Survive and Thrive on Wall Street: Career Advice from a 37-Year Veteran
In this episode, Anthony is joined by Marc Bergeron, a veteran of nearly four decades in finance, from bond trading in the '80s to co-founding his own firm and now championing mentorship at Orchard Global, a leading alternative investment manager. Marc shares real stories about navigating market crashes, learning the hard way about soft skills, and why adaptability and resilience are make-or-break traits in today’s finance world. Whether you're a student wondering where to start or a young professional trying to find your edge, Marc's journey offers invaluable insights (and a few hard-won lessons) to help you grow and thrive in the industry.(00:00) Intro & Guest Intro(01:31) From Engineering to Finance(03:39) Life on the ’80s Trading Floor(07:33) Starting a Finance Firm (14:54) Entrepreneurial Mindset(14:29) Soft Skills in Finance(17:10) Resilience & Adaptability(24:06) Mentoring & Continuous Learning(31:17) Organisational Resilience(34:06) Biggest Lessons & Regrets(38:22) One Book You Should Read(42:00) Final Thoughts & Warwick Event*****Register for the EVENT on campus at the University of Warwick on Thursday, 29th October (6-8pm).
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Breaking into Asset Management: Advice from a Boutique CEO
In this Career Insight episode, Anthony Cheung speaks with Ben Hayward, co-founder and CEO of TwentyFour Asset Management, about his unexpected journey into finance. From studying history of art and pursuing advertising to launching a fixed-income boutique in the midst of the 2008 financial crisis, Ben shares invaluable lessons in career adaptability, leadership, and resilience.Whether you're a student eyeing your first internship or a young professional navigating your next move, this conversation offers practical advice on breaking into finance, understanding complex credit products, and thriving in asset management. Learn how to simplify financial storytelling, build confidence under pressure, and shape company culture from the top down.(00:00) Intro to Ben Hayward & 24AM(04:42) From Art to Finance(08:07) Starting Out at Citi(13:03) Becoming an Entrepreneur(19:23) Managing Stress & Resilience(25:40) Building Culture at 24AM(34:10) The power of storytelling(43:27) Asset Management Explained(47:35) What makes Fixed Income Unique(52:16) Advice on Confidence & Resilience(56:24) Career Tips for SuccessFind out more about TwentyFour Asset Management
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$55B LBO Deal, Jefferies Banking Signal & London’s IPO Decline
In this episode of the Market Maker podcast, we dive into the largest leveraged buyout in history - Electronic Arts going private in a $55 billion all-cash deal led by Saudi Arabia’s PIF, Silver Lake, and Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners. What does this blockbuster transaction say about the future of gaming, geopolitics, and private capital?We also unpack Jefferies’ record-breaking Q3 performance as dealmaking makes a comeback. Is this a lead indicator for bulge bracket banks like Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan?Finally, we look at why London has dropped out of the top 20 global IPO markets for the first time in decades. With capital increasingly flowing to the US, what can the UK do to reclaim its financial edge?From LBO mechanics and corporate strategy misfires to the intersection of AI, finance, and global power plays, this is an episode packed with insight for anyone tracking markets, banking, and business strategy.(00:00) Intro & Themes in Focus(02:25) US Gov Shutdown & Market Impact(09:26) Coca-Cola's Costa Coffee Misstep(14:02) Biggest Leverage Buyout Ever(19:33) Saudi's Gaming Investment Strategy(27:16) EA Deal Breakdown(31:44) Strategic Themes in EA Deal(34:49) Jeffries' Record & Insights(39:14) London's IPO Market Decline(44:24) Fixing London's Financial Scene****Take part in a free Markets Finance Accelerator Simulation Find out more about AmplifyME and our work in attraction, training and assessments for leading financial and academic institutions all over the world.
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Breaking Into Wealth Management | Romy Cuadras, Pictet Wealth Management
In this episode, Anthony speaks with Romy Cuadras, Head of Alternatives and Fund Solutions at Pictet Wealth Management, about her unconventional path into finance and the lessons she’s learned across global markets.Romy shares how her Cuban heritage, resilience, and adaptability shaped a career spanning operations, trading, hedge funds, and now leading alternatives for ultra-high-net-worth clients. She offers practical advice on navigating pressure, stakeholder management, and why curiosity, courage, and financial independence are critical skills for young professionals.It’s an honest look at succeeding in wealth management, full of insights on soft skills, resilience, and standing out in an increasingly competitive industry.(00:00) Intro(00:49) Romy’s Journey(10:43) Positive Mindset (15:59) Head of Alternatives(17:38) Soft Skills in Finance(25:37) Thriving Under Pressure(33:19) Stakeholder Dynamics(39:06) Diversity as Strength(45:33) Standout Performers(51:22) Meaningful Career*****Sign up for the daily Market Maker Newsletter Find out more about www.amplifyme.comConnect with Anthony Cheung
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Nvidia’s $100bn AI Bet, Trump’s U-Turn, and HSBC’s Quantum Leap
In this week’s Market Maker Podcast, Anthony and Piers dive into three huge stories shaping markets, technology, and careers in finance:Trump’s U-turn on Ukraine & the defense stock boom – What does his latest stance mean for NATO, Europe’s defense spending, and why has one German arms manufacturer surged 2,000% since the war began?Nvidia’s $100bn OpenAI deal & the global AI race – From landmark partnerships with OpenAI, Alibaba, and Intel, to political maneuvering at the top table, we break down how Nvidia is cementing itself as the backbone of AI infrastructure.HSBC’s quantum leap – The bank claims a 34% improvement in bond price predictions using quantum computing. We unpack what this really means, how it could reshape Wall Street, and why students and early-career professionals should pay attention.Whether you’re curious about markets, fascinated by frontier tech, or exploring your future in finance, this episode connects the dots between geopolitics, AI, quantum, and the career skills that will matter most.💡 Timestamps(00:00) Intro & Topics(02:04) Trump’s U-Turn & Defense Stocks(08:55) Nvidia’s $100bn OpenAI Deal(25:13) Nvidia’s Global Strategy & Politics(30:45) Quantum Computing in Finance👉 Useful ResourcesAmplifyME free Markets Finance AcceleratorAmplifyME free Banking Finance Accelerator📌 Student Training Programmes5-day In-Person Bootcamp in London3-Week Virtual Summer Analyst Programme🤝 ConnectAnthony CheungPiers Curran
Twice a week, we bring finance to life in a fun, engaging way for anyone interested in the world of finance, whether you're a professional, a student, or just curious to learn more.
Hosted by Anthony Cheung, a LinkedIn Top Voice, every Monday 'The Deal Room' dives into the latest M&A and private equity deals, uncovering the business strategies behind them. On Fridays, 'The Trading Floor' segment explores market trends, from macro themes to single stocks and crypto.
Our goal? To make finance interesting and accessible for everyone!
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