Inclusivity in Investment Banking with Nana Raphael, Managing Director of European Mergers & Acquisitions at Jefferies International | The Progression Puzzle Series 1, Episode 2

In this episode of the Progression Puzzle, we have a very special guest- Managing Director of European Mergers & Acquisitions at Jefferies International, Nana Raphael. 

 

In addition to her role as managing director, Nana is the chair of Jefferies Ethnic Minority Society (JEMS). She co-founded the group which aims to champion diversity and inclusion within Jefferies focusing on tangible change at every level of the organisation. 

Nana is a mother of three children and a trustee for Humanity and Inclusion, a charity focused on disability and disaster relief initiatives. 

 

In this episode, Nana gives an insight into her journey- from the decision to pursue a career in investment banking to the responsibilities of her current role. Within this discussion, we delve into the challenges Nana has faced including imposter syndrome and achieving work-life balance as a working mother in a male-dominated industry. For Nana, communication, mentoring and preparation have been key to overcoming these challenges. This conversation has important takeaways for anyone working in the corporate world. 

 

Nana champions inclusivity in her role as chair of JEMS. As one of the only black investment bankers in the UK covering the European region, she is incredibly proud of her achievement but also disappointed by the lack of diversity in the City. She has worked tirelessly on JEMS and other initiatives within Jefferies to improve diversity, which has led to a commitment to change from the CEO in regards to diversity and inclusion. 

 

Hosted by Michael Barrington-Hibbert, this episode of The Progression Puzzle offers an insight into the career of Nana Raphael. Packed full of learnings to help you navigate the world of investment banking This episode gives hope for a more inclusive future in investment banking with trailblazers such as Nana leading the way.

 

Timestamped Guide:

00:04 - Introduction to the Progression Puzzle 

01:00 - Introduction to Nana 

02:15 - Nana's current role as Managing Director of European Mergers & Acquisitions at Jefferies International 

04:30 - A typical day as Managing Director 

06:35 - Discussion on being the only black investment banker covering Europe 

08:55 - Achieving balance between work and home life 

14:15 - Nana's journey to deciding to pursue a career in investment banking 

18:37 - Challenges experienced and how Nana overcame them 

29:12 - The change organisations have made since the murder of George Floyd 

32:52 - The importance of mentors and role models 

34:40 - Two pieces of advice for your younger self 

35:14 - Summary of the podcast 

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