Episode description

The dynamic duo aka Rob and Toby have spent many episodes talking about their respective M&A experiences, but we've never talked about how it all started.  Rob is slightly embarrassed about opening the kimono, but as he explains in this episode, it started with his ability to regularly be in the wrong place at the right time. By that, Rob means that he was often asked to pick up 'special' projects and didn't know how to say No.

But if you listen to this episode, you'll quickly understand that Rob's start in M&A was a two -way transaction.  His willingness to "have a go' when asked to take on projects parallel to his day job, coupled with the willingness of senior executives to provide support and coaching.

And it's possible that Rob would not have been here today to talk about M&A if it wasn't for his very first experience and the willingness and coaching of a very well-known British industrialist.

So in reflecting back over the years, Rob provides the following advice for anyone looking to start a career in M&A

1. Be open and approachable to senior people looking to resource those 'special projects'
2. Be prepared to stick your neck out and give it a go
3. If you're a senior executive looking for resources, make sure you allocate time to coach and support the journey.