What Exactly Is investment Banking?
Once upon a time there lived a diligent, thirty year old investment banker who was known to do little other than work. More than handsomely rewarded by the investment bank for his contributions, he was never short of money and had a penchant for luxurious living. In fact, he demanded the very best of all things. The finest French wine, Savile Row tailored suits and watches only the very best Swiss watchmakers could concoct. He divided his time working between London and New York. It was commonplace to believe that he was living the life.
The investment banker was in Mumbai on business.
It’s Friday night and, having spent the last three days working from before sunrise until well past sunset, he decides to abandon the palatial Taj Mahal Palace hotel and go out for a drink. The polished concierge enthusiastically recommends a well-known Mumbai institution only steps away from the hotel called .
“The restaurant serves delectable dishes and popular drinks and is frequented by writers, artists, travellers, business people, Bollywood actors and even, ” says the concierge with a head bobble.
Wearing his Navy Blue jacket, khakis and burgundy loafers, the investment banker sets out to enjoy a drink or two and unwind a bit.
Leopold Cafe
Arriving at the entrance, he discovers a vibrant atmosphere inside Leopold Cafe. The unusually mixed crowd of customers appear to be having a great time. This is precisely the kind of place to get one’s mind off of work, the investment banker thinks to himself with a smile. Unfortunately, and no matter how hard he tries, he can’t spot a free table anywhere.
“Won’t take long. A table will be free soon, ” shouts the restaurant host from across the floor.
“How long, roughly?” inquires the investment banker.
The host is too busy surveying the restaurant to respond right away. “Just chill out where you are. Wont be long.”
A few minutes pass. The investment banker grows impatient. His eyes dart around the restaurant until he finally notices a couple whose table is being cleared. He catches the host’s attention, points to the table and cries out “what about that table? They’re done eating.”
The host purposely ignores the investment banker.
A few moment pass and the host returns. “A table is ready. But you have to share it with someone. Ok?”
The investment banker is taken aback. He isn’t particularly excited about having to share a table with a complete stranger. He looks down at his watch. It’s nearly 10pm. This will be a nuisance, he thinks. But he’s too tired to scout another venue.
“We’re very busy. Look around. It’s Friday night and I gotta fill all the seats I can, ” explains the host. He points right over the investment banker’s left shoulder. “You can sit with him.”
