Laura McInnes

Managing Director, Supply Chain Finance, Wells Fargo Capital Finance

Biography:

Laura has distinguished herself as a dedicated and successful member of the Wells Fargo Capital Finance Supply Chain Finance team as a risk and underwriting professional.  She has been a member of the Wells Fargo Capital Finance team for 10 years with multiple other positions held throughout her career with Wells Fargo. 

In particular, during her tenure with Wells Fargo Capital Finance, Laura was instrumental in the formation of the Supply Chain Finance team, providing strong leadership of the business over the last 10 years.  Through Laura’s leadership and risk management insight, the Supplier Finance and Key Accounts Purchase programs are considered to be among the best in the industry.  Laura is widely respected across Wells Fargo’s Wholesale Bank as a product knowledge specialist.  Laura’s international acumen and risk management expertise play a necessary role in the continued growth of Supply Chain Finance programs and providing financial products to some of the largest global technology companies.  As a result, she is recognized for her expertise in multi-jurisdictional and multi-currency financing programs that is very important to Wells Fargo clients business needs.

Laura is a successful role model for women on the Wells Fargo Capital Finance team and mentors younger team members, helping them with career growth.  She serves as board member of Wells Fargo Capital Finance Women’s Connection-Atlanta Chapter.

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

My advice to women starting their careers in banking would be to try to connect and network with multiple people/organizations both within and outside of your specific work environment.  I think in too many cases women wait for opportunities and connections to come to them rather than actively developing them.  Getting involved in work-related organizations will expose you to all management levels and will allow you to connect with individuals outside of your own office.  This also provides insight into what other areas of the institutions you may be interested in.  I also think women need to connect with not just mentors in our careers but “sponsors” that will actively advocate on our behalf.  Getting involved in work- related organizations is a good start to that networking process.           

How have you approached big career decisions?

I’ve approached career decisions the same basic way I’ve approached other big decisions in life.  The first thing starts with identifying the benefits to a career change and if the change will be meaningful.  Ultimately if you’re not happy, challenged, and feel valued where you are, it will be difficult to succeed.  I think it is also important to be prepared to make career changes when opportunities present themselves even if it takes you out of your “comfort zone”. Establishing goals and a 3-5 year career plan is never a bad idea, but good career opportunities sometimes come when you least expect them.  Don’t be afraid to change course or reevaluate your situation when these opportunities arise.  You don’t want to look back and have regrets about not making a change.                 

How do you balance work/personal time?

I think time management is always a challenge. Balancing a career, family, and time for yourself can be difficult because you want time for all and all are important.  I think you have to be disciplined with your time and sometimes be prepared to delegate duties and ask for help when you need it.  I think women, in particular, feel a huge responsibility to make it all work.  I’m also lucky to have a supportive husband who steps in when I need a little extra help (which is frequently!).  Having a good support network outside of work is always key, whether it be a spouse, friend or family.  I don’t believe any one person can do it all.

Studies have shown women are more reluctant to tout their accomplishments in the workplace.  What advice would you give to help women be more comfortable with speaking up?

In order to be recognized and to succeed, I think you have to be your own advocate.  Sharing your achievements is not bragging or boastful behavior, but is just a way to outline your successes and achievements.  Women need to be recognized for their accomplishments and also need to play an active role in that process.  I also think people, in general, are interested in hearing what others have done and accomplished and it is the exception that it is viewed as inappropriate or self-serving.