How the Watergate Scandal Impacted Hank Paulson's Career

The transcript details a career journey from Harvard Business School to the Pentagon, highlighting a transformative experience working under a former Assistant Secretary of Defense. It covers the period during the Watergate scandal, working with John Ehrlichman, and the impact of witnessing high-level political fallout. The narrative then shifts to a career in investment banking at Goldman Sachs, emphasizing a preference for multitasking and economic policy. Despite not aspiring to be CEO, the speaker rose to the position, navigating challenges and enjoying a long tenure in New York.

What influenced the speaker's decision to work at the Pentagon?

• A recommendation from a former assistant Secretary of Defense

• A personal interest in military affairs

• A family tradition of working in defense

• A mandatory internship requirement

During which major political event did the speaker work in the government?

• The Watergate scandal

• The Vietnam War

• The Cuban Missile Crisis

• The Iran-Contra affair

What was the speaker's initial impression of investment banking?

• They had always wanted to be an investment banker

• They were unaware of what an investment banker was

• They thought it was a temporary job

• They disliked the idea of working in finance

Why did the speaker decide to explore investment banking?

• They wanted to live in New York

• They were offered a high salary

• They enjoyed multitasking and problem-solving

• They had a family member in the industry

How long did the speaker initially plan to stay in New York with Goldman Sachs?

• Two years

• Ten years

• Five years

• Fifteen years