The Mergers Podcast

From a Bedsit to MD at BlackRock [Special Guest - Henry Odogwu]

The Mergers

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.