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
From Kitchens to Capital Calls: A Transatlantic Journey in Finance
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!