Edward Chang

Senior Vice President, Wells Fargo Capital Finance

40 Under 40 Category: Portfolio/Risk Management

Message from Edward Chang

Biography:

Edward Chang is a senior vice president for Wells Fargo Commercial Capital’s Lender Finance team. Based in Dallas, he leads a portfolio team that manages relationships with asset-based lenders, factors, equipment finance companies and other specialty finance customers. 

Edward joined Wells Fargo Capital Finance in 2006, originally covering healthcare, restaurant and media companies. 

Prior to joining Wells Fargo, Edward was with Citigroup’s London office, covering debt capital markets for financial institutions. 

Edward graduated magna cum laude from the University of Southern California, majoring in economics and minoring in business. While at USC, he was a walk-on for the varsity basketball team. 

Whenever away from work, Edward enjoys adventures with his wife, two daughters and dog. 

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

I’ve been extremely fortunate to work with tremendous leaders – both through Wells Fargo and client relationships. I’ve considered so many of these folks mentors, and I’ve received invaluable advice from all of them. The advice that has shaped me the most was said to me in 2009 by a friend and manager. He encouraged me to always go to people with solutions, not problems. I really took that to heart. Any time we are working through projects or requests, I make sure we present thoughtful solutions and strategies. I try to make the decision process easy for our leaders and customers, so they know that if my team is presented with a problem, the best possible solution will follow shortly. 

What is your definition of success? 

For me, success is being content with where you are at any moment, because you know that you’ve given 100% to the task and achieved your full potential – whether it’s related to your own journey, family, career, customers or team members. Success also comes with not “leaving any breadcrumbs behind” and never having to look over your shoulder or question your actions. If I’ve done everything I possibly can to achieve results, and I’ve done it the right way, then I consider myself successful.  

How have you managed to stay in touch with colleagues and clients during this time of working remotely?

Again, I am extremely fortunate. I absolutely love and respect all of my clients and my team. It’s impossible to connect with every single one as much as I would like. However, if I find that it has been too long, I make sure to pick up the phone, send a brief email/text message or setup a video conference. I care about all of these folks and their families, and I’m always happy when I hear from them. 

How do you define a good leader? 

There are so many facets that contribute to being a good leader. My favorite qualities are (1) knowing where the team needs to go, aligning them with that vision and effectuating any changes needed, (2) being able to engage and inspire team members to achieve their full potential, and (3) embracing and encouraging diversity in all respects. I’ve worked for and am working for tremendous leaders at Wells Fargo. We also have great customer relationships with the strongest leaders in the specialty finance industry. Thankfully, I’d like to think some of their leadership has rubbed off on me.   

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

My advice is to never be shy about raising your hand, offering ideas, asking questions, challenging status quo and being bold. I love seeing our junior talent voice their opinions when they believe in something. We’ve had so many great outcomes because of their courage and willingness to speak up. If you don’t feel like you have a voice that is heard, then something is broken and needs fixing. 

I am blessed in that I’ve always been encouraged to share my thoughts openly with David Koshenina (head of Lender Finance), Stewart Hayes (managing director, Lender Finance) and any other leader at Wells Fargo or on my team. That has made a tremendous difference in my leadership journey, and I make sure to emphasize that openness within my own team.