Overview:
Three women from JPMorgan Chase in Dallas-Fort Worth are leading the way in the banking industry. Renee Horne, Monique Winfree, and Annika Cail shared their journeys and lessons they've learned to help others looking to break into business. Horne's leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that relationships are essential, while Winfree advises people to utilize platforms like LinkedIn to build their professional brand and connect with potential mentors and sponsors. Cail's advice for those looking to break into financial services is all about exposure, especially in a world where information is readily available at one's fingertips.
In the world of banking, women at JPMorgan Chase in Dallas-Fort Worth are leading the way. In celebration of Women’s History Month, JPMorgan Chase’s Renee Horne, Monique Winfree, and Annika Cail shared their journeys and lessons they’ve learned to help others looking to break into business.
Renee Horne: Embracing Lifelong Learning and Adaptability
Renee Horne’s curiosity and relentless drive have fueled her success at Chase Auto, JPMorgan Chase’s automotive financing business. As the business’s Chief Marketing Officer, Horne’s journey is a testament to the power of diverse career experiences and a commitment to lifelong learning. Her advice to those aspiring to enter marketing or financial services is clear.
“Learn the business,” said Horne. “It’s important to understand how marketing collaborates and intersects with other business functions to drive outcomes. Marketing strategies and consumer behavior are constantly evolving, so you must be flexible and constantly learning to stay relevant.”
Horne’s leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that relationships are essential.
“It’s all about the people,” said Horne, highlighting the importance of building strong connections and fostering a collaborative environment. “As a natural introvert, it’s very easy for me to want to just focus on tasks. As I’ve grown and matured in my career, I’ve realized the true key to effective leadership lies in building strong, genuine relationships with your team. If I can win my colleagues’ hearts, their minds will follow.”
This approach has been instrumental during her more than 24 years of work in the corporate world – across the transportation and logistics industry and financial services auto sector.
“I didn’t start my career in financial services, but being a lifelong learner allowed me to transition and thrive in this industry,” said Horne. “It could have easily been overwhelming and intimidating, but I was willing to change, adapt, and learn a whole new vernacular and set of systems. Opportunities come and go, but if you have the will and the skill – and you put the emphasis on relationships as a leader – you’ll be ready when they arise.”
Horne spends time as Executive Sponsor of the JPMorgan Chase Marketing Leadership Development Program, as a mentor for various business resource groups, and serves on non-profit boards in the community. When Horne isn’t in the office, she enjoys food, fashion, fitness, and spending time with her husband of 25 years and their two children.
“You don’t have to break the bank to be fashionable,” said Horne. “It’s all about creativity.”
Monique Winfree: Living with Purpose and Building Community
Monique Winfree likes to say she’s been in banking her whole life – literally.
“My mom was pregnant with me while she worked in a bank,” said Winfree, Chase’s Community Market Director for the Greater West. “I started my own career in banking when I was 20. I had no idea what it took to manage money back then, but fast forward 25 years, and now I lead a team across multiple states. It’s my passion, and I live in my purpose at this job.”
Winfree leads a team of 16 community managers across Texas and six other states. They teach financial education to people from historically underbanked communities.
“It’s about making a difference and bringing financial education to those who need it most,” said Winfree.
Her advice to advancing professionals, whether starting out or pivoting careers, is to utilize mentors, engage sponsors, and embrace feedback.
“Feedback is a gift,” said Winfree. “Anytime you want to pivot in your career, you have to be good at accepting feedback and internalizing what needs to change so you can grow. A mentor helps you absorb feedback, and a sponsor speaks your name in rooms that you’re not in.”
For those who want a mentor but don’t know where to start, Winfree advises people to leverage platforms like LinkedIn to build their professional brand and connect with potential mentors and sponsors.
“I found my current job at JPMorgan Chase and a previous role on LinkedIn,” said Winfree. “Utilize your LinkedIn as your business platform and let that be your resume. That can open a lot of doors to new opportunities and help you build a network that supports your career growth. It’s good to stay proactive.”
When she’s not bringing financial education to underserved communities through her role at Chase, Winfree cares for her mom, son, and four stepchildren alongside her husband. She also serves on the board of directors for the Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce and the advisory council for Girls Inc. of Tarrant County, where she teaches financial health to young girls.
“I love showing up to serve the community. It’s all about bridging gaps to make a difference,” said Winfree. “It can be a little overwhelming juggling everything sometimes, but it’s a joy, and I feel blessed God gives me the opportunity to serve and take care of a full family.”
Annika Cail: Seeking Exposure and Gaining Expansion
Annika Cail’s journey from entrepreneur to executive director of J.P. Morgan Private Bank was all about doing her research and finding a firm that shares her values. After spending nearly 20 years in the Dallas business arena, largely in investment banking and running her own company, Cail wanted to join a bank that would support her clients with best-in-class solutions to create and sustain multi-generational wealth.
“I have always loved transactions, wealth creation, and helping other entrepreneurs,” said Cail, who joined JPMorgan Chase in Dallas one year ago. “Having been a business owner myself, I’m able to relate to our clients in a unique way on a personal level, because I have been in their shoes and understand their needs and challenges.”
Cail’s strong work ethic and assertiveness set her up for career success while her faith and family keep her grounded and centered.
“You have to have a strong work ethic, be assertive, and be willing to go above and beyond to earn trust with clients,” said Cail. “But you also can’t forget what matters most. When I was 18, a mentor told me, ‘If you live right and be honest, the world is your oyster.’ It’s a guiding principle that has shaped who I am in business to this day.”
Cail’s advice for those looking to break into financial services is all about exposure – especially in a world where information is readily available at one’s fingertips.
“Get online, and do your research,” said Cail. “Look up internships and careers in finance. The industry is so broad, and you don’t have to be perfect or know exactly what you want to do. The longer you work in finance, the more you’ll learn your strengths. Exposure leads to expansion, and that’s the only way to truly grow.”
And nothing beats a face-to-face conversation, Cail said.
“Research people you know are in the industry, or even industry-adjacent, and don’t be afraid to show an interest and ask questions,” Cail said. “People love to help people who have hustle and are hungry to learn more.”
When she isn’t working at JPMorgan Chase, Cail’s love for culture, art, and travel provides a balance to the analytical side of her work.
“Traveling and learning about other cultures helps me think about things differently in a more organic and comprehensive way,” Cail said. “It helps create some balance in my life, so I can do my job well and have a more intellectually curious approach to investment strategies.”
JPMorgan Chase With 18,500 local employees and more than 190 branches, JPMorgan Chase has more than 2 million consumer banking customers and 240,000 small business clients across the greater Dallas-Fort Worth region. The firm has served clients, customers, and communities in Dallas-Fort Worth for more than 150 years and has invested more than $40 million in North Texas nonprofits since 2019.