Switching From Tech to Finance: Career Paths Explained with Sara Ruozzo (UBS)
In this episode, Anthony speaks with Sara Ruozzo, whose journey from classical studies in Milan to internships at Microsoft and Tesla, and now working in sustainable investments at UBS, is a masterclass in career pivoting with purpose.If you're a student from a non-finance background or early in your career, wondering how to break into finance (and feel like everyone else already knows the playbook), this one's for you.Sara discusses the real value of a STEM background in the finance industry and why saying yes to new experiences (even when you're unsure) can be the fastest route to finding your edge.Expect jargon-free advice, practical tips on self-teaching, the value of rotations and graduate schemes, and how to build a story that makes employers sit up and listen.(00:00) Introduction and Background(03:01) Career Pivots and Decision-Making Process(05:49) Transitioning into Finance(08:23) Building Confidence and Self-Awareness(11:58) Knowledge Gaps and Learning Strategies(14:53) Soft Skills and Growth Mindset(19:10) Practical Steps to Upskilling(26:24) The Power of Networking(27:28) Cultivating a Growth Mindset in Finance(31:51) Leveraging a STEM Background in Finance(36:36) The Value of Cultural Experiences(43:55) Articulating Your Career Journey(46:56) Practical Tips for STEM Students in Finance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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52:47
The Deal Room: Inside the Biggest M&A Deals You Need to Know (Blackstone, Goldman Sachs, Victoria's Secrets, OpenAI)
From a $35bn “Valentine’s Day love letter” to OpenAI’s mysterious $6.5bn hardware play, Anthony and Stephen break down the biggest deal stories shaking up markets this week.They also dive into the private equity pullback as firms like Blackstone and KKR slump, why Goldman Sachs is going big on the Middle East, and how Victoria’s Secret is fighting off unwanted attention with lingerie and a poison pill.Essential listening for anyone curious about the mechanics of mega M&A, private equity’s shifting playbook, and the strange overlap between fashion, finance, and billion-dollar drama.(00:00) Intro & Key Themes(01:43) The $35 Billion Love Letter(09:36) OpenAI's Bold Acquisition(16:42) The State of Private Equity(23:23) Goldman Sachs in the Middle East(27:14) Victoria's Secrets Poison Pill(32:55) Google's $700 Million Gift*****Are you a student interested in exploring a career in finance? Check out the AmplifyME Summer Analyst Training Programme https://amplifyme.com/summer-analyst-programme Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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35:09
The Trading Floor: UK’s Surprise Boom vs. America’s Debt Doom
From a surprise jump in UK inflation to soaring retail sales and a surging pound, Anthony and Piers break down why Britain’s economy is defying expectations and what it means for interest rate cuts.They also unpack the bizarre logic behind OPEC’s production hike amid falling oil prices, gold’s fresh rally on renewed debt fears, and how Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” could push US borrowing costs to record highs.Essential listening for anyone trying to make sense of inflation surprises, energy market gamesmanship, and the slow-burning fuse of America’s fiscal crisis.(00:00) Intro & Key Themes(01:37) UK Inflation and Consumer Confidence(08:10) Oil Market Dynamics and OPEC's Strategy(15:15) Gold's Resurgence Amid US Debt Concerns Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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25:09
The Deal Room: IPO Market 2025 & Investment Bank League Tables (Feat. eToro, CoreWeave, Revolut, Figma...)
From eToro’s blockbuster debut to the return of SPACs and the flood of micro IPOs from China, Anthony and Stephen break down what’s really happening in the 2025 IPO market.They also dive into the data behind Japan’s surprise IPO boom, why London continues to lag, and which investment banks are topping the ECM league tables, with one unexpected name climbing fast.Essential insight for anyone tracking deals, equity markets, and the big stories behind this year’s public listings.(00:00) Intro & Key Themes(02:47) IPO Market Overview: Year-to-Date Performance(05:14) Micro Listings: A New Trend in IPOs(13:01) Understanding SPACs and Their Role(17:41) Global IPO Activity: A Broader Perspective(20:21) Sector Analysis: What Companies Are Going Public?(24:01) eToro IPO & Notable Companies to Watch(33:44) UK IPO Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities(36:52) Investment Banks: League Tables and Revenue Breakdown Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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46:06
The Trading Floor: Why the S&P 500 Just Rallied 20% in 5 Weeks
From a blistering 20% S&P rebound to Trump’s tariff U-turn, Anthony and Piers unpack what’s behind one of the fastest stock market rallies in recent memory — and whether it can last.They also dive into the surprise inflation slowdown, what it means for Fed rate cuts, and why the looming US debt ceiling deadline could be the next big market risk. Plus, is “taco trade” the new “buy the dip”?Essential listening for anyone trying to make sense of fast-moving markets, policy shifts, and the psychology driving investor behavior.(00:00) Intro & Key Themes(03:05) What’s Driving the Market Rebound(09:03) US Inflation Trends & Fed Rate Cut Hopes(14:56) Trading Psychology: Fear, Risk & Strategy(16:00) The Debt Ceiling Explained - And Why It Matters(24:29) One Market Factor You Might Be Overlooking Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Twice a week, we bring finance to life in a fun, engaging way for anyone interested in the world of finance, whether you're a professional, a student, or just curious to learn more.
Hosted by Anthony Cheung, a LinkedIn Top Voice, every Monday 'The Deal Room' dives into the latest M&A and private equity deals, uncovering the business strategies behind them. On Fridays, 'The Trading Floor' segment explores market trends, from macro themes to single stocks and crypto.
Our goal? To make finance interesting and accessible for everyone!
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