Episode 301

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Published on:

3rd Mar 2026

10 Lessons Learned at Goldman Sachs

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What does it take to succeed at the highest level? In this episode, Sharran shares the 10 lessons he learned while working at Goldman Sachs. These lessons shaped his approach to success, business, and life.


Sharran breaks down the core principles that helped him excel in one of the most competitive environments in the world and helped him navigate the world of high-stakes finance. These principles, though learned at Goldman Sachs, apply to anyone looking to build a successful career and make a lasting impact.


If you want to learn the key lessons that have shaped some of the wealthiest and most successful people in the world, this episode is packed with insights that will help you achieve your goals.


“If you want to learn how to work hard, put yourself in an environment that forces it. When you choose to compete in a place where everyone is exceptional, where effort is the only advantage left, that's when you'll finally learn what you are truly capable of.”

- Sharran Srivatsaa


Timestamps:

01:48 - How to make $100,000 out of thin air

03:10 - Long-term greed and relationship-building

05:17 - The power of responsiveness

06:39 - Owning the bad news

08:27 - The importance of hard work paranoia

09:50 - Thinking in frameworks for better understanding

11:41 - The power of brand recognition

12:46 - Finding the right people to champion you

15:20 - The power of a whole firm working as one

17:10 - Setting and respecting the rules of engagement


Resources:

- YouTube Video: Everything They Teach You at Goldman Sachs in 17 Minutes - https://youtu.be/luvQRkxM-pQ?si=AcqY4HWh6W1QDiEx

- The Next Billion by Sharran Srivatsaa - https://sharransrivatsaa.substack.com/

- Acquisition.com - https://www.acquisition.com/

- Board Member: ARC Multifamily Real Estate Investing - https://arcmf.com/

- Board Member: The Real Brokerage - https://www.joinreal.com/


Connect with Sharran:

- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/likesharran

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sharransrivatsaa/

- X - https://x.com/sharran

- LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/in/sharran

- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzpl_gT1bVB1iNZl9yQbWuA?sub_confirmation=1

- Threads - https://www.threads.com/@sharransrivatsaa

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About the Podcast

Business School with Sharran Srivatsaa
Business School with Sharran Srivatsaa is the no-fluff, tactical podcast for founders, operators, and underdogs who want to grow with clarity, intention, and results. Hosted by entrepreneur, investor, and operator Sharran Srivatsaa—President and Managing Partner at Acquisition.com—this show cuts through the noise to deliver real-world strategies from someone who's built and exited five companies across multiple industries.

Sharran has helped scale two billion-dollar businesses, served as President of Real (NASDAQ: REAX), and led the 10x growth and sale of Teles Properties to Douglas Elliman (NYSE: DOUG). He brings lessons from Wall Street to Main Street, sharing what actually works—because he’s lived through what doesn’t.

Every episode offers simple, actionable playbooks for those who want to build extraordinary companies without the chaos. Whether you're a scrappy operator, a first-time founder, or a seasoned executive, Business School with Sharran Srivatsaa is your blueprint for building with purpose and winning on your terms.

For more free resources, visit Sharran.com

About your host

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Sharran Srivatsaa

Sharran is a serial entrepreneur, sought after keynote speaker, and a respected thought-leadership resource for publications such as the Wall Street Journal, SUCCESS magazine, Huffington Post and Forbes.

While Sharran has had 5 exits in the last 19 years, and also a several humbling failed investments and business initiatives. He talks all about them on his top rated Spotify podcast, Business School.

Most recently, Sharran led Teles Properties’ unprecedented 10x growth over 5 years and a 4-year consecutive streak on the Inc. 500 fastest growing companies list resulting in its acquisition by national real estate powerhouse Douglas Elliman.

Prior to Teles, Sharran worked at both Goldman Sachs and Credit Suisse, where he collaborated with management teams of fast-growing businesses around the country on investment advisory and corporate strategy. Sharran also spent several years building recreational programs in the Caribbean, Middle East, and Hawaii for some of the finest international resorts such as the Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton, also has deep experience working with technology companies such as Lightera (acquired by CIENA) and Obopay, a fast-growth mobile payments company.

Sharran is a Principal at Srilo Ventures, a multi-factor private investment fund that focuses investing in and advising technology companies and operating businesses in the consumer space. Having successfully completed many acquisitions, joint-ventures, management buyouts, mergers, and capital raises, Sharran serves as a director and advisor on numerous company boards.

He is also a member of the Genius Network, the highest-level marketing mastermind in the world led by whizkid Joe Polish, and also a member of Young President’s Organization (YPO).

After competing on the professional tennis tour, Sharran received his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Luther College and his MBA with Honors from Vanderbilt University.