How do you break into finance without a traditional background? Salena Lee, a Director in Real Estate Investment Banking EMEA at JLL, shares her unconventional journey from politics to investment banking and private equity, revealing the challenges, opportunities, and mindset shifts that made it possible.

She discusses the importance of self-awareness, networking, and the balance between technical and soft skills in career success. Salena also dives into cultural differences in business, the power of mentorship and sponsorship, and why patience is key to long-term growth.

(00:00) Navigating an Unconventional Career Path

(03:16) Transitioning into Finance: Challenges and Opportunities

(07:31) The Importance of Self-Awareness in Career Growth

(10:08) Technical Skills vs. Soft Skills in Finance

(12:22) Cultural Influences on Business Practices

(16:58) Mastering Presentation Skills

(18:54) Realities of Finance Careers: Investment Banking vs. Private Equity

(21:55) Managing Stress in High-Pressure Environments

(24:14) The Art of Selling Yourself

(28:30) The Role of Mentorship and Sponsorship

(34:49) The Importance of Patience in Career Development

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What do Tesla, Chevron, Paul Weiss, Accenture, and Boeing all have in common? In this episode, Anthony and Stephen dive into the companies most impacted, positively or negatively, by Donald Trump’s latest term in office.

From surprise military contracts and stealth fighter jets to sanctions, executive orders, and collapsing EV valuations, this episode breaks down how politics and policy are shaking up corporate America.

You’ll learn:

(00:00) Introduction to Trump's Impact on Companies

(02:45) Tesla's Rollercoaster Ride

(09:43) Chevron and Tariff Day

(13:56) Paul Weiss: Politics and Law

(19:41) Accenture's Consulting Challenges

(23:11) Boeing's Military Contracts and Future Prospects

This is Part 1 of a two-part series tracking 10 companies caught in the Trump storm, so remember to follow and tune in next week for part 2!

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Is the UK economy teetering on the edge, or are we all just stuck in a cycle of doomscrolling and media hype?

In this episode, Anthony and Piers unpack the headlines dominating UK news, from surprisingly strong retail sales and wage growth to rising inflation forecasts and the Chancellor’s latest budget. Is this the start of a turnaround, or just a temporary blip before more pain to come?

We explore:

(01:24) The UK Economy: A Stagnation Debate

(04:21) Retail Sales: Signs of Recovery?

(07:10) Wage Growth and Consumer Spending

(10:11) Comparing UK and US Consumer Behavior

(13:50) Inflation Trends and Economic Outlook

(21:52) The Impact of the Budget on the Economy

(27:15) Final Thoughts: Is the UK on the Brink?

Listen now to find out if the UK is heading for stagnation… or finally shaking off the slump.

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In this episode, Anthony and Stephen discuss three major business stories: Google's acquisition of cybersecurity firm Wiz for $32 billion, PepsiCo's $2 billion purchase of prebiotic drink brand Poppi, and the record-setting $13 billion raised by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners for renewable energy investments. 

The conversation delves into the implications of these deals, the strategic rationale behind acquisitions, and the evolving landscape of ESG investing.

(04:21) Major Deals in Tech and Beverage Industries

(14:33) The Rise of Poppy and Strategic Acquisitions

(25:17) Fast Growth vs Cash Flow Positive Companies

(29:11) Renewable Energy Investments and ESG Trends

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In this episode, Anthony and Piers break down the latest decisions from the US Federal Reserve and the Bank of England, including why both central banks chose to hold interest rates and what it means for markets.

They unpack the implications of quantitative tightening (QT), explore shifts in the Fed’s balance sheet, and shed light on the importance of the dot plot and what it signals about future rate cuts. The conversation also covers the debate around transitory inflation, market reactions, and the growing uncertainty clouding the UK economy.

Perfect for anyone interested in central banks, monetary policy, macroeconomics, or making sense of today’s financial headlines.

(00:00) Central Bank Decisions Overview

(01:37) Fed's Economic Forecasts and Market Reactions

(04:35) Understanding Quantitative Tightening

(07:57) The Fed's Balance Sheet and Its Implications

(15:48) The Debt Ceiling Issue

(20:28) How the Market Reacted

(22:38) The Dot Plot Matrix Explained

(26:19) Transitory Inflation and Its Implications

(30:55) 2nd April is An Important Day

(32:39) Peak Global Uncertainty 

(35:02) The Bank of England's Position and Vote Split

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Former investment banker and private equity professional Emily Cook shares her journey into neuroscience and performance coaching, discussing the challenges and high demands of the finance industry, the importance of networking, and her insights on structured finance.

Emily breaks down science-backed strategies for managing stress, boosting productivity, and sustaining peak performance. From breathwork and wearable tech to harnessing the flow state, Emily explains how small shifts can lead to big improvements.

Ready to take control of your performance? Tune in to discover actionable strategies to work smarter, stay resilient, and reach your full potential.

(02:30) Introduction to Emily's Unique Journey

(12:02) Networking: Building Connections in Finance

(15:42) Understanding Structured Finance

(20:48) Navigating the Private Equity Landscape

(23:27) Defining Peak Performance

(29:54) Productivity: Common Mistakes and Remedies

(33:38) Managing Stress in High-Pressure Environments

(41:22) The Role of Wearable Devices

(43:59) Understanding Flow State

(48:40) Navigating the Flow Cycle

(1:00:27) Embracing Uniqueness in Your Journey

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In this episode of The Deal Room, Anthony and Stephen break down the latest high-stakes deals shaking up the investment banking world. From Goldman Sachs' $19 billion port sale and cost-cutting strategy (Project Voyage) to UBS’s role in the Walgreens Boots Alliance buyout, they uncover the strategies driving these financial powerhouses.

Plus, they explore Europe’s push for aerospace self-sufficiency and what Barclays' leadership shake-up means for its ambitious expansion in equity capital markets.

If you want to stay ahead of the curve in all things investment banking and private equity, this episode is for you!

(00:00) Introduction to The Deal Room & Topics

(03:30) Goldman Sachs: Major Deals and Strategies

(13:18) Project Voyage: Cost-Cutting and Relocation

(18:57) European Aerospace and Defense: Shifts in Advisory

(24:37) UBS and the Walgreens Boots Alliance Buyout

(31:23) Barclays: Leadership Changes in ECM

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Markets just took a hit, why? In this episode, Anthony and Piers break down the latest global market sell-off, unpacking the forces at play. From fresh tariff announcements and critical CPI data to technical market trends and Trump’s strategic economic moves, they dissect what’s really driving investor sentiment.

How do inflation reports shape policy decisions? What technical signals are traders watching? And what does all of this mean for markets moving forward? Tune in for a fast-paced, insight-packed discussion on the intersection of macro trends, market behavior, and economic strategy.

Listen now to stay ahead of the curve.

(00:00) Market Overview and Recent Sell-Off

(09:15) Technical Analysis and Market Behavior

(16:34) CPI Data and Inflation Insights

(21:27) Strategic Implications of Economic Policies

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Is the UK losing its edge in deal-making? In this episode, Anthony and Stephen break down the state of M&A, private equity, and IPOs, exploring how Brexit, FTSE 100 performance, and global competition are reshaping the market.

• Why are UK IPOs struggling against the US?
• What’s driving M&A activity or holding it back?
• How should investors navigate this shifting landscape?

Tune in for expert insights on where the UK market stands and where it’s headed!

(01:46) Introduction to UK Deal Making Insights

(02:51) M&A Trends in the UK

(09:35) Private Equity Landscape in the UK

(18:36) The State of IPOs in the UK

(24:25) Comparative Analysis: UK vs. US IPO Markets

(32:46) UK's Position in the European Market

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In this episode, Anthony and Piers break down the biggest shifts in global markets, from what's driving the euro’s rally against the dollar to the latest signals on US economic sentiment and whether a recession is on the horizon.

Tune in now for an easy-to-understand breakdown of the forces shaping markets this week.

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