Linda Bowden, the New Jersey regional president of PNC Bank, is responsible for providing executive leadership and supporting client relationship and business development initiatives in the region, including corporate and institutional banking, commercial banking, and wealth management, as well as supporting the firm’s community-based activities.
Prior to joining PNC in 2009, she was the managing director of Wachovia Wealth Management. Bowden’s extensive industry experience also includes past responsibilities as portfolio manager, trust and investment officer, and as a manager overseeing private banking officers. She began her career as a teacher for seven years in Wyckoff, N.J.
Bowden serves on the board of the Drumthwacket Foundation, as well as the executive committees of the Adler Aphasia Center, the New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce, the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, and Choose New Jersey. In addition, Bowden is a member of the board of trustees of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Liberty Science Center, and the William Paterson University Foundation.
Bowden earned an MSW from Columbia University, an MA in institutional counseling from William Paterson University, an MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and a BA in education from Rowan University.
Describe your morning routine.
I’m typically up early and start the day with tea and reading The New York Times or Wall Street Journal online. I tend to plan ahead, a lot, and like to prepare as much as possible the night before so I can make the morning more efficient.
How do you wind down at the end of a busy day or week?
I love to read—it’s quiet and there are no distractions. By the end of the week, for me there’s nothing like the experience of being outside, especially in the New Jersey countryside or the Catskills, and enjoying nature with family and friends.
What’s your favorite part of your job and why?
It’s all about the people and the satisfaction of doing a great job for our clients. Helping clients to solve a problem and watching PNC colleagues at almost any stage of their careers grow and prosper is terrifically rewarding. I also love the opportunity to network with community leaders and industry peers to ensure we are good neighbors in all of the towns where we live and work.
What leisure activities occupy your time away from the office?
My favorite activities include hiking and being outdoors, along with cross-country skiing and walking. I also enjoy reading and the arts, everything from a good movie to an evening at the theater.
What’s a perfect day?
A perfect day amounts to making a positive difference in someone’s life. It’s tremendously fulfilling to support someone in addressing a business or personal challenge.
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
Poor follow-up. It makes me absolutely crazy, and it’s such a simple way to make a difference. Meticulous follow-up is really one of the easiest ways to distinguish yourself.
Fill in the blank: Most people don’t know that I … .
Have been scuba diving in the Caribbean surrounded by sharks.
If you could learn any skill, what would it be?
Developing fluency in a foreign language. I’d love to be multilingual and particularly fluent in Spanish.
Stranded on a desert island, name the three items you need to survive.
A good book, crossword puzzles, and a solar-powered CD player with plenty of classical music.
If you could start over, what profession would you pursue?
An economist. It’s fascinating and appeals to my analytical side.
What’s the most valuable lesson you have learned in business?
At PNC, there’s a great emphasis placed on valuing people as individuals. That means listening well and being fair, in addition to providing and receiving constructive feedback. It’s also important to appreciate the fact that mistakes and failures can be great teachers.