M&A Station is the podcast for investment banking professionals who want honest conversations about the industry they work in.
Hosted by Himanshu Singh, Founder of HSA Advisory and CorpFin Hub, each episode goes beyond deal league tables and market commentary into the careers, decisions, setbacks, and real lives of the people doing the work.
From bulge bracket to boutique, junior to senior, UK to cross-border. This is IB without the polish.
The conversation features Niketa, an executive director at Westpac Group, discussing her career journey from engineering to investment banking and corporate development. She reflects on her experiences in India and Australia, the challenges faced, and the evolution of her role in the banking sector. The conversation explores Niketa's journey in corporate development and investment banking, highlighting her experiences with significant transactions and the challenges of balancing work and family life. It also delves into her reflections on loyalty, cultural adaptation, and personal growth after moving from India to Australia.
Takeaways
Career evolution in banking
Importance of resilience in finance Significant transactions shape careers
Cultural adaptation fosters personal growth
Chapters
00:00 From India to Australia: A Career Journey
03:02 Early Days in Investment Banking
06:05 Transitioning from Engineering to Finance
09:10 The Role of Education in Career Development
11:56 Investment Banking Insights and Challenges
17:57 Corporate Development: A New Perspective
23:51 Reflections on a Successful Career
24:40 Navigating Complex Transactions
31:36 The Journey of a Junior Banker
33:26 Loyalty and Career Growth
37:00 Cultural Adaptation and Personal Reinvention
39:08 Pride Beyond Transactions
40:42 Rapid Fire Insights
11 Oct 2026
Season 1: Episode 6 with Imran Akhoun
The conversation features Imran, a seasoned professional in M&A and corporate development, sharing insights from his unique career journey that spans both advisory and operational roles in the technology sector. He discusses the lessons learned from his experiences, the pressures of corporate development, and the evolving landscape of software and media M&A. In this conversation, Imran shares his experiences and insights on working in finance, particularly in M&A, comparing the cultural differences between Paris and London, and discussing the challenges and triumphs of his career. He emphasizes the importance of adaptability and understanding the broader picture in the finance industry.
Takeaways
Unique perspective on M&A
Importance of adaptability in career Cultural differences in finance
Importance of adaptability in M&A
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Imran's Career Journey
02:01 Lessons from Early Career in Paris
06:01 Transitioning to London and Corporate Development
06:56 First Major Transaction Experience
11:05 Managing Pressure in Corporate Development
14:02 Significant Career Decisions and Opportunities
17:53 Understanding the Needs of Corporate Development
20:09 Insights on Software and Media M&A
21:59 Impact of AI on Software Valuations
26:09 The Unglamorous Side of Corporate Development
27:18 Navigating Career Reflections
28:09 Paris vs. London: A Cultural Comparison
29:56 The Impact of Language on Career
30:57 Landmark Transactions and Career Milestones
35:04 Life Beyond M&A: Hobbies and Family
36:01 Pride in Family and Personal Life
37:01 Connecting with Imran
37:59 Rapid Fire Insights
24 Aug 2026
Season 1: Spisode 5 with Sagar Sambrani
Sagar Sambrani, an executive director in G10 FX Options Trading at Namura in London, shares insights into his academic journey, career transition to finance, and experiences in trading across different cities. He also discusses the reality of trading, the significance of risk management, and the impact of market behavior on trading decisions. The conversation covers Sagar's transition from trader to team leader, his experiences in different cities, the factors that drew him to London, and his personal interests and hobbies. Sagar shares insights on leadership, career transitions, and work-life balance, along with his preferences in trading and living. He also discusses the impact of market events and the importance of family in his life.
Takeaways
Academic excellence and a diverse background can provide a strong foundation for a successful career in finance.
The reality of trading involves risk management, portfolio management, and the need to adapt to market cycles and volatility. Leadership in trading requires understanding team dynamics and anticipating challenges.
Transitioning to a new city involves personal and professional considerations.
Maintaining work-life balance is essential for mental well-being and family growth.
The best city for living and trading may vary based on personal preferences and career goals.
Chapters
00:00 Academic Excellence and Career Transition
03:01 Transition to Finance and Interest in Markets
04:25 Career Start and Experience in London
05:45 Transition to FX Options Trading
07:38 Understanding Market Behavior and Risk Management
18:58 Perspective on Trading and Career Lessons
23:37 Market Behavior and Trading Culture Across Cities
25:17 Transitioning from Trader to Team Leader
29:57 Moving Across Cities: Challenges and Decisions
31:36 Factors that Drew Sagar to London
36:22 Work-Life Balance and Personal Interests
42:10 Rapid Fire: Insights and Preferences
17 Jul 2026
Season 1: Episode 4 with Jaideep Kumar
The conversation covers the career journey of Jaidip Kumar, transitioning from Bangalore to Hong Kong to London, and the challenges and sacrifices faced in investment banking. It also explores the transition from engineering to investment banking and the impact of these experiences on career growth. The conversation delves into the importance of setting boundaries upfront and the passion required to build a career in investment banking. It explores career moments, KPIs, and the transition to the director level in investment banking. The discussion also covers specialization, adding value, and a comparison of institutions. Additionally, it touches on life outside investment banking, geographical journey, and a proud achievement outside investment banking. The rapid fire section provides insights and reflections on the journey from Patna to London via Hong Kong.
Takeaways
Career journey from Bangalore to Hong Kong to London
Transition from engineering to investment banking
Challenges and sacrifices in investment banking Setting boundaries upfront is key
Career in investment banking requires passion and excitement
Chapters
00:00 Career Journey and Transitions
02:37 Transition from Engineering to Investment Banking
18:18 Challenges and Sacrifices in Investment Banking
28:17 Setting Boundaries and Career Passion
29:10 Building a Career in Investment Banking
30:08 Career Moments and KPIs in Investment Banking
31:04 Transitioning to Director Level in Investment Banking
32:18 Specialization and Adding Value in Investment Banking
34:34 Comparison of Institutions: HSBC, Barclays, and Jeffreys
39:49 Life Outside Investment Banking
41:41 Geographical Journey and Sense of Home
45:08 Proud Achievement Outside Investment Banking
47:14 Rapid Fire: Insights and Reflections
16 Jun 2026
Season 1: Episode 3 with Dena Bellamy
The conversation covers Dena's unusual career transition from physics to investment banking, the impact of her scientific background on banking, her institutional experience, the effects of the global financial crisis, mentorship, and insights into public sector investment banking and World Bank annual meetings. Dena shares insights into the unseen side of investment banking, the challenges of balancing work and personal life, and the cultural dynamics of the industry for women. She reflects on her career, the appeal of joining HSA, and the role of a non-executive at Ecubake. Additionally, she discusses the importance of maintaining a sense of self outside of work and shares personal experiences related to sports and career balance.
Takeaways
Unconventional career paths can lead to unique expertise and perspectives.
Scientific knowledge can be valuable in banking, especially in dealing with science and technology-based industries. The unseen side of investment banking
Challenges of balancing work and personal life
Chapters
00:00 Unusual Origin Story
08:06 Career Progression and Institutional Experience
13:13 Impact of Global Financial Crisis
17:49 Mentorship and Public Sector Investment Banking
26:22 The Unseen Side of Investment Banking
32:00 Advising Family-Owned Business vs. Sovereign Wealth Fund
38:04 Maintaining a Sense of Self Outside of Work
30 May 2026
Season 1: Episode 2 with Sayan Bhattacharya
The conversation explores the depth of long-lasting relationships and the profound understanding that develops over time.
Takeaways
Long-lasting relationships
Understanding through time
15 May 2026
Season 1: Episode 1 with Richard Clarke
The conversation with Richard Clarke covers his 31-year career at KPMG and the evolution of corporate finance over the years. The conversation delves into the core of client interaction and the enjoyment of advisory roles, the differences in advising global financial institutions vs. owner-managed businesses, the importance of life outside the deal, the impact of AI on jobs and careers, and a rapid fire round to conclude the discussion.
Takeaways
Longevity in a single firm
Evolution of corporate finance Client interaction
Advisory role
Chapters
00:00 Longevity in a Single Firm
28:16 The Core of Client Interaction
36:58 Life Outside the Deal
44:26 Impact of AI on Jobs and Careers
17 Apr 2026
Trailer: Welcome to M&A Station
M&A Station is the podcast for investment banking professionals who want honest conversations about the industry they work in.
Hosted by Himanshu Singh, Founder of HSA Advisory and CorpFin Hub, each episode goes beyond deal league tables and market commentary into the careers, decisions, setbacks, and real lives of the people doing the work.
From bulge bracket to boutique, junior to senior, UK to cross-border. This is IB without the polish.
Contact M&A Station
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