Q&A with Haidee Lee, Global Co-Head of Financial Sponsor M&A

1. Tell us about the first time you worked at GS in 2018. What were you focused on, and what was your experience like?
I joined GS in 2018 as a Managing Director in the Sponsor M&A group and was based in New York City. This was an incredibly exciting opportunity for me, having spent nearly two decades focused on the private markets and advising sponsor backed and family/founder owned companies across a variety of industries – as well as having witnessed the rapid evolution and growth across private equity. Shortly after joining the firm, I was fortunate enough to become part of the team that helped form and build our Cross Markets Group (CMG), a group focused on strategically increasing our client coverage and efforts across mid-sized and sponsor clients. This was a unique and entrepreneurial experience to grow a team and drive a successful strategy through what ended up being the peak of M&A market while navigating COVID. It was a complex and unprecedented time, but GS led with strength – relentless focus on building this part of the business while focusing on our community, our clients and our people. Looking back, it was a pretty remarkable journey.

2. What led you to the decision to leave GS after three years? What did you leave to pursue and how did the firm prepare you for that endeavor? 
In 2021, I took an opportunity to join J.P. Morgan as Head of Strategic Investor Group M&A which ultimately became a global leadership position – it was certainly difficult to leave GS but I felt compelled to take on a new challenge at that point in my career, of building the Sponsor M&A business there and driving a key strategic initiative. I spent a little over three years at J.P. Morgan, and it was an invaluable experience. I took with me two decades of experience and so much of what GS taught me – what it takes to grow a global network of clients, appreciating the power of delivering the firm and navigating a complex organization provide our clients with a full suite of services. 

My experience at GS also reinforced how critical culture and empowering our teams are. Through my time at GS, I carefully observed how our culture encouraged people to drive action - put up their hands to do more, take on leadership roles and build new client relationships and dialogue. Whether building a team or creating positivity across an existing team - culture sits at the core and drives true success.

3. How did you leverage your GS network after you left the firm? Did your network help you rebuild your GS career after your time away?
The power of the GS network is second to none – whether established formal networks or informal relationships. There is a clear sense and genuine desire across our network to support your career path and ensure you are set up to succeed. When I initially joined the firm, I quickly became very involved across the organization, whether it was with the Women's Network, Asian American Network, Undergraduate Recruiting, Mentoring Programs - these opportunities allowed me to enhance my network and strengthen relationships with colleagues from all areas of the firm. 

I was particularly excited to return to GS’ Women's Network. The power of the network, including unwavering support, mentorship and collaboration, is just one of the many attributes that makes the firm so special. You also meet incredible women who share similar experiences and challenges that you do - it's a great group to draw strength from.

I was fortunate to have kept in close touch with senior leaders at the firm, many of whom I was lucky enough to continue working closely with advising together on deals or across from each other – that’s always a great way to stay in touch! 

It’s also important to remember, our paths cross often – colleagues become clients, clients become friends, and you really see the power of the GS network at every stage of your career. We seek advice, we give advice and we always look to support one another. I firmly believe that all of these relationships are so valuable, both personally and professionally, that we should continue to invest in and commit to strengthening them over many years to come. 

4. How has your second round at the firm been after three years away and what excites you most about being back?
It was definitely a much easier decision to return to GS than to leave a few years ago! I re-joined as a Partner and Global Co-Head of Financial Sponsor M&A last summer and feel extremely positive on our outlook in the sponsor business and our market leadership position. There is wind behind our backs given the macro environment, constructive capital markets and expected deployment and exits that sponsors will drive over the next couple of years. We have never been better positioned to serve our clients, particularly while leading with OneGS and in partnership with our newly formed Capital Solutions Group. It has been a seamless transition back to GS and I’m most excited to help drive growth across one of our most strategically important businesses. As we continue to evolve and grow, I know our success will be in large part due to the commitment to our core values, culture, and principles which are at the center of everything we do.

5. What advice do you have for our alumni who are considering returning to the firm?
I have three key pieces of advice which helped me immensely in coming back to the firm and I hope can inspire you to do the same:

• •Stay in touch with your network. Maintaining close connections with colleagues across the firm served me well as many became close friends and mentors.
• •Be open-minded about where and when you would return. I am always amazed at how many leaders across GS have taken on new roles, whether in the same business or completely different. I believe that diversification of experience across a broad spectrum of solutions and businesses we provide our clients can open doors, create new paths, shapes the future leaders of our organization and pave the way for exciting challenges along the journey.
• •Be bold and raise your hand. My first conversation about returning to the firm was over a cup of coffee and led to many more thoughtful and exciting discussions. I couldn't be more excited to be part of the "boomerang" club!