#10 - Brandon Books (Super Bowl Champion, NFL, Goldman Sachs) | Investment Banking

Feb 12, 2024

Brandon Brooks, a Super Bowl champion and NFL veteran, discusses his journey from football to investment banking. He shares insights on managing finances, the influence of his mother, defending his starting position, and preparing for Super Bowl 52. The podcast also covers topics like the potential for Mahomes to become the GOAT, the decision to retire from the NFL, pursuing an MBA at Wharton, and choosing investment banking at Goldman Sachs.

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Introduction

00:00 • 5min

From College to the NFL

04:44 • 17min

The Competitive Nature and Guidance of a Mother

21:44 • 29min

Comparing Mahomes and Brady: Potential for GOAT in Football

50:54 • 17min

The Decision to Retire and Reflecting on a Football Career

01:08:10 • 4min

Pursuing an MBA after retiring and the decision to choose Wharton

01:11:53 • 3min

Remembering Names and Being Prepared

01:14:38 • 9min

Lessons Learned and Embracing Failure

01:23:37 • 2min

Choosing Investment Banking at Goldman Sachs

01:25:18 • 18min

Reflection on a Unique and Inspiring Story

01:43:43 • 2min

Brandon Brooks is a 10 year NFL veteran and 3X Pro Bowler who won Super Bowl 52 against Tom Brady and the Patriots. He's also a fellow Wharton MBA classmate and will be joining Goldman Sachs upon graduation as an investment banker.

Watch this episode on YouTube here - https://youtu.be/G-4IGs3cVGQ

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⏱Timestamps⏱
0:00 - Introduction
00:02:57 - Can you tell us about your background?
00:10:34 - When did you start to believe you could go pro in football?
00:11:50 - If you hadn’t gone pro, what were your alternative career plans?
00:12:41 - Where did your interest in business originate?
00:13:35 - How did you spend your first NFL paycheck?
00:14:49 - How do you manage your investments and finances now?
00:16:56 - How has your relationship with money changed over the years, and what brings you happiness?
00:23:12 - Can you talk about the influence of your mother and her values?
00:26:09 - How tough was it defend your starting position in the NFL?
00:29:25 - Where did your competitive nature come from?
00:34:10 - What was it like preparing on the morning of Super Bowl 52 against Tom Brady?
00:38:27 - When did you feel like you could win the Super Bowl?
00:40:31 - How did you guys manage your focus against your opponents?
00:44:13 - What were the most important lessons you learned from your time in the NFL?
00:49:45 - What was the atmosphere like on the sidelines in the final moments of the Super Bowl?
00:51:01 - Do you think Patrick Mahomes could potentially become the GOAT?
00:57:38 - How is your health today after what many consider season-ending injuries?
00:58:58 - How has your battle with anxiety disorder affected you, especially on game days?
01:04:39 - How is your relationship with anxiety now?
01:06:47 - What have been some of the most significant lessons or insights you've gained from your therapy sessions?
01:09:29 - What made you decide it was time to retire from the NFL?
01:12:08 - Why did you choose to pursue an MBA at Wharton after retiring?
01:16:20 - What is the nerdiest thing about you?
01:19:53 - What have been your favorite classes at Wharton?
01:23:48 - What were some important lessons that you've learned at Wharton so far?
01:25:31 - Why did you choose investment banking over other career paths post-NFL?
01:29:13 - What kind of projects did you work on during your internship at Goldman Sachs?
01:32:51 - What did you find to be the most challenging aspects of your banking internship?
01:36:19 - How would you describe Goldman Sachs’ culture?
01:39:00 - How will you bring what you learned in the NFL into banking?
01:41:18 - Looking back, what advice would you give to your 20-year-old self and what general career advice do you have for viewers?