Staffing & Culture | 02.24.23
BISA's DE&I Committee: A Conversation with Jim Nickens
by: BISA Staff & Jim Nickens
BISA is excited to introduce our new Committee Spotlight series. In this first installment, we spoke with Jim Nickens, DE&I Committee chair, about the successes, goals and future of the committee. As a committed BISA member with outstanding passion and motivation towards success, Jim has taken the DE&I Committee to new heights, and BISA is better for his contributions.
As chair, what are your committee’s priorities?
Our priorities are threefold:
- Continue conversations surrounding DE&I in the financial industry.
- Partner with BISA to recruit new members who service historically disadvantaged populations.
- Source strategic partnerships to introduce new-to-the-ndustry minority candidates.
How would you describe your committee's role in BISA’s mission?
Our role has two main components. First, we help facilitate meaningful conversations concerning opportunities to embrace DE&I. And second, we connect like-minded institutions that want to build or enhance DE&I within their organizations.
What 2022 DE&I committee success or achievement are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of the Rising Stars program. This year’s group was the most diverse group of recipients that I can remember.
Where do you see BISA making an impact in the DE&I space?
The places I see the most impact are in education and membership. In terms of education, we have made an impact by featuring a diverse group of BISA members in our podcast episodes and in various articles. In terms of membership, we have made a push to engage minority-owned financial institutions to become part of BISA.
How can BISA members get involved with the committee?
We have an annual application that will be available after the conference. Or, members may reach out to any committee member directly.
What advice would you give someone building a DE&I initiative for the first time?
Engage as many voices as possible. Diversity of thought and experience is just as important as ethnic or racial background.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing leaders today?
A big challenge is managing longer-term initiatives. We are in an immediate action environment, which carries over to every facet of our lives. My advice is to make time every day to get out of your comfort zone, have a conversation with someone outside of your current sphere and actually slow down to listen.
What are you doing to ensure you will continue to grow and develop as a leader?
I am comfortable knowing that to grow as a leader, I need to reach out to others for advice and counsel. If you are not moving forward, you are moving backwards.
About Jim Nickens
Jim is President of InSource in Indianapolis, IN., a leading financial solutions partner for banks, broker dealers and financial professionals across the country. He joined InSource in 2011 after a successful tenure as Senior Vice President and Sales Manager for Key Investment Services LLC (KIS) where he was responsible for providing sales leadership to financial advisors in the Eastern New York and Vermont regions. Prior to joining Key, Nickens served as Regional Investment Sales Manager and Vice President for NatCity Investments, managing a successful team of financial advisors in Indiana and Kentucky. Previous to that position, he was Vice President and Affiliate Sales Manager for Fifth Third Securities in Toledo, OH. There he was named Manager of the Year.
Jim has always believed in giving back to the communities in which he resides and is an enthusiastic advocate for the causes where he can help affect change. Currently, he is Chair Elect for the Banking Insurance & Securities Association (BISA) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, serves on the boards of the Indiana Soccer Foundation and The Ronald McDonald House of Indiana Finance Subcommittee. Prior board work includes Woodland Hill Montessori School (NY), Unity House of Troy (NY), and Double H Ranch (NY). In his spare time, Jim is a coach at Indy Premier Soccer Club.
Most importantly, Jim cherishes his time with his wife and three daughters.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Amherst College (Amherst, Massachusetts) and holds Series 6, 7, 24, 51, 63 and Life, Accident and Health Insurance licenses.