In this episode, we delve into the concept of being "qualified" in the workplace, examining who gets labeled as such, who doesn't, and the underlying reasons. We explore "competency checking"—the practice of scrutinizing individuals' abilities—and how it disproportionately affects underrepresented groups, often going unnoticed or unchallenged. Our discussion aims to redefine qualifications in a fair, equitable, and actionable manner. Our guest, Shari Dunn , is an accomplished journalist, former attorney, news anchor, CEO, university professor, and sought-after speaker. She has been recognized as Executive of the Year and a Woman of Influence, with her work appearing in Fortune Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Ad Age, and more. Her new book, Qualified: How Competency Checking and Race Collide at Work , unpacks what it truly means to be deserving and capable—and why systemic barriers, not personal deficits, are often the real problem. Her insights challenge the narratives that hold so many of us back and offer practical solutions for building a more equitable future. Together, we can build workplaces and communities that don’t just reflect the world we live in, but the one we want to create. A world where being qualified is about recognizing the talent and potential that’s been overlooked for far too long. It’s not just about getting a seat at the table—it’s about building an entirely new table, one designed with space for all of us. Connect with Our Guest Shari Dunn Website& Book - Qualified: https://thesharidunn.com LI: https://www.linkedin.com/today/author/sharidunn TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesharidunn Related Podcast Episodes: How To Build Emotionally Mature Leaders with Dr. Christie Smith | 272 Holding It Together: Women As America's Safety Net with Jessica Calarco | 215 How To Defy Expectations with Dr. Sunita Sah | 271 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! 🔗 Subscribe & Review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music…
Our student Chris started out as a premed student going into college but soon realized he wanted to pursue IB. Going into his second semester of sophomore year, he still struggled to differentiate himself from other candidates. A peer he had interned with recommended that he join WSMM to optimize his recruiting process, and soon he stopped memorizing interview guides and began strengthening his networking skills. Hear how after an 8 month long process, Chris became a top candidate, securing a bulge bracket offer despite having a premed background. Want help securing an offer from a top tier firm on Wall Street? Apply here: wallstmastermind.com/applyutm_source=podcastep312
Our student Chris started out as a premed student going into college but soon realized he wanted to pursue IB. Going into his second semester of sophomore year, he still struggled to differentiate himself from other candidates. A peer he had interned with recommended that he join WSMM to optimize his recruiting process, and soon he stopped memorizing interview guides and began strengthening his networking skills. Hear how after an 8 month long process, Chris became a top candidate, securing a bulge bracket offer despite having a premed background. Want help securing an offer from a top tier firm on Wall Street? Apply here: wallstmastermind.com/applyutm_source=podcastep312
Our student Jacob came to us as a non-target school student not knowing much about the investment banking recruiting process or having a strong alumni network to reach out to. After trying to memorize interview guides and having multiple ineffective networking calls, he and his mom became convinced that WSMM could help him optimize his process. Hear how the program helped him gain confidence by polishing his behavioral and networking skills, as well as finding him a supportive community. All of these things would ultimately help him land a role in the Houston office that he wanted. Want help securing an offer from a top tier firm on Wall Street? Apply here: wallstmastermind.com/applyutm_source=podcastep335…
In this episode, we break down the key steps of the interview process and how to prepare effectively. From submitting your application to handling final-round interviews, we’ll cover what to expect and how to make a great impression. We’ll also share essential pre-interview tips. Whether you're preparing for a virtual screening or an in-person interview, this episode will help you feel confident and ready to succeed. Want help securing an offer from a top tier firm on Wall Street? Apply here: wallstmastermind.com/applyutm_source=podcastep334…
In this episode, we explore common pitfalls candidates fall into during investment banking interviews. We discuss the importance of addressing questions in the right sequence, especially when it comes to the three financial statements and the need to ask for missing information to provide the most accurate and thorough answers. Tune in to learn how to avoid these mistakes and present yourself as a strong, well-prepared candidate. Want help securing an offer from a top tier firm on Wall Street? Apply here: wallstmastermind.com/applyutm_source=podcastep333…
Our student Leonardo came to us as a community college transfer without any finance experience. With so much information out there, he was unsure about joining our program initially but eventually decided to take the plunge. After joining, we quickly worked on building his resume, finding him relevant experience, and teaching him how to leverage his network and alumni connections. Hear how despite starting late in the process, he was able to make his dad proud and land a bulge bracket offer. Want help securing an offer from a top tier firm on Wall Street? Apply here: wallstmastermind.com/applyutm_source=podcastep332…
In this episode, we focus on the key skills needed to communicate effectively and make a strong impression during your interviews. We’ll cover the importance of body language, active listening, and how to talk about your experiences. Learn how to craft concise and compelling answers while highlighting your strongest traits. Tune in for practical strategies to improve your interview performance. Want help securing an offer from a top tier firm on Wall Street? Apply here: wallstmastermind.com/applyutm_source=podcastep331…
In this episode, we break down how Free Cash Flow is calculated in an LBO and why it matters for debt repayment. We discuss the key components of FCF, the difference between levered and unlevered FCF, and how companies prioritize different types of debt repayments. Tune in for a practical framework to understand cash flows in LBO transactions. Want help securing an offer from a top tier firm on Wall Street? Apply here: wallstmastermind.com/applyutm_source=podcastep330…
Our student Jacqueline came to us as an international student from Hong Kong. Being in her school's business program, she wanted a competitive edge over the competition in her class. While balancing a crazy schedule with her business fraternity's pledging process and school work, she focused on dedicating any remaining free time to recruiting. Hear how joining WSMM helped her become more comfortable at networking effectively, ultimately resulting in two top bulge bracket firm offers. Want help securing an offer from a top tier firm on Wall Street? Apply here: wallstmastermind.com/applyutm_source=podcastep329…
In this episode, we break down key strategies and mental shortcuts for calculating the IRR—essential for interviews. We’ll discuss how optimizing leverage, improving operational efficiency, and managing cash flows can help enhance overall returns. Want help securing an offer from a top tier firm on Wall Street? Apply here: wallstmastermind.com/applyutm_source=podcastep328…
Our student Li came to us with mostly legal experience but had grown interested in restructuring. Without having much guidance, he knew he needed help in his recruiting process if he wanted any chance at breaking into investment banking. After joining WSMM, we helped him master the unique technicals asked by restructuring groups while leveraging his legal background to position himself as a top candidate. Hear how he went from barely getting interviews, to having seven interviews in total and ultimately securing an elite boutique restructuring offer. Want help securing an offer from a top tier firm on Wall Street? Apply here: wallstmastermind.com/applyutm_source=podcastep327…
In this episode, we focus on tackling additional behavioral interview questions, including those about leadership qualities, your favorite book, and what you do for fun. While these may seem simple, they shouldn’t be taken for granted. We also dive into strategies for approaching brainteasers and handling those tricky, least favorite questions with confidence. Want help securing an offer from a top tier firm on Wall Street? Apply here: wallstmastermind.com/applyutm_source=podcastep326…
In this episode, we break down what IRR is and why it’s a critical metric in an LBO model. We explore how it measures the profitability of an investment, why it’s a key benchmark for private equity firms, and what factors influence it. Tune in to get a deeper understanding of its importance in an LBO and follow along as we walk through the steps to calculate it. Want help securing an offer from a top tier firm on Wall Street? Apply here: wallstmastermind.com/applyutm_source=podcastep325…
Our student Bruce came to us as a recent graduate, juggling a full time job during the week and two security shifts on the weekend. He had gone to a non-target school with only 500 students, and had missed any chances of getting internships or relevant experience as an undergrad. Determined to break into investment banking, he joined our program and squeezed any available free time available to prepare. Hear how Bruce persevered and landed a real estate private equity offer within just three weeks of joining the program despite working three jobs. Want help securing an offer from a top tier firm on Wall Street? Apply here: wallstmastermind.com/applyutm_source=podcastep324…
In this episode, we break down how to tackle those less common but equally important behavioral interview questions that often catch candidates off guard. We cover how to craft thoughtful answers to questions like what motivates you, how you approach unexciting tasks, and where you see yourself in five years. Tune in to learn how to navigate these questions with confidence, showcase your self-awareness, and leave a strong impression on your interviewer. Want help securing an offer from a top tier firm on Wall Street? Apply here: wallstmastermind.com/applyutm_source=podcastep323…
In this episode, we dive deeper into the distinctions between bank debt and high-yield debt. We go through how these financing options differ in terms of maturity, repayment structures, security, and types of covenants. For a further understanding into incurrence vs. maintenance covenants, this episode will breaks it all down. Tune in to gain a clearer understanding of how these debt types shape deal structures. Want help securing an offer from a top tier firm on Wall Street? Apply here: wallstmastermind.com/applyutm_source=podcastep322…
Our student Jesus came to us from a non-target school that sends less than 5 people into investment banking each year. Prior to WSMM, he submitted 50 applications and couldn't get any interviews. After working with us, he secured his first internship within just 1.5 weeks. Hear how he ultimately finished his recruiting process by becoming the first person from his school to receive an offer from private equity megafund Carlyle. Want help securing an offer from a top tier firm on Wall Street? Apply here: wallstmastermind.com/applyutm_source=podcastep321…
مرحبًا بك في مشغل أف ام!
يقوم برنامج مشغل أف أم بمسح الويب للحصول على بودكاست عالية الجودة لتستمتع بها الآن. إنه أفضل تطبيق بودكاست ويعمل على أجهزة اندرويد والأيفون والويب. قم بالتسجيل لمزامنة الاشتراكات عبر الأجهزة.