Significant Career Lesson From An M&A Investment Banking Associate At Houlihan Lokey
David, a Houlihan Lokey M&A Investment Banking Associate, learned early that "treating everybody with respect" significantly impacts career advancement. This approach, prioritizing even junior staff, fosters collaboration and unexpectedly leads to higher-level access, as seen in David's success in securing responses from busy CEOs due to positive relationships with their administrative assistants.
Networking, Communication, Professionalism, Respect, Mentorship
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
David Crosson
M&A Investment Banking Associate
Houlihan Lokey
Yale University
MBA from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University
Economics
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)
Finance
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Building strong relationships with all levels of staff, from junior colleagues to CEOs, is crucial for career advancement. Treating everyone with respect can lead to unexpected opportunities and support.
2. Networking and collaboration are essential skills in investment banking. Positive relationships can significantly improve efficiency and access to key decision-makers.
3. Prioritizing and valuing administrative staff can be a powerful way to improve your efficiency, access, and overall success in the workplace. Their support can significantly influence your interactions with senior executives and your projects' progress.
Transcript
What is one lesson that you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
Be nice to the little people because they run the show. My bosses have commented on how effective I am at getting more tenured individuals to work with me and collaborate. They usually frequently thought of it as, "How did you get the CEO of the company to respond to your emails? He's so busy."
I make sure that whoever their admin is, whoever the junior staff is that are working for these people, I give them as much respect as I give their bosses. In that situation, the CEO is willing to respond to me because the administrative assistant made sure every time that I requested a call, I was prioritized on his calendar.
I learned that very early on. It has been a consistent theme, and once you see it, other people see it too. It's a win-win. Treat everybody with respect, and they will pay it forward in ways that advance your career better than your peers.