From Execution to Advisory Leadership

Deep Lake equips senior professionals including advisors, investors, and C-suite leaders, to move from execution and operations to origination, influence, and true advisory leadership.

Clients From the World’s Most Respected Institutions

Royal Bank of Canada

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Santander

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RMI

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Citi

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O3 Capital

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Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners

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E&Y

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STG Partners

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Artemis Real Estate Partners

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Arma Partners

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Royal Bank of Canada • Santander • RMI • Citi • O3 Capital • Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners • E&Y • STG Partners • Artemis Real Estate Partners • Arma Partners •

The Transition Every Senior Leader Faces

Across firms and clients, I hear the same questions:

  • “How do I start being seen as MD/Partner/C-Level material?”

  • “I want to originate, but no one’s ever shown me how.”

  • “My clients trust me—but how do I become the one they call first?”

  • “I’m managing teams, but still buried in execution. How do I elevate?”

If those questions resonate with you, you’re in the right place. These aren’t performance issues—they are transition challenges.

Through Deep Lake, we partner to close the gap. This isn’t abstract coaching—it’s grounded in the real-world dynamics of your role and built for your next-level transition. Together, we work strategically and tactically—using diagnostic tools, live case work, and real-time feedback—to help you:

  • Command high-stakes rooms: from client boardrooms to internal committees

  • Originate, not just execute: build business, not just deliver it

  • Earn internal trust and external pull: become commercially indispensable

  • Operate like an MD/Partner/C-Level Executive: stop waiting to be seen—and start leading your team, franchise and business

Elite Professionals. Real Results.

  • "Changed How I Think, Work, and Lead" - Managing Director, Technology Private Equity

    Working with Rahul came at a key inflection point in my career. I had the execution skills but lacked the structure and mindset for consistent senior-level origination. Through our work, I’ve learned to focus, say no earlier, and lead with more intention. Rahul didn’t just offer tactics—he helped shift how I think, work, and lead. His coaching has been a real accelerator.

  • “Showing Up with Confidence and Intent” - Managing Director, Investment Banking

    Rahul’s advice has been instrumental in shifting my mindset—helping me approach opportunities and conversations with far more clarity and intention. His suggestions for preparing for key conversations were especially useful, giving me the structure and specificity I needed to show up with confidence and impact.

  • “From Execution to Confidence” – VP, Investment Banking

    Rahul has a calm, steady presence that creates space for real growth. Through our coaching conversations, I’ve learned how to reflect more intentionally, recognize where I get in my own way, and operate with more focus. He doesn’t tell you what to do—he helps you find your own answers. That’s made me more confident in my judgment and how I show up every day.

  • “Executive Clarity in High-Stakes Moments” – CFO & Board Member

    Rahul was a constant anchor throughout my leadership transition. His coaching helped me tap into clarity during high-stakes moments and reminded me to trust myself. He doesn’t offer quick fixes—he guides you to deeper answers and lasting capability. Our work helped me navigate board dynamics, advocate with conviction, and lead with purpose. I always left our sessions clearer, calmer, and more empowered.

  • “Stepping into Strategic Leadership” – Director, Investment Banking

    Coaching with Rahul has been a game changer for how I approach my career. He helps you see the bigger picture—how your mindset, habits, and internal narratives shape everything from your client interactions to your leadership presence. He listens deeply, challenges directly, and always brings it back to what matters most. I’ve shifted from just executing well to thinking like a long-term value creator.

  • “Learning to Read the Game—and Win It” – Founder Asset Management Firm, Ex-Investment Banker

    Rahul has been both a coach and a quarterback—bringing strategic insight and hands-on leadership. What stood out was his ability to help me read the professional game, see where I stood, and move forward with clarity. In a competitive environment like investment banking, his coaching gave me the confidence and tactical tools to thrive.

  • "Transformative Coaching: Rahul Empowers Career Growth with Insightful Guidance!" - Manager, Consulting

    Rahul's  calm and professional demeanor creates a comfortable environment for open dialogue. I truly value how he listens attentively to my goals and guides me in the right direction. Rahul's focus on long-term career advice rather than just short-term solutions has been incredibly beneficial. The leadership advice Rahul has provided on navigating career advancement has been particularly insightful and has helped me gain clarity on my path forward.

I Have Been Where You Are

Executive coach for investment banking and PE leadership—certified leadership coaching professional.

I am Rahul Bala (LinkedIn). I spent nearly 20 years in Investment Banking-at Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, RBC, and most recently as Head of U.S. Fintech Investment Banking at Santander. I have advised C-suites and boards on over $50 billion in M&A and capital markets transactions.

I founded Deep Lake with a simple mission: to help you become an elite advisor—not just a high performer.

I work with senior professionals at critical inflection points, whether they’re in advisory, investing, or C-suite roles, to transform how they show up—with boardroom presence, the ability to originate new opportunities, influence stakeholders, and lead with judgment.

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Deepen Your Learning. Customized and Experience-Led.

A black background with white text on a letter board that reads: "You didn't come this far to only come this far." Leadership coaching philosophy—growth mindset and transformation for MD, VP, Partner levels.

Coaching

Work one-on-one with a coach who’s been where you are and who brings frameworks, insight, and real accountability to every conversation.

Enter FAQs
Career direction and advisory leadership pathway—clarity in coaching frameworks.

Insights Library

Between sessions, stay sharp with curated ideas, timely insights, strategic nudges, and data-driven reflection—designed to keep you in motion, not just in your head.

Enter Echo

Proprietary, Data-Driven Tools to Forward the Action

Private equity, investment banking, and corporate leadership coaching—summit mindset and structured growth strategy.

Playbook Library

A complete curriculum for advisory leadership: video modules, real-world challenges, practical exercises, and high-impact mental models built to scale your influence.

Enter Vault
Advisory leadership compass—executive coaching for PE and investment banking professionals.

Diagnostic Tool

Assess your current leadership identity across four dimensions—Coverage, Presence, Performance, and Principles—and get a custom scorecard that evolves with you.

Enter Compass

Communication Studio

Where your presence is shaped. Signal uses AI feedback and human insight to refine how you communicate—so your ideas land, your energy leads, and your voice holds space in the room.

Enter Signal
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