The Capital Play with CJ Hawkins
The Capital Play with CJ Hawkins
Podcast Description
The Capital Play explores the world of high finance through real, unfiltered conversations with professionals across investment banking, private equity, venture capital, and more. Hosted by CJ Hawkins, a Stanford student-athlete turned finance enthusiast, the show breaks down how careers in finance actually unfold — and how to break in while also providing valuable insights on navigating the finance path.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on high finance careers, including sectors such as investment banking, private equity, and venture capital. Notable episodes like the debut with Jake Chasan explore contrasting work styles and mindsets between different finance realms, highlighting real-life experiences and key lessons for listeners navigating their finance careers.
The Capital Play explores the world of high finance through real, unfiltered conversations with professionals across investment banking, private equity, venture capital, and more. Hosted by CJ Hawkins, a Stanford student-athlete turned finance enthusiast, the show breaks down how careers in finance actually unfold — and how to break in while also providing valuable insights on navigating the finance path.
In this episode of The Capital Play, CJ Hawkins sits down with former pro basketball player turned investment banker, Varun Ajjarapu. After playing overseas in Croatia, Varun made an ambitious pivot into high finance, breaking into the industry without the traditional background and rising through the ranks at two boutique investment banks.
From deal flow to mindset, Varun shares how competitive athletics shaped his approach to the world of M&A, what it’s really like working at lean boutique firms like Thunder Rock Capital, and why relationships, not resumes, often open the biggest doors. Whether you're eyeing a career in finance or just love a good underdog story, this episode delivers game from both sides of the court.
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