Women who pave the way forward

Pinnacle and Synovus kicked off Women’s History Month with an inspiring virtual summit hosted by the Women Inspiring Success and Empowerment (WISE) Employee Resource Group. Women leaders of the combined firm’s executive leadership team shared practical insights about leadership and growth.

Hundreds of team members tuned in to hear what motivates them and what lessons they’ve learned.

Here are key moments that captured the conversation.

Jennifer Upshaw
Chief Administrative Officer
Joined Synovus in 2003

What lessons have you learned that serve you in times of change?

Listen first. Share what you’re seeing and be just as intentional about hearing another perspective. People come from a place of passion, so assume positive intent and lead with grace. Work to find common ground.

Shellie Creson
Chief Risk Officer
Joined Synovus in 2022

What energizes you?

Building teams. I love that moment when the team gets in sync. Work moves faster, decisions get clearer and results start to show.

Charissa Sumerlin
Chief Credit Officer
Joined Pinnacle in 2018

How do you keep your roots grounded and stay motivated?

Relationships keep me grounded. Whether it’s investing in the ones I have or building new ones to widen my circle. Honesty, transparency and trust keep me centered and effective with the people I work with.

Liz Wolverton
Chief Digital and Product Solutions Officer
Joined Synovus in 2003

What’s something you’ve had to pivot away from?

I started my career as an auditor and loved how clean the answers felt. Leadership taught me most decisions aren’t black and white. Sometimes you move forward with the best choice in the moment even if it’s not the perfect one.

Dana Sanders
Chief Auditor
Joined Pinnacle in 2009

How do you ensure you’re leading from a full tank instead of fumes?

I protect time for things I genuinely enjoy. I need to spend about two hours a week being creative, whether it’s tinkering in Excel, putting together a presentation or finding a new way to communicate a strategy. That time refills my tank.

To close the summit, all leaders shared a simple blueprint: 

  • Stay curious, prepared and resilient. 
  • Lead with empathy.
  • Lean on your community.
  • Never stop learning.

Their stories remind us that women’s leadership is powerful and enduring every month.