Mastering the Mic: How Investment Banking Leaders Can Shine on Podcasts

I’ve recorded over 30 episodes of the Investment Banking Leaders Podcast. One thing I’ve learned? Most Managing Directors, Partners, and C-suite executives who join me aren’t media-trained for podcasts.

Many are comfortable on CNBC or Bloomberg, discussing deals and the economy. But podcasting is different—it’s longer-form, more personal, and more human.

And that’s what makes it powerful.

Done well, a podcast helps you:

• Reach a wider audience

• Attract top talent to your team

• Build visibility and influence

• Connect with your peers in an authentic way

Below are 10 tips to help any leader become a remarkable guest.

1. Don’t Script - Reflect Instead

Trying to read your answers or memorize them can sound robotic. Instead, ask the host for the themes or questions in advance, reflect on them, and jot down 2–3 key points you’d like to share.

Having small notes is fine—being genuine and conversational is far better than sounding rehearsed.

2. Build Rapport with the Host

Spend time with the host before you record. It helps you get comfortable, align on tone and flow, and build trust. A good relationship with the host leads to a better, more natural interview.

3. Test Your Tech and Join Early

Join the recording early to test your mic and internet. If you’re using Bluetooth headphones, keep a wired set nearby as backup. Great audio makes a huge difference in how professional you sound.

Make sure you know whether you are recording just audio or audio and video ahead of time, ensuring your video setup and background are on point too.

4. Relax- It’s Just a Conversation

Forget the thousands of listeners. When you treat it like a chat with a peer, your authenticity shines through.

The best podcast interviews feel like you’re eavesdropping on a great conversation—not watching a presentation.

5. Don’t Fear the Pause

Silence is your friend. A thoughtful pause is far better than filling space with “um,” “you know,” or “like.”

Pauses help you gather your thoughts—and they help the listener absorb what you’ve said.

6. Be Open and Vulnerable

The best podcast guests don’t just share wins—they share lessons. When you’re honest about challenges and what you learned, it builds trust and makes you relatable.

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being real.

7. Know Your ‘Why’

What’s your goal for the episode? Whether it’s to share industry insights, attract talent, or raise your profile—clarity on your message helps you shape what you say and leave a lasting impression.

8. Embrace Storytelling

Storytelling transforms a guest from someone simply giving information into someone who connects. Stories make your points relatable, memorable, and emotionally resonant.

Think in moments. Instead of saying, “It was a tough quarter,” say:

“I remember getting the call just before boarding a flight—we had 72 hours to turn the deal.”

Those moments stick with the listener.

9. Ask the Interviewer a Question or Two

Remember—it’s a conversation, not a monologue. Asking the host a question mid-interview can spark a richer discussion and guide the episode in a direction that better serves the audience.

It also shows that you’re engaged, thoughtful, and human.

10. Use Your Network - Promote Your Episode

Don’t let your podcast episode sit in silence. Promote it to increase your visibility, highlight your expertise, and extend your influence.

Work with your marketing or comms team to create a simple distribution plan—then share the episode across LinkedIn, internal channels, and with your network.

A thoughtful post, a few soundbites, or even a short video clip can significantly boost reach and engagement. Great content deserves to be heard—and you never know who’s listening.

One Final Tip: Leave the Listener with a Takeaway

Want to stand out? Share one practical idea that the audience can use immediately. Give them something to try, reflect on, or do after the show.

It makes your episode more memorable—and more impactful.

If you’re thinking about joining the Investment Banking Leaders Podcast, or any show in your niche, now’s the time. Podcasts aren’t just media—they’re a platform for connection, influence, and legacy.

And when done right, your episode becomes a calling card that works for you long after it airs.

Download your free checklist: IB Leaders Club Podcast Guest Checklist