How to Be Ahead of the Curve - Leon Brujis

Are you looking to succeed in business, exceed your goals and ambitions, and advance in your career? Well, you're in the right place, and today, you'll learn how staying ahead of the curve can set you apart, especially early on in your profession! 

In this episode, we welcome back returning guest Leon Brujis of Palladium Equity Partners, the oldest minority-owned private equity buyout firm in the industry with over $3 billion in assets under management. As you may recall, Leon is a repeat contributor to the Branch Out Podcast, and our conversations are always packed with wisdom and valuable insights to fuel your growth. In previous episodes, we spoke to him about stoicism, diversity, and more. 

In today's discussion, Leon shares a series of lessons that he has learned throughout his career in investment banking and private equity, and you'll hear his advice for junior professionals looking to get ahead of the curve. From understanding your role on the team to developing your ability to prioritize, there are a number of things you can do that will significantly impact your career progression. 

Key Points From This Episode:

•  Some context for today's conversation and a brief overview of Leon's experience.
• Why it's important that you get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
• Understanding your role on the team and how that can contribute to your progress.
• What Leon means when he says that you have to learn how to "play the game."
• A practical look at why learning to prioritize can be a tremendous asset.
• Leon expands on the concepts of speed versus quality and the 80-20 rule.
• The three-point system Leon uses to check his work: check, check, and check again!
• Advice for how to take a step back and improve your attention to detail.
• Finance as an apprenticeship business and the value of finding mentors early on.
• Tips for finding mentors and building and maintaining those relationships.
• How you can benefit from requesting informal feedback regularly.
• Why your attitude and work ethic are the easiest ways to develop a good rapport.
• Developing a solution mindset, starting with the answer, and more!

Leon Brujis on LinkedIn
Palladium Equity Partners
Episode #70 - Diversity Equals Alpha
Episode #55 - Stoicism and Private Equity
Connection Builders
Alex Drost LinkedIn
Branch Out Podcast LinkedIn
Connection Builders LinkedIn