Indiana 250 spotlight: Juan Gonzalez

Juan Gonzalez is Cleveland-based KeyBank’s market president for central Indiana and its business banking sales leader in the state.

With more than 20 years of experience in the banking and financial industry, Gonzalez serves as the external executive face of KeyBank in Indianapolis and oversees the central Indiana team that includes four lines of business: commercial banking, private bank, business banking and retail.

Gonzalez, who was born in Colombia, is chair of the Indiana Latino Scholarship Fund and serves on the boards of the Indy Chamber, the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee, the Gennesaret Free Clinic, the 500 Festival, the Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership and Visit Indy.

Favorite part of being a leader

The ability to be able to support, to help, to mentor and to develop team members and others. I am a big believer in the definition of servant leadership, which includes four distinct areas for a leader: encourage diversity of thought, create a culture of trust, have an unselfish mindset and foster leadership in others.

Hobbies

I always have enjoyed watching or playing sports, reading and music. In my mind, these are universal.

Admire most

My parents. They have been always great role models to us—not only for how to be successful in anything we chose to do, but more importantly, in helping others. They have always been involved in the community with not-for-profits that were helping people in need regardless of their backgrounds.

Listening

I listen to a variety of music. Latin music, jazz and classical music, as well as some classical rock in English and Spanish.

Advice for young people

I always tell them two main things: Never stop dreaming, and always reach out for help.

Like some of my teachers used to tell us all of the time: There is never a bad question. And asking for help is not a negative; it is a positive.

Favorite civic contribution

I have participated in a variety of community efforts in our central Indiana region, but one of the most rewarding ones has been leading the Indiana Latino Scholarship Fund. We have been able to help many young Latino kids go to college by providing sources of funding. And to see them graduate and become active members of our community and very successful professionals is a great contribution to our community.

Worries

I worry about how our society is becoming more divided and less willing to talk/compromise/work together. We need a society where we all work together for the betterment of all of us.•