Her Story
About Emily
Emily McCulloch is a commercial lending professional at Citizens Bank in Wisconsin. She manages a portfolio of approximately $80 million in commercial loans for businesses ranging from startups to established companies with up to $5 million in annual revenue. McCulloch began her banking career as a retail banker after working in customer service and bar management, where she opened three restaurants. She advanced to a retail branch management role within her first year and spent seven years in business banking before transitioning to her current commercial lending portfolio management position in November. She holds an education degree from UW-Milwaukee and certifications in credit acumen and business financial analysis. McCulloch specializes in commercial and real estate purchases and refinances, SBA loans, equipment financing, working capital, business lines of credit, owner-occupied and investment real estate financing, and business account services. She is a member of the Wisconsin Bankers Association, Brookfield Chamber, Greater Brookfield Chamber, and Muskego Chamber, where she serves as an ambassador. McCulloch volunteers with cancer talks, highway cleanup, and the Little Free Library.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Emily
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would attribute my success to my dad who gave me a really intense work ethic. He was always a hard worker and cheering me on with each step in my career. Also networking because sometimes it's not about what you know, it's about who you know, and having an open mind since I never imagined myself in banking but here I am successful.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice is to move through your career with respect and to be able to do great things. If you're too big to do the little things, then you're too small to do the big things. Always be willing to help smaller businesses, stay humble enough to do the little things, and remember success isn't really about becoming important, it's about becoming valuable.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't be intimidated by what you don't know. Banking is an industry where no one really knows everything. Stay curious and keep learning because every conversation, every deal, every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Never stop investing in yourself. If you see someone who's doing it right, ask them how they're doing it. Don't wait until you're 100% ready, say yes and then put in the work to grow into that.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges is competition with other lenders in the area. Positioning yourself or building those relationships in an authentic way is really what is going to help develop your portfolio. Every business is different so there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. You have to truly understand customers' goals, their industry, their financials, and the risks involved. It requires continuous learning, critical thinking, and strong communication. The industry is constantly evolving so you really have to be committed to lifelong learning.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is one of the largest ones. I care deeply about doing what's right for a person, not necessarily doing just what they ask. Building relationships is important. Being open minded to learn something new and take on new challenges. Authenticity. Family is very important. Health and wellness. Being compassionate and adventurous.
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