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The Investment Banking Leaders Podcast
Unlock the secrets of investment banking success from those who’ve made it to the top.
The Investment Banking Leaders Podcast is the ultimate resource for investment bankers who are committed to growth, leadership, and long-term success. Whether you're a student, Analyst or Associate looking to accelerate your career, a VP aiming to refine your leadership skills, or a seasoned Managing Director seeking fresh insights, this podcast brings you direct access to the industry’s most accomplished professionals.
Each episode features in-depth conversations with top investment banking leaders, uncovering their career-defining moments, leadership philosophies, and strategies for thriving in an ultra-competitive industry.
Our mission is simple: connect you with the best minds in investment banking so you can learn, grow, and lead with confidence.
Listen, Learn, Lead.
Explore past episodes below and start levelling up your investment banking career today.
Episode 25: Resilience, Integrity & Communication – Leadership Lessons from Allan Bertie
Allan Bertie, Head of European Investment Banking at Raymond James, shares insights on navigating complex deals, overcoming setbacks, and leading with integrity. Tune in to learn how top investment banking leaders cultivate resilience, build trust, and master the art of communication in high-stakes transactions.
Episode 24: From Lehman’s Collapse to Building Winning ECM Teams – Lessons in Leadership & Adaptability with David Koch
Discover how David Koch, MD & Head of ECM at BGL, navigated the fall of Lehman Brothers, built high-performing ECM teams, and embraced AI-driven change. A must-listen for investment bankers looking to lead in a rapidly evolving industry!
Episode 23: Mastering Cross-Border Deals & Career Growth – Investment Banking Insights with Alex Chenesseau
Alex Chenesseau, MD at CMD Global Partners, shares his journey from Asia to Wall Street, revealing the secrets to building strong relationships, navigating global markets, and leveraging mentorship for career success. A must-listen for investment bankers looking to thrive in an international landscape!
Episode 22: From Fast Food to Finance Leadership – Entrepreneurial Lessons with David Lam
David Lam, Vice Chair & Managing Partner at Deloitte Corporate Finance Canada, shares his unconventional path to investment banking success, the power of an entrepreneurial mindset, and how to build high-performing teams with trust, transparency, and accountability. A must-listen for future industry leaders!
Episode 21: From Citi to Founding a Boutique Firm – Career Control & Leadership with Bryan Kuhn
Bryan Kuhn, co-founder of Vestra Advisors, shares his journey from executing $30B+ in deals at Citi to launching his own investment banking firm. Learn how to take control of your career, build lasting relationships, and develop the skills needed for long-term success in IB. A must-listen for ambitious professionals!
Episode 20: Mastering Debt Markets & Leadership – Career Insights from Piers Ronan
Piers Ronan, MD & Head of DCM Syndicate at Truist Securities, shares his journey from London to New York, pioneering contingent capital instruments, and leading through market shifts. Discover how to build a powerful network, embrace learning curves, and develop resilience in investment banking. A must-listen for aspiring leaders!
Episode 19: Leadership, Specialization & Career Reinvention – Insights from Shaun Browne
Shaun Browne, Chairman & Co-Head of Corporate Finance Europe at Houlihan Lokey, shares his journey from accounting to investment banking leadership. Learn how to build strong teams, master sector specialization, and navigate industry shifts like AI and IPO market recovery. Learn expert strategies to elevate your career in investment banking.
Episode 18: Building M&A Firms & Leading with Trust – Lessons from Monika Nickl
Monika Nickl, Founding Partner at TCG Corporate Finance, shares her journey of scaling three M&A advisory firms, the power of sector specialization, and why emotional intelligence is just as vital as technical skills in leadership. Gain fresh insights into navigating investment banking with an entrepreneurial mindset.
Larry Grafstein, Deputy Chairman at RBC Capital Markets, shares his unconventional path from law and politics to investment banking, the art of building lasting relationships, and the balance between high-stakes deals and personal fulfilment. A deep dive into success, strategy, and career longevity in finance.
Episode 16: Mastering Fund Finance & Building a Winning Mindset – Insights from Neno Raic
Neno Raic, Co-Founder & Managing Partner at NLC, shares his journey from corporate banking to entrepreneurship, the rapid evolution of fund financing, and the power of perseverance, culture, and client-centric thinking. A must-listen for those looking to break into or excel in alternative finance.
Episode 15: Building Relationships, Leveraging Technology & Championing Diversity – Insights from Justine Mannering
Justine Mannering, MD at TD Cowen, shares her journey from auditing to investment banking, the power of networking and sponsorship, and how diversity is shaping the future of finance. Gain insights into career growth, industry innovation, and navigating work-life balance in a demanding profession. A must-listen for finance professionals at every stage!
Episode 14: From Boutique Banks to Leading M&A Strategy – Career Insights from Karan Goyal
Karan Goyal, MD at Emirates NBD, shares his journey from boutique investment banking to leading strategic M&A, the differences between in-house and advisory roles, and the keys to long-term success—including networking, execution, and work-life balance. Essential listening for those navigating a career in finance.
Episode 13: Proactive Leadership, Mentorship & Career Growth – Lessons from Maren Winnick
Maren Winnick, Senior MD at Evercore, shares her path from consulting to leading biotech and healthcare investment banking, the power of mentorship and sponsorship, and strategies for career success. Tune in for insights on building relationships, embracing challenges, and driving diversity in finance.
Episode 12: Mastering Versatility, Leadership & Investor Relations – Armin Heuberger’s Banking Journey
Armin Heuberger, former MD & Head of ECM at UBS, shares his journey from Wall Street to leading European capital markets, the importance of adaptability, and how strong client and investor relationships drive success. Gain expert insights on leadership, team-building, and navigating the evolving banking landscape.
Episode 11: Leadership, Influence & The Future of Investment Banking – A Conversation with Dominic Lester
Dominic Lester, EMEA Head of Investment Banking & Joint Global Head of Technology at Jefferies, reflects on his journey from New York to leading a top global firm. He unpacks the art of persuasion, the role of vision in leadership, and how adaptability and technology are reshaping the industry. A compelling listen for those aiming to make a lasting impact in finance.
Episode 10: Owning Your Career, Building Teams & The Power of Culture – Maria Watts’ Perspective
Maria Watts, MD & Co-Head of Global Consumer Investment Banking at Baird, shares her journey from analyst to industry leader, the role of passion in career success, and why culture and mentorship are critical in investment banking. Tune in for insights on leadership, continuous growth, and navigating challenges in the evolving finance landscape.
Episode 9: From Unconventional Paths to Investment Banking Leadership – Steve Hufford’s Playbook
Steve Hufford, Senior MD & Head of Investment Banking at Raymond James, shares how teamwork, problem-solving, and persistence shaped his journey into investment banking. Learn how mentorship, continuous learning, and even lessons from coaching basketball can drive career growth and leadership in finance. A must-listen for those looking to stand out in the industry.
Episode 8: Perseverance, Career Growth & Big-Picture Thinking – Lessons from Peter Shin
Peter Shin, MD at Stifel, shares his journey from Analyst to Managing Director in just 11 years, offering invaluable career advice on time management, mentorship, and staying focused on the bigger picture. Tune in for strategies on navigating the pressures of deal-making while building strong relationships and a thriving team culture.
Episode 7: Adapting, Networking & Winning Deals – Sher Hafeez on Succeeding in Investment Banking
Sher Hafeez, MD at JLL Securities, shares how adaptability, strategic networking, and client understanding have shaped his career in real estate M&A. Gain insights on mentorship, market trends, and balancing personal growth with professional success in this dynamic industry.
Episode 6: Integrity, Leadership & Building Strong Relationships – Alessio Pieri on Investment Banking Success
Alessio Pieri, Partner at d’Angelin & Co., shares his journey from Analyst to Partner, the critical role of communication and accountability in deal-making, and how to empower teams while maintaining work-life balance. Tune in for insights on leadership, networking, and the mindset needed to thrive in investment banking.
Episode 5: Humility, Relationships & Building a Thriving Team Culture – Charles Godbout’s Formula for Success
Charles Godbout, Partner & MD at PwC Corporate Finance, shares how genuine relationships, giving before asking, and carving out a niche can accelerate success in investment banking. Learn how he fosters a strong team culture, navigates industry changes, and balances hard work with having fun.
Episode 4: Culture, Risk-Taking & Career Growth – Rusty Ray on Leadership in Investment Banking
Rusty Ray, Managing Partner at Alantra, shares how fostering a strong company culture, embracing risk, and maintaining transparency can drive success in investment banking. Discover his insights on mentorship, networking, and work-life balance, along with strategies for taking ownership of your career.
Episode 3: Hard Work, Mentorship & Building a Legacy – Scott Wieler on Investment Banking Success
Scott Wieler, Former Chairman at DC Advisory, shares his journey from humble beginnings to leading a top advisory firm. Learn how mentorship, relentless work ethic, and a client-first approach drive success, along with key lessons on leadership, culture, and sustaining long-term growth in investment banking.
Episode 2: Patience, Perspective & Breaking Barriers – Noha El Ghazaly’s Path to Leadership
Noha El Ghazaly, MD at Mediterrania Capital Partners, shares her journey from investment banking to private equity, the power of mentorship and teamwork, and how embracing diversity fuels success. Discover her insights on navigating high-stakes deals, maintaining balance, and making an impact in a male-dominated industry.
Episode 1: Mastering Deals, Building Teams & Thinking Big – Gokhan Ozkan’s Investment Banking Playbook
Gokhan Ozkan, MD at J.P. Morgan, shares his journey from intern to industry leader, the critical role of technical skills and client relationships, and why observing top executives is key to success. Tune in for insights on proactivity, macro trends, and teamwork in high-stakes finance.