The Wall Street Skinny

Send us a textDoes what you wear to work on Wall Street matter? How much? Why? What exactly are you supposed to wear, anyway? Who makes those decisions? And how can you express your personal style in a way that elevates your career?In this inspiring conversation with former finance PR specialist-turned-fashion-founder Kerry O'Brien, the CEO of Commando, we learn how to navigate all of these questions in a fun, freeing way.Kerry gives us insight into her innovative, technology-forward approach to fashion, her personal philosophy about taking risk, and her solutions for some of the classic problems we run into when it comes to fashion in finance.Kerry O’Brien is the visionary founder, CEO, and designer behind Commando, a brand renowned for its unique blend of technical innovation and elevated design. After a successful career in financial public relations in New York City, Kerry set out to redefine the way women experience intimate apparel, transforming her passion for problem-solving into a game-changing endeavor.With no formal background in design, Kerry launched Commando in 2005, introducing the industry’s first ever raw-cut, elastic-free, invisible undergarments. What began as a mission to deliver exceptional comfort and confidence has evolved into a brand synonymous with innovation, with Kerry holding two patents for her groundbreaking work in hosiery and slips.  In 2012, Kerry was inducted into the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), solidifying her status as a pioneer in the industry.  Today, Commando’s designs are seen on red carpets, runways, and magazine covers worldwide, making it a trusted favorite among stylists and celebrities alike. Under Kerry’s leadership, Commando has grown from its pioneering signature raw-cut intimates to a full ready-to-wear collection that continues to push boundaries in technical fabrics and modern aesthetics. Kerry has applied commando’s raw-cut and comfort-obsessed philosophy to many corners of your closet by designing long lasting, timeless wardrobe essentials that you can wear on repeat season after season. This commitment to excellence and ingenuity earned her a Femmy in 2024 for Brand Evolution, the intimate industry’s highest award. A sixth-generation Vermonter, Kerry lives in Burlington with her husband and three children. Her products are available in over 500 premium retailers, including Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, Net-a-Porter, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and at https://www.wearcommando.com.Links to shop items discussed on the pFor a 14 day FREE Trial of Macabacus, click HERE For 20% off Deleteme, use the code TWSS or click the link HERE!  Sign up for our LIVE Virtual Bootcamps! 2-Day Financial Modeling Bootcamp Master the technical Excel and accounting skills essential for investment banking, private equity, and fundamental investing. (Learn more HERE) Global Markets & Investing PlaybookA one-day crash course on the financial ecosystem, perfect for anyone seeking a big-picture understanding of how global markets and Wall Street fit together. Our content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. (Learn more HERE)

Send us a textNearly every thought leader we’ve spoken to in the finance industry has struggled with imposter syndrome at some point in their career. Not Michele Trogni.  We had the fabulous opportunity to sit down with Michele at the CAIS Summit, where she explains how she learned early not to be encumbered by the expectations of others, to be emboldened by preparing for the unexpected, and to only pursue that which genuinely interested her.  Michele started her career leading technology in the banking world, and is now CEO of Zinnia, an insurance solutions innovator. Insurance represents both an asset class AND an investor in the world of finance, and it's imperative to understand the full scope of the roles it plays. Michele gives us a 101-level crash course on insurance and annuities, explains how permanent capital functions, and shares frank insight into how she has risen to the upper echelons of the finance industry while simultaneously having a large family. Michele Trogni is the CEO of Zinnia. She has a 30-year track record of technology-led transformation in banking and financial services. Prior to joining Zinnia, Michele was Group CIO at UBS, and subsequently EVP of Consolidated Markets at IHS Markit. With a laser focus on leveraging technology and data to bring transparency, reduce friction and improve client experience, she is now leading the execution of our Open Insurance vision in the life and annuities industry. Michele is a member of the Deutsche Bank Supervisory board and serves as chair to their Tech, Data and Innovation Committee of the board. As an agent of change, Michele is in her element when she’s creating a win-win for those around her, whether that’s for her team, her clients, or her large family that motivate her each and every day. She has a passion for people, data & technology, and succeeds by fusing it all together with teams of talented people who share her vision and values. She’s an advocate for transparency and good communication and believes true innovation is the result of inclusive teams with diverse backgrounds, skills, and perspectives.For a 14 day FREE Trial of Macabacus, click HERE Sign up for our LIVE Virtual Bootcamps! 2-Day Financial Modeling Bootcamp Master the technical Excel and accounting skills essential for investment banking, private equity, and fundamental investing. (Learn more HERE) Global Markets & Investing PlaybookA one-day crash course on the financial ecosystem, perfect for anyone seeking a big-picture understanding of how global markets and Wall Street fit together. Our content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. (Learn more HERE)

Send us a textSteve Kurz vaulted from early days at a worm poop startup (yes, that's a real thing) to the fast track of traditional finance, only to find himself with a front row seat to the Global Financial Crisis.  Steve took the lessons he learned in traditional finance at legendary institutions like Lehman Brothers, Fortress, and River Birch and forged a new path along with his co-founder, Mike Novogratz, to found Galaxy: the Goldman Sachs of crypto.In today's episode, Steve explains to us his vision of the institutional future of crypto, the character of the crypto ecosystem emerging from the stress tests of the past few years (ahem, FTX), and explains the contemporary use cases for crypto that transcend the fragmented narrative of its early days. He also talks about building a family with an equally talented, successful, and driven partner.Steve's bold --- yet thoughtful --- entrepreneurial mindset should be an inspiration to anyone doubting themselves as they navigate their own career path. We are honored to share Steve's insight & perspective.  Steve Kurz is the Global Head of Asset Management at Galaxy and a member of Galaxy’s founding team. In addition, Steve is a member of the firm’s management committee and serves as chair of the ESG Steering Committee. Before joining the firm, he Co-founded Outer Realm, an enterprise focused immersive software company (sold in 2022). Previously, he was a Principal and Head of Business Development at River Birch Capital, where he led global capital formation efforts. Prior to that, he was a Vice President at Fortress Investment Group, where he held strategy, product specialist, and capital formation roles in New York and Singapore. He started his career as a Capital Markets Analyst in the Fixed Income Division of Lehman Brothers. He holds a B.A. in Economics from Cornell University. He also serves as a Term Member of the Council on Foreign Relations.Check out Galaxy on Instagram @galaxydigitalhqFor a 14 day FREE Trial of Macabacus, click HERE For 20% off Deleteme, use the code TWSS or click the link HERE!  Sign up for our LIVE Virtual Bootcamps! 2-Day Financial Modeling Bootcamp Master the technical Excel and accounting skills essential for investment banking, private equity, and fundamental investing. (Learn more HERE) Global Markets & Investing PlaybookA one-day crash course on the financial ecosystem, perfect for anyone seeking a big-picture understanding of how global markets and Wall Street fit together. Our content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. (Learn more HERE)

Send us a textFor a 14 day FREE Trial of Macabacus, click HERE Sign up for our LIVE Virtual Bootcamps! 2-Day Financial Modeling Bootcamp Master the technical Excel and accounting skills essential for investment banking, private equity, and fundamental investing. (Learn more HERE) Global Markets & Investing PlaybookA one-day crash course on the financial ecosystem, perfect for anyone seeking a big-picture understanding of how global markets and Wall Street fit together. Our content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. (Learn more HERE)

Send us a textYou've probably heard of Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) before.  You may even own shares in some.  But do you actually know what they are?  How are they created?  How do they work?  Who maintains liquid markets in them?  Why would you invest in one in the first place?  And why has this marketplace exploded to a size of $11-12 trillion across 10,000+ funds?We are joined by longtime friend Brian Weinstein, head of global markets at MSIM, to understand the mechanics, philosophy, and inner workings of the world of ETFs.Brian Weinstein is head of Global Markets at Morgan Stanley Investment Management, overseeing counterparty management, ETFs, liquidity investment management, and the Global Markets Strategy Group, which designs and implements algorithmic portfolio management solutions. He is a member of the Morgan Stanley Investment Management Operating Committee. Previously, he was head of Fixed Income. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley in 2018, he was cofounder and chief investment officer of Blue Elephant Capital Management and before that was head of Fundamental Institutional Fixed Income at BlackRock. He has over 20 years of financial services experience. Brian has a BA in History from the University of Pennsylvania. https://www.morganstanley.com/im/en-us/individual-investor/product-and-performance/etfs.desktop.htmlFor a 14 day FREE Trial of Macabacus, click HERE For 20% off Deleteme, use the code TWSS or click the link HERE!  Sign up for our LIVE Virtual Bootcamps! 2-Day Financial Modeling Bootcamp Master the technical Excel and accounting skills essential for investment banking, private equity, and fundamental investing. (Learn more HERE) Global Markets & Investing PlaybookA one-day crash course on the financial ecosystem, perfect for anyone seeking a big-picture understanding of how global markets and Wall Street fit together. Our content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. (Learn more HERE)

Send us a textWith less than two weeks to go until the US Election, we are bringing you this special edition crossover podcast episode with our trusted friend and news source, Mosheh Oinounou of Mo News.We are trying to achieve the impossible: a non-political podcast episode about politics.  We sat down with Mosheh to explain some basic mechanics behind the US presidential election process, fill in some gaps in our own knowledge, get a better understanding of what the financial markets do ---and don't --- care about when it comes to elections, and ask the question: are we going to be ok??Our goal here is to educate and entertain, and above all: remind you to vote!Follow Mo News at @mosheh and @monewsteam on Instagram and TikTok.For a 14 day FREE Trial of Macabacus, click HERE For 20% off Deleteme, use the code TWSS or click the link HERE!  Sign up for our LIVE Virtual Bootcamps! 2-Day Financial Modeling Bootcamp Master the technical Excel and accounting skills essential for investment banking, private equity, and fundamental investing. (Learn more HERE) Global Markets & Investing PlaybookA one-day crash course on the financial ecosystem, perfect for anyone seeking a big-picture understanding of how global markets and Wall Street fit together. Our content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. (Learn more HERE)

Send us a textIn today's episode of TSO we are joined by Jade Huang, Chief Investment Officer of Calvert Research Management. She breaks down what is going on right now at the COP 16 Summit, talks about responsible investing, ESG, why it's so much more than just buzz words and how you can make money while also doing good for the planet.Jade HuangChief Investment Officer, Co-Head of Applied SolutionsCalvert Research and ManagementJade Huang is chief investment officer and co-head of applied solutions for Calvert Research and Management. In that role, she leads Calvert’s innovative investment strategy and oversees research. Jade previously served as managing director of Applied Responsible Investment Solutions. Prior to leading that team she served as a Calvert portfolio manager and analyst.  Previously, she was an investment analyst at Microvest, an asset management firm specializing in impact investing, and led the certification department at Fair Trade USA.  Jade began her career as a Financial Auditor for Deloitte Financial Advisory Services. Jade earned a B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley and an M.A. in international finance and economics from Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS).Get access to our top 5 technical concepts for Investment Banking interviews masterclass: Also to join the waitlist for our course, sign up here: https://the-wall-street-skinny.mykajabi.com/waitlist-opt-in-IBDFor a 14 day FREE Trial of Macabacus, click HERE For 20% off Deleteme, use the code TWSS or click the link HERE!  Sign up for our LIVE Virtual Bootcamps! 2-Day Financial Modeling Bootcamp Master the technical Excel and accounting skills essential for investment banking, private equity, and fundamental investing. (Learn more HERE) Global Markets & Investing PlaybookA one-day crash course on the financial ecosystem, perfect for anyone seeking a big-picture understanding of how global markets and Wall Street fit together. Our content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. (Learn more HERE)

Send us a textIn this episode of The Wall Street Skinny, we dive deep into the world of financial inclusion with Mary Ellen Iskenderian, President and CEO of Women’s World Banking. Microfinance has long been hailed as a key tool for empowering women in emerging markets, but as Mary Ellen explains, true financial empowerment requires far more than just access to microloans.We explore how Women’s World Banking is rethinking financial inclusion—looking beyond small-scale loans to other necessities like savings, insurance, and digital banking. Mary Ellen breaks down the complexities of creating sustainable economic growth, highlighting the importance of building financial resilience, promoting long-term wealth creation, and ensuring women have the tools to navigate both personal and global economic challenges.Throughout the conversation, we discuss the vital role of financial literacy, access to capital, and how tailored financial services can create lasting change for women entrepreneurs and their communities. This episode challenges the traditional view of microfinance and dives into the broader strategy needed to empower women economically—unlocking opportunities for sustainable, inclusive development.Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on what it really takes to build a financially inclusive future for women around the world.Learn more about Women’s World Banking: https://www.womensworldbanking.org/Mary Ellen Iskenderian is the President and CEO of Women’s World Banking, a global nonprofit dedicated to serving the nearly one billion women excluded by the formal financial sector. She joined Women’s World Banking in 2006 and leads its global team in partnering with financial institutions and policymakers around the world to design and develop solutions and programs that facilitate systemic change for women. Additionally, she oversees Women’s World Banking’s asset management business that makes direct equity investments in financial service providers as a means to advance women in the workplace and as customers.Mary Ellen is a passionate advocate for women’s economic empowerment through greater access to finance; she urges the financial services industry and business community to view low-income women as a powerful new market of small business owners, heads of households, and consumers of financial products and services. Mary Ellen has spoken widely and published extensively on topics ranging from equality of economic opportunity, women’s financial inclusion, climate resilience, and financial abuse. For a 14 day FREE Trial of Macabacus, click HERE For 20% off Deleteme, use the code TWSS or click the link HERE!  Sign up for our LIVE Virtual Bootcamps! 2-Day Financial Modeling Bootcamp Master the technical Excel and accounting skills essential for investment banking, private equity, and fundamental investing. (Learn more HERE) Global Markets & Investing PlaybookA one-day crash course on the financial ecosystem, perfect for anyone seeking a big-picture understanding of how global markets and Wall Street fit together. Our content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. (Learn more HERE)

Send us a textWe've talked a lot about how Private Equity Megafunds approach valuation when they purchase companies through LBOs. And we've spoken about their exits, either through IPOs or PE Secondaries.  But we've never really talked about what happens during the YEARS in between!  How do Private Equity companies actually grow their portfolio companies over the life of their investment? Enter: the portfolio group or operations team. This group works closely with executives at the portfolio company itself, along with the valuation and deal teams. This team is generally separate from the deal team within Megafunds, though many roles may have significant overlap at smaller firms. At a Megafund, this role differs considerably in terms of skills set, background, and career path. Instead of a conveyor belt path through Investment Banking, this group looks for for skilled consultants and experienced corporate executives. It can be a fantastic entry point into Private Equity for older candidates with more experience in the workforce.Today, we sit down with Florence Evina-Ze, an SVP at Bain Capital, to discuss the recruiting, career path, skills set, and lifestyle associated with this particular vertical. Florence also shares her perspective as an underrepresented minority in the industry. She discusses specific programs that were instrumental to her success, the critical role of mentors, and her inspiring approach to helping others follow in her footsteps.Florence Evina-Ze joined Bain Capital in 2021. She is a Senior Vice President in the Portfolio Group and a member of the North America Private Equity team. Prior to joining Bain Capital, Florence worked at IPSY. Previously, she was a consultant at McKinsey and Deloitte where she focused on industrials and consumer/retail. Florence earned an MBA from Harvard Business School and SB in mechanical engineering from Harvard College.For a 14 day FREE Trial of Macabacus, click HERE For 20% off Deleteme, use the code TWSS or click the link HERE!  Sign up for our LIVE Virtual Bootcamps! 2-Day Financial Modeling Bootcamp Master the technical Excel and accounting skills essential for investment banking, private equity, and fundamental investing. (Learn more HERE) Global Markets & Investing PlaybookA one-day crash course on the financial ecosystem, perfect for anyone seeking a big-picture understanding of how global markets and Wall Street fit together. Our content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. (Learn more HERE)

Send us a textOur thoughts are with everyone who has recently been impacted by or is in the path of the devastating hurricanes this fall.  In today's episode, we touch on the perplexing price action in the oil markets.  The price of oil remains curiously low relative to what seem to be fundamental upward pressures, and we discuss a recent Bloomberg interview with Jeff Currie, Chief Strategy Officer of Energy Pathways at The Carlyle Group where he suggests that the upside risk to oil "has never been higher".You can watch the full interview here:  https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2024-10-09/oil-market-risk-at-its-highest-since-the-1970s-currie-says?srnd=phx-technologyFor a 14 day FREE Trial of Macabacus, click HERE Sign up for our LIVE Virtual Bootcamps! 2-Day Financial Modeling Bootcamp Master the technical Excel and accounting skills essential for investment banking, private equity, and fundamental investing. (Learn more HERE) Global Markets & Investing PlaybookA one-day crash course on the financial ecosystem, perfect for anyone seeking a big-picture understanding of how global markets and Wall Street fit together. Our content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. (Learn more HERE)