Karen DeBlieux

Head of U.S. Corporate Banking and Market President, Capital One Commercial Banking

Biography:

Karen leads a team of relationship bankers covering U.S.-based large cap companies in diversified industries. In her almost 30 years with the firm, Karen has held leadership positions in national accounts, Gulf South banking, financial institutions, and international banking. She has served as a mentor in the Capital One Commercial Banking Development Program and is former head of Capital One New Orleans Women’s Network. She is a member of the Association of Financial Professionals, and a graduate of the Leadership for Extraordinary Performance program and the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute.

Karen is also Capital One’s market president. In this position, she connects Capital One’s resources with community needs and plays a critical role in ensuring that Capital One lives up to the promise of “investing for good.” Karen represents Capital One as a featured speaker for numerous Future Edge and community development banking programs that enhance and expand economic opportunities for families and businesses. Launched by Capital One in 2015, Future Edge is a five-year, $150 million initiative to help American workers obtain skills and resources needed to succeed in the 21st century.

What advice would you offer to someone just starting out who wants to be a difference maker in their organization?

People who are passionate, driven, authentic, positive, curious are the ones who make a difference.  They are leaders who accomplish what others think is impossible. They take risks, they learn from failure, they act and they drive change. Difference makers know that values are non-negotiable.  They operate with the knowledge that confidence can co-exist with humility, kindness, compassion, respect and openness. They dare to make a difference in their businesses and in their communities by challenging processes and people that obstruct progress. They are driven by an internal fire that is fed by adversity and that allows them to emerge stronger.  Difference makers are the catalysts for positive change and they set the standard for great organizations.

Tell us more about your involvement in the Capital One Commercial Banking Development Program. Why is the mission important to you?

It is a great thrill to watch associates develop from novice bankers to leaders in our firm.  The Capital One culture is built around Excellence and Do the Right Thing.  Notice the word “and” -- it is not a trade-off: it is both excelling in the job and doing it with collaboration and adherence to our values.  The associate development programs were established to help perpetuate our culture and to ensure strong performance.  Success is achieved by creating teams comprised of people from diverse backgrounds with different skill sets, working toward a common goal.  The growth achieved when diversity of thought is combined with commitment is incredible.  It is gratifying to be a part of our associates’ growth story.

Please discuss any additional organizations you are involved with and why their missions are important to you.

While raising eight children, my parents found the time to serve the community with board positions, volunteer work and financial contributions.  They were committed to making a difference, especially in the lives of those less fortunate.  Their resolute, selfless contributions--especially of their time--was inspiring. There is no greater title than that of servant leader, which I aspire to be.  The missions of organizations like the YMCA, New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation, Catholic Charities, Boys Hope/Girls Hope, New Orleans Recreation Dept, Jesuit High School, Stuart Hall School for Boys, Blue Ridge Leaders School and many others demonstrate their commitment to improving the lives of those in need.  They take risks, they challenge the status quo and they are resilient in the face of adversity.  It is a privilege to serve those organizations that are working every day to make a difference in our community.

What advice would you give to people who want to give back but aren’t sure how to select exactly which organizations?

To effectively serve an organization, volunteers must strongly believe in the mission.  We have real jobs and the community service is an added responsibility, which means that we must have incredible passion for the volunteer work.  Our goals and those of the charitable organization have to be aligned, if we are to serve with commitment and intention. Choose organizations that have a clear vision, led by staff who are committed, passionate and mission-driven. A charitable organization with passionate people who are dedicated to serving and who believe that change is possible will have an immeasurable impact in the community.

Once you figure out who you want to serve, be resilient, inspire others with your leadership, keep your word, let your actions speak loud, have faith and have fun.  Dare to change a life.