

Maurice: Okay. What made you want to do the job that you have now?

Jackie: I've always liked business,the math, the numbers, the hustle of it. When I was younger, my dad used to make us sell avocados and toys. He would wake us up and say, “We’re going to collect cans and get money for it. We’re going to have a garage sale. We have avocados on the tree,we’re selling them to the grocery store.”

So that entrepreneurial, hustling mindset was always in me.

As I got older, I realized I like doing what others don’t want to do. Sometimes it’s easier because there’s less competition. I chose tax,nobody generally wants to do tax,but I did it because of that. It actually worked out well because there’s not a lot of competition in it.

Maurice: Okay. What do you want to be when you grow up?

Jackie: I want to be a firefighter, and I just want to stay committed and achieve that goal.

Jackie: Oh, that’s good. I like it. Firefighter is a great career. If you start young, you can move up into different roles. I have friends who are firefighters, and they have great careers. It’s also really good for family life.

Maurice: Is math your favorite subject?

Jackie: Yes, math is my favorite subject because I’m good at it. Sometimes when you’re good at something, it becomes your favorite because it feels good to do what you do well.

Math is also very clear,one plus one always equals two. I like that. It gives structure. I can get lost in it in a good way.

What about you? What’s your favorite subject?

Maurice: Mine was reading at first, but now math is my favorite because, like you said, I’m good at it. Sometimes I think it’s difficult, but when I believe I can do it, it becomes my favorite subject.

Jackie: That’s great. And with math, if you keep practicing, you can’t fall behind,you just keep leveling up. It’s great that you enjoy both reading and math. That’s a real strength.

Maurice: Thank you. Can you tell me about a mistake you made and how you grew from it?

Jackie: I’ve made a lot of mistakes. One lesson I’ve learned is about balance,how much you do, and how you make sure your work gets recognized.

For a long time, I stayed quiet and assumed my work would speak for itself. Sometimes other people took credit, and I had to learn how to speak up and find that balance.

When I make technical mistakes, I’m quick to say, “I made a mistake,” because the longer you wait, the worse it gets. The key is to be honest, own it, and figure out how to fix it so it doesn’t happen again.

Rachael: That’s really good advice, because I think a lot of people’s first instinct is to avoid it.

Jackie: Avoiding doesn’t help. Problems don’t go away on their own. A lot of stress comes from not addressing things. Even doing something small,sending an email or asking a question,helps reduce it.

Maurice: Did anyone give you advice when you were younger that stuck with you?

Jackie: Just be yourself. People really like when you’re authentic. Say what you’re thinking, and if you don’t know something, ask right away.

I don’t sit on questions. If I don’t know, I ask immediately. Being yourself makes it easier to find the right path in life.

Maurice: What advice do you have for a kid like me thinking about what they want to do?

Jackie: Do what you like and what you’re good at. When you do both, it doesn’t feel like work.

You’ll also learn you have strengths and others have strengths, and that’s okay,you’ll work in teams. Nothing important is done alone.

If you focus on what you enjoy and what you’re good at, things will come your way. Be intentional and try to be the best version of what you commit to.

Rachael: You’re a leader in your organization. What have you learned about being someone’s boss?

Jackie: Being a boss is about understanding what people want,opportunity, money, title,and what they’re good at.

I try to help people work in their strengths. Some people love data, some love writing, some love presenting. When you align people with what they’re good at, they work better together.

I also give feedback continuously, not just once a year. Communication should be ongoing. It’s about empowering people and giving credit for their work.

Maurice: Can work be frustrating?

Jackie: Yes, it can be. But I try to stay positive. I think things could always be worse.

I don’t procrastinate, so I can handle issues when they come up. Some days are good, some days are hard,but that’s normal. You take it as it comes.

Maurice: Do you ever feel pressure or like giving up?

Jackie: You feel pressure all the time. But I try not to think in terms of giving up.

If a job isn’t the right fit, it’s okay to change,that’s not giving up, that’s growth. But in my current role, I focus on staying resilient and committed.

You only lose when you give up.

Maurice: Dedication.

Jackie: Exactly. Dedication and resilience are essential. People need to know they can rely on your word.

Maurice: What do you enjoy about your work?

Jackie: The people. I’ve been here 15 years, and many coworkers have been here just as long. We’ve built a life together.

We work hard, but we also support each other through life events. It’s a strong, smart, hardworking group,and we laugh a lot too.

Maurice: How do you think your job will change in five years?

Jackie: Hopefully it will be easier because I’ll be more experienced.

When you first learn something, it’s the hardest. After you’ve done it once or twice, it gets easier. Then the goal is to help others take on that work and grow.

Maurice: Thank you.

Rachael: Our last question is the one we ask all our guests. If you could go back and speak to your 12-year-old self, what would you say?

Jackie: You’re more capable than you think you are. You’re probably smarter and more talented than you realize.

Don’t be scared. Be comfortable being uncomfortable,that’s where growth happens. Push yourself outside your comfort zone, and you’ll keep realizing what you’re capable of.

Maurice: Thank you. I really love that.

Jackie: Of course.

Rachael: This has been an absolute pleasure. Thank you so much.

Jackie: Thank you.

Maurice: Thank you. Bye.

CREDITS

Thanks for listening to Formative, a production of New York Edge. I’m your host, Rachael Gazdick. Our production partner for this series is CitizenRacecar. This episode was produced by Hajar Eldaas, post-production by Alex Brouwer, original music by Garrett Tiedemann. Thanks to the whole team at New York Edge for making this series possible. Never miss an episode by subscribing to the series at newyorkedge.org/formative or wherever you get your podcasts.