The Girls Are Investors Podcast

Hosted by GAIN

Business Investing

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Episodes

Latest episode

Jul 2026

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EN-GB

About the show

Welcome to The Girls Are Investors Podcast - here to inspire and empower the next generation of investment professionals. Whether you’re exploring investment management for the first time, attending insight days, preparing for an internship, or just trying to figure out what a career in investment actually looks like - you’re in the right place. Every fortnight, we bring you honest conversations with students, alumni and industry professionals, packed with practical advice, real stories, and the behind-the-scenes truth about breaking into the investment world (without the jargon, gatekeeping, or awkward corporate nonsense). Expect: Career and application tips you can actually use Intern reflections and lessons learned Honest stories from people who’ve been where you are Insight into what it really takes to stand out in investment careers Perfect for building confidence, finding your direction, and getting an edge when it matters most. Find out more about GAIN’s programmes, internships, events and resources at gainuk.org . The information contained in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute investment advice.

Listen to episodes

55 recent

July 8, 2026Episode 835 min

What happened in Q2?

In this week's episode, GAIN Trustee Natasha Braginsky-Mounier is joined by Investment Director Alina Gregory (Cazenove Capital) and Shirya Samarth EMEA Head of Rates (StoneX). Together they share their perspective on the second quarter of 2026, including a deeper dive into the latest fixed income news and a review of how equities coped within the quarter. Got a question? Send us a voice note and we will try to answer it on the podcast! For more information on our programmes, internships, events and resources visit gainuk.org . You can also find us on LinkedIn or Instagram.

June 17, 2026Episode 728 min

Dress to Impress with Smart Works

In this episode of the Girls Are Investors Podcast , the team sits down with Buki Macpherson and Claire Manners Wood from Smart Works, the UK charity dedicated to empowering women and non-binary people with the confidence, clothing, and coaching they need to succeed in the workplace. The conversation blends practical career advice with thoughtful insights on how personal style can influence confidence and professional success. If you want to find out more about Smart Works and the work they do, visit www.smartworks.org.uk . You can also watch the episode on YouTube . Got a question? Send us a voice note and we will try to answer it on the podcast! For more information on our programmes, internships, events and resources visit gainuk.org . You can also find us on LinkedIn or Instagram.

June 3, 202613 min

The Northern Square Mile: Why Leeds is Becoming an Investment Hub

Discover why Leeds is fast becoming a powerhouse in investment management. In this episode of The Girls Are Investors podcast, we chat with Heather Miles and Louise Bryan from Border to Coast - the UK's largest asset manager outside London and Edinburgh - about what it takes to build a thriving career in investment management Yorkshire. Border to Coast manages around £120 billion in assets for 18 local government pension schemes, and they're on a mission to grow investment talent in the North. We explore what a day in asset management actually looks like, why their collaborative culture makes them different, and the real entry routes available to you - from work insight opportunities and internships through to graduate schemes and apprenticeships. Whether you're considering Leeds as your base, curious about working outside London, this conversation will inspire you to think differently about where and how you can build your future in the industry. Check out Border to Coast Careers here: Careers - Border To Coast - Work With Us Got a question? Send us a voice note and we will try to answer it on the podcast! For more information on our programmes, internships, events and resources visit gainuk.org . You can also find us on LinkedIn or Instagram.

May 13, 2026Episode 614 min

How We Won the Schools Investment Challenge: Insight from the 2026 Winners

They researched the company, analysed the numbers, built their investment case — and then pitched it to industry professionals. In this special episode, we sit down with the winners of the 2026 GAIN Schools Investment Challenge to hear what it was really like. We talk about: How they approached the challenge and what surprised them most The creative process behind their stock pitch video Their top tips for anyone thinking about applying in 2026 Why the challenge is important for schools If you’ve ever been curious about investing but felt it wasn’t for you — this episode is your sign to give it a go. The GAIN Schools Investment Challenge is completely free and open to students in Years 10 to 13, regardless of what subjects you’re studying or experience. To find out more visit: Schools Investment Challenge – GAIN UK Register your interest to apply for 2027: The GAIN Schools Investment Challenge 2027 For more information on our programmes, events, and resources, visit gainuk.org , or find us on LinkedIn and Instagram. Got a question? Send us a voice note and we will try to answer it on the podcast! For more information on our programmes, internships, events and resources visit gainuk.org . You can also find us on LinkedIn or Instagram.

April 29, 2026Episode 517 min

What Does It Take to Win the GAIN University Investment Challenge? We Asked the 2025 Champions.

They researched the company, crunched the numbers, built their thesis — and then pitched it live in front of a panel of investment professionals. In this special episode, we sit down with the winners of the 2025 GAIN University Investment Challenge - Mireya, Vania, Matilda & Pearl from London Business School - to find out what it was really like. From forming their team and choosing their stock, to the nerves of the live final, our champions take us behind the scenes of one of the most exciting opportunities to develop your investment management credentials as a student. We talk about: How they approached the challenge and what surprised them most The skills they built along the way (and the ones they didn't expect to need) Their top tips for anyone thinking about applying in 2026 How the experience has shaped their confidence and career ambitions in investment management If you've ever been curious about investment management but thought it wasn't for you — this episode is your sign to learn more! The GAIN University Investment Challenge is completely free, open to female and non-binary students at UK universities studying any subject, and the prizes? We're talking £200 cash, funded CISI qualifications, industry mentoring, and the title of national champions. Find out more: https://www.gainuk.org/programmes/university-investment-challenge/ Register your interest to apply: https://form.jotform.com/253314044326044 Got a question? Send us a voice note and we will try to answer it on the podcast! For more information on our programmes, internships, events and resources visit gainuk.org . You can also find us on LinkedIn or Instagram.

April 15, 202610 min

GIIP Spring Days: Networking at The National Gallery

After 10 weeks of workshops, seminars and mentoring, the time has come for The GAIN Investment Insight programme (GIIP) students to come together to network and celebrate at The National Gallery. In this episode, we’re joined by three inspiring GIIP students — Sophie, Amy and Elodie — alongside Dominique Trinidad , a GIIP mentor, and Olivia Pether from the Early Careers & Talent team at Columbia Threadneedle . Together, they take us behind the scenes of the GIIP , sharing honest reflections on what they’ve learned, how the experience has shaped their confidence, and why representation in finance really matters. Dominique offers insight into volunteering with GAIN and what it’s like to support the next generation and the impact mentors can make — while Olivia shares invaluable advice from an employer’s perspective. Whether you’re considering applying for one of our programmes , thinking about volunteering , or simply curious about careers in investment management, this episode is packed with practical tips, real experiences and encouragement to put your best foot forward. For more information on our programmes, internships, events and resources visit gainuk.org . You can also find us on LinkedIn or Instagram. Got a question? Send us a voice note and we will try to answer it on the podcast! For more information on our programmes, internships, events and resources visit gainuk.org . You can also find us on LinkedIn or Instagram.

April 1, 202634 min

The Girls Are Investors Podcast: What happened in Q1?

In this week's episode, Co-Chair & Trustee Natasha Braginsky-Mounier is joined by top multi-asset portfolio managers Gabrielle Park (W1M) and Tara Fitzpatrick (Schroders). Together they share their insights on the major headlines from the first quarter of 2026, including geopolitical risks, energy price shocks, and the evolving economic landscape. They discuss how investors can navigate uncertain times with a disciplined framework and forward-looking strategy. Got a question? Send us a voice note and we will try to answer it on the podcast! For more information on our programmes, internships, events and resources visit gainuk.org . You can also find us on LinkedIn or Instagram.

March 18, 2026Episode 411 min

Your Questions, Answered: Investing, Careers, and Getting Started in the Industry

Ever wondered what it actually takes to succeed in investment management? Whether markets are too data-driven for individuals to make an impact? Or whether you even need a finance degree to get your foot in the door? In this episode, we put your questions — submitted by students just like you — to three experienced investment professionals: Rick Eling , Managing Director at MKC Invest Ellen van den Broek , Managing Director at Aurorae Natasha Braginsky Mounier , GAIN Trustee Together they tackle the questions that come up again and again: how great investors still find an edge in today's data-driven markets, how to spot long-term opportunities when everything feels volatile, whether you need to be based in London, whether your non-STEM degree is a barrier — and what to do when you start your first role and feel completely out of your depth (spoiler: everyone does). Honest, practical, and genuinely reassuring — this one is essential listening if you're starting to think about a career in investment management. Got a question? Send us a voice note and we will try to answer it on the podcast! For more information on our programmes, internships, events and resources visit gainuk.org . You can also find us on LinkedIn or Instagram.

March 4, 2026Episode 39 min

The Girls Are Investors Podcast: International Women's Day Special

In celebration of International Women’s Day , this special episode brings together the voices, wisdom and generosity of past GAIN podcast guests. Through a series of standout clips, we revisit the moments where they shared their experiences of the investment management industry— and how, in return, they gained confidence, clarity, community, and career momentum. Whether you're looking for inspiration, exploring a career in investment, or simply celebrating the power of women supporting women, this episode is for you. For more information on our programmes, internships, events and resources, visit gainuk.org , and connect with us on LinkedIn or Instagram . Got a question? Send us a voice note and we will try to answer it on the podcast! For more information on our programmes, internships, events and resources visit gainuk.org . You can also find us on LinkedIn or Instagram.

February 18, 2026Episode 218 min

Meet the GIIP students!

Ever wondered what it’s really like to take part in GAIN’s Investment Insight Programme? In this episode, we sit down with Naima, an incoming GIIP student; Begum, a recent participant; and Izzy from the GAIN team who helps bring the programme to life. From nerves and new skills to mentorship and momentum, they break down what the experience actually involves - and what it takes to get the most out of it. Whether you're thinking of applying or just curious about the journey, this is your front-row seat to the GIIP experience. Got a question? Send us a voice note and we will try to answer it on the podcast! For more information on our programmes, internships, events and resources visit gainuk.org . You can also find us on LinkedIn or Instagram.