Name: Bill Goede
LT Class Year: 2005
Company Name: President, Bank of America Tampa Bay
Interviewed by: Amanda Jacobson
The wind and rain outside the coffee shop didn’t ruin their fun as Bill shared favorite arts spots, movies and more. Make way because pretty soon he will be Dr. Bill Goede, read the scoop below:
Why LTA?
Because of Leadership Tampa back in 2005! It was a wonderful experience for me after having left Tampa within my 35-year career with BOA to live in St. Louis, Dallas and Houston and returned in the early 2000’s, the opportunity got me reconnected with the region that had grown tremendously in the time I’d been away. I’ve loved the continuing connection- membership is rooted in 2-way engagement where members of LTA and the Chamber as a whole (including staff leadership) learn and grow from one another, ultimately, uplifting our area.
How does your leadership journey continue to shape you?
Following graduation from Leadership Tampa and joining the alumni network, I joined the board of the Tampa Bay Chamber and through this experience was able to deepen Bank of America’s relationship with the Tampa Bay Chamber. The past 15 years of board leadership and involvement have kept me engaged in our community and helped me meet emerging talent arriving in Tampa. I want to be connected with emerging talent because this is where creativity flows- the blending of those established in the area with those who bring new perspectives and insights to why they picked Tampa Bay.
What is an LTA benefit you wish everyone knew about?
I think most people know this benefit but don’t always take the time to read it: the LTA Connect e-Newsletter. And it is hard - we all receive a lot of email, right? I carve out the time to read it because, unlike some email announcements/updates, it is truly a collection of stories celebrating our members’ wins. I enjoy reading about new roles, promotions, volunteer leadership involvement/ etc. It only takes a few minutes to read through but keeps me connected even when I am not able to attend as many events as I would like. This way, I’m still able to share in celebrating our communities’ accomplishments.
When guests come into town, where do you like to bring them?
It depends on the time of the year but for someone who hasn’t been to a Tampa Bay Lightning game, it’s a must! The energy is unlike so many other experiences. We also like to take friends to the St. Petersburg Pier and visit restaurants around the corner on Beach Drive- it is amazing how much the Pier has transformed and there is always something to do or see. My wife, Lori, and I live in Safety Harbor and love showing friends and families shops and restaurants nearby- we’re able to walk to almost anywhere we go - enjoying a coffee from a local shop on the weekends or a glass of wine - is always a treat!
Latest movie, book or podcast?
Mission Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part 1 was awesome! We also love catching what is playing at Gigglewaters - Social Club and Screening Room in downtown Safety Harbor. The food and drinks are delicious; it has great charm and they screen classic movies. Not all old movies age as well as you remember; it’s often hilarious and makes for a good night. I am back in school at the University of Tampa pursuing my Doctorate so most of my reading these days is towards that goal. Not a lot of time for leisure reading but I am enjoying what I am learning at UT so it’s all good!
Hidden Treasures in Tampa Bay?
Art Walk in St. Pete! We went in May this year - it is held the second Saturday every month and had a great time enjoying unique, local art, food and drinks. Each gallery we visited was remarkable and when we were there, we visited Seven C Music & Coffee, a shop that specializes in guitar building and repair- it was amazing to see such experts at their craft creating beautiful instruments.
Favorite spots to travel or staycation?
Steamboat, Colorado- it is such a beautiful area and if we’re Staycationing, we love staying on the water at Clearwater or St. Pete beach.
Questions: Laura Frost [email protected] or Amanda Jacobson [email protected]