After 10 hours of interviews with 8 successful Investment Banking Leaders with a combined experience of over 150 years, what are the key takeaways?
Peter Nieberg
Host of Investment Banking Leaders Podcast / Supporting The IB Community to Grow & Develop / Celebrating Success & Helping Companies Inspire
I am a lucky man 😊
Imagine sitting down with eight successful Investment Banking Leaders with a combined experience of over 150 years for 10 hours of interviews.
Soaking up their experience, advice and stories has been an invaluable experience and I feel extremely fortunate. But it is not about me!
The mission is to give back to you, to help you grow and develop by learning from leaders who have been there and done it all.
So, after hours of insight what are the key take aways to succeed in Investment Banking and have a rewarding long-term career.
1) Investment Banking is about people
Be genuine and invested in the people you advise.
2) Mentorship is vital to succeeding
A great mentor supports skill development, industry knowledge, networking and provides valuable career guidance. Do not let the demands of the work get in the way of finding a mentor.
3) Networking is essential
Networking is a skill that many need to build and you should start EARLY. Starting early and growing your career with your contacts provides the platform for a successful career as a VP and MD. Get on origination calls, go to events, and put yourself out there.
4) Work life balance
Investment Banking will always be demanding, and work life balance is tough to achieve. Take advantage of free time when you have and spend it in the way that allows you to disconnect and recharge. Your team and the culture are vital, be with people that you help you enjoy the work.
5) Promotions and transitioning roles
You can plan and prepare for each promotion. Each transition and step up is challenging but you can prepare yourself and make each transition smoother. Playing up to the next role is key.
6) Successful deal making
There is a reason that some Investment Bankers close more deals than others. Creating successful deals and reaching trusted advisor status requires a focus on key blocks, you need a strategy.
7) What leaders want from their team members?
Many qualities make team members stand out but the five below topped the list:
- Proactivity – anticipate what is needed and work on it before it is required.
- Curiosity – ask questions, take a genuine interest, and understand the why.
- Listen and learn – actively listen and show up with a growth mindset.
- Be organised – set yourself up for success.
- Attention to detail and accuracy.
These are seven of the top key takeaways but there are many more insights to help you, so if you are yet to listen to the Investment Banking Leaders podcast, you can use, the links below.
If you could ask a senior IB leader any questions to help you succeed in the industry, what would you ask?
What pain points would you like great insight on?
As we begin recording series two of the podcast it would be my pleasure to ask the questions that will have the biggest impact for you!
Investment Banking Leaders Podcast Episode List
Episode 0 - Intro to the Investment Banking Leader Podcast
Episode 1 – Gokhan Ozkan of JP Morgan
Episode 2- Noha El Ghazaly of Mediterrania Capital Partners
Episode 3 – Scott Wieler of DC Advisory
Episode 4 – Rusty Ray of Alantra
Episode 5 – Charles Godbout of PwC
Episode 6 – Alessio Pieri of d’Angelin
Episode 7 – Sher Hafeez of JLL
Episode 8 – Peter Shin of Stifel