Patty Dent

Senior Vice-President
Regional Manager Palm Beach South BankAtlantic

 “I always say there are nine wonders of the world: the eighth wonder clearly is compounding interest; the ninth wonder is networking. I have always been a networker.”

When you were a child, did you have a hero or heroine? If so, who?
I can’t say that I had a specific person but my parents molded all of us to be the people we are. They always told us, “Do the right thing. Make sure you are good in your community.” My parents were always involved in the community.

When you have a difficult decision to make, do you discuss the issue with others?
In business, I enjoy getting ideas from the experienced people, but I also enjoy getting ideas from the people new to the organization. Typically I pick and choose a bit of everyone’s opinion. For personal decisions I turn to my family – particularly my older sister; we are very close.

Has networking with other women had a positive impact upon your professional and personal life?
We love our men but there is something wonderful about women helping women in business. I have made great friends from all the networking events throughout the community. It is not about what you get, but it is about what you can give. It might start off as a business opportunity but it ends up about being a friend.

Do you believe in the concept of giving back? If so, in what ways do you give back?
I have always been very active. Even in my children’s school. You volunteer and it sets a great example. In work, if I can’t personally help someone, I can introduce a person to another person they need to meet. And that is a wonderful feeling. Right now my focus is as President of the Palm Beach County Sports Commission. We bring sporting events to Palm Beach and we also have an education component to introduce children to every kind of sport.

How do you define success? And what qualities define you?
I have a very positive attitude that makes it a pleasure to work with people. No matter how hard your day may be, if you lay your head down at night and you are still happy with your day, it is a good feeling. The feeling that “I made a contribution,” is a satisfying feeling that you made a difference in the world. Our pastor says, “You are either adding or subtracting from something.” When you feel you are adding to whatever you are involved in, that to me is success.

What lessons from your own experience would you like to offer other women?
I always say this,” Never give up.” If you have a passion, something you really want to do, it might not happen today, but never give up. I have way too many things I want to do and I will never give up on accomplishing all of them. You must always continue going forward.