In this episode of The Investment Banking Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Larry Grafstein, Deputy Chairman, Global Investment Banking at RBC Capital Markets.

Larry shares his unconventional journey from law and politics to investment banking, offering valuable insights on building relationships, winning major deals, and achieving a work-life balance.

With over $1 trillion in transactions under his belt, Larry’s wisdom on navigating high-stakes finance and fostering professional connections is a must-hear for aspiring finance professionals! ____________________________________________

The Investment Banking Leaders Podcast

Hosted by Peter Nieberg

Produced by Peter Nieberg and Brett Dayman

Edited by Natalia Revere

In this episode of the Investment Banking Leaders podcast, host Pete Nieberg interviews Neno Raic, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at NLC.

Founded in 2021, NLC has become the first independent alternative fund finance lender dedicated to providing financing solutions to general partners and the funds they manage.

Raic shares insights from his journey in the fund financing space, the impact of recent banking crises on the industry, and the importance of building a solid team culture in the ever-growing NLC.

He also discusses the transition from corporate banking to entrepreneurship, the value of networking, mentorship, and the significance of persistence and excitement in fundraising. Additionally, Raic emphasizes the importance of celebrating successes and encourages interested individuals to consider the growing field of fund financing.

00:00 Meet Neno Raic: A Trailblazer in Fund Financing

02:09 The Evolution of Fund Financing with Neno Raic

03:40 Neno's Journey: From Croatia to Fund Finance Innovator

07:50 The Importance of Fund Finance in Investment Banking

11:47 Mindset and Skillset: Keys to Success in Fund Finance

16:05 Mastering the Art of Fundraising and Adding Value

22:06 Navigating Career Transitions in Finance

23:42 The Essence of Problem Solving in Business

24:12 Navigating Challenges and Embracing Opportunities

24:53 Leadership Insights: Building a Culture and Team Dynamics

26:44 The Power of Core Values in Shaping a Company

28:59 Transitioning from Investment Banking to Entrepreneurship

30:58 The Role of Mentorship in Career Development

33:44 Networking: A Necessary Skill for Founders

35:37 Fund Finance: Opportunities and Growth

37:23 Looking Ahead: Plans and Predictions for NLC

39:33 Reflecting on Career Advice and Continuous Learning

43:44 Closing Thoughts and Open Invitation

This episode features Justine Mannering, an accomplished Managing Director on the Consumer Retail Team at Stifel in New York, sharing her extensive investment banking experience and insights on career growth, diversity and inclusion, networking, and work-life balance.

Starting her career at DC Advisory and rapidly advancing, Mannering has executed over a hundred transactions across various consumer segments. She emphasizes the importance of building robust expertise, leveraging networking for career advancement, the role of mentorship and sponsorship, and actively participating in diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Mannering also discusses the challenges and opportunities presented by technology in the banking sector, the significance of building meaningful relationships within the industry, and offers practical advice for professionals at different stages of their banking careers. Her unique perspective as a founding member of Exponent Women highlights the need for platforms that support women in finance!

00:00 Welcome to the Investment Banking Leaders Podcast Series 2

00:41 Meet Justine Mannering: A Trailblazer in Investment Banking

03:05 Justine's Unexpected Journey into Investment Banking

06:12 The Evolution of Investment Banking: Challenges and Technology

09:48 Building a Successful Career in Investment Banking

12:45 The Power of Sponsorship and Building Meaningful Connections

19:28 Embracing New Opportunities: Justine's Experience with Team Building

23:51 Championing Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace

27:19 Empowering Women in Banking: Strategies and Insights

28:14 The Importance of Networking and Building Supportive Communities

29:31 Balancing Family and Career in Investment Banking

32:38 Creating a Supportive Work Environment and Recognizing Achievements

37:11 Navigating the Post-COVID Work Environment: Challenges and Adaptations

40:23 Effective Networking Strategies for Investment Bankers

43:19 Reflecting on a Career in Investment Banking: Advice and Insights

47:05 Final Thoughts and Resources for Professional Growth

This episode features an enlightening conversation with Karan Goyal, Managing Director of Group Strategy, M&A, and Venture Capital at Emirates MBD in Dubai.

Goyal shares his extensive journey in the investment banking sector, starting from boutique investment banks in India, moving to Dubai, and eventually joining Emirates NBD. He delves into his role in expanding the bank's international presence through strategic M&A transactions and talks about the uniqueness of in-house investment banking compared to traditional advisory roles.

The discussion covers key aspects of leadership, the importance of networking, work-life balance, the impact of technology on banking, and the value of recognition within the industry. Karan offers invaluable insights for both aspiring investment bankers and seasoned professionals on navigating a successful career in this dynamic field!

00:00 Meet Karan Goyal: A Journey from Investment Banking to Emirates MBD

01:54 The Evolution of Emirates MBD and Karan's Role

04:24 Karan's Personal Journey into Investment Banking

07:40 Insights into In-House Investment Banking vs. M&A Advisory

16:55 Transitioning to In-House: Skills, Preparation, and Challenges

22:49 Advice for Vice Presidents Aspiring to MD Level

26:10 The Importance of Networking for Career Advancement

26:32 Building Strong Professional Relationships

27:35 The Importance of Networking Beyond Work

28:54 Adapting to Post-COVID Work Environments

29:21 The Value of In-Person Networking in the Hybrid Work Era

31:35 Leveraging Events and Technology for Networking

32:44 Future Trends in Banking and Customer Centricity

34:45 Leadership Skills for the Financial Industry

41:07 Recognition and Culture in Investment Banking

44:53 Personal Growth and Work-Life Balance

49:22 Final Thoughts on Investment Banking as a Career

This episode features Maren Winnick, a senior Managing Director at Evercore in New York, discussing her extensive career in biotech and healthcare investment banking.

Maren shares her journey from consulting at Monitor Group and her time at Goldman Sachs, to leading Moderna Therapeutics' corporate finance and investor relations, before joining Evercore in 2017.

She also talks about her role as co-head of Evercore Women's Network, aimed at supporting and mentoring women in finance. Maren gives advice on building a successful career in investment banking, the importance of networking and mentorship, achieving work-life balance, and her efforts towards promoting female leadership in the industry.

She emphasizes personal growth, the value of facing challenging situations, and the importance of aligning with rising stars in the industry for career development!

00:00 Meet Maren Winnick: A Biotech Investment Banking Powerhouse

01:08 Introduction to Evercore and Its Impact in Investment Banking

02:05 Maren's Unexpected Journey into Investment Banking

03:58 Overcoming Introversion: Tips for Success in Client Service

06:58 Leveraging Diverse Experiences for a Successful Career

13:14 Advice for Aspiring Investment Bankers: From Analyst to MD

16:58 Building Meaningful Relationships and Navigating a Demanding Career

20:42 Achieving Work-Life Integration in High-Pressure Jobs

22:13 Balancing Work and Personal Life: Insights and Strategies

22:57 Empowering Through Communication: The Key to Work-Life Harmony

24:07 Elevating Women in the Workplace: The Ever Cause Women's Network

25:57 Strategies for Promoting Female Leadership in Investment Banking

28:06 The Importance of Sponsorship and Networking for Career Advancement

33:05 Cultivating a Positive Work Culture and Team Recognition

37:05 Adapting to Post-Covid Work Environments and Embracing Flexibility

39:06 Reflecting on Career Growth and Future Aspirations

41:03 Leadership Insights: Reading for Success

42:01 Final Thoughts and Career Advice

In this episode of the 'Investment Banking Leaders Podcast', host Pete Nieberg interviews Armin Heuberger, a seasoned investment banker with over 25 years of experience, currently serving as the managing director and head of ECM for Germany and Austria, and equity linked in EMEA.

Based in Frankfurt, Heuberger shares his journey from starting his career at Merrill Lynch in New York, to his successful stint at Morgan Stanley in London, and finally leading the team at UBS.

Alongside his career development, he emphasizes the importance of versatility in investment banking, taking opportunities to learn across different sectors and products, and building direct relationships with investors.

Armin also discusses the shifts in banking culture post-Brexit and COVID-19, the balance between client demands and work life, and the significance of leadership style and team dynamics in driving success!

00:00 Meet Armin Heuberger: A Journey Through Investment Banking

02:47 Armin's Path to Investment Banking: From Apprenticeship to Expertise

05:25 The Essence of Investment Banking: Client Relationships and Deal Success

08:08 The Art of Execution in Investment Banking

09:43 Building Versatility and Skills in Investment Banking

22:05 Advice for Navigating and Succeeding in the Equity Space

25:05 Decoding Financial Metrics and Investor Insights

26:08 Cultivating Career-Defining Relationships

26:29 Strategic Advice for Aspiring Executives

27:11 Navigating the VP Level: Focus and Relationships

29:27 Leadership Style and Development at the VP Level

30:37 Exploring Personal Growth and Leadership Philosophies

34:23 Fostering Team Success and Recognition in Investment Banking

37:35 Adapting to Changes in European Investment Banking Post-Brexit

39:53 Balancing Client Demands with Team Well-being

43:11 Reflecting on a Career in Investment Banking

45:39 Final Thoughts and Personal Mantras

In this extensive interview, Dominic Lester, a seasoned investment banker with over 32 years of experience and current EMEA Head of Investment Banking and Joint Global Head of Technology at Jefferies, London, shares his journey from starting at Dylan Reed in New York to growing Jefferies' investment banking sector in EMEA.

He discusses Jefferies' evolution into a top global investment bank, focusing solely on M&A and capital markets advice without delving into wealth or commercial banking.

Dominic speaks about the transition from specialist to leader, emphasizing the importance of persistence, adaptability, and the power of persuasion in investment banking. He also touches on the dynamic nature of the industry, the challenges of leading and motivating teams, the value of client relationships, and the impact of AI and technology on investment banking.

Furthermore, he shares personal insights into the significance of embracing diverse cultures and experiences for professional growth and the importance of looking beyond immediate tasks to understand and influence the broader business landscape!

00:00 Meet Dominic Lester: A Titan in Investment Banking

00:28 Dominic's Journey: From Boutique Banks to Jefferies

01:51 The Essence of Jefferies: A Pure Play Investment Bank

04:12 Dominic's Personal Insights: Memory, Persuasion, and Success

07:13 The Art of Deal-Making: Strategies and Challenges

12:56 Dominic's Advice: Overcoming Challenges in Investment Banking

18:06 Choosing the Right Company: Leadership and Adaptability

22:53 Attracting and Building Talented Teams

28:37 The Balancing Act of Specialization and Leadership

30:34 Recognizing Success Beyond Financial Results

32:43 Personalized Motivation: The Key to Team Success

34:44 Leadership Development: Insights and Opportunities

36:25 Embracing Diversity and Change in Investment Banking

40:21 The Value of Cultural Adaptability in Global Business

43:57 AI's Role in Shaping the Future of Investment Banking

48:08 Reflecting on Career Growth and Advice for the Future

In this episode of the Investment Banking Leaders Podcast, we're joined by Maria Watts, Managing Director and Co-Head of Global Consumer Investment Banking at Baird in Chicago.

With over 20 years of experience in investment banking and a portfolio of transactions exceeding $30 billion, Maria shares her journey from an analyst at Stephens to her current role at Baird. She delves into her passion for recruiting, coaching, and developing talent within the industry.

Maria also discusses the importance of intellectual curiosity, team dynamics, and the intrinsic meritocracy of investment banking. She emphasizes the role of culture and mentorship in career development, offering advice for aspiring bankers at various stages of their careers.

Additionally, Maria touches on the impact of Covid-19 on workplace relationships and strategies for navigating current industry challenges. Her insights extend to the value of female leadership, the importance of data for leveraging AI in investment banking, and recommendations for personal development and navigating feedback.

The conversation concludes with personal anecdotes, including her skydiving adventure, and essential reading suggestions for professionals seeking growth!

00:00 Welcome to the Investment Banking Leaders Podcast with Maria Watts

01:40 Introducing Baird: A Global Middle Market Investment Bank

02:26 Maria's Unexpected Journey into Investment Banking

04:22 Skydiving Adventures: Maria's Thrilling Experience

05:34 Building a Successful Investment Banking Career: Strategies and Reflections

06:55 The Importance of Recognition in Investment Banking

08:49 Owning Your Career: Maria's Advice on Skill Development

13:07 Feedback and Evaluation: Navigating Challenges and Growth

14:44 Fostering Strong Peer-to-Peer Relationships in Investment Banking

18:46 Addressing Challenges and Opportunities for Analysts and Associates

23:01 Navigating Career Growth: Insights for Business School Graduates

24:34 Transitioning from VP to MD: Strategies for Success

27:25 Empowering Female Leadership in Investment Banking

34:51 Cultivating a Supportive Culture and Mentorship

37:15 Strategic Leadership and Navigating Industry Challenges

40:16 Embracing AI and Data for Future Success

41:57 Fostering a Positive Culture in Investment Banking

44:36 Personal Reflections and Advice for Aspiring Bankers

46:04 Recommended Reads for Personal and Professional Growth

47:32 Concluding Thoughts and the Value of Self-Reflection