Leading the Way with Lindsay Wilcox

 

Leading from Work

 

How did your career develop?

Career advancement in Private Wealth Management involves growing your business and team over time. Like any entrepreneurial venture, this requires hard work, expertise and an environment that attracts the best people. I’m lucky to partner with bright, dedicated and fun colleagues who make work a pleasure. We’re focused on delivering the best experience for our clients and this in turn propels our growth.

What’s the most important career advice you’ve received? 

If you want to reach water, dig one deep well. In other words, find the right spot and stick with it - don’t jump around. This may seem counterintuitive in today’s market, but there’s a significant amount of value in making a long-term commitment.

What is your role at Goldman Sachs, and how do you support clients?

As a Private Wealth Advisor, I help families and foundations build wealth and increase their impact by designing, implementing, and managing their investment portfolios.

How do you lead by example?

I like to think I lead by being positive, consistent and present for my clients, colleagues and friends and family. I also make sure to give back to my community by serving on the boards of the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, the Jackson Hole Land Trust and the Jackson Hole Center for the Arts.

What are some interesting themes and/or trends that you see in your area of expertise?

Liquidity in the market and the lack of return in high-quality fixed income are driving increased investment in risky frontier investments. The media's focus on these investments is inciting a fear of missing out. It’s more important than ever to keep an eye on how much risk is appropriate and how to size investments.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

Building long-term friendships with clients and colleagues and having a front row seat for transformative entrepreneurial activity.

 

Leading from Home

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Trust your gut and speak up - why not you?

How do you find motivation and inspiration?

My original motivation came from within – I wanted a fulfilling career and to be able to provide for my family. Almost 20 years later, my motivation is more external. I have a weekly call with a small group of female advisors in different offices across the country who provide enormous inspiration and have become some of my best friends. Being on a team of top performers also motivates me to continually do my best.

What is one thing you make time for every week?

I try to touch base with my daughter and mother every week – both live on the East Coast (one at school and one in Savannah).

What is your favorite weekend activity?

Although my team is based in Los Angeles and I travel there frequently, I am lucky to live in one of the greatest outdoor playgrounds on earth – Jackson, Wyoming. I love to get out for kayaking, hiking, biking or skiing every weekend. 

How do you stay healthy – mentally, physically or both?

It’s a marathon not a sprint. This is cliché a but so true. To thrive over the long-term, you need to set aside time to connect with family and friends, exercise, and sleep. Hiking or walking with friends is a great way to achieve two of these goals at once.

What is your favorite book, movie, podcast or artwork?

A book that’s really stayed with me is “Lonesome Dove” by Larry McMurtry. It’s not only a powerful well-crafted story but also a stark portrait of how difficult life was in the American West until quite recently. It’s a great reminder of how lucky we are and how soft we’ve become!

What is one app on your phone that you can’t live without and why?

Tripit consolidates all my travel itineraries in one place and makes it easy to keep track of airlines, dates and cities. 

 

Leading for the Future

How do we provide more leadership opportunities to women in the workforce?

All men and women need to provide more leadership opportunities to women in the workforce. We need more visible female leaders to give others the confidence that they can succeed.

What are some of your professional and personal goals?

I would love to partner with a few dream clients, including  artists and entrepreneurs who are changing the world and moving people with their work. Personally, I’m happy as long as my children keep confiding in me! As Walt Whitman said, “I’ve learned that to be with those I like is enough.”