Cathy Bessant is an American businesswoman. She is the Chief Operations and Technology Officer at Bank of America Corporation. Bessant began her career as a corporate banker at Bank of America Corporation in 1982. Sixteen years later she was appointed President of Community Development Banking at the same corporation and held the position until 2000. In 1999, Bessant became the President of Consumer Real Estate Banking at Bank of America Corporation. Also, she took the same position of the Florida market at that corporation from 2000 to 2001. Bessant is ranked number 1 among the 25 Most Powerful Women in Banking on American Bankers 2017 ranking on Institutional Investor magazines Tech 50 list of financial technology leaders. She also appears on Working Mother magazines 50 Most Powerful Working Moms list of 2018. Bessant received the 2019 Women in Technology and Data Trailblazer (Lifetime Achievement) Award from Waters Technology.

In the interview with Cathy Bessant there was a point shared by Satya Nadella which stated, Ive seen five years of digital transformation in the last six months. Listen to how Cathy Bessant responded to the question and then address how you would respond based on the industry you work in:

1. What did Cathy Bessant mean by saying always up or never down? How could this relate to other businesses?
2. The concept of the war on talent versus the war on skills is one that many companies face. Listen to how Cathy Bessant identifies the difference between talent and skills. How do you think companies take the workforce of today and make it into the workforce of tomorrow, despite the pandemic?
3. In the interview, Cathy Bessant speaks about diversity and equity and the importance of seizing the moment. What is the best way for companies to seize the moment of discussing the importance of equity and diversity today?
4. Reflect on the textbook chapter readings for the week:
   1. What common traits does Cathy Bessant share with leaders who follow the Dhandho Framework or are Outsider CEOs?
   2. Does she use any of the nine principles that constitute the Dhandho framework?
   3. Give an example and explain why you made the connection.