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Oral History Interview with John Medlin, May 24, 1999. Interview I-0076. Southern Oral History Program Collection (#4007).
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  • Abstract
    John G. Medlin Jr., CEO of Wachovia, discusses the growth of the Charlotte-based bank. Medlin places the rise of Wachovia in a historic context, describing the management philosophy with which he stewarded its growth, along with some of the details of its national and international expansion. As he reflects on Wachovia's history, he comments briefly on the development of his management philosophy, Wachovia's history with racial integration, and its involvement in politics and charitable giving.
    Excerpts
  • Sources of values for career in business
  • Clashing business models at Wachovia in the 1960s
  • Lobbying government for relaxation of usury law
  • Risk-taking and caution in the bank business
  • Maintaining personal connections in a changing business environment
  • Wachovia in North Carolina banking history
  • Business relationship with Governor Jim Hunt
  • Legislation always follows business needs too late
  • Personal relationships and time management are principal challenges
  • Wachovia bans political donations but communicates with politicians
  • Choosing limited expansion
  • Challenges of expansion
  • New banking technologies
  • Banking success in North Carolina
  • Wachovia's record on race
  • School, news, and history drive decision-making
  • Regional character lessens but persists
  • Wachovia's community giving
  • Reflections on Wachovia's bright future
  • Learn More
  • Finding aid to the Southern Oral History Program Collection
  • Database of all Southern Oral History Program Collection interviews
  • Subjects
  • Banks and banking--North Carolina--History--20th century
  • Wachovia Corporation
  • Medlin, John
  • The Southern Oral History Program transcripts presented here on Documenting the American South undergo an editorial process to remove transcription errors. Texts may differ from the original transcripts held by the Southern Historical Collection.

    Funding from the Institute for Museum and Library Services supported the electronic publication of this title.