Succeeding in M&A without burning out
In the debut episode of The Deal Track, Charlotte speaks with Poppy Gordon, an Associate at DC Advisory. Poppy joined the firm as an intern in 2020 and has since gained experience across debt advisory, restructuring, business services and healthcare M&A.
Poppy shares the realities of building a career in investment banking, the importance of setting boundaries to avoid burnout, and why soft skills are the unsung heroes of M&A.
Listen to her take on:
Why constantly working at 110% is unsustainable, and how to build a routine that lasts.
Using 15-minute daily check-ins to develop confidence and learn the rules of the office.
Why personality and coachability matter just as much as technical knowledge.
How to stay grounded when deals don’t go to plan.
Stepping away for a six-month sabbatical to gain perspective.
Poppy Gordon
Investment Banking Associate, DC Advisory
How networking opens doors in M&A
Jinkai joined JLL as an intern and is now a Senior Associate in energy and infrastructure advisory. She talks about learning finance from scratch, overcoming cultural barriers, and how building new connections accelerated her career.
Succeeding in M&A without burning out2 test
From intern to healthcare M&A associate, Poppy shares the realities of investment banking, the power of mentorship, and what interviewers want to see. She also explains how a sabbatical changed her perspective on work.1
