Stacy Gottlieb

SVP, Wells Fargo Capital Finance

Stacy Gottlieb is a senior vice president and west regional manager for Wells Fargo Capital Finance’s asset-based lending group. She is responsible for a team that provides senior secured financing solutions to manufacturers, distributors and service companies. 

Stacy has 27 years of banking experience with leading financial institutions in New York and Los Angeles. She works with public, private-equity, and family businesses. Stacy is responsible for developing and executing strategic priorities, and is always looking to spearhead impactful initiatives. In addition, she is a member of Wells Fargo Capital Finance’s Credit Committee, where she reviews capital commitments for prospects and existing borrowers. 

Stacy is an exceptional leader and is key to the success of Wells Fargo’s asset-based lending platform. She is recognized for her integrity and her ability to execute and is regarded as a thoughtful mentor and an advocate for young and diverse colleagues. Stacy is a member of the Credit College Advisory Board within Wells Fargo, which is responsible for providing continuing education for employees across the company. Stacy is based in Los Angeles and sits on the board of the Santa Monica Boys and Girls Club. Stacy enjoys spending time with her family, reading, traveling and riding her Peloton.  She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Rochester and her MBA from Rutgers University.

What advice would you offer to women just starting out in the industry?

I always suggest the following: find a mentor in the organization, demonstrate intellectual curiosity about everything you are exposed to and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.  I also suggest researching the company you are interested in working for to determine if it is welcoming for women and if it has a strong DE&I focus.  Are there leaders in the organization who look like you and if not, are you willing to fight a little harder for recognition and advancement?

What do you enjoy most about your role? Least?

I am a huge crossword and jigsaw puzzle fan.  I enjoy putting pieces together and solving  complicated problems to help our clients and the organization succeed.  I also enjoy the time I spend mentoring young and diverse co-workers.  No matter how busy I am, I always make time for a coffee, lunch or walk to discuss what people have on their minds and to offer advice based on my own experiences.

The part I like least is dealing with the demanding regulatory environment, which at times makes it hard to be nimble.

How do you balance work/personal time? 

Admittedly, I don’t always do the best job with work/life balance; however, I try to be present for my husband and daughter and make sure my family comes first no matter how busy my schedule is.  I also try to find time to read and exercise even if that means taking a break in the afternoon and then going back online later in the evening. I have never been worried about turning down a work-related dinner or networking event when I have a family commitment. When I travel for business, I do my best to minimize my time away from home.

How can commercial finance organizations attract and retain more women?

When I think about why my participation has been limited during recent years, it’s primarily because most events take place in the evening.  As a working mom, I have passed up opportunities to attend events, so I can be home with my daughter.  The pandemic has made it easier for working moms to participate, since everything is virtual.  This could create a model for the future.  Also, having events during the day and making sure there are women on the boards of these organizations could bolster participation.

What do you think work will look like in the post-pandemic world?

I expect most organizations will provide for a hybrid work environment where employees will work remote a couple of days.  We have already discussed this at Wells Fargo, and we believe it’s important to have people in the office to maintain our culture and to train our young or new employees.  While we have successfully worked from home the past year, there has been less opportunity for ad hoc collaboration.  Also, while Zoom is a great tool, it’s not the same as walking through a client’s manufacturing facility, so they can proudly show you the new equipment you helped finance or sitting down for a meal and a conversation. I anticipate traveling a bit less for work, but I still believe the time I spend with clients, my team in other cities and business associates to build relationships is invaluable.