SFNet 40 Under 40 Award recipients share how the Award affected their careers and advice for the Class of 2025.

Sherrill Hornett, managing director, Portfolio Management, White Oak Commercial Finance, LLC and 2021 40 Under 40 Award Winner
Since being recognized as an SFNet 40 Under 40 Award winner, what has changed most in your career? What was the biggest challenge in making that transition?
A lot!  I received the SFNet 40 Under 40 recognition shortly after making a significant shift in my career by joining the non-bank ABL community. One of the biggest changes that followed was the opportunity to manage a team for the first time – a professional milestone I had worked toward for many years. It was an invaluable learning experience that stretched me in new ways.  That said, as a parent of two young children, I’ve come to recognize that I currently thrive more in an individual contributor role than in management. Letting go of that long-held aspiration wasn’t easy, but I’m deeply grateful for the experience. It may be something I revisit in the future, but for now, I’m energized doing what I do best: managing risk, building relationships, and contributing alongside an incredible new team at White Oak.  

Looking back, what experiences or mentors helped prepare you most for this next step in your career?
I took a leap of faith four years ago when I left Wells Fargo after an incredible 15-year run and joined the non-bank ABL community.  Looking back, the professional development that came from having the courage to leave the familiarity and deep relationships of a well-known institution – and step into the uncertainty of a new environment where I had yet to build my reputation – laid a strong foundation of confidence and resilience. That experience prepared me for future transitions, including my recent move to White Oak. I couldn’t have navigated that path without the guidance and encouragement of the many mentors and friends I’ve been fortunate to have in this industry, and I’m forever grateful for each of those relationships.  

What advice would you give to the current 40 Under 40 class or other young professionals aspiring to reach leadership roles?
Some of the most significant career growth opportunities I’ve had came when I embraced change, had the courage to say no, and trusted myself to pursue a different direction – even when I couldn’t predict exactly how it would unfold. I leaned on my invaluable network of industry friends and mentors, whose support made all the difference. My advice: believe in yourself and your potential, even when the next move feels uncertain, and never lose touch with the network that helps you grow.  

Yoojin Lee, partner, Holland & Knight LLP and 2021 40 Under 40 Award Winner
Since being recognized as an SFNet 40 Under 40 Award winner, what has changed most in your career? What was the biggest challenge in making that transition?
Since being recognized in SFNet’s 40 Under 40, I have been elected partner and transitioned my practice to Holland & Knight with a group of attorneys from my prior firm. The biggest challenge in making the transition was starting at a new place, learning new systems, incorporating into a new culture, and meeting new people. However, working alongside welcoming attorneys at Holland & Knight made the transition less challenging. 

How did being named as an SFNet 40 Under 40 Award winner impact your professional trajectory or visibility within the secured finance industry? 
The popularity of SFNet’s 40 Under 40 Awards has made my name more recognizable in the industry. As a result, my network of fellow SFNet 40 Under 40 honorees and others within the industry has expanded – many of whom I would have never met. 

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