In celebration of Women’s History Month, I had the pleasure of interviewing Alex Lebenthal, Managing Director and Senior Banker at Rockefeller Capital Management, about the pivotal role of women in dealmaking.
Alex has been a true trailblazer in M&A. With 35 years of experience, she has navigated complex transactions, built successful teams, and played a significant role in shaping the industry. Alex has also dedicated her career to advancing the state of women in financial services.
Alex was also named one of Mergers & Acquisitions “2025 Most Influential Women in Mid-Market M&A,” an honor I am grateful to share alongside her.
Alex shares her experience as a woman working in private equity and offers advice for the next generation of women dealmakers. Here are some highlights from our conversation:
Learning from Mistakes
Alex shared a pivotal moment in her career when a mentor, who was 20 years her senior, taught her the importance of learning from mistakes. This mentor’s openness about his own errors and willingness to guide her underscores the value of mentorship and the lessons that come from acknowledging and learning from one’s mistakes.
Advocating For Oneself
For women entering the field, Alex urged women entering the dealmaking space to negotiate for themselves early on. She stressed the importance of advocating for inclusion in meetings and conferences, as well as reaching out to senior women for guidance and support.
Moving Forward Together
In line with this year’s Women’s History Month theme, “Moving Forward Together,” Alex encouraged both new entrants and decision-makers to accelerate gender equity in dealmaking. She urged women to be proactive in seeking opportunities, while also emphasizing the need for senior leaders to create pathways for the next generation.
Alex’s insights and experiences are a powerful reminder of the progress made and the work still needed to achieve gender equity in M&A. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let us continue to support and inspire each other, moving forward together.