David Normandin, CEO of Wintrust Specialty Finance, was named a Monitor Current Leader Icon for 2024. Featured in a recent interview with the MonitorDaily, he shares his thoughts with the publication, offering a glimpse into his approach to leadership and company culture. Normandin focuses on building a team-driven environment where people feel empowered to succeed — not just for the organization, but in their personal lives.

For Normandin, leadership is about supporting others. “If you can build successful people in life, they’re also going to be insanely successful in your organization,” he explained. This belief forms the foundation of his approach, which emphasizes humility, collaboration, and purpose-driven work.

Normandin credits his team for much of the success at Wintrust Specialty Finance, which has grown to over $1.2 billion in assets and more than $2 billion in funding since inception. Quarterly meetings are a vital part of the process, where team members discuss customer performance, brainstorm solutions, and ensure alignment with the company’s mission. These meetings, Normandin noted, begin by revisiting the vision, mission, and core values that guide the organization.

“I want my people, regardless of the job they’re in, to feel like what they do matters,” he shared in the interview, reflecting his focus on cultivating an environment where everyone feels valued.

While Normandin's journey is filled with achievements, he intends to remain focused and grounded. His leadership style prioritizes meaningful results, a sense of purpose, and collective success — an approach that inspires those fortunate enough to work alongside him.

See his feature in the MonitorDaily.