Leadership Lessons From a Super Bowl GM

The Philadelphia Eagles are back in the Super Bowl, looking to avenge their tough 38-35 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2023. But they face a historic challenge—Kansas City is aiming to become the first team ever to win three Super Bowls in a row. Meanwhile, the Eagles are chasing their first championship since 2018. 

While players take center stage, Eagles General Manager Howie Roseman’s leadership behind the scenes has been key to the team’s sustained success. At RMA’s 2023 GCOR conference, he shared insights on building resilient teams, leading through adversity, and fostering a winning culture—lessons that resonate far beyond football. Here’s what banking professionals can take away as they navigate their own high-stakes decisions. 

Build a Team That Can Handle Adversity 

In both football and banking, success isn’t linear. Roseman emphasized that great organizations look for “battle-tested” individuals who can handle setbacks. “We know during the course of the season or your career you’re going to have some adverse moments. … [H]ow you respond to that adversity is probably going to be the true definition of a champion,” he said. The same applies in banking—whether navigating regulatory shifts, credit risk, or market volatility, strong teams rise to the challenge. 

Leadership Is About Culture, Not Just Strategy 

Talent alone isn’t enough. Roseman believes in identifying “culture carriers” who reinforce the organization’s values. “When your best performers are your best leaders, you have a chance for great success,” he noted. In banking, having seasoned professionals who set the tone for risk awareness and compliance can shape an institution’s long-term stability. 

Success Comes Down to Accountability 

After falling just short in the Super Bowl two years ago, Roseman didn’t point fingers—he looked inward. “When we fall short … I have to understand I need to take responsibility and look at myself and what I could have done better,” he explained. True leaders own their mistakes and use them to drive improvement, a critical mindset for risk managers facing unforeseen challenges. 

As the Eagles prepare for their rematch with the Chiefs, Roseman’s approach to leadership offers a compelling playbook for banks. Because whether you’re managing a football roster or a risk portfolio, the fundamentals of leadership often remain the same.