Andrea Bernard

Managing Director, Wells Fargo Capital Finance's Technology Finance Group

Biography:

Andrea Bernard, managing director for Wells Fargo Capital Finance’s Technology Finance group, is responsible for a team that provides senior secured financing solutions to software and technology companies to help support growth initiatives and promote long-term success. Andrea brings 18 years of banking experience with previous roles at other leading financial institutions including Bank of America and Fleet Boston. Recently, Andrea was selected to be a member of the Wells Fargo Capital Finance Management Committee, a group of leaders within Wells Fargo who are responsible for developing and executing strategic priorities. In addition, she is a voting member of the Wells Fargo Capital Finance Credit Committee, where she is tasked with approving new capital commitments for software and technology borrowers. Andrea is head of the New England Volunteer Board for Wells Fargo, a group that leads initiatives promoting financial literacy, and also supports youth and women in the greater Boston/New England community. Outside of work, Andrea enjoys spending time with her husband and two young children. She is very active in her son’s elementary school, where she serves as co-treasurer of the Lincoln School Parents’ Association.

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

Enjoy the work that you do. This will create motivation and the drive to continually challenge yourself. Try not to focus on a specific career plan. Instead, take advantage of the opportunities around you to improve your business knowledge and take the time to develop your own personal career skills. Become a relied upon member of the team – the “go-to” person. Be a true team player with a great attitude and have a willingness to pitch in on any task, whether it is your responsibility or not. Communicate clearly, confidently, and always be your authentic self. Build strong and genuine relationships with people that you admire, and who are well respected within your organization. All of these things will help you build your brand: knowledge, skills, becoming a trusted member of the team, a strong communicator, and maintaining good relationships will almost certainly lead to long-term success.

What do you know now that you wish you knew in the beginning of your career?

First, if you are interested in a new role, focus on what you are bringing to the table instead of comparing yourself to the person who already has the job. It’s crucial that you focus on your strengths instead of what you may be lacking. Bringing new skills and perspective to a role can be very valuable. Second, if you are in a room full of people and you are the only one who is different, don’t be intimidated. It’s important to remember that, if you are in the room, you deserve to be there and your thoughts and opinions matter.

What kind of role has mentoring and/or sponsorship played in your career?

I have been fortunate to have had good mentors in my life. I’m also very lucky that I have had the opportunity to work with great leaders who have supported me and my career, and have taught me that leading by example and forming good relationships are the foundation for success. I believe that the support and guidance I’ve received has made me a better leader and mentor. I take mentor- ship very seriously in my role, and I work hard to support and mentor my own team as well as others within Wells Fargo. Good mentorship requires honesty and candor, even though that sometimes means having difficult conversations.

What do you think the industry could do to attract and retain the best and the brightest today?

As we think about a generational shift in the workforce, priorities are changing and the finance industry needs to react accordingly. We need to continue embracing diversity in all that we do. Our organizations will be more successful, and more attractive to prospective employees if we have a diverse workforce. I believe the attraction to a particular job/ company/industry goes beyond what a particular job has to offer, and many companies are recognizing this. As a working mother and active member in my community, I value the work-life balance shift we are starting to see in corporate America because it helps me to be better at every- thing I do, and that is very fulfilling.

Supporting work-life balance is incredibly important in fueling success and creating an attractive employment opportunity. By implementing these culture shifts, it helps us to think about work as being part of the personal puzzle, not just the only piece. Supporting individuals as people, not just as employees, is key. That means we need to think about the full picture and not just the person who sits in our building from 9-5.