Advertise on podcast: The Investment Banking Leaders Podcast

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 PodcastWhy this episode matters for ambitious bankers 02:00 – From intern to boutique banker: Marcel’s unconventional pathWhy big banks weren’t the right fit 06:30 – How Bloc Management was bornThe deal that changed everything 09:00 – The brutal early days of building a boutiqueDoing everything yourself — models, pitches, admin, and sales 14:30 – Why origination is the real career unlock in investment bankingThe skill most bankers never properly develop 18:00 – The partner problem: execution vs. originationWhy many bankers hit a ceiling 21:30 – How Marcel spends 90% of his time on originationFunnels, LinkedIn, podcasts, and consistency 26:00 – Advice for VPs trying to become originatorsHow 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 habitsWhy 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

Welcome to another episode of The Investment Banking Leaders Podcast, hosted by the Investment Banking Leaders Club. In this episode, we are joined by Aaron Schwimmer, partner at MTS Health Partners. Aaron shares his unconventional journey into investment banking, starting in a lab, moving to equity research at Goldman Sachs, and transitioning to business development at MedImmune, before finally finding his stride at Barclays, Bank of America, and MTS Health Partners. Aaron discusses how his diverse background has shaped his leadership style and approach to client management in the healthcare sector. Topics covered include leveraging unique career paths for a competitive edge, building trust within teams, navigating high-stakes healthcare transactions, and empowering junior bankers. Aaron also provides valuable advice for aspiring leaders in the investment banking industry. Tune in for exclusive insights, leadership strategies, and career growth tips straight from one of the industry's top professionals. Don't forget to join the Investment Banking Leaders Club at ibleadersclub.com for even more resources and events.00:00 Introduction to the Investment Banking Leaders Podcast00:39 Meet Aaron Schwimmer: A Unique Journey into Investment Banking01:55 Aaron's Early Career and Transition to Finance03:42 Insights from Equity Research to Business Development06:52 Leadership Lessons from MedImmune15:27 Navigating Senior Relationships and Building Influence32:30 Transitioning to MTS Health Partners34:53 Final Thoughts and Career Advice

In this week's episode of The Investment Banking Leaders Podcast, hosted by The Investment Banking Leaders Club, Turner Bredrup, Senior Advisor and former Group Head of Harris Williams, shares his 35+ years of expertise in investment banking.Turner discusses his journey from working at JP Morgan to growing Harris Williams into an industry leader, emphasizing the importance of building a lasting firm culture and the distinct skills required in M&A advisory versus broader investment banking.Tune in to Episode 34 to hear Turner's insights on career progression, leadership, client trust, and the pivotal role of VPs in banking.For more exclusive insights and career resources, visit ibleadersclub.com!Connect with Turner on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/turner-bredrup-212b7812/00:00 Introduction to The Investment Banking Leaders Podcast00:39 Guest Introduction: Turner Bredrup01:39 Turner's Early Career Journey04:06 Building a Healthcare and Life Sciences Group06:38 Comparing M&A Advisory and Full-Service Investment Banking11:08 The Pivotal VP Transition19:27 Building Client Trust and Relationships25:33 Maintaining a Strong Firm Culture30:15 Balancing High Performance with Humanity34:01 Final Thoughts and Recommendations#theinvestmentbankingleaderspodcast #harriswilliams #turnerbredrup #managingdirector #investmentbanking #finance #leadership

Welcome to Episode 33 of The Investment Banking Leaders Podcast!In this episode, host Peter interviews David Frank, the founder and CEO of Stonehaven. David discusses his entrepreneurial journey that began at age 23, navigating through the rise and fall of Robertson Stephens, and ultimately establishing one of the most innovative affiliate platforms for financial intermediaries.Learn about the transformative pivots that Stonehaven undertook, incorporating cutting-edge technology to create a collaborative ecosystem for independent financial professionals.Discover the intricacies of their tech-integrated system, the importance of community-building for success, and insightful advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in investment banking.Tune in for an episode packed with valuable insights, strategies, and leadership lessons that can fast-track your career!00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:39 Meet David Frank: Disrupting Traditional Banking01:33 David's Early Career and Entrepreneurial Beginnings04:03 Building Stonehaven: From Placement Agent to Tech Platform05:50 The Evolution of Stonehaven's Affiliate Platform09:41 Stonehaven's Tech-Driven Approach11:55 How Stonehaven Supports Affiliates24:33 Community Building at Stonehaven25:20 Unlocking Collaboration in Affiliate Platforms26:25 Hosting Events and Building Community28:31 The Transition to Independence30:38 Economic Benefits of Independence31:58 AI and Technology in Deal Making37:13 Entrepreneurial Insights and Avoiding Burnout41:19 Final Thoughts and Recommendations#AI #fintech #finance #podcast #altrum #leadership #theinvestmentbankingleaderspodcast #dealtoys #financialtombstone #awards #mentorship #networking #innovative

Welcome back to The Investment Banking Leaders Podcast, powered by the Investment Banking Leaders Club!In this episode, our host Peter Nieberg interviews Steve Rathbone, Vice Chairman and Managing Director at Stout in New York. Steve shares his inspirational career journey, which began with real estate and business sales in Perth, Australia, and then led him to New York City to build a career in M&A.He discusses pivotal experiences, including his formative years during the global financial crisis, leadership insights, mentorship, and how adaptability in uncertain markets is crucial. Steve emphasizes the importance of developing a business development mindset, creating a balanced life, and maintaining perseverance.Episode 32 provides invaluable insights and practical advice for both aspiring and seasoned investment banking professionals. Join the conversation and gain exclusive access to the strategies and lessons that can accelerate your career in investment banking!00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:39 Guest Introduction: Steve Rathbone's Career Journey01:59 Early Career Challenges and Lessons03:36 Formative Experiences at HT Capital07:01 Transition to Stout and Leadership Insights09:02 Leadership and Mentorship Philosophy14:14 Navigating Market Volatility18:25 Business Development Strategies26:40 Personal Development and Mindset31:27 Recommended Resources and Final Advice#theinvestmentbankingleaderspodcast #stevenrathbone #stout #investmentbanking #finance #podcast #mergersandacquisitions

Welcome back to The Investment Banking Leaders Podcast! In episode 31, we dive deep into the world of secondaries with Adrian Millan, Partner at PJT Partners in New York. Adrian shares his remarkable career journey, starting fromcorporate finance at Credit Lyonnais, to becoming a leading figure in Blackstone's LP advisory practice. Discover the exciting growth of the secondaries market, how innovation and AI are reshaping the industry, and what it takes to thrive in this ever-evolving space. Adrian also discusses PJT's unique approach to attractingtop talent, the role of technology as a competitive differentiator, and offers valuable career advice for aspiring investment banking professionals. Join us for another engaging conversation that explores howto succeed in investment banking and the promising future of the secondaries market. Tune in now! 00:00 Introduction to the Investment Banking LeadersPodcast 00:39 Meet Adrian Millan: A Journey Through InvestmentBanking 01:18 The Exciting World of Secondaries 01:47 Adrian's Career Path and Insights 04:18 Client Services and Market Strategies 16:46 The Role of Technology and Innovation 25:49 Advice for Aspiring Investment Bankers 30:29 Reflections and Recommendations 35:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Welcome back to another great episode of The Investment Banking Leaders Podcast, brought to you by The Investment Banking Leaders Club. In this episode, we had the opportunity to sit down with Tanya Van Biesen, President and CEO of VersaFi, a purpose-driven organization dedicated to advancing women in the finance sector. Tanya shares her journey from Procter & Gamble to leading roles at Spencer Stuart and Catalyst Canada, offering insights into her work in transforming the financial services industry by focusing on gender equity. Tanya discusses the challenges women face in investment banking, wealth management, and capital markets, and provides actionable strategies for leaders to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment. Join us for an enlightening conversation that explores the future of finance, AI’s impact on gender representation, and valuable leadership lessons. To view Project Affinity's report, click here! https://drive.google.com/file/d/12D7i_6yL_Xw-hFPh1o-4tPvQQ6C4EU0O/view?usp=sharing For more exclusive insights, join the IB Leaders Club at ibleadersclub.com. Happy listening!   00:00 Introduction to The Investment Banking Leaders Podcast 00:39 Guest Introduction: Tanya Van Biesen 02:11 Tanya's Career Journey 03:38 VersaFi's Mission and Success 05:09 Challenges in Investment Banking 07:57 Parental Leave and Gender Equality 09:42 Leadership and Inclusivity in Finance 20:21 Future of Finance: AI and Gender Representation 24:09 Wealth Management and Gender Dynamics 26:34 Tanya's Leadership Style and Advice 31:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join us for a brand new episode of The Investment Banking Leaders Podcast as we delve into the journey of Hawken Lord, founder and managing partner at Edgewater Strategy Group! From his beginnings at Morgan Stanley to the creation of Edgewater, learn about his transition from investment banking to private equity, the challenges he faced, and the lessons he learned along the way. Hawken shares invaluable insights into managing people, setting up a firm, and the current state of the PE market. Tune in for a deep dive into entrepreneurship, culture building, and the nuances of M&A and the office of the CFO services. A must-watch for anyone looking to navigate the competitive world of investment banking and private equity!   00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:39 Guest Introduction: Hawken Lord's Journey 01:55 The Birth of Edgewater Strategy Group 05:22 Challenges and Lessons in Entrepreneurship 12:05 Building a Strong Company Culture 17:09 Talent Acquisition and Development 20:57 Transitioning from Investment Banking to PrivateEquity 22:07 Challenges in Financial Modeling for Different Sectors 22:48 Overcoming Rejections and Finding the Right Fit 25:31 Advice for Aspiring Private Equity Professionals 26:25 The Importance of Reputation and Relationships 28:46 Differences Between Investment Banking and PrivateEquity 32:22 Current Challenges in Private Equity 34:25 The Deal Team for Hire Model 37:40 Building and Expanding Edgewater 40:03 Leadership and Personal Growth 42:06 Reflecting on Career Plans and Flexibility 44:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of The Investment Banking Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Greg Rodgers from Latham & Watkins, one of the industry's most respected capital markets lawyers!With nearly 30 years of experience, Greg has advised on some of the biggest deals—including Spotify’s groundbreaking direct listing—and has built a career at the intersection of law, finance, and innovation.🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ How Greg transitioned from philosophy student to capital markets leader✅ The Spotify deal and how it changed the game for IPOs✅ Why great lawyers act as the “grease” in a smooth transaction✅ How to build meaningful client relationships that last decades✅ The biggest emerging trends in capital markets and the impact of AI✅ Greg’s best career advice for junior professionals in law and finance🚀 Whether you’re an aspiring lawyer, investment banker, or finance professional, this episode is packed with valuable insights from one of the best in the business.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:38 Guest Introduction: Greg Rodgers02:51 Greg's Career Journey and Role at Latham & Watkins07:25 Insights on Time Management and Networking10:25 Building Client Relationships13:27 The Spotify Direct Listing17:00 The Role of Lawyers in Transactions18:29 Leadership Advice for Aspiring Leaders27:50 Emerging Trends and Future Outlook32:11 Final Thoughts and Recommendations🔔 Subscribe for more insights from industry leaders!📩 Got questions or topics you’d love to hear about? Drop them in the comments!🔗 Follow us on LinkedIn for more: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/altrum-dealtoys/#InvestmentBanking #CorporateLaw #Latham&Watkins #CorporateLawyer #Spotify #FinanceLeadership #CapitalMarkets #AI #Technology #Networking

Welcome to The Investment Banking Leaders Podcast, where we dive deep into the minds of industry giants! In this episode, we sit down with John Stamatis, Managing Director and Co-Head of North America at Howden Capital Markets and Advisory (HCMA). John shares his unique journey and insights from his decade-long experience building HCMA from the ground up. Learn about HCMA's strategic focus on the global insurance and reinsurance industry, its approach to M&A advisory, capital markets, and insurance-linked securities. Discover how HCMA differentiates itself through deep specialization, integrated collaboration within the Howden Group, and a relentless focus on client service and execution. John also discusses the importance of building a strong talent pipeline, fostering a collaborative culture, and maintaining client relationships. Tune in for valuable career advice, leadership lessons, and John's vision for the future of investment banking. Don't miss this informative conversation packed with strategies that can fast-track your career!00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:38 Guest Introduction: John Stamatis01:54 John's Career Journey and HCMA's Growth06:31 Scaling the Team and Strategic Integration11:02 Talent Development and Culture17:54 Client Relationships and Execution26:04 Industry Evolution and Future Opportunities34:28 Leadership Advice and Personal Insights39:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Welcome to The Investment Banking Leaders Podcast, brought to you by The Investment Banking Leaders Club. In this episode, our host Peter Nieberg sits down with Allan Bertie, Head of European Investment Banking at Raymond James, UK. Allan shares his extraordinary 32-year journey from roles in firms like Schroders, DLJ, Bridgewell, Jefferies, and Raymond James, and his venture into entrepreneurship in renewable energy. Gain insights into his philosophy on resilience, leadership, and collegiate environments in investment banking. Hearabout his experiences with global transactions, navigating economic cycles, and his views on Ai's role in future deal-making. Don't miss this engaging conversation with a leader who has closed numerous deals, generating billions of dollars. Join us for actionable advice and strategies to accelerate yourcareer!   00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:38 Guest Introduction: Alan Bertie 02:01 Allan's Career Journey 06:22 Experiences at DLJ 08:28 Entrepreneurial Ventures 10:40 Current Role at Raymond James 12:34 Leadership Insights 15:19 Building Collegiate Environments 18:52 Cracking the C-Suite 20:46 Top 5%: The Power of Diligence and Follow-Up 21:12 Key Traits for Building Strong Relationships 21:40 Opportunities and Challenges for Modern Leaders 22:26 Ai's Impact on the Future of Deal Making 24:58 Evolving Dynamics in Private Equity 27:57 Resilience and Tenacity in Investment Banking 32:57 Global Travel and Networking Highlights 34:04 Advice for Aspiring Investment Bankers 35:10 The Importance of Continuous Learning 37:47 Final Thoughts and Future Outlook