Interview With a Hedge Fund Vampire

A sharp-lesson from my first interview in the capital markets back in 2010.

Thirteen years ago, I was starting over and seeking experience.

A friend connected me with a prominent hedge fund manager one Monday afternoon.

The manager outlined his expectations and asked me to return the next morning, prepared to pitch my best idea to his team.

I stayed up all night, refining my pitch, and nervously presented it at dawn on Tuesday. Despite my inexperience, I felt it went well.

We discussed a follow-up meeting for Wednesday at 1 PM.

Wednesday came, and I sent a morning email to confirm, but received no reply.

At 1:05 PM, a message arrived from the manager: "Where are you!?"

I raced to his office, reaching there at 1:16 PM, and knocked on the glass entrance, pleading for a chance.

From the elevator lobby, I saw his office door slightly open.

He appeared in the doorway, gave me a piercing look, then dramatically closed the door, and walked away.

I was crushed.

That moment opened my eyes to the unforgiving nature of the capital market, a world far removed from my marketing background. It was crueller, sharper. But it also motivated me to be more compassionate.

Over the years, I occasionally cross paths with that manager. He's achieved great success, and I've found my own path. I still respect him; we're just wired differently.