The Mergers Podcast
The official podcast of The Mergers! Listen to learn from those currently rising up the ranks in High Finance and from those who have already built their empire! Frequent guest episodes including those who run their own Private Equity, Family Office or Venture Capital Firms! We cover:
- Industry Insights into: Investment Banking, Private Equity, Venture Capital
- Bulge Brackets to Niche: Goldman Sachs & Blackrock to Sports & Media Private Equity.
- Career Advice for how to get ahead.
Expect a healthy mix of anecdotes, advice and laughs from those at the top of their game!
The Mergers Podcast
Generational Wealth, Emotional Intelligence and M&A
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.