The Deal Track: 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: Managing the grind: Why constantly working at 110% is unsustainable, and how to build a routine that lasts. The power of mentorship: Using 15-minute daily check-ins to develop confidence and learn the rules of the office. What interviewers want to see: Why personality and coachability matter just as much as technical knowledge. Handling the highs and lows: How to stay grounded when deals don’t go to plan. The value of a career break: Stepping away for a six-month sabbatical to gain perspective.