IN THIS EPISODE...

Bahari Harris, Senior Vice President and Director of Financial Inclusion Initiatives at Truist Financial Corporation, discusses his journey from founding Urban Hope to leading financial inclusion programs at Truist. Bahari discusses the importance of financial literacy and the Start, Save, Win initiative, which incentivized new savers to save $25 each month, leading to over 25,000 new accounts and millions saved. He emphasizes the need to address the fear of the unknown and improve accessibility in banking. Harris also shares his personal finance hashtag #YourFinanceChamp to demystify financial services and encourages strategic decision-making in leadership.

Truist is a leading bank holding company focused on financial inclusion and community impact. Through programs like workplace banking, student banking, and financial education initiatives, Truist aims to make banking more accessible and help individuals and communities achieve financial well-being.

------------

Full show notes, guest bio, links to resources mentioned, and other compelling episodes can be found at http://LeadYourGamePodcast.com. (Click the magnifying icon at the top right and type “Bahari”)

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

Learn more about us! https://shockinglydifferent.com/

-------------

WHAT TO LISTEN FOR:

1.    Bahari’s journey from nonprofit leadership to his current role at Truist.

2.    How Truist is making banking more accessible and inclusive for underserved communities.

3.    The impact of financial literacy and why it matters for generational wealth.

4.    Examples of innovative programs like “Start, Save, Win” and workplace banking.

5.    Barriers to financial inclusion—what are the biggest challenges people face?

6.    Bahari’s leadership philosophy: meeting people where they are and motivating them forward.

7.    How can financial institutions build trust and loyalty in their communities?

8.    What practical steps can listeners take to improve their own financial well-being?

------------

FEATURED TIMESTAMPS:

[00:36] Introduction and Bahari's role at Truist

[02:14] Personal background and interests outside of work.

[03:31] Bahari's career journey from nonprofit work to banking

[07:06] Discussion on the importance of financial literacy and the challenges faced by

underserved communities.

[10:53] Overview of Truist’s value-driven mission and the “Start, Save, Win” savings

initiative.

[13:49] The importance of building savings habits and how behavior impacts financial

security.

[15:32] Barriers to financial inclusion: fear of the unknown and accessibility.

[19:29] The unique, mission-driven approach of Truist and the value of purpose-driven

leadership.

[21:07] Bahari’s “Your Finance Champ” social media initiative to demystify financial

services.

[23:19] Signature Segment: Bahari’s entry into the LATTOYG Playbook: Leading side-by-side

[23:45] Bahari’s leadership philosophy: meeting people where they are and motivating

them forward.

[27:10] Signature Segment: Bahari’s LATTOYG Tactic of Choice: Leading with Strategic decision-making

[32:18] The broader impact of Bahari’s work and the importance of opening doors for others.

------------ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR YOU:

Overview:  Our Signature Leadership Development Experience: http://bit.ly/DevelopYourGame