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EXECUTIVE SPOTLIGHT:

Erin Frederick
Private Client Manager, Wells Fargo Bank
Los Angeles, CA

As a Private Client Manager, Erin Frederick manages a group of people that service executives who have concentrated/restricted stock positions and receive executive compensation. Her team then provides a variety of services for managing those executive assets such as lending, trust and estate planning, etc.

Her previous experience includes positions at Bank of America Commercial Banking, where she focused on the California middle market for commercial lenders and was also a regional credit administrator. Frederick also worked at Merrill Lynch Private Finance in its western U.S. securities based lending group.

QUESTIONS FOR THE MANAGER:

What has been your most interesting experience in your line of business?
Dealing with restricted stock during the economic boom and the development of the technology market was really an exciting time. There were so many executives at that time that had newly created wealth that now had financial management issues. There was a tremendous need for financial advice as well as products and services, which really helped change the private finance industry.

What has been the most difficult aspect of your role as a woman in a management position?
Many people think you aren't serious about your career. During my career I have had 4 children - every time I was told that I wouldn't come back to work afterward. It has really been difficult trying to get people to understand that you are trying to have a balanced life and that you take your job seriously.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your role as a woman in a management position?
Being active and involved in the sales side of the business, I have really been able to watch the products and services in the financial industry change. I was in the business before technology - I used typewriters - but I have seen how the new technology helps you become a better salesperson. Right now there is more information available, which means that the clients are more educated but it also means that business is much faster paced; you need to keep up with that pace. It has been more challenging, but also invigorating when you really accomplish something.

What advice would you give to women preparing for management positions today?
I think it is important for people to look for something that they really enjoy doing. Not everyone is going to be CEO of an organization; but if you can get personal satisfaction no matter where you are in the organization and you feel like you are adding value, then you will have a happy life. Not every position is right for every person, so look for something that you enjoy.