Cory Cooper, MBA
Private Banker and Community Advocate
Financial Services, Greater Chicago Area

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1. Please tell me a little about yourself? What is your story?
I grew up in the southwest suburbs of Illinois. I attended Saint Xavier University on a full basketball scholarship and graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) with an MBA in Finance and Entrepreneurship. I have been working in the field of Finance for the last 13 years with a focus on capital markets, private banking and private wealth management.  In my off time I am the President of UIC’s business alumni association and on a committee of the Art Institute of Chicago. My wife and I also work with Chicago public school students through the Cooper Family Project.  

2. What is something that most people do not know about you?
I was exposed to a lot of cultural activities by my mother who always pushed me out of my comfort zone. Most people would not know that I learned to play piano as a child and enjoy classical music and jazz.  

3. When have you been most satisfied in your life?
I would say – now.  Now because, I truly understand the power of giving, the power of forgiveness, and the power of growth. I fully appreciate my setbacks and failures and view them as opportunities.  As I get older I have come to realize the blessings in failure and this drives me to be even bolder when setting goals.

4. Most people have a list of things of they like to do, but what are the things that you do not like to do?
I have a hard time just sitting around. I always have to be doing something. I always need some form of stimulation.  I get really jumpy when I am not engaged in something useful. (Laughs)   

5. Could you please tell me about a specific accomplishment that you consider to be the most significant in your career?
Becoming the first person in my family to earn an MBA.  My dad used to say that if he could change one thing in his life, he would go back to school and graduate with an MBA.  I would gladly share mine with him.  

6. Please tell me about a time when things didn't go the way you wanted -- like a promotion you wanted and didn't get or a project that didn't turn out how you had hoped.
Rejection happens every day in my field of work and you cannot take it personally.   I have realized over the years that life is all about timing. Even when you have put in the work, even when you have executed it to perfection - it simply just may not be your time.  And if you didn’t put in the work or if you made mistakes, own up to it, fix it and prepare for next time.

7. Who is your role model and why?
My parents are my role models. They moved up here from the south with just one suit case between the two of them. In spite of the hardships they faced they built an amazing life for us, as a family.  I watched them wake up every day, dedicating themselves to their work, treating people with respect and always giving back to their community. They are happily retired now.

 8. What is the quality you most admire in others?
People who are purpose-driven.  I tell my clients all the time that life is more than accumulation of wealth or the acquisition of things.  You have to be driven by something much deeper than materialistic things to live a happy and content life.  

9. If we're sitting here a year from now, celebrating what a great year it's been for you, what did we achieve?
I am a people person. In my career as well as personal endeavors I deal with people. So my success is 100% dependent on how many people I help become successful. A year from now we will be celebrating, the people I help become successful. That is my measure of success.   

10. Finally, any word of advice / wisdom to fellow members and colleagues?
Every second of our day is filled with opportunity to impact someone’s life in a meaningful way. I encourage everyone to see themselves as a potential blessing for others and to look for opportunities to influence their life in a meaningful way.