Daniel Pfeiffer

Head of Technology for Distribution Finance, Wells Fargo

40 Under 40 Category: Business Development

Biography:

Daniel Pfeiffer, head of Technology for Distribution Finance, joined Wells Fargo in 2016, where he led sales and originations for its Payables and Account Receivables Finance team for the bank;s Supply Chain Finance group. Prior to joining the bank, Pfeiffer worked at San Francisco-based software company, Taulia, where he managed their customer portfolio team and worked to establish and grow their Supply Chain Finance business. In addition, he spent 12 years at Citibank, serving in various leadership roles in operations, sales and business management. He holds a bachelor degree from the University of Delaware, and lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 

What is the best professional advice you have been given and how have you implemented it? 

I once had a manager recommend that I take an honest look at my success over the years, to help me fully understand how it had come about. We tend to dissect our failures and all the ways we could have done better, but I learned it’s just as important to focus on what we did right. In addition, to ensure our continued success, we should celebrate when things go well, while also being candid with ourselves about our individual roles, giving credit to others in meaningful and specific ways, and accurately applying lessons learned.

What is your definition of success? 

There are many great answers to this question but one of the most important things I strive for daily is to be genuinely present — for my family, my colleagues, and my team. 

How do you define a good leader?  

A good leader is one who provides clarity of purpose for those around them. At the end of the day, what drives us all to work hard, focus, and block out the noise and distractions, is feeling and knowing our work is significant and tied to a broader purpose. 

What advice do you normally give to the junior talent you mentor? 

Lean into your strengths; be honest with yourself and others; hold fast to and trust your moral compass; make use of your perspective; listen intently; and don’t be afraid to speak up and ask questions.

When interviewing newcomers to the industry, what do you say to pique their interest on why they should accept a position in this industry?  

Finance sits at the intersection of all economic activity — you get to work with so many people, including brilliant colleagues, clients, and partners from whom you never stop learning. 

How would you encourage young professionals to become more involved in their community or volunteer? How have these activities outside of work helped shape your professional life?  

It’s important to engage in the community with causes close to your heart. I believe being involved in the community encourages so much good by binding us to a collective wellbeing, but it requires participation and great effort. Staying connected reminds me of the importance of a common cause, as well as balances our ideas of effort and reward, which is critical for being centered, calm, and thoughtful at work.