Mergers & Acquisitions names the 2022 Most Influential Women in Mid-Market M&A, including Sterling Investment Partner’s Amy Weisman.

Tell us about yourself.

I have worked in finance for the past 35 years. During the first 15 years of my career, I focused on the public markets as an equity research analyst and investor relations professional. For the past 20 years, I have been a member of Sterling’s business development team managing an extensive network of deal sources to cultivate private equity investment opportunities. One of the joys of my career is connecting investments and capital through networking and marketing.

On the business development team at Sterling, I build relationships with intermediaries and deal sources in the middle market. This process includes utilizing technology platforms to leverage my networking efforts, moderating panels at key industry conferences, one-on-one meetings, and proactive company outreach.

How are you advancing the state of women?

In 2021, I inspired hundreds of women throughout the private equity ecosystem to advance their careers. This was done by hosting numerous panels, mentoring younger women on career advancement, and arranging in-person meetings for senior women. The panels covered important topics including ESG, marketing/branding, business development, converting chaos to clarity, why hope is not a strategy, and strategic insights on building deal flow.

Describe a recent dealmaking accomplishment.

Sterling’s portfolio companies often seek add-on acquisitions as an important part of the investment thesis for future growth. Throughout 2021, my deal sourcing network provided proprietary access to several potential synergistic companies that could add value to platforms. These businesses will diversify product lines and extend geographic footprints.