Goldman Sachs MDs Share How Diverse Passions Fuel Success

Six newly promoted managing directors at Goldman Sachs have shared how their diverse experiences outside the finance sector have informed their leadership styles and professional success. This group, part of the 2025 MD class, includes a range of individuals from various backgrounds, including a filmmaker, a former Marine, and a pediatric cancer survivor. Their stories illustrate how personal passions and experiences enrich their work at the prominent investment bank.

From filmmaking to stand-up comedy, these MDs demonstrate that life beyond the office can significantly enhance insights and approaches in a high-pressure environment like Wall Street. They emphasize the importance of maintaining perspective, fostering connections with clients, and developing resilience through their unique experiences.

Personal Journeys Shaping Professional Growth

Michael Brill, head of capital formation for hybrid capital in Goldman Sachs’ asset and wealth management division, is a pediatric cancer survivor. His battle with the illness has instilled in him a strong commitment to philanthropy. Brill chairs the Board of Associates for the Ronald McDonald House New York, an organization that supports families with children battling serious illnesses. He actively manages a fundraising budget and outreach efforts, stating, “My past experiences and work with the RMH-NY have shaped who I am and how I operate — not only personally, but also professionally.” He believes in mentoring others and emphasizes the importance of resilience in everyday challenges.

For Myriam Coulibaly, a managing director on the Americas equity research management team, running has been a source of clarity and mental toughness. “Running has shown me that there will always be someone faster than you and someone slower than you,” she explained. “All you can control is how you show up.” Coulibaly values the lessons learned through running, including the need to embrace the process and push through discomfort. Her experiences have reinforced her ability to remain present and focused under pressure.

Skills from Diverse Backgrounds Enhance Professional Insight

Lizzie Dove, a senior analyst in global investment research, credits her background in stand-up comedy with enhancing her communication skills. Although she has stepped away from performing, the ability to engage an audience has proven invaluable in her daily work. “Landing a joke with confidence and communicating with ease in front of a crowd were invaluable lessons that I use every day,” Dove noted. This ability to connect with clients and deliver impactful messages is a skill she developed on stage, which now benefits her in writing research reports and engaging with investors.

Filmmaker Joe Hall, a private wealth advisor, has successfully transitioned his storytelling abilities into the finance sector. His feature film, “The Road to Galena,” released in 2022, received accolades at international film festivals, including awards in Prague and Montreal. Hall believes that storytelling helps him convey complex financial data in a meaningful way, stating, “Delivering complex financial data in terms and with context that is meaningful to clients is a valuable skill.”

Jim Schneider, a senior semiconductor analyst, emphasizes the importance of a well-rounded background. Holding a Ph.D. in electrical engineering, he recognizes that his extensive education allows him to navigate career transitions and apply lessons from one field to another. “Having a well-rounded educational background has been incredibly helpful in being able to ‘context switch’ and bring a broader perspective to my work,” Schneider explained.

Finally, Bering Tsang, who served in the Marine Corps, attributes his success in investment banking to the core values instilled in him during military service. He emphasizes the significance of integrity, empathy, and teamwork. “Great teams consist of great individuals who act as if they have to shoulder more than their own weight,” Tsang said. These principles guide him in building trust with clients and adapting to fast-paced environments.

The stories of these six managing directors at Goldman Sachs highlight the rich tapestry of experiences that shape effective leadership in the finance sector. Their varied backgrounds not only enhance their professional capabilities but also foster a culture of resilience and empathy within the organization.