Commercial Banking at BMO: “We're still at the beginning of what's possible”

As BMO’s Regional Manager, Commercial Banking for Los Angeles, Claudia Bodan leads a team of relationship managers who support commercial clients across a wide range of specialized industries. In this conversation, Claudia shares what excites her most about the business, the qualities that help people succeed in commercial banking, and why now is an exciting time to build a career at BMO.   

Claudia, why should ambitious bankers consider a career with BMO? 

Claudia: We’re building and we’re growing. In many markets, including Los Angeles, where we’re a relatively new brand, BMO has tremendous momentum and we’re competing and winning against top-tier competitors. People who join BMO today have a chance to contribute to that growth story and help shape our future success.  

What’s driving that growth? What’s our competitive advantage?  

Claudia: We combine the capabilities of a large bank with the feel and agility of a much smaller one. We have deep expertise across specialized industry verticals, including food and agriculture, healthcare, logistics, engineering and construction, media and entertainment, and more. What makes BMO unique is that our relationship managers can tap into that specialized expertise to help clients solve complex challenges, regardless of the size of the client. That allows us to deliver high-quality advice and bring thoughtful solutions to the table.  

You’ve worked at several top financial institutions. How is the experience different at BMO?  

Claudia: One thing that really differentiates us is what we call our One Client approach. Across the bank, we’re focused on collaborating with partners to bring them the full strength of BMO’s capabilities. In some organizations, people can be very protective of client relationships. Here, there’s a genuine willingness to work together and leverage each other’s expertise. That collaborative mindset benefits our clients and creates a much better employee experience as well.  

What qualities help someone succeed as a relationship manager at BMO?  

Claudia: Curiosity is a big one. The best relationship managers are genuinely interested in understanding how businesses work and finding new ways to help clients succeed. Sound judgment is also critical, as is creativity. It’s easy to fall into the habit of approaching things the same way everyone else does. The people who stand out are the ones who think differently, ask thoughtful questions and find distinctive ways to create value for clients. Resilience is important, too. Business development comes with setbacks, so you need to be comfortable hearing “no” and continuing to move forward.  

How does BMO support career development and learning?  

Claudia: One thing I value is our emphasis on peer learning and development. When new relationship managers join my team, they’re paired with experienced colleagues who act as peer coaches. They spend time shadowing client meetings, prospecting activities and team discussions, which helps accelerate learning and build confidence. It creates an environment where people actively support each other’s success.  

Let’s talk about your team. What makes the culture special?  

Claudia: We work hard, but we also make time to celebrate each other’s achievements. At BMO, leaders have the flexibility to create experiences that reflect what their teams value rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach. That autonomy has allowed us to build a culture that’s engaging, supportive, and fun. I’ve seen firsthand how much people appreciate being recognized and having opportunities to connect with one another. 

What would you say to someone considering a career with BMO Commercial Bank?  

Claudia: If you’re looking for a place where you can build meaningful client relationships, collaborate with talented colleagues and make a real impact, BMO is a great place to grow your career. You get the scale, capabilities and resources of a leading North American bank, while still having the ability to be entrepreneurial and help drive growth. That’s a combination that’s hard to find.  

Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future?  

Claudia: The momentum. We’re continuing to grow our team, attract new clients and increase our presence in the market. I believe we’re still at the beginning of what’s possible. As more clients experience the value we bring, I see tremendous opportunity for continued growth—for our business and for the people who choose to build their careers here.