The Mergers Podcast

From a small bedsit in South London to Managing Director at BlackRock - Henry Odogwu’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. In this episode of The Mergers Podcast, Rory and Ken sit down with Henry to discuss:

• Growing up in a Nigerian immigrant household: How his father's journey from bank manager in Nigeria to security guard in London shaped his work ethic.
• Breaking into finance with no traditional background: How he pivoted from mechanical engineering to high finance.
• The reality of being the only Black graduate in his cohort: Navigating a world where few people looked like him.
• Mastering the art of networking and career growth: Going from being overlooked for promotion to a shoo-in in just one year.
• Sales, resilience, and deal-making: Henry’s frameworks for closing deals, staying top of mind, and making the right career moves.
• The importance of mentorship and social mobility: Why Henry is giving back and what you can do to succeed in finance without the ‘insider knowledge.’

Packed with practical career advice and hard-earned lessons, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to break into finance, grow their career, or understand the mindset required to succeed at the highest levels.

In this episode of The Mergers Podcast, Rory and Ken welcome Laila, a trailblazer in fund finance with an inspiring journey. Now at Validus Risk Management, a boutique firm facilitating over half a trillion dollars in trades, Laila shares her unique insights into the world of private capital management.

Starting her career at PNC Financial Services (a $75 billion market cap bank), Laila ascended from intern to Associate Director in under five years - a meteoric rise in the corporate world. But her path took an unexpected twist when she stepped away to pursue a passion for cooking, studying at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu in London before returning to finance with renewed purpose.

This episode dives into the intricacies of fund finance, including capital call lines, NAV facilities, and bespoke solutions for private equity and venture capital managers. Laila breaks down complex concepts like how private funds leverage external capital to optimize IRR and DPI trade-offs. She also reflects on the rise of private credit in an era where banks are retreating from traditional lending.

Beyond finance, the conversation explores resilience, career pivots, and finding balance in high-pressure environments. Whether you're navigating your first job, striving for career growth, or simply curious about the evolving finance landscape, this episode offers actionable insights and a touch of humour.

Tune in to hear the full story from soup to nuts!

In this episode of The Mergers Podcast, Ken and I sit down with Mahim Husnain, Investment Associate at ITV Adventures, to dive into the relatively new media-for-equity model reshaping venture capital. Discover how ITV leverages its reach-over 70% of UK households-to empower startups, scale brands, and disrupt traditional VC approaches.

Key topics include:
📺 The power of TV advertising in building trust and brand recognition
🤝 How media-for-equity works and why it’s changing the game for startups
🐶 Unique trends in consumer tech: From health and fem tech to pet tech
🌍 Mahim’s journey through KPMG, private equity, and ITV Adventures

This episode is packed with actionable insights for founders, VCs, and anyone navigating the ever-evolving consumer venture landscape.

Listen now to learn how media can be a catalyst for growth and why ITV’s approach is one to watch.

In Episode 15 of The Mergers Podcast, Rory and Ken sit down with Karan Chouhan, Series B and C investor at Valiance, to explore the dynamics of venture capital, career transitions, and finding the right team to make big ideas work.

From his early days in finance at Barclays and KPMG to transitioning into venture capital through Mountside Ventures, Karan shares an inspiring journey filled with bold moves and lessons learned. Discover how he leverages operational and financial expertise to navigate VC’s challenges, build conviction, and identify startups poised for success.

Key highlights include:

• The art of balancing "vibes-based investing" with financial rigor.
• Why a great team can make even bad ideas work (and vice versa).
• How to transition into VC and move up the value chain.
• Why "blind faith" in founders isn't so blind after all.
• The allure of Dragon’s Den and how it inspired Karan's path.

Plus, some candid banter about Wall Street Oasis ("Twitter for bankers"), investing myths, and the joys of failing upwards. Whether you're an aspiring VC or curious about the inner workings of venture, this episode is packed with insights and laughs.

🔗 Listen now and subscribe to The Mergers Podcast!

Welcome to Episode 14 of The Mergers Podcast!

In this episode, Rory and Ken dive into the rapidly evolving world of crypto and institutional finance with Charlie Preston, Relationship Manager at Copper, one of the UK’s leading crypto companies. Copper's cutting-edge custodial solutions are reshaping how institutions securely trade and hold digital assets, and Charlie shares invaluable insights from his frontline experience.

Highlights:

• Copper's ClearLoop platform, facilitating $60 billion in monthly notional trade volume with 21,000 settlements – all running 24/7.
• How segregated custody solutions minimize risk and build trust with institutional clients.
• The impact of regulatory developments and the growing role of institutions in driving the future of crypto adoption.
• The buzz around real-world asset tokenization and its potential to revolutionize financial markets.
• Why blockchain transparency is key to transforming traditional finance.

Charlie also shares his unique career journey from insurance broking to crypto, advice for young professionals entering the space, and insights into the industry's most exciting trends.

Quick Takes:

• Bitcoin price prediction for the cycle? Charlie isn’t afraid to call his shot.
• The growing importance of Know Your Customer (KYC) in professionalizing the crypto space.
• What institutions like BlackRock and Fidelity are doing to reshape perceptions of digital assets.

Tune in if you're looking to learn more about the space, how to break into crypto... or simply just want to know what your BTC may be worth by year end!

Breaking Barriers in Venture Capital [Special Guest - Eleanor Kaye]

In this episode of the Mergers Podcast, we’re joined by Eleanor Kaye, Managing Director of the Newton Venture Program, to discuss her unconventional career path and mission to democratize access to venture capital. From her early career in media to her transformative role at Palantir, Eleanor opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped her journey.

We explore:

• Eleanor’s unique transition from Media Studies to leading a VC training program.
• Her time at Palantir and how it influenced her leadership style.
• The creation of Newton Venture Program and its mission to increase diversity in venture capital.
• Practical advice for those looking to break into new industries, particularly tech and venture capital.

Whether you're interested in the future of venture capital, or simply curious about career transitions, this episode offers valuable insights and advice from one of the industry's leading voices.

Tune in to Episode 13 of the Mergers Podcast!

In Episode 12 of the Mergers Podcast, The Merger's member, Hector Mendez gives an inside look into the demanding world of investment banking. With 6 years of experience leading major tech M&A deals, including a $250 million sale to Ripple Labs, Hector shares what it really takes to succeed in IB—from mastering financial models to navigating the intense "up-or-out" culture. He also offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into recruitment, explaining how he filtered through 1,000 intern applications to hire just one or two: “500 were good, but we could only take a couple.”

Hector provides practical advice for those entering the field, warning it’s a path for those ready to sacrifice: "It’s not rocket science, but it’s long hours and a lot of work." For those already in IB but struggling, he advises sticking it out for a couple of years to gain valuable experience. He also reflects on his personal transition out of IB to a role at the CFA Institute, where he's found a better work-life balance.

This episode offers a candid, no-nonsense discussion on what it takes to thrive in investment banking. Whether you’re breaking in or simply curious about the industry, Hector’s story provides actionable insights and a realistic view of life in high finance.

Tune in for a thoughtful and eye-opening conversation on the Mergers Podcast!

In this episode, Rory and Ken are back from a busy summer to sit down with Asif Ahmed, Head of Early Stage, Tech & High Growth at Cooper Parry. Known as the rebels of accountancy, Cooper Parry is shaking up the industry—and Asif’s career path is just as unconventional. From his family-business roots to his role in PwC and advisory positions, Asif shares how he’s managed to carve out a unique niche in a competitive field.

We dive into Asif’s insights on the current state of his industry, the future of work, and the skills young professionals need to thrive in a rapidly changing job market. Expect plenty of valuable advice, alongside our usual humour, as we explore Asif’s career journey and his advice for those daring to break the mold. Plus, hear from our videographer Gaz, who drops in to ask some burning questions about how the mysterious ‘Original Pound!’

Tune in - This one's a corker!

In this episode we Navigate Treasury Management & Careers with Imran Siddiqi, Head of Treasury at Juni. With a rich background managing Treasury functions at Bitpanda, Belmont Green Finance, and Paragon Banking Group, Imran shares his expertise on navigating liquidity, interest rate risk, and the ever-evolving financial landscape. Tune in as we explore his career journey, discuss the current market shifts, and dive into the innovative tools reshaping Treasury operations. Whether you’re an aspiring professional or a seasoned expert, this episode offers invaluable insights into Treasury management’s core functions and future direction... Along with plenty of career advice for up and comers.

Perfect for finance enthusiasts eager to learn from the best, this episode will leave you with actionable strategies to excel in the dynamic world of Treasury.

In this deeply introspective episode of The Mergers Podcast, Rory and Ken are joined by Basil, whose journey spans from a family empire in Sudan to the world of M&A. This conversation dives into the intersection of legacy, business, and leadership, offering invaluable lessons for entrepreneurs, professionals, and those navigating family businesses.

Key highlights include:

• Building a Legacy: Basil shares the fascinating history of his family’s conglomerate, Saeed Group, a Sudanese industrial powerhouse spanning FMCG, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and more. At its peak, the company employed 5,000 people and was a cornerstone of Sudan's economy.

• Cultural and Financial Insights: Basil discusses the challenges of running a large family business in a complex environment—balancing Islamic financial principles, managing assets during geopolitical instability, and navigating relationships in a close-knit family dynamic.

• Entrepreneurial Beginnings: From launching a livestock trading venture to building agricultural greenhouses, Basil recounts how his early ventures instilled resilience, discipline, and an appreciation for the scientific side of business.

• The Transition to M&A: Discover how Basil’s hands-on experience in his family’s portfolio inspired him to pursue M&A and finance, ultimately leading him to specialize in chemicals and life sciences at one of London’s top firms.

• Leadership Lessons: This episode explores Basil’s evolution from a young professional trying to make his mark to a reflective leader focused on earning trust, fostering collaboration, and inspiring teams to perform at their best.

With anecdotes ranging from running startups to managing multi-generational family dynamics, this episode offers a mix of business insights, cultural perspectives, and personal growth. Whether you’re leading a team, exploring your career path, or managing a family enterprise, there’s something here for everyone.