Julie Woidneck – 20 Under 40

37 | Education: Baylor University

Julie Woidneck enjoyed being at the intersection of finance and relationship building as senior vice president over corporate banking at Texas Capital Bank.        

Woidneck joined Texas Capital Bank last year after three years as a senior vice president over commercial banking in the Dallas-Fort Worth region and more than 11 years with JP Morgan Chase, where she started as an intern in 2006.

“The lightbulb went off when I realized that banking was a great mix of finance and interpersonal relationships,” Woidneck said. “I was worried that I would be bored before starting my job (so naïve!), and I was wrong. I love the people, energy, and the companies I got to work with.”

The Highland Park High School alumnae volunteers at the Day School at Highland Park Presbyterian Church and on the board of the Junior Group of the Dallas Garden Club.

“The church does a great job finding an immediate need in the community and making it easy to volunteer or give to these causes,” Woidneck said.

She served on the Young Friends of Ronald McDonald House board, joined the Friends of Klyde Warren Park, and volunteered at Genesis Women’s Shelter.

“​​I will always have a special place in my heart for Genesis Women’s Shelter,” Woidneck said. “Hearing Jan Langbein talk about the women and families being helped by this organization is impactful, and I can’t forget it,”

Fun fact that someone wouldn’t know about you?

I love to paint — acrylic on canvas mainly — but I rarely feel like I have time to do it these days. I don’t even think I’m very good at it, but it’s soothing, and it transports my mind somewhere else. The best part is that there’s some sense of progress and completion when it is finished. 

What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?

Babysitting was my first job as a young girl, and you definitely learn a lot from that. The main takeaway being that things don’t always go as planned. I also worked in a mailroom as my first job at a company, and you quickly learn that a good attitude and finding joy no matter what you are doing is important.

How do you motivate others?

I’ve always felt the most motivated when I’m empowered and trusted by the people asking me to do something. I also think giving people the benefit of the doubt is important. I hope I do that for people that work with me.

What was your first job and what did you learn from it?

Babysitting was my first job as a young girl and you definitely learn a lot from that. The main takeaway being that things don’t always go as planned!  I also worked in a mail room as my first job at a company and you quickly learn that a good attitude and finding joy no matter what you are doing is important. 

Where do you see yourself and/or your career 10 years from now?

I hope I’m still helping people/companies 10 years from now.  That’s the part of the job that gives me joy.  I love the client relationships that form and I love helping people. 

Which leadership skills were the most challenging for you to develop and why?

Delegation and being okay with things being done a different way is the most challenging leadership skill for me.  I like to be in control and I have a certain way of doing things.  The farther I get in my career, I have to trust and empower others.  I have found that you end up impressed if you surround yourself with great smart people.  They often have better ideas and ways of doing things if you trust them to do it. 

If you could buy a book (or rent a movie) for your neighbor, what would it be and why?

The Count of Monte Cristo – I’ve always loved this story (because it’s a great story!) and it has a new lesson to me each time.  A story about hardship, faith, redemption, family and love.  If you want to laugh, I love Sixteen Candles. If it’s on TV, I always stop to watch it and I laugh every time.    

What is your favorite local store?

Logos!  It makes me feel good when I walk in there and I love the kids’ section in the back.  

Toughest business/personal challenge?

The most overused word – BALANCE! Every stage of life is different and has different demands on your time.  Finding a way to prioritize and let the small stuff go is hard for me.

 How do you motivate others?

 I’ve always felt the most motivated when I’m empowered and trusted by the people asking me to do something. I also think giving people the benefit of the doubt is important. I hope I do that for people that work with me. 

What would you tell an 18-year-old you?

Don’t worry so much about planning and plotting for the future.  Have goals for every aspect of life – not just your achievements in school or career. Do the work and control what you can control to achieve them and don’t forget to have fun.  Play the long game!  Don’t take yourself too seriously and laugh every day. 

What’s on your bucket list?

Safari and wine tasting trip to Africa!