EPISODE · Dec 22, 2025 · 54 MIN
#112: Building Relationships, Breaking Barriers ft. Marya Wlos
from Cultivate with Alex Canavan · host CNY Women's Network
In this episode of Cultivate CNY, host Alex Canavan sits down with Marya Burgio Wlos, Executive Vice President and CFO at Community Financial System, Inc.With nearly two decades in banking and finance—including senior roles at UBS, Citadel, and Bank of America—Marya is leading Community Financial System's historic $100+ million investment across Upstate New York, opening new headquarters and branches throughout the region.The conversation explores her journey from Wall Street to hometown leadership, the reality of balancing executive life with motherhood, and why she believes relationships are the most valuable long-term investment you can make. Marya also shares insights on the company's expansion strategy, the role of AI in banking, and why Central New York is the place she chose to build both her career and her family.💼 A conversation about leadership, resilience, and betting on your hometown.💬 Topics we cover:- Leading Community Financial System's $100M regional expansion- Career lessons: from bartending to CFO- The power of never saying no and always following up- Work-life balance when "it takes a village"- Why Upstate New York is attracting (and keeping) top talent- Financial literacy and community investment- The future of banking, AI, and in-person connectionConnect with Marya on LinkedInLearn more about Community Financial SystemReady to gain access to exclusive discounts on some of our favorite women-owned products and services in Central New York? Introducing the 2025-2026 CNYWN Member's Card! SHOP & SAVE AT 30+ women-owned businesses ACROSS CENTRAL NEW YORK Apply to be a guest on Cultivate CNYConnect with Alex Canavan, the host of Cultivate CNY: / alexandra.canavan Follow Cultivate CNY on InstagramSupport this podcast hereFollow the CNY Women's Network on InstagramFollow the CNY Women's Network on TikTok: / cnywomensnetwork This episode is brought to you by the CNY Women’s Network. CNY Women’s Network is a Syracuse-based media company that prioritizes community and collaboration between woman-owned businesses. We connect, promote, and celebrate businesses in Central New York.Email [email protected] to learn more about how CNY Women's Network can amplify your brand.Join The Collective by CNY Women’s Network, a membership community for growth-minded women.Use the code: CULTIVATE10 for 10% off your first month or your first year with The Collective.This episode is brought to you by Diam Media Group
What this episode covers
In this episode of Cultivate CNY, host Alex Canavan sits down with Marya Burgio Wlos, Executive Vice President and CFO at Community Financial System, Inc.With nearly two decades in banking and finance—including senior roles at UBS, Citadel, and Bank of America—Marya is leading Community Financial System's historic $100+ million investment across Upstate New York, opening new headquarters and branches throughout the region.The conversation explores her journey from Wall Street to hometown leadership, the reality of balancing executive life with motherhood, and why she believes relationships are the most valuable long-term investment you can make. Marya also shares insights on the company's expansion strategy, the role of AI in banking, and why Central New York is the place she chose to build both her career and her family.💼 A conversation about leadership, resilience, and betting on your hometown.💬 Topics we cover:- Leading Community Financial System's $100M regional expansion- Career lessons: from bartending to CFO- The power of never saying no and always following up- Work-life balance when "it takes a village"- Why Upstate New York is attracting (and keeping) top talent- Financial literacy and community investment- The future of banking, AI, and in-person connectionConnect with Marya on LinkedInLearn more about Community Financial SystemReady to gain access to exclusive discounts on some of our favorite women-owned products and services in Central New York? Introducing the 2025-2026 CNYWN Member's Card! SHOP & SAVE AT 30+ women-owned businesses ACROSS CENTRAL NEW YORK Apply to be a guest on Cultivate CNYConnect with Alex Canavan, the host of Cultivate CNY: / alexandra.canavan Follow Cultivate CNY on InstagramSupport this podcast hereFollow the CNY Women's Network on InstagramFollow the CNY Women's Network on TikTok: / cnywomensnetwork This episode is brought to you by the CNY Women’s Network. CNY Women’s Network is a Syracuse-based media company that prioritizes community and collaboration between woman-owned businesses. We connect, promote, and celebrate businesses in Central New York.Email [email protected] to learn more about how CNY Women's Network can amplify your brand.Join The Collective by CNY Women’s Network, a membership community for growth-minded women.Use the code: CULTIVATE10 for 10% off your first month or your first year with The Collective.This episode is brought to you by Diam Media Group
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#112: Building Relationships, Breaking Barriers ft. Marya Wlos
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