Goldman Sachs MDs Share How Hobbies Enhance Leadership Skills

Six newly promoted managing directors at Goldman Sachs have revealed how their unconventional passions outside of finance have significantly shaped their professional success. These individuals, part of the bank’s 2025 MD class, highlight the importance of diverse experiences in navigating the demanding world of Wall Street.

Their backgrounds range from filmmaking and stand-up comedy to military service and philanthropy. By embracing these activities, these leaders have cultivated unique perspectives that enhance their work and foster deeper connections with clients. In total, 638 employees were elevated to managing director, a position just below partnership at the firm.

Life Lessons from Unlikely Experiences

For some, the drive to succeed stems from personal challenges. Michael Brill, head of capital formation for hybrid capital in Goldman’s asset and wealth management division, is a pediatric cancer survivor. Now healthy for over 25 years, Brill is dedicated to helping others facing similar battles. He serves as the chair of the Board of Associates for the Ronald McDonald House New York, which provides essential support for families with children battling serious illnesses.

“My past experiences and work with the RMH-NY have shaped who I am and how I operate — not only personally, but also professionally,” Brill stated. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship and accountability, noting that maintaining perspective is vital in stressful situations.

Running has also been a transformative activity for Myriam Coulibaly, a managing director on the Americas equity research management team. She describes the sport as a way to reinforce mental toughness. “Running has shown me that there will always be someone faster than you and someone slower than you. All you can control is how you show up,” Coulibaly explained. She embraces the solitude of running as a way to remain present and focused, an approach she applies in her professional life.

Creativity Meets Finance

For Lizzie Dove, a senior analyst in global investment research, her background in stand-up comedy has proven invaluable. “Landing a joke with confidence and communicating with ease in front of a crowd were invaluable lessons that I use every day,” Dove shared. This ability to engage an audience has been beneficial in her role, whether she is presenting to investors or writing reports.

In a similar vein, Joe Hall, a private wealth advisor, has leveraged his experience as a filmmaker to enhance his storytelling capabilities. His feature film, “The Road to Galena,” won awards at international festivals, including the Grand Prix award in Prague. Hall explains that storytelling helps him convey complex financial data in a way that resonates with clients. “It’s about delivering meaningful context,” he noted.

Another member of the MD class, Jim Schneider, brings a strong academic background to his role as a senior semiconductor analyst. With a Ph.D. in electrical engineering, Schneider highlights the importance of a well-rounded education. “Having a background not just in science and engineering, but also in humanities, has been incredibly helpful,” Schneider stated, underscoring the value of diverse knowledge in navigating the complexities of finance.

Military service has also played a pivotal role in shaping the leadership style of Bering Tsang, a managing director in healthcare mergers and acquisitions. His experience in the Marine Corps instilled core values such as integrity and teamwork, which he applies in his daily work. “It’s about investing in the team and going through shared experiences to sharpen individuals into a cohesive unit,” Tsang explained.

As these Goldman Sachs managing directors illustrate, engaging in activities outside of traditional finance not only enriches their personal lives but also enhances their professional capabilities. Their diverse experiences serve as a reminder that success on Wall Street can be supported by a rich tapestry of interests and backgrounds.