Leading Through Change – Lessons from Gunjan Kedia
- Rose Odette
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Today we look at the appointment of Gunjan Kedia as CEO of U.S. Bancorp (started April 2025) and draw out leadership ideals and action items you can apply in your world of entrepreneurship, immigration investment, or leadership in change.
Banking is changing - 🔄 What’s changing
Business model evolution – The bank is placing more emphasis on growth areas like payments, digital services and fee-income versus just traditional lending. AInvest+3Barron's+3American Banker+3
Digital transformation & tech investment – There’s a push to modernize platforms, use data and AI, streamline operations and deliver a more customer-centric experience. Archynewsy+1
Operational efficiency / cost discipline – Under Kedia the bank is refocusing on controlling costs, improving productivity, and aligning leadership structure to drive execution. American Banker+1
Leadership & structural shift – Her appointment itself signals a shift: first woman CEO of the bank, reflecting culture, governance and strategic renewal. Barron's+1
Macro/regulatory context – The banking industry is facing changing interest-rates, competition from fintech, regulatory pressures and evolving customer expectations — so her leadership must navigate those external shifts. Barron's+1
Born and raised in Delhi, Gunjan Kedia earned her bachelor’s degree in engineering with distinction from the Delhi School of Engineering before moving to the U.S. for her MBA at Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University. Carnegie Mellon University+2Women's Power Gap+2 She launched her career in financial services at PwC, transitioned to strategic consulting with McKinsey & Company, and then held senior executive roles at Bank of New York Mellon and State Street Corporation. U.S. Bancorp Investor Relations+1 In 2016 she joined U.S. Bancorp as Vice-Chair of its Wealth, Corporate, Commercial & Institutional Banking division and was promoted to President in 2024. Carnegie Mellon University+1 On April 15, 2025 she became CEO, making her the first woman to lead the company and one of the few women of color heading a major U.S. bank. Women's Power Gap+1 Her journey reflects deep functional expertise, strategic leadership and an ability to navigate both legacy banking and digital transformation.
💡 5 Ideals to Reflect On
Steady > Flashy — Leadership isn’t about big gestures, it’s about consistent direction when things are unclear.
Depth Creates Credibility — Years of experience in consulting + finance create the kind of credibility that makes your voice carry.
Digital Mindset — Even legacy industries must evolve. You must think digital, scalable, future-ready.
Representation = Responsibility — Being in a leadership seat where you may be ‘one of few’ means your journey serves others too.
Legacy + Velocity — You must respect what’s worked and build what must work going forward. Transition matters more than status quo.
⚙️ 5 Action Moves for You
Audit your adaptability: Write down the last three major shifts in your industry (immigration law, investment, business growth) and ask how you responded — resisted, reacted, or reinvented?
Build dual-fluency: Take one skill you already know deeply (e.g., business scaling) and one new trend/technology you’re weak in (e.g., automation, AI, ) — and commit to being competent in both.
Practice visible leadership: Don’t wait for a title. Share your insights publicly (LinkedIn, newsletter, podcast), highlight your wins and your failures. Real leadership is real -Leading Through Change.
Mentor forward: Identify one person you can bring up with you — someone from your network who will catch your wake and expand your reach.
Redefine risk: Make a list of “calculated risks” that, if taken within the next 6-12 months, could multiply your business, your leadership presence, investment pipeline by 10×. Then choose one and take the first step this week.
Books, Masterminds & Podcast
✨ ROSE ODETTE
Books:📘 Charge Like a Bull🦁 Lead Like a Lioness
Masterminds:🔥 Freedom Circle Mastermind💼 EB-2/EB-5 Business Immigration Mastermind
Podcast:🎧 Bullish on Business Podcast
Final Thought - Leading Through Change
You don’t have to wait for the perfect moment or ideal title to lead. The real pivot is when you decide to own your transformation and guide others through theirs. Today, pick one action move and move deliberately. Your leadership begins now.
Have an empowered day, Rose Odette
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