Leading the Way with Nicole Weeldreyer

 

Leading from Work

 

How did your career develop?

Coming from a liberal arts background (as a poet and a painter), I was a nontraditional business school hire for Goldman Sachs in 1998. I made a case for my place at the firm by arguing that people learn best from storytelling.  Over the years, I have also learned that understanding our clients through their unique stories makes us better investors and stewards. It’s been a joy to partner with clients over the past 23 years to empower informed investing and planning decisions that had a real impact on their family’s wealth and well-being.

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

There are a handful of moments that are real difference makers in any given situation – recognize them and do not let up.

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

I lead a team of professionals dedicated to advising a small number of families and institutions with complex needs. 

How do you lead by example?

I have been honored to individually and programmatically coach women in our business. Although this is an additional element of my “day job," I find the work to be energizing, effective, and it has connected me to the most incredible professionals - who are now my friends. 

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

Although our relationships with clients have always been personal, COVID-19 brought that intimacy to a new level. Money can’t buy health and we have a stronger sense of our clients’ priorities away from their portfolios now more than ever before.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

The opportunity to see the families of our clients grow. I have watched the next generation navigate high school, flourish in college and become parents themselves. It’s an amazing thing to be a witness to such legacies.

 

Leading from Home

 

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Get a pen - I have a lot!

How do you find motivation and inspiration?

My daughters both row. This entails hours of training on ergs and early mornings on the water. It is an extremely physically and mentally demanding sport. When I think about the time and effort they invest, day after day and year-round, I am reminded about the importance of persistence and the beauty of grit.

What is one thing you make time for every week?

A glass of wine with my husband. We talk about our kids and check in.

What is your favorite weekend activity?

Reading the Sunday papers while our three kids wander downstairs for breakfast.

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

I’ve always run for fitness, but during the pandemic I rode my Peloton a lot. I believe movement is medicine and really try to do something active every single day.

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

We rediscovered listening to music during the pandemic and someone in my family is always in charge of the playlist. Unless sports are on, the TV is almost always dark.

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

Orbit (internal Goldman Sachs email system) – it allows me to securely keep track of work emails on my phone, which gives me the freedom to be out of the office with our clients.  I am trying to get better at Snapchat, which is where my kids live, but I’m told my snaps are lame.  

 

Leading for the future

 

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

Relentlessly dismantle hurdles that hinder women from being top earners. Organizational behavior is important, but in business, profits are power. Many firms are doing a great job at attracting women in the early stages of their careers, but retaining and promoting women remains a challenge. Telling women it’s okay to have and chase ambition is step one, but then we have to help them chart a path and support them along the way.   

What are some of your professional and personal goals?

One of my goals has been happily realized – the institutionalization of the WRAP program (Goldman Sachs development program for women that I co-created with my friend, Jenny Fortner). The seeds it has sown for the participants and the commercial impact created for the firm are tremendously exciting.

Also, I am a believer in educating and empowering people in regards to their finances – so it’s not a big leap to get excited about the democratization of finance more broadly. I would like to contribute to that expansion of investment information and access to it in some material way.

What suggestions would you give to women who are starting their careers?

Be self-aware – understand what you need to be successful in your role and ask for it!

Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?

Traveling the world to watch our kids live, learn, compete and hopefully flourish!