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 intelligence
• The transition from producer to manager, and why so many bankers fail at it
• How convertible bonds became the ultimate training ground for future banking leaders
• Why great organisations deliberately develop leadership talent
• The difference between management and true leadership

Larry also shares powerful insights on:

• Building careers that compound over decades
• Leading through integrations, crises, and transformation
• The importance of EQ, empathy, and understanding client context
• Why young bankers must own their own growth and development

Including 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 origination

• Why understanding the “why” behind a business matter more than the numbers

• How long-term thinking and patience create proprietary deal flow

Jason also shares powerful lessons on:

• Origination and relationship building
• Hiring operators vs. traditional bankers
• Leading through uncertainty and market cycles

Including 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!