Best Wall Street Mastermind By Sam Shiah Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 365: How Jordan Broke Into an Elite Boutique From a Non Target School After Failing on His Own 39:32

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14d ago39:32

39:32

Our student Jordan was attending a non-target liberal arts college and had been unsuccessful at recruiting on his own formonths. Not knowing how to structure his networking calls or answers in interviews, he knew needed guidance and decided to join WSMM. We soon helped him polish his behaviorals and crush his technicals, landing some of the most pr…

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Episode 364: Never Miss a Cost of Equity Question During Your Investment Banking Interview 9:52

16d ago9:52

9:52

In this episode, we dive deep into the cost of equity, an essential WACC component frequently tested in investment banking interviews. You'll discover how to calculate it using CAPM and why it's crucial for valuing a company. Learn practical tips on framing your answer clearly and confidently. We walk through a real interview-style example to show …

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Episode 363: How to calculate WACC? (Weighted Average Cost of Capital) 11:19

18d ago11:19

11:19

In this episode, we break down how to calculate WACC, one of the most common technical questions in finance interviews. You'll learn what each component means, from the cost of equity to the after-tax cost of debt. We explain how to determine the right capital structure weights and why WACC is critical in valuation. Using a real JPMorgan HireVue ex…

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Episode 362: How Christian Landed a Bulge Bracket Offer Within 2.5 Months Despite Being an Engineer With No Finance Background 50:25

21d ago50:25

50:25

Our student Christian came to us as an astronautical engineering major not knowing anything about finance or having relevant experience. He had taken a gap year and after seeing a few friends go through the recruiting process he decided to give it a try. Hear how WSMM helped him land relevant experience for his resume soon after joining and eventua…

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Episode 361: Answering Morgan Stanley's interview question on a DCF (Discounted Cash Flow)! 12:03

23d ago12:03

12:03

In this episode, I walk through what a DCF is, one of the most common terms asked about in investment banking interviews. You'll learn how to project future cash flows, estimate terminal value, and determine the appropriate discount rate using WACC. I also explain how to calculate the cost of equity using CAPM, and share key strategies for structur…

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Episode 360: How to Explain an LBO in a PE and IB Job Interview 8:05

25d ago8:05

8:05

Need to explain an LBO in a private equity or investment banking interview? In this episode, we break it down in the simplest way possible. We’ll show you how to explain an LBO step by step, draw parallels to real estate to help make the concept stick, and walk through the key math behind the model. Whether you're prepping for PE or IB interviews, …

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Episode 359: How Jaime Broke Into Credit Suisse Despite Being a Non-Native English Speaker That Started Late at a Non-Target School 32:58

1M ago32:58

32:58

Our student Jaime had moved to the US from Colombia two years prior and had barely spoken any English. He discovered IB through a finance club but didn't know how to go about the recruiting process. A WSMM alumni referred him to our program and knowing he wanted to get the best offers he decided to join. Hear how after joining our program, he was a…

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Episode 358: Do investment bankers really work 100 hours a week? 10:51

1M ago10:51

10:51

In this episode, we break down the truth behind the 100 hour myths and sensationalized headlines. The reality is more nuanced think of it like a bell curve, with some intense weeks, some lighter ones, and most falling somewhere in between. We also talk about how the workload often differs between weekdays and weekends, and what you're actually sign…

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Episode 357: How Robin Went From Being a Refugee and First Gen College Student to Becoming a Bulge Bracket Banker 59:22

1M ago59:22

59:22

Our student Robin had been a refugee from Nepal and was a first generation college student at a small college. He transferred to Virginia Tech his sophomore year but had no finance experience at all. An investment in the program was a huge sacrifice for his low income family, but after hearing our podcasts, he was determined to break into banking. …

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Episode 356: How to Break Into Investment Banking From a Non-Target School 17:01

1M ago17:01

17:01

Breaking into investment banking from a non-target school is absolutely possible but you need to be strategic. In this episode, we walk you through exactly what it takes: from building a standout resume to gaining relevant finance experience and getting heavily involved in leadership roles. We also dive into the importance of networking smarter and…

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Episode 355: Can Non-target Students Break Into Investment Banking? 12:27

1M ago12:27

12:27

Can non-target students break into investment banking? The answer is yes—but it takes the right mindset and approach. In this episode, we break down the real challenges non-target students face and share the advice and perspective you won’t hear in most places. From surrounding yourself with the right people to staying mentally tough when the proce…

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Episode 354: Ranking The Best 10 Investment Banking Internships! 15:03

1M ago15:03

15:03

Picking the right internship early can help shape your career trajectory. In this episode, we rank the 10 best options for breaking into banking, from boutique investment banks to private equity internships and even a few surprising ones you might not have considered. If you want a real edge in recruiting, this is the episode to listen to.Want help…

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Episode 353: How Aidan Became One of the First Students From His Non-Target School to Break Into Investment Banking Without an MBA 36:54

1M ago36:54

36:54

Our student Aidan came to us as a sophomore athlete majoring in economics at a non-target school. He had known he wanted to do IB for a while but most of the guidance he received dissuaded him from breaking in as an undergrad. Once he saw banks beginning the recruiting process he realized he had no time to lose. Hear how Aidan stopped memorizing 40…

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Episode 352: How to Create a Resume for Goldman Sachs 13:57

2M ago13:57

13:57

If you’re aiming for Goldman Sachs or any top investment bank, your resume has to be flawless. In this episode, we break down exactly how to structure it, the key sections you need, what to include under education and work experience, and how to highlight skills that actually matter. We’ll also cover the small personal details and attention to deta…

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Episode 351: How Zolio Became the First Person From His Non-Target School to Break Into JPMorgan 36:15

2M ago36:15

36:15

Our student Zolio came to us as a non-target school student having little guidance on the recruiting process. A couple of alumni got him interested in IB, but he had little knowledge of any finance concepts or how to network. Soon after joining our program, he mastered his technicals in 4 days and learned to network efficiently to stand out from hi…

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Episode 350: "Why You're Struggling To Break Into Banking " 13:24

2M ago13:24

13:24

Breaking into investment banking is brutally competitive, yet a few common mistakes can quietly kill your chances. In this episode, we dive into why candidates struggle to get offers: the type of school you go to, the importance of networking and referrals, why GPA still matters, and how lack of technical skills and poor interview prep can derail y…

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

2M 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…

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

2M 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…

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

2M 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

2M 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

3M 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 …

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Episode 344: The TRUTH about Investment Banking 12:07

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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…

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

3M 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

4M 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…

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Episode 337: Crafting Sharp Behavioral Interview Answers 10:19

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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…

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Episode 333: Common Technical Interview Mistakes 9:54

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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…

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

5M 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…

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

5M 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

5M 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…

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Episode 325: Calculating IRR 9:33

5M 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…

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

5M 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…

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Episode 323: Additional Behavioral Questions Practice 11:47

5M 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 …

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Episode 322: Types of Debt Deeper Dive 13:10

5M 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…

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

5M 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…

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Episode 320: Questions to Ask the Interviewer 7:16

5M 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…

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

5M 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

5M 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

6M 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…

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

6M 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…