50 Leading Women: AJ Barkley

In honor and celebration of our Women’s Division‘s 50th Anniversary, we will be spotlighting 50 Leading Women making an impact, raising their voice, and leading the next generation of women in the workforce and Plano community.

Introducing, AJ Barkley, Head of Neighborhood and Community Lending at Bank of America. A recognized leader in financial services, Barkley works with nonprofits, community advocacy groups, real estate professional organizations and industry leaders, advocating for housing stability, affordability, and generational wealth creation for under-represented groups. Barkley is a long-time champion of affordable and sustainable homeownership and is responsible for the bank’s Community Homeownership Commitment, a $15 billion program to increase homeownership, particularly among first-time homeowners, underserved communities and multicultural borrowers. Barkley has been recognized as a HousingWire Woman of Influence for her work in this area.

She is the co-executive sponsor of the bank’s Black Executive Leadership Council, supporting strategies that empower and improve career and leadership opportunities for Black professionals. Barkley also serves on the boards of Trinity Park Conservancy and Plano Chamber of Commerce, Women’s Division.

A J Barkley photographed in Dallas, Texas on August 7, 2020. (Photo by/Sharon Ellman)

1. Describe your leadership style and how you lead others. 

Listen, learn, apply. It may seem simple, but active listening is the foundation for great leadership. Listening with the intent to truly understand is key in turning words into actions, then applying them to your own life.

2. How can women develop their leadership skills in the workforce?

Keep yourself surrounded by bright people who challenge you to grow. I have learned over the years to keep smart, curious people in my corner, leaning on their perspectives to make well-informed decisions for my team and my own career.

3. What has been one of your biggest joys as a leader?

Developing and coaching people to challenge themselves and growing their careers as a result of the plans and initiatives we create.

4. What advice would you give your 25-year-old self?

Don’t be afraid to take on assignments that are outside of my current knowledge and experience. The real growth only happens outside of your comfort zone!

5. What advice can you give to the next generation of female leaders?

Absorb as much as you can along the way and challenge yourself to look beyond your immediate job function to accelerate your impact.

6. What do you want to be remembered for?

For the positive impacts I’ve made on others and for being a courageous leader.