Advertise on podcast: The Investment Banking Leaders Podcast

What separates investment banks that win mandates from those that waste resources chasing every opportunity? In this episode, Peter Nieberg speaks with Joachim Jaeger Skorge, Managing Director and Head of Asia-Pacific Investment Banking at DNB Carnegie, about building a successful cross-border franchise, winning the right deals and creating a lasting competitive advantage. With nearly 30 years in investment banking, Joachim shares lessons from Oslo, New York and Singapore on why strategic focus matters more than chasing every opportunity. In this episode, you'll discover: • Why chasing every deal can mean winning nothing. • How to prioritise the right clients, markets and transactions. • Why smaller deals can be harder to close than larger ones, and what this means for your business strategy. • How to build an investment banking franchise from scratch in a highly competitive region. • What makes the Nordic capital markets stand out - from high-yield bonds to IPOs attracting international investors. • How to build trust across cultures without losing your authenticity. • What nearly three decades in investment banking taught Joachim about resilience, leadership and power. Investment Banking Leaders Club: https://ibleadersclub.com/ Host: Peter Nieberg (https://www.linkedin.com/in/peternieberg/) Guest: Joachim Jaeger Skorge (https://www.linkedin.com/in/joachim-jaeger-skorge-174274110/) Sponsor: Altrum (https://www.altrum.com/⁠) If you’re thinking about your next step towards MD → join the waiting list for the IBLC Inner Circle 🔗 https://ibleadersclub.com/inner-circle-community

What happens when everything you’ve built - your career, reputation and future plans - can suddenly feel like it has been crushed? In this episode, Brian Jones, CEO and Co-Founder at BankCap Partners and former Co-President of Archegos Capital, an experienced investment banking and investment leader, reflects on his career, the Archegos collapse, rebuilding after a major setback and what difficult experiences can reveal about leadership. We explore: • The impact of reputational damage and what it means to rebuild. • Why success can be one of the most dangerous seasons in a leader’s life. • Money, generosity and the “stabilisers” that keep leaders grounded. • Why vulnerability and learning from your scars can become leadership assets. • The importance of intentionality in career, family and relationships. • Why Brian left investment banking at 36 - and what happened next. • What it means to “stay in the arena” through difficult seasons.• Why service, relationships and personal fulfilment matter beyond financial success. •“Fire reveals what comfort conceals” - and what Brian learned from going through the fire. Brian also shares practical lessons from more than three decades in finance, including building relationships early, navigating uncertainty and taking the next step when the path ahead isn't clear. Investment Banking Leaders Club: https://ibleadersclub.com/ Host: Peter Nieberg (https://www.linkedin.com/in/peternieberg/https://www.linkedin.com/in/peternieberg/) Guest: Brian Jones (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianjones214/https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianjones214/) Sponsor: Altrum (https://www.altrum.com/) If you’re thinking about your next step towards MD → join the waiting list for the IBLC Inner Circle 🔗 https://ibleadersclub.com/inner-circle-community

What separates the investment bankers who win deals from those who win trust? In this episode, Simon Mordant, Vice Chairman at Luminis Partners, reflects on more than four decades in investment banking, building independent advisory businesses and working alongside CEOs and boards. We explore: • Why great bankers listen more than they talk. • How to build trusted, long-term client relationships. • Making the transition from execution to origination. • Building a successful and durable boutique advisory firm. • Hiring, developing and retaining entrepreneurial talent. • Why 200-page pitch books can get in the way of effective client conversations. Simon also shares practical insights on networking, meritocracy, leadership, entrepreneurship and what it takes to leave the security of a major banking brand and build your own advisory business. Investment Banking Leaders Club: https://ibleadersclub.com/ Host: Peter Nieberg (https://www.linkedin.com/in/peternieberg/) Guest: Simon Mordant (https://www.linkedin.com/in/cav-simon-mordant-ao-738b4710/) Sponsor: Altrum (https://www.altrum.com/) If you’re thinking about your next step towards MD → join the waiting list for the IBLC Inner Circle 🔗https://ibleadersclub.com/inner-circle-community

What do private equity firms really look for in an investment banking partner, and why do some bankers become trusted advisors while others remain transactional? In this episode, Marc Jourlait, Lead Operating Partner at The Riverside Company, shares a rare behind-the-scenes perspective from the client side of private equity. Having led global businesses at Apple, HP, Bose, Kodak and other international companies before becoming a CEO, Chairman, and Operating Partner, Marc now works alongside portfolio company CEOs to drive operational transformation and long-term value creation. His unique experience gives investment bankers an inside look at what private equity firms truly value throughout the investment lifecycle. We explore: • Why the best investment bankers think like long-term partners - not transaction advisors. • What private equity firms really expect from investment banking relationships. • How operating partners translate investment theses into value creation plans. • Why industry expertise and specialisation are becoming essential in today's M&A market. He also shares powerful insights on: • The role of operating partners in private equity and how they work alongside deal teams. • Why CEOs and CFOs often struggle after private equity acquisitions. • The importance of "clock speed" during a five-year investment cycle, and why every month matters. • Building high-performance cultures through employee ownership and the Ownership Works initiative. Including practical lessons on private equity, investment banking, value creation, leadership, operating excellence, culture, and building trusted client relationships. If you're an investment banker, M&A advisor, private equity professional, corporate finance executive, or aspiring finance leader looking to strengthen client relationships, understand how private equity firms think, and create greater long-term value, this conversation is packed with actionable insights from one of the industry's leading operating partners. Investment Banking Leaders Club: https://ibleadersclub.com/ Host: Peter Nieberg (https://www.linkedin.com/in/peternieberg/) Guest: Marc Jourlait (https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcjourlait/) Sponsor: Altrum (https://www.altrum.com/)

What does it take to create one of the most successful investment banking boutiques in Central & Eastern Europe, and develop an entirely new buyer universe along the way? In this episode, Gábor Szendrői, Co-founder and Co-managing partner at Concorde MB Partners - IMAP Hungary, shares how he established a market-leading advisory firm through long-term thinking, entrepreneurial leadership, and innovative deal origination. After a decade at McKinsey and an early career in investment banking, he returned to Hungary to launch a boutiqueand pioneer an innovative Management Buy-In (MBI) model. We explore:• Why building relationships, not just closing deals, is the foundation of successful origination.• How the Management Buy-In (MBI) model creates an entirely new buyer universe.• Why investment bankers should think long-term when building their careers and businesses.• How changing buyer behaviour reshaped the mid-market M&A landscape across Central & Eastern Europe. He also shares powerful insights on: • Transitioning from execution to origination and developing a sustainable deal pipeline.• Building a network of thousands of executives through consistent, long-term relationship building.• Creating a differentiated brand through thought leadership, publications, and client engagement.• Why psychology, trust, and human relationships remain at the heart of successful dealmaking, even in the age of AI. Including lessons on entrepreneurship, leadership, business development, networking, and building a sustainable competitive advantage in investment banking. If you're an investment banker, M&A advisor, private equity professional, entrepreneur, or aspiring leader looking to strengthen your origination skills and accelerate your career, this conversation is packed with practical insights from one of Europe's most innovative boutique investment banking leaders. Investment Banking Leaders Club: https://ibleadersclub.com/ Host: Peter Nieberg (https://www.linkedin.com/in/peternieberg/) Guest: Gábor Szendrői (https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabor-szendroi-a74157/) Sponsor: Altrum (https://www.altrum.com/) Note: Concorde MB Partners – IMAP Hungary (https://www.imap.com/en)

What does it take to rise from managing risk during the global financial crisis to leading one of the world's most dynamic investment banking platforms across EMEA? In this episode, Evie Vanezi, CEO at Jefferies, shares the leadership lessons, career decisions, and mindset shifts that helped shape her journey from risk management to the C-suite. From navigating financial crises and managing uncertainty to driving growth across Europe and the Middle East, Evie offers a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and building high-performing teams in a rapidly evolving financial landscape. We explore: • Why risk management is a strategic advantage, not just a control function • The lessons the global financial crisis taught about leadership, resilience, and opportunity • How public markets are evolving and what companies need to succeed in today's environment • The key drivers behind renewed activity in European capital markets • What it takes to build and scale an investment banking franchise across diverse regions and cultures Evie also shares powerful insights on: • Building trust across teams, clients, and cultures • Why cultural intelligence is essential for success in EMEA • Creating inclusive, high-performing environments through community and mentorship • The importance of curiosity, adaptability, and life long learning Including lessons on relationship-building, career development, inclusion, and the importance of enjoying the journey rather than focusing solely on the destination. If you're an aspiring investment banker, business leader, or professional looking to strengthen your leadership skills, and accelerate your career growth, this conversation is packed with practical insights from one of the industry's most respected leaders. Investment Banking Leaders Club: https://ibleadersclub.com/ Host: Peter Nieberg ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/peternieberg/ ) Guest: Evie Vanezi (https://www.linkedin.com/in/evie-vanezi-47a62a12/ ) Sponsor: Altrum (https://www.altrum.com/) Note 1: This video was recorded pre the US-Israel-Iran war. Note 2: Jefferies (https://www.jefferies.com/) is one of the world’s leading full-service investment banking and capital markets firms.

What can a career spanning healthcare, public health, andinvestment banking teach us about becoming a trusted advisor and leader? In this episode, Michael Meyers, Vice Chairman, Head of M&A and Strategic Advisory Services at H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC, shares lessons from a remarkable career spanning healthcare operation, public health, the buy side, equity research, and investment banking. From studying neurobiology and considering medical school to shaping healthcare investment banking businesses acrossmultiple firms, this conversation explores what it truly takes to build credibility, earn trust, and develop into a long-term leader in investment banking. We explore:• Why understanding the pressures facing clients is essential to becoming a great advisor• The transition from execution to origination, and why so many bankers struggle with it• How exposure to clients early in your career accelerates leadership development• The importance of listening more and speaking with greater intention• Why mentorship is one of the most powerful accelerators of career growth Michael also shares powerful insights on:• Building long-term client relationships based on trust and consistency• Developing empathy by understanding business challenges from multiple perspectives• The role humility plays in successful healthcare and life sciences banking• How junior bankers can prepare themselves for origination responsibilities• Why showing up with differentiated ideas is critical to winning business Including lessons from working inside a hospital system, advising life sciences companies through complex strategicdecisions, building healthcare investment banking franchises, and mentoring the next generation of banking leaders. If you want to become a more effective relationship builder, strengthen your leadership skills, and learn how to evolve from a strong executor into a trusted advisor, this conversation offers invaluable lessons from one of healthcare investment banking's most experienced leaders. Investment Banking Leaders Club: https://ibleadersclub.com/ Host: Peter Nieberg (  /https://www.linkedin.com/in/peternieberg/) Guest: Michael Meyers (  / https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelmeyers1/ ) Sponsor: Altrum (https://www.altrum.com/)

Why do so many top producers struggle when they step into leadership roles, and what actually separates the bankers who compound their careers over decades from those who plateau? In this episode, Larry Wieseneck, Head of Corporate & Investment Banking, TD Securities, shares lessons from a remarkable career spanning Salomon Brothers, Lehman Brothers, Barclays, Cowen, and now one of the most exciting growth stories in global banking. From convertible bonds and capital markets to strategy, leadership, and firm-building, this conversation explores what it truly takes to evolve from elite execution into enduring leadership. We explore: Why communication and storytelling matter more than raw intelligenceThe transition from producer to manager, and why so many bankers fail at itHow convertible bonds became the ultimate training ground for future banking leadersWhy great organisations deliberately develop leadership talentThe difference between management and true leadership Larry also shares powerful insights on: Building careers that compound over decadesLeading through integrations, crises, and transformationThe importance of EQ, empathy, and understanding client contextWhy young bankers must own their own growth and developmentIncluding behind-the-scenes lessons from the Lehman-Barclays integration, scaling global capital markets businesses, and helping build one of North America’s fastest-growing investment banking platforms. If you want to move beyond execution, strengthen your leadership skills, and build a long-term career in investment banking, this conversation offers invaluable lessons from the very top of the industry. Investment Banking Leaders Club: https://ibleadersclub.com/ Host: Peter Nieberg (https://www.linkedin.com/in/peternieberg/) Guest: Larry Wieseneck (https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrywieseneck/ ) Sponsor: Altrum (https://www.altrum.com/) Viewpoint: A TD Securities Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/viewpoint-a-td-securities-podcast/id1613987499

Why do so many investment bankers misunderstand origination, and what actually drives long-term success in M&A? In this episode, Jason Murgio, CEO of M&A Services Inc., shares what it really takes to build a differentiated investment banking career, from starting in private equity and entrepreneurial ventures to leading a niche advisory firm through the financial crisis and beyond. We explore: The mindset shift from execution to relationship-driven originationWhy understanding the “why” behind a business matter more than the numbersHow long-term thinking and patience create proprietary deal flow Jason also shares powerful lessons on: Origination and relationship buildingHiring operators vs. traditional bankersLeading through uncertainty and market cyclesIncluding why great leaders hire operators over traditional bankers, empower teams to think independently, and build firms that consistently punch above their weight. If you want to move beyond execution and build a lasting career based on trust, judgment, and relationships, this episode is a must-listen. Investment Banking Leaders Club: https://ibleadersclub.com/ Host: Peter Nieberg (https://www.linkedin.com/in/peternieberg/) Guest: Jason Murgio (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-murgio-5aa915b/) Sponsor: Altrum (https://www.altrum.com/)

Why do so many investment bankers struggle to make the jump from execution to origination? In this episode, Matt Zimmer, Head of Investment Banking at William Blair, shares what it really takes to succeed at the senior level, from building a 700-person global platform to developing the next generation of leaders. We cover: - The mindset shift from VP to Director - Why perfect execution is the foundation of origination - How client trust, collaboration, and high standards drive long-term success. Matt also shares powerful lessons on: - Leadership - Culture - Scaling teams. Including why great leaders act as “player-coaches,” eliminate toxicity fast, and build organisations that punch above their weight. If you want to transition from executor to leader, this episode is essential listening. Investment Banking Leaders Club: https://ibleadersclub.com/Host: Peter Nieberg (https://www.linkedin.com/in/peternieberg/)Guest: Matt Zimmer (https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-zimmer-0bab705/) / https://www.williamblair.com/Sponsor: Altrum (https://www.altrum.com/) *Recorded February 3rd 2026*

What separates transactional bankers from truly trusted advisors? In this episode, Philip Ross, Vice Chairman at Jefferies shares his unconventional journey from medical school to Wall Street, and the principles that have shaped his 28+ year career. Philip explains why the best bankers think in 10-year relationship arcs, stay relentlessly client-centric, and hold themselves to exceptionally high standards, even when no deal is on the table. He also breaks down how VPs and Directors can move beyond execution to become strategic partners clients trust. A masterclass in leadership, origination, and long-term thinking from one of the industry’s most respected voices.

Most investment bankers are trained to execute. Very few are trained to originate and that’s why most never make partner or build their own firm. In this episode, Marcel Brix, Co-Managing Director and shareholder at Blok Management, shares how he went from intern to co-founder of one of Germany’s fastest-growing boutique investment banks and why he now spends 90% of his time on origination. We break down: What really changes when you move from executor to originator How Marcel helped scale a boutique from zero to 20+ people Why discipline, routines, and soft skills matter more than technical brilliance How VPs can start building a personal deal pipeline today The leadership mindset required to grow a firm without losing culture If you want to advance faster, build leverage, or one day launch your own boutique, this episode is a must-listen. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Welcome to the Investment Banking Leaders Podcast Why this episode matters for ambitious bankers 02:00 – From intern to boutique banker: Marcel’s unconventional path Why big banks weren’t the right fit 06:30 – How Bloc Management was born The deal that changed everything 09:00 – The brutal early days of building a boutique Doing everything yourself — models, pitches, admin, and sales 14:30 – Why origination is the real career unlock in investment banking The skill most bankers never properly develop 18:00 – The partner problem: execution vs. origination Why many bankers hit a ceiling 21:30 – How Marcel spends 90% of his time on origination Funnels, LinkedIn, podcasts, and consistency 26:00 – Advice for VPs trying to become originators How to carve out origination time without dropping execution quality 30:00 – Should bankers learn sales? Why soft skills matter more than most admit 34:00 – Discipline, routines, and compounding habits Why success is a marathon, not a sprint 38:30 – Leadership lessons from building a firm from scratch How to lead without ego 42:00 – Treating interns like future partners Why culture compounds over time 45:00 – Building and protecting culture while scaling Putting people first — even before shareholders 48:00 – Book recommendation: Atomic Habits Why small habits drive outsized results 49:00 – One piece of advice for bankers who want to build their own boutique Start earlier than you think Investment Banking Leaders Club: https://ibleadersclub.com/Host: Peter Nieberg (  https://www.linkedin.com/in/peternieberg/ )Guest: Marcel Brix: (  https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcel-brix/ ) / https://www.blok-management.de/en/Sponsors: https://www.altrum.com/

Welcome back to another great episode of The Investment Banking Leaders Podcast! In today's episode, we will explore how one man's refusal to lose and deep belief in integrity built the world's most elite shareholder activism defense practice. From a small steel town in Germany to Wall Street, Kai Liekefett became the world's top shareholder activism defense lawyer. He unpacks the "soap opera" of corporate battles, how he built a booming practice with constant BD, and why asking “why” is the key to leadership, learning, and client trust. To learn more from Kai, tune into Episode 38 of The Investment Banking Leaders Podcast today!

Welcome back to The Investment Banking Leaders Podcast! In this episode, our host Pete Nieberg chats with Luis Carlos Ochoa Paris, founder of Valoriza Group.From his early days in Colombia reading the Wall Street Journal to becoming a top independent investment banker in Latin America, Luis shares his journey, lessons learned, and leadership advice.Don't miss this inspiring conversation covering client trust, grit, international exposure, and the impact of AI in investment banking!Join the Investment Banking Leaders Club for more valuable resources at ibleadersclub.com.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:41 Meet Luis Carlos Ochoa Paris01:07 Luis's Journey to Founding Valoriza Group07:09 Keys to Building Trust in Cross-Border Transactions09:26 Client-Centric Culture at Valoriza14:25 Leadership Lessons from Family and Mentors15:56 The Role of Discipline in Personal and Professional Life18:13 Importance of Networking and Client Relationships22:13 The Power of Networking in Business23:36 Transitioning from Execution to Origination23:46 Insights on Working at Citi28:00 Advice for Aspiring Global Bankers30:28 Finding Passion in Investment Banking35:44 The Role of AI in Investment Banking39:25 Recommended Reads for Leaders42:00 Final Reflections and Advice

Welcome back to another episode of The Investment Banking Leaders Podcast! This week, we welcome Chiara Operto, founder of Edge Skills. In Episode 36, she shares how she went from Credit Suisse M&A to fintech entrepreneur, why sales and soft skills matter more than ever, and how AI is shaping finance training! A must-listen for aspiring bankers, juniors, and future leaders!00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:39 Introducing Today's Guest: Chiara Operto 01:51  Chiara's Journey in Investment Banking 04:10 Building Trust and Standing Out as a Junior Banker 11:02 The Importance of Sales Skills in Banking 15:17 Leadership and Entrepreneurship Insights 17:59 Managing Resilience and Avoiding Burnout 20:11 Taking Risks and Embracing Entrepreneurship 21:52 The Importance of Co-Founders 23:11 AI in Recruiting: Opportunities and Challenges 26:25 Staying Relevant in an AI-Driven World 27:36 Business Development and Community Building 30:42 Proactive Outreach and Building Visibility 34:57 Advice for Aspiring Professionals 36:21 Recommended Resources and Final Thoughts