Lessons from leaders: insights from the City Speaker Series

The City Speaker Series brings industry leaders and pioneers from various sectors of finance – including investment banking, venture capital, private equity, hedge funds, sustainable finance and economics – to share their insights and experiences with MFin students. Before each term, the MFin team circulates a list of guest speakers and students can express their preference to engage further with the speakers of their choice.

Following the talk, students then have the opportunity to join a small-group discussion – typically around 20 participants – over a formal dinner at one of Cambridge’s historic colleges. This setting fosters in-depth conversations and valuable networking opportunities, enhancing both professional and academic development.

The City Speaker Series dinners provide a relaxed and interactive setting where students can ask a wide range of questions – not only about career advice or industry insights but also about broader concerns and even the speaker’s personal interests. The discussions extend beyond the structured Q&A format of lectures, offering a deeper understanding of their real-world experiences and perspectives. This informal engagement makes the series an invaluable opportunity for both learning and networking.

A glimpse into sustainable finance

This term, we have had the opportunity to attend presentations by Dr Zahid Mouneer, Senior Managing Director of Investment Banking at BNP Paribas, Amelia Armour, Partner at Amadeus Capital, Dr Frederic Samama, Head of Strategic Development for Sustainable Finance at S&P Global, Chris Eagle, Chief Executive Officer at Aquila Markets, Juan Manuel Tellez, Vice President in Algorithmic and Automation Risk Department at BMO Financial Group, Shaan Raithatha, Senior Economist and Strategist at Vanguard, and Golnaz Borghei, Lead Corporate Venture Capital at PwC.

Aligned with my interests in sustainable finance, I applied for the dinner with Dr Samama. Last summer, while attending a programme at Harvard Business School, I came across his paper ‘Hedging Climate Risk’ and was intrigued by his insights. At the time, I never expected that a year later, I would have the chance to meet the author, share a dinner table, and discuss his research first-hand. The unexpected coincidence made the experience more memorable for me.

Career advice and industry insights

Among all the speakers, Mr Paul Tucker left a particularly strong impression on me. As a former partner and member of the Management Committee at Egerton, a leading hedge fund, his career path stood out for its breadth and depth. Before joining Egerton, he worked at EY for 2 years, spent a year at Lehman Brothers Global Asset Management, and later moved to Merrill Lynch.

In his presentation, Mr Tucker not only shared valuable investment insights but also offered career advice that resonated deeply with me.

Some of the key lessons I took away from his talk include:

• there is no single correct path to success – people reach their destinations at different times and through different routes – it’s important to have empathy and appreciation for non-traditional career journeys
• be willing to take calculated risks, especially early in your career – with fewer personal responsibilities at the start of your professional life, taking bold opportunities can be crucial for long-term growth
• develop a strong investment process built on curiosity, continuous learning, and conviction while maintaining the humility to recognise mistakes – success in investing is not about following consensus but about having the confidence to back your insights
• focus on businesses with pricing power, minimal disruptions, and durable models. Instead of looking solely at valuation, it’s essential to identify companies with sustainable advantages

His perspectives reinforced the importance of both strategic decision-making and adaptability in finance, making his session one of the most impactful experiences of the City Speaker Series for me.

My highlights of the Cambridge Master of Finance

Before joining the Cambridge MFin, I worked at China Merchants Bank Head Office, managing high-net-worth (HNW) clients, which involved wealth management and investment advisory. In addition to managing client portfolios, I led a team of junior managers, focusing on optimising financial strategies and enhancing client relationships.

What led me to apply for the Cambridge MFin was my aspiration to deepen my expertise in institutional finance and investment management, beyond the retail banking and wealth management sectors. Having observed China’s evolving financial landscape, particularly the shift towards sustainable finance, digital transformation, and global investment trends, I sought a programme that would provide a broader, international perspective. The MFin’s rigorous curriculum, exposure to top industry professionals, and strong emphasis on practical learning made it the perfect fit for advancing my career towards a more analytical and strategic role in finance.

Why I chose the Cambridge MFin

One of the biggest highlights of the Cambridge MFin has been the opportunity to engage with a cohort of experienced finance professionals. Coming from diverse backgrounds, my classmates bring unique insights and industry knowledge, making every discussion an opportunity to learn, reflect, and refine my career goals. These interactions have not only expanded my perspective on finance but also challenged me to think more strategically about my future.

Besides the networking and peer learning, the programme’s focus on financial innovation has been particularly exciting. Through lectures and industry talks, I’ve gained exposure to AI, blockchain, and machine learning applications in finance, helping me better understand how these technologies are reshaping the industry. 

Another highlight has been my selection for the Morgan Stanley Group Consulting Project during the upcoming spring break – a truly thrilling opportunity! This marks my first experience working on a consulting project, and I am eager to develop my research and analytical skills through real-world problem-solving. The chance to connect with industry professionals and apply classroom knowledge to practical challenges makes this an invaluable learning experience.

College life in Cambridge

Being a member of Hughes Hall has also been one of the highlights of my Cambridge experience. The College’s open and inclusive environment, enriched by a diverse community, creates a welcoming atmosphere where connections flourish. With many MFin and MBA students, Hughes Hall provides great opportunities to engage with fellow Cambridge Judge Business School cohorts and exchange insights with like-minded professionals.

Beyond college, student life in Cambridge is incredibly dynamic, from attending formal dinners at different colleges to exploring the city’s historic charm. One of the most enjoyable aspects of college life for me is weekend brunch with friends – after all, who can resist a relaxed morning bonding over a classic English breakfast!