Best Wall Street Mastermind By Sam Shiah Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 349: Investment Bankers Are Quitting to Take These Jobs 13:03

15h ago13:03

13:03

What comes after investment banking? In this episode, we unpack the world of exit opportunities from the coveted buy-side roles to strategic positions in industry. We explore Private Equity, Growth Equity & Venture Capital, what they do, how they differ, and what kind of candidates thrive. Corporate roles, where ex-bankers drive strategic decisions…

1
Episode 348: How Aakaash Stood Out Against the Highly Competitive Candidate Pool at Wharton and Got an Elite Boutique Offer 1:03:44

3d ago1:03:44

1:03:44

Our student Aakash came to us as a sophomore at UPenn who was feeling behind on the investment banking recruiting process. At the time, his friends had already lined up freshmen internships, whereas he had only recently grown an interest in banking after attending an info session. After joining WSMM, he landed his first relevant internship within a…

1
Episode 347: Is Investment Banking Worth It? 12:06

5d ago12:06

12:06

In this episode, we break down the real pros and cons of life on Wall Street. From the money, prestige, exit opportunities, and steep learning curve to the gruelling hours and constant unpredictability. We explore what makes IB both a dream job and potential trade offs. Let's dive in, is it worth it for you?Want help securing an offer from a top ti…

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Episode 346: Strategies for Entry into Investment Banking 22:43

10d ago22:43

22:43

Didn’t land an IB offer right away? Don’t worry, there are multiple ways to break in. This video covers three proven strategies: starting in a similar finance job and recruiting for full-time, delaying graduation to re-recruit, and getting an MBA to enter as an associate. If your first attempt didn’t work out, there’s still a path forward. Let’s br…

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Episode 345: How Mike Got an Offer From Blackstone Private Equity and Goldman TMT 31:48

29d ago31:48

31:48

Our student Mike came to us as a sophomore at a non-target school looking primarily for investment banking and buy-side opportunities. Although he had family with a background in finance that had tried to help him prepare, many were unfamiliar with how to network effectively or about the recruiting process. He eventually spoke to a WSMM alumni and …

1
Episode 344: The TRUTH about Investment Banking 12:07

1M ago12:07

12:07

Ever wondered what investment bankers actually do? This podcast cuts through the myths and hype to break down the real job,. We’ll compare IB to real estate, walk through the daily grind (yes, a lot of PowerPoint), and expose the truth behind the infamous 100 hour workweek. Plus, we’ll reveal the one secret downside they don’t tell you about: the u…

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Episode 343: How Min Secured an Offer from Lazard and Evercore From a Non Target School 29:52

1M ago29:52

29:52

Our student Minwoo came to us as a sophomore at a non-target school not knowing much about the investment banking recruiting process. After hearing a Goldman managing director guest speak at his school event, he became determined to get into investment banking. Despite being skeptical initially, he decided to join our program in search of timely gu…

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Episode 342: Banking Salaries Truths Part 2 11:21

1M ago11:21

11:21

In this episode, we go beyond the numbers to discuss the real cost of an investment banking salary, the sacrifice of work-life balance with unpredictable hours and the demanding environment. But we’ll also explore the upside, how banking accelerates your career, opens doors to top opportunities, and sets you up for higher earnings down the line. If…

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Episode 341: Banking Salaries Truths Part 1 13:04

1M ago13:04

13:04

In this episode, we break down the real numbers behind investment banking salaries, how much you earn as an analyst, associate, VP, and beyond and we’ll cover the key factors that impact pay. If you’ve ever wondered what bankers actually take home at each stage of their careers, this is the episode for you.Want help securing an offer from a top tie…

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Episode 340: How Hugh Got Offers From Morgan Stanley, Evercore, and Greenhill 36:02

1M ago36:02

36:02

Our student Hugh came to us knowing he wanted to break into IB since his freshman year. Despite finding a freshman summer internship, he felt overwhelmed with the upcoming recruiting processes for sophomore and junior year, and the pressure that came along with it. Soon after joining WSMM, we helped him gain relevant experience for his resume and t…

1
Episode 339: Most Common Types of Behavioral Questions 8:57

2M ago8:57

8:57

In this episode, we walk through the most common investment banking behavioral questions and how to answer them. From resume deep dives to market related topics, we’ll help you prepare with confidence and stand out in your interviews.Want help securing an offer from a top tier firm on Wall Street?Apply here: wallstmastermind.com/applyutm_source=pod…

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Episode 338: How Peter Got 4 Offers From Bulge Bracket and Elite Boutique Banks 42:39

2M ago42:39

42:39

Our student Peter came to us as a sophomore recruiting against a competitive pool of fellow Ivy League candidates. With applications opening up and unable to find much guidance from upperclassmen, and he decided to join WSMM. Despite initially feeling behind in his recruiting process, he saved a ton of time and learned all the technicals and most o…

1
Episode 337: Crafting Sharp Behavioral Interview Answers 10:19

2M ago10:19

10:19

In this episode, we cover how to stand out in investment banking interviews by answering concisely and effectively. Learn to structure responses with logic, use strong examples, and avoid over-explaining, so every sentence counts.Want help securing an offer from a top tier firm on Wall Street?Apply here: wallstmastermind.com/applyutm_source=podcast…

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Episode 336: How to Master Key IB Technicals 8:50

2M ago8:50

8:50

In this episode, we dive into the four key areas of investment banking technical interviews—financial statements, valuation, M&A, and LBOs. We’ll walk you through each topic, explaining how they build off one another and why mastering them in this order is crucial. Want help securing an offer from a top tier firm on Wall Street?Apply here: wallstma…

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Episode 335: How Jacob Got 6 Superdays and 2 Offers Despite Being a Non Target Student 49:02

2M ago49:02

49:02

Our student Jacob came to us as a non-target school student not knowing much about the investment banking recruiting process or having a strong alumni network to reach out to. After trying to memorize interview guides and having multiple ineffective networking calls, he and his mom became convinced that WSMM could help him optimize his process. Hea…

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Episode 334: Understanding the Interview Process - Part 1 13:21

2M ago13:21

13:21

In this episode, we break down the key steps of the interview process and how to prepare effectively. From submitting your application to handling final-round interviews, we’ll cover what to expect and how to make a great impression. We’ll also share essential pre-interview tips. Whether you're preparing for a virtual screening or an in-person inte…

1
Episode 333: Common Technical Interview Mistakes 9:54

2M ago9:54

9:54

In this episode, we explore common pitfalls candidates fall into during investment banking interviews. We discuss the importance of addressing questions in the right sequence, especially when it comes to the three financial statements and the need to ask for missing information to provide the most accurate and thorough answers. Tune in to learn how…

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Episode 332: How Leonardo Went From Being a Community College Transfer to a Bulge Bracket Banker 34:22

2M ago34:22

34:22

Our student Leonardo came to us as a community college transfer without any finance experience. With so much information out there, he was unsure about joining our program initially but eventually decided to take the plunge.After joining, we quickly worked on building his resume, finding him relevant experience, and teaching him how to leverage his…

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Episode 331: Understanding the Interview Process - Part 2 16:00

2M ago16:00

16:00

In this episode, we focus on the key skills needed to communicate effectively and make a strong impression during your interviews. We’ll cover the importance of body language, active listening, and how to talk about your experiences. Learn how to craft concise and compelling answers while highlighting your strongest traits. Tune in for practical st…

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Episode 330: Calculating LBO FCF's and Debt Repayments 10:22

3M ago10:22

10:22

In this episode, we break down how Free Cash Flow is calculated in an LBO and why it matters for debt repayment. We discuss the key components of FCF, the difference between levered and unlevered FCF, and how companies prioritize different types of debt repayments. Tune in for a practical framework to understand cash flows in LBO transactions.Want …

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Episode 329: How Jacqueline Secured a Bulge Bracket Offer as an International Student in Just 2 Months While Having a Crazy Schedule 25:41

3M ago25:41

25:41

Our student Jacqueline came to us as an international student from Hong Kong. Being in her school's business program, she wanted a competitive edge over the competition in her class. While balancing a crazy schedule with her business fraternity's pledging process and school work, she focused on dedicating any remaining free time to recruiting. Hear…

1
Episode 328: Tricks for Calculating and Increasing IRR 11:43

3M ago11:43

11:43

In this episode, we break down key strategies and mental shortcuts for calculating the IRR—essential for interviews. We’ll discuss how optimizing leverage, improving operational efficiency, and managing cash flows can help enhance overall returns.Want help securing an offer from a top tier firm on Wall Street?Apply here: wallstmastermind.com/applyu…

1
Episode 327:How Li Leveraged His Legal Background to Secure Multiple Restructuring Offers 26:43

3M ago26:43

26:43

Our student Li came to us with mostly legal experience but had grown interested in restructuring. Without having much guidance, he knew he needed help in his recruiting process if he wanted any chance at breaking into investment banking. After joining WSMM, we helped him master the unique technicals asked by restructuring groups while leveraging hi…

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Episode 326: Additional Behavioral Questions and Brainteasers 9:38

3M ago9:38

9:38

In this episode, we focus on tackling additional behavioral interview questions, including those about leadership qualities, your favorite book, and what you do for fun. While these may seem simple, they shouldn’t be taken for granted. We also dive into strategies for approaching brainteasers and handling those tricky, least favorite questions with…

1
Episode 325: Calculating IRR 9:33

3M ago9:33

9:33

In this episode, we break down what IRR is and why it’s a critical metric in an LBO model. We explore how it measures the profitability of an investment, why it’s a key benchmark for private equity firms, and what factors influence it. Tune in to get a deeper understanding of its importance in an LBO and follow along as we walk through the steps to…

1
Episode 324: How Bruce Went From Total Non-Target Graduate With No Finance Experience to Real Estate Private Equity 52:51

3M ago52:51

52:51

Our student Bruce came to us as a recent graduate, juggling a full time job during the week and two security shifts on the weekend. He had gone to a non-target school with only 500 students, and had missed any chances of getting internships or relevant experience as an undergrad. Determined to break into investment banking, he joined our program an…

1
Episode 323: Additional Behavioral Questions Practice 11:47

3M ago11:47

11:47

In this episode, we break down how to tackle those less common but equally important behavioral interview questions that often catch candidates off guard. We cover how to craft thoughtful answers to questions like what motivates you, how you approach unexciting tasks, and where you see yourself in five years. Tune in to learn how to navigate these …

1
Episode 322: Types of Debt Deeper Dive 13:10

3M ago13:10

13:10

In this episode, we dive deeper into the distinctions between bank debt and high-yield debt. We go through how these financing options differ in terms of maturity, repayment structures, security, and types of covenants. For a further understanding into incurrence vs. maintenance covenants, this episode will breaks it all down. Tune in to gain a cle…

1
Episode 321: How Jesus Became the First Student From His Non-Target School to Get Into Carlyle 39:12

3M ago39:12

39:12

Our student Jesus came to us from a non-target school that sends less than 5 people into investment banking each year. Prior to WSMM, he submitted 50 applications and couldn't get any interviews. After working with us, he secured his first internship within just 1.5 weeks. Hear how he ultimately finished his recruiting process by becoming the first…

1
Episode 320: Questions to Ask the Interviewer 7:16

3M ago7:16

7:16

In this episode, we cover the importance of asking thoughtful questions at the end of an interview, a key way to demonstrate your interest in the firm and connect with your interviewer. We walk through three general types of questions you should keep in mind: questions about the interviewer’s background and experiences, questions seeking their advi…

1
Episode 319: Types of Debt in an LBO 8:44

3M ago8:44

8:44

In this episode, we break down the different types of debt used to finance an LBO deal. We touch on the key differences between bank debt and high-yield debt, including interest rates, repayment terms and covenants. Tune in to understand how these debt options and considerations help structure successful LBOs. Want help securing an offer from a top…

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Episode 318: How Advik Broke Into Investment Banking as a Non-Target International Student With WSMM After Failing on His Own 48:34

4M ago48:34

48:34

Our student Advik came to us as an international student in his junior year after having already deferred his graduation so that he could recruit again. Coming from a non-target school, he struggled to find much guidance at school and was slowly losing hope in his long-time dream of breaking into investment banking. Hear how our program helped him …

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Episode 316: Understanding Sources and Uses in an LBO 16:32

4M ago16:32

16:32

In this episode, we break down the critical concept of sources and uses in a Leveraged Buyout (LBO). We discuss key considerations like determining how much debt the deal can sustain, assessing valuation methodologies, and ensuring that sources and uses balance. Tune in to understand how this fundamental framework underpins every successful LBO tra…

1
Episode 315: How Emma Broke Into a Big 5 Canadian Bank With WSMM After Failing on Her Own 34:59

4M ago34:59

34:59

Our student Emma was an MBA student in Canada with experience in investment management. She soon realized she wanted to pursue investment banking, but that Canadian investment banks hired very few people at the MBA level. She tried joining clubs, case competitions, and even took free courses on financial modeling, but still struggled to differentia…

1
Episode 314: Having the Right Mindset for Networking 16:21

4M ago16:21

16:21

In this episode, we explore the essential mindset for networking and why it’s the key to landing a role in investment banking, where 1-3% of applicants make the cut. We discuss when to start networking, how many bankers to connect with, and how to stand out in conversations. We walk through steps on how to build your network effectively, while emph…

1
Episode 313: How Do LBO's Work? 9:24

4M ago9:24

9:24

In this episode, we break down how Leveraged Buyouts (LBOs) work. By comparing LBOs to real estate, we’ll show how both involve leveraging debt to increase the potential upside—but with different risks and nuances. We’ll also discuss key factors that make LBOs successful, like cash flow generation and exit strategies. Tune in for a clearer picture …

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Episode 312: How Chris Broke Into a Bulge Bracket Bank After Being Referred to WSMM by a Fellow Intern 44:16

4M ago44:16

44:16

Our student Chris started out as a premed student going into college but soon realized he wanted to pursue IB. Going into his second semester of sophomore year, he still struggled to differentiate himself from other candidates. A peer he had interned with recommended that he join WSMM to optimize his recruiting process, and soon he stopped memorizi…

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Episode 311: How to Read Up and Talk About the Markets 18:23

4M ago18:23

18:23

In this episode, we’ll talk about about how to effectively read and talk about the markets, whether you're keeping up with financial news or diving into the latest trends. We’ll cover how to stay on top of industry trends and major deal flows so you can speak confidently about what’s happening in the markets. Listen in to get the tools you need to …

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Episode 310: M&A Accretion Dilution Considerations 11:34

4M ago11:34

11:34

In this episode, we dive into the capital considerations businesses face when evaluating cash, debt, and equity as funding sources for deals. We explore the pros and cons of each option and discuss the important concept of accretion vs. dilution—how to analyze whether a deal will enhance or reduce earnings per share. Want help securing an offer fro…

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Episode 309: How Avi Got 6 Superdays and an Offer Despite Being a Non-Target International Student Who Started Late 52:56

4M ago52:56

52:56

Our student Avi went to a non-target school and only realized he wanted to do banking in the second half of his sophomore year. With no alumni to reach out to and no background in finance, he was lost in the process. After joining WSMM, our program helped him build a support system throughout his recruiting process and taught him how to network wit…

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Episode 308: Answering the What Are Your Greatest Weaknesses Question 10:31

4M ago10:31

10:31

Talking about your greatest weaknesses in an interview can feel like walking a tightrope—you don’t want to raise red flags, but you also don’t want to come across as inauthentic. In this episode, we’ll uncover how to navigate this tricky question with confidence. Tune in to hear how you should frame your response to leave a positive impression. Wan…

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Episode 307: Why Do Mergers Happen 18:11

4M ago18:11

18:11

Why do mergers happen, and how do companies decide how to pay for them? In this episode, we’ll explore the strategic reasons behind mergers and dive into the key factors companies consider when structuring a deal. Learn how businesses determine whether cash, debt, or equity is the best payment method.Want help securing an offer from a top tier firm…

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Episode 306: How Ryan Secured a Bulge Bracket Offer Despite Starting Late 55:39

4M ago55:39

55:39

Our student Ryan came to us his second semester of sophomore year. Some firms had already closed applications and the time was ticking. With some of his friends getting offers, he began doubting himself. After reaching out to an upperclassman that had gone through WSMM, he decided to join and began building back his confidence. Hear how after hundr…

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Episode 305: Answering the What Are Your Greatest Strengths Question 18:22

5M ago18:22

18:22

"What are your greatest strengths?" might seem straightforward, but simply listing qualities won't set you apart. To truly impress, you need to show—not just tell—how you've demonstrated these strengths through real experiences and challenges. In this episode, we’ll break down the best strategies to craft a compelling and memorable response that hi…

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Episode 304: Weighted Average Cost of Capital Explained 13:17

5M ago13:17

13:17

Understanding the Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) is one of the most common interview questions. In this episode, we’ll break it all down—from the components of the formula to how it’s calculated. You’ll learn how to combine the cost of equity, cost of debt, and capital structure to determine the rate a company should use in a DCF model.Wan…

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Episode 303: How Michael Invested in Himself and Went From First Generation College Student to Bulge Bracket Banker 39:50

5M ago39:50

39:50

Our student Michael was a first generation student at a non-target school in his sophomore year. He had already done a private wealth management internship, but didn’t know anything about the investment banking recruiting timeline or process. Not knowing how to network or prepare, he decided to invest his own money towards the program. Our team hel…

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Episode 302: Answering Situational Questions 13:44

5M ago13:44

13:44

Many students underestimate the importance of preparing for behavioral and situational questions, but these are often the most critical part of your interview. They can make or break your chances of landing an offer. In this episode, we’ll break down key strategies to help you effectively prepare and ace this part of your interview. Don’t miss out …

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Episode 301: Valuation Methodologies - Understanding Transaction Comps 16:46

5M ago16:46

16:46

One essential valuation methodology you need to understand for interviews is transaction comps. But how do transaction comps differ from trading comps? What is the control premium, and how does it affect a company’s valuation? In this episode, we break it all down, explaining these concepts and helping you master transaction comps for your next int…

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Episode 300: How Louisa Used WSMM to Make the Jump From Middle Market to Bulge Bracket Bank for Full Time Recruiting 36:17

5M ago36:17

36:17

Our student Louisa came to us her junior year looking for help with full time recruiting. She had just recruited for junior summer internships on her own, but was only able to get into a middle market bank. After hearing her peers recommend WSMM, she decided to reach out. Soon our coaches were helping her work on her behaviorals and navigate the ne…

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Episode 299: Walking Through Your Resume Experiences 13:49

5M ago13:49

13:49

In this episode, we dive into the key to acing interviews: how to effectively talk through your resume. Your interviewer will likely ask about your experiences to get to know you better and gauge your skills. While this may seem straightforward, the trick is in how you structure your responses. We’ll share tips on how to provide detailed answers th…

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Wall Street Mastermind By Sam Shiah Podcasts

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