What does it really mean to lead with authenticity, especially when everything you say and do could be scrutinized?
Krista Snelling, CEO and Chairman of West Coast Community Bank, has spent nearly three decades in banking and leadership. In an industry built on trust, regulation, and reputation, she has learned that leadership isn’t about managing perception—it’s about consistency of character.
In this conversation, Krista and Dave Osh explore the reality of leading under constant visibility, why integrity is not situational, and how small daily decisions shape long-term credibility. We also discuss the pressure leaders face to “perform” the role, and why authenticity is not a soft concept—but a strategic necessity.
Krista shares insights from her journey from CFO to CEO, how she navigates high-stakes leadership with clarity and discipline, and why doing the right thing consistently eliminates the need to manage optics later.
This episode is a reminder that leadership is always on display—and that trust is built long before it’s tested.
About Krista Snelling
Krista Snelling is Chairman and CEO of West Coast Community Bank, bringing nearly 30 years of experience in banking, finance, and executive leadership. She previously served as COO and CFO of Five Star Bank and has been recognized multiple times by American Banker and the Silicon Valley Business Journal for her impact in the industry. Krista serves on the San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank’s Home Office Board and holds degrees in economics from the University of the Pacific and UC Davis.
About Dave Osh
Dave Osh is the founder of Varlinx and a transformation catalyst dedicated to evolving leadership potential and creating a ripple effect of unity in our divided world. His conversations surface practical, human strategies leaders can use tomorrow. Dave is the author of The CEO Potential: Transcend Self, Team and Organization for Lasting Success in the New Age of AI, and is known for his TED talk, Overcoming Bias to Unite Our Divided World.
