Do you actually have to be that sociable to be an MD?
Common knowledge that the higher you go, the more sales orientated the job becomes. This would imply charming/likeable VP/Ds would make the best MD candidates.
However, literally every single Partner/MD I have ever met may be the least charming person ever. I’m talking depressed looking, talking about champagne problems, no craic and generally just uninspiring. Is this just the case of them not putting on a show around me, or is my sample size just small? Talking from experience in social settings, around 5 MDs/Partners across various financial firms across different areas of finance.
You described them as no craic which is generally said in Ireland. Is your sample of MDs from there? Similarly, are they in front office / client facing roles?
No, my family is Irish, talking NYC/SF.
Front office roles across a range (BB IB, B4, MBB consulting etc).
No experience with PE seniors.
Well, they've been faking it for the entire time of their career and will continue to do so. Why should they have to be like that in front of you who has no incentive for them to behave in a such manner. Being social means that they have the capability and general comfortability of behaving in such ways not that they are born to be like that.
As someone who's from a non–pure white nation—please educate me about this apparent niche obnoxiousness of irish people
Irish catching an insane stray
Ireland has like the 2nd highest GDP per capita in the entire world bro
Pretty sure that’s synthetic due to tax haven status
Imagine saying this about the jews
What’s funny is that Irish Americans dominate finance and Hollywood, much more than the Jews
Bro you need to read some history. What are you talking about , you sound deluded.
“If so many people across so many generations have consistently hated you” - just the English , who wanted Irish land and resources, similarly to their attitude towards USA,India, Africa etc etc.
sounds like you read a comment somewhere and now unintelligently regurgitate it. I’d be embarrassed to be you.
You’re literally the loser from the bar in Good Will Hunting
I had the same question. One of my VP’s answers stuck with me… At the analyst or associate level, there’s essentially a fixed set of characteristics that makes someone good (attention to detail, responsiveness, communication, analytical ability). But there is more than one way to be a good MD.
I’ve come across MDs all across the spectrum… from charismatic ones who golf with clients all day but aren’t very analytical, to strategic masterminds who are extremely socially awkward. The absolute best MDs (chaiman, etc) have great all around skillsets, but there are a lot decent MDs who can make a living without a complete skill set, including social skills. I think the common denominator is a love of the job and ability to grind out hours for a very long time.
I agree with you - given IB is a sales role, I was shocked that there are a subset of MDs who seemed really dry and socially awkward. But in my experience, they’re not all like that and most of them can “turn it on” if they need to.
Interesting
In my role and for many MDs - yes.
I've seen a fair few colleagues now and Seniors when I was a junior.
Some thoughts. Certainly generalisations and there are exceptions but majority proves the rule here.
Sponsors MDs - Have to be good at social Interactions fir obvious reasons
Sector MDs - Generally need to be sociable to build relationships with the mgmt teams of their sector target companies. BS banks not so much as it often just comes to them.
Product - Generally the least. Don't need to be as they are execution people who are there to be product specialists. Often the best Seniors in product teams are on the spectrum.
Also I find that often MDs at BBs don't need to be as sociable. The phone rings for them and this means they don't have to be as likeable to win business.
Best answer in here. I have done two banks already, I came to the same conclusion. Product MDs are less social and re instead relied for the brute technical knowledge and the coverage banker are there to entertain / manage the clients. Another thing that supports this at my bank is that product bankers never get invited to client events when coverage people attend some regularly. There is a running gag that the product juniors all want to friend with coverage ones only to get invited to socials.
Family friend is a MD at one of the BBs. I find him very awkward but he also works with a bunch of nerdy CEOs in IT probably (his sector) so I guess it doesn't hurt him.
I'm an introvert in most ways so for me at least you build up a good number of relationships where you don't need to try anymore. They're friends or you know what they need and how to deal with them. The rest you put on the mask, lube up as needed, put on a smile and go do what you're paid to do.
It's because they're probably on drugs and/or sleep-deprived
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