Private Equity Podcast: Karma School of Business

Latest Episodes:

How Private Equity Pros Build Enduring Value with Discipline & Data | Brian Neider, Lead Edge Capital May 28, 2025

Show notes

Brian Neider, Managing Partner at Lead Edge Capital, joins BluWave CEO Sean Mooney to break down what great private equity investing really looks like — from systematic sourcing to building one of the most engaged LP networks in the industry. This episode is packed with real-world lessons from 20 years of disciplined execution and growth equity innovation.

Episode Highlights:

[1:09] Brian's early lessons in entrepreneurship from running a vending business to building top-of-funnel strategy at Bessemer
[6:09] How 20,000 cold calls built the foundation for Lead Edge Capital's thesis-driven sourcing
[17:06] The 8-point "strike zone" framework Lead Edge uses to evaluate private equity opportunities
[27:06] How Lead Edge's LP network drives differentiated value creation and portfolio company support
[34:30] The role of instrumentation and data discipline in unlocking portfolio performance
[39:57] Advice to early-career professionals: treat your time, relationships, and decisions like investments
[45:25] Life hacks from an investor: walking pads, airline points intel, and email follow-up tools

For more information on Lead Edge Capital, go to: https://www.leadedge.com

For more information on Brian Neider, go to: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-neider-7774041/

For more information on the Karma School of Business podcast, go to: https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts

Don McDonough on Leading A Private Equity Business Development Function May 21, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney speaks with Don McDonough, Managing Director at GTCR, about his career in private equity and his role in building GTCR's business development function. Episode Highlights:

1:24 - Path to Private Equity: Don's journey from investment banking to private equity and his early career experiences.
4:56 - Leadership Lessons: How sports and teamwork shaped Don's approach to leadership and problem-solving.
10:09 - Building a New Role: Challenges and strategies in developing GTCR's business development function.
27:04 - Value Creation Themes: GTCR's focus on technology, AI, and proactive risk management strategies to drive portfolio growth.
33:02 - Advice to Younger Self: Don's insights on identifying strengths, following passions, and seeking mentorship.

For more information on GTCR, go to https://www.gtcr.com/

For more information on Don McDonough, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-mcdonough-a6a3611

For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/

Foundations of Leadership: Private Equity Insights with Dave Schnadig May 14, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney connects with Dave Schnadig, Co-President of Cortec Group, for an inspiring conversation about private equity, leadership, and the many lessons Dave has learned through his dynamic career. Dave shares his journey from his family's entrepreneurial roots to leading one of private equity's most successful firms. Along the way, he dives deep into stories of overcoming challenges, including the Yeti turnaround, managing tariffs, and how to guide portfolio companies through dynamic markets. Episode Highlights:

1:14 - Formative Years: Dave's entrepreneurial childhood and lessons from his family business that shaped his approach to private equity.
7:18 - Journey to Cortec Group: How Dave's experience in investment banking and private equity led him to one of the most unique models in the industry.
20:33 - Philosophy of Ownership: Why being "all in" is critical to succeeding in private equity, both for GPs and portfolio leaders.
22:35 - Yeti's Turnaround Story: How tenacity and smart strategic decisions transformed a significant challenge into one of private equity's top home runs.
42:10 - Mitigating Tariffs: Dave explains Cortec's proactive approach to addressing tariffs and supplier diversification across portfolio companies.
48:27 - Adventure and Balance: Dave's advice for finding balance through curated family trips and why experiences matter as much as success in business.

For more information on Cortec Group, go to https://cortecgroup.com/

For more information on Dave Schnadig, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-schnadig-a585529

For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts

Data, AI, and Leadership: Essential Lessons for Private Equity from Misha Logvinov May 07, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney sits down with Misha Logvinov, Managing Director and New York Office Lead at MGX, to discuss the essential lessons he's learned throughout his entrepreneurial journey and private equity career. Together, they explore actionable insights on leadership, adaptability, and leveraging technology for value creation in private equity and beyond. Episode Highlights:

1:19 - Misha's Early Journey: Growing up in post-Soviet Russia, launching entrepreneurial ventures as a teen, and transitioning to Silicon Valley during the dotcom boom.
7:22 - Entry into Private Equity: Misha describes his unplanned move into private equity after years as a tech operator and entrepreneur.
13:43 - Hallmarks of Great Companies: Key factors Misha looks for in businesses poised for success, including strong leadership, adaptability, and robust tech infrastructure.
[00:18:31] Value Creation at MGX: How MGX helps portfolio companies grow by integrating cutting-edge AI and data strategies.
[00:23:16] Actionable Advice: Misha highlights the importance of prioritizing data readiness, embracing AI for operational improvement, and rethinking leadership approaches for the future.
[00:33:44] Advice to Younger Self: Misha reflects on the importance of balancing drive with kindness while pursuing high performance.

For more information on MGX, go to https://www.mgx.ae/en

For more information on Misha Logvinov, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlogvinov

For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts

Private Equity Q1 Insights: Adapting to Economic Shifts and Deal Market Trends Apr 30, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney shares key insights from Q1 2025, covering private equity activity and responses to evolving economic conditions. Examining GDP, easing inflation, and rebounding deal activity, Sean discusses how private equity professionals are adapting strategies to capitalize on opportunities while managing risks such as emerging tariffs and global complexities. Episode Highlights:

[00:04:03] Economic Landscape: Sean breaks down Q1 economic data, including inflation approaching the Federal Reserve's 2% target, GDP evaluation, and job market resilience with a 4% unemployment rate.
[00:05:23] Deal Market Trends: BluWave's activity index reveals rising due diligence activity, with Q1 showing a 15% year-over-year increase. Sean highlights stronger deal flow from firms like Hidden Harbor.
[00:10:47] Tariff Volatility: Sean explains how new tariff policies are driving demand for procurement and logistics strategies as private equity firms adapt to unforeseen complexities.
[00:18:01] Strategic Recalibration: Sean discusses the importance of clearer guidance from Washington and how private equity continues to mitigate risk while identifying opportunities in an uncertain global landscape.

To request the Q1 2025 Private Equity Insights Report, go to https://www.bluwave.net/insights-report.

Private Equity Resilience: Turning Adversity Into Opportunity Apr 23, 2025

Show notes

This episode of Karma School of Business explores how resilience, tenacity, and grit enable private equity professionals to turn risk into opportunity. Sean Mooney reflects on industry responses to the 2008 financial crisis and COVID-19, showcasing how frameworks like Colonel John Boyd's OODA Loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) drive action during times of uncertainty.

Episode Highlights:

0:34 -Sean's preamble: How private equity reframes risk in uncertain times, with a focus on the 2008 financial crisis and COVID-19.

12:05 - Andrew Joy: Overcoming immense personal adversity, including a near-fatal injury, and rebuilding his life to graduate valedictorian from Emory University.

19:36 - Sean expands on Andrew's mindset shift: The power of small victories and how they mirror resilience in private equity.

26:19 - Rob Konrad: Surviving a 16-hour swim in open ocean by relying on clarity and determination.

31:12 - Sean reflects on Rob's story: Lessons on resilience and decision-making in life and business.

To listen to Andrew's full episode, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/andrew-joy-hidden-harbor/

To listen to Rob Konrad's full episode, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/rob-konrad-alterna-equity-partners/

For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/

Elements of Value in Private Equity (Part III): Key Characteristics of Great Companies Apr 16, 2025

Show notes

In this special episode of Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney revisits insights from previous conversations with some of private equity's most thoughtful leaders. These experts highlight the "elements of value" they prioritize when evaluating companies for investment, offering actionable frameworks and lessons learned across industries, geographies, and strategies.

Episode Highlights:

01:11 - Nik Kapauan shares Access Holdings' research-driven approach to identifying segment leaders and defining "what good looks like" in fragmented industries.
07:10 - Rob Konrad discusses the critical role of people and alignment when partnering with family-owned businesses in the lower middle market.
21:11 - Casey Myers emphasizes leadership, product-market fit, and overcoming tech debt for durable, smart growth in software companies.
28:24 - Jonathan Metrick explores the power of identifying superpowers in business and relentlessly prioritizing resources to create competitive advantage.
35:29 - Lisa Ames highlights the importance of ruthless prioritization in marketing, focusing efforts where they create the most predictable success.

To listen to Nik Kapauan's full episode, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/nik-kapauan-access-holdings/

To listen to Rob Konrad's full episode, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/rob-konrad-alterna-equity-partners/

To listen to Casey Myers' full episode, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/casey-myers-edison-partners/

To listen to Jonathan Metrick's full episode, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/jonathan-metrick-sagard/

To listen to Lisa Ames' full episode, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/lisa-ames-norwest/

AI in Private Equity: How Innovation is Reshaping Business Strategies Apr 09, 2025

Show notes

In this special episode, Sean Mooney joins Doug McCormick (HCI Equity Partners) and Lloyd Metz (ICV Partners) to explore the transformative impact of AI on private equity, portfolio companies, and everyday life. From optimizing portfolio company operations to driving innovation in deal sourcing and content creation, this discussion provides actionable insights into how leading firms are leveraging AI to create competitive advantages. Whether you're an investor, executive, or business builder, this episode is packed with strategies to embrace AI's potential in your organization. Episode Highlights:

12:51 - Sean outlines a practical framework for engaging with AI tools, emphasizing the benefits of experimenting with large language models like ChatGPT and Perplexity as a first step.
20:23 - Concrete advice for individuals and business owners: Train your social media algorithms and experiment with AI to unlock strategic insights.
25:23 - How AI applications, such as ChatGPT, can enhance sales, marketing, and streamline repetitive tasks, creating ROI advantages for businesses of all sizes.
39:28 - Sean discusses preparing the next generation for an AI-driven workforce, emphasizing critical thinking and creative utilization of AI tools.
47:09 - Using AI to enable lower middle market portfolio companies: Sean highlights simple, high-ROI approaches like data visualization tools and KPIs to drive business improvements.
53:39 - Sean considers the future: A 15–20-year outlook on AI evolution and the melding of human and machine capabilities in business and beyond.

For more information on Best But Never Final, go to https://www.buzzsprout.com/2247932/.

For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts.

Private Equity Spotlight: Grit, Growth, and Game-Changing Deals with Micah Dawson Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

From a non-traditional career path to transforming businesses, Micah Dawson shares his playbook for designing business success in private equity with Sean Mooney. Packed with bold career moves, hard-earned lessons, and fresh perspectives, Micah shares how grit, leadership, and a focus on people drive real impact in the lower middle market.

[00:03:15] - Bold career pivots: Micah's transition from being an architect to entering law school, business school, and eventually joining the world of private equity.
[00:06:49] - Entering the operations world: Micah shares lessons from his time managing manufacturing plants and turning around struggling businesses in rural Indiana.
[00:22:23] - Insights into Trivest's approach to enhancing the founder experience, removing friction from the deal process, and providing transformative resources to portfolio companies.
[00:26:19] - The team-building philosophy Micah credits with creating outsized value, and his focus on ensuring the right people occupy the right roles.
[00:37:15] - Balancing ambition and fulfillment: Micah discusses personal lessons and philosophies on leadership, grit, and finding joy in the career journey.

For more information on Trivest Partners, go to Trivest Partners For more information on Micah Dawson, go to Micah Dawson LinkedIn For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to BluWave Podcasts

Private Equity Spotlight: Investing in Vision and Integrity with Trent Hickman Mar 26, 2025

Show notes

What does it take to transform founder-led businesses into industry leaders? In this episode of the Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney sits down with Trent Hickman, Co-Managing Partner at VSS Capital Partners, and shares his blueprint for creating value, building trust, and fostering growth alongside visionary management teams that every business builder and private equity professional needs to hear.

Episode Highlights

0:34 – Meet Trent Hickman: His journey from Charlotte, NC to becoming a leader in private equity and a passionate ski coach.

13:13 – What makes a great investment? The three key attributes Trent looks for in founder-led businesses.

19:04 – Building strong partnerships with management teams: Insights on aligning visions and maintaining a growth mindset.

22:02 – Innovative approaches to value creation: Using third-party expertise and ensuring multiple ways to win.

35:58 – The importance of embracing change and leveraging external resources to accelerate business success.

40:28 – Advice to the next generation: Trent's reflections on patience, enjoying the journey, and collaborating to achieve long-term impact.

For more information on VSS Capital Partners, go to https://www.vss.com/

For more information on Trent Hickman, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/trenthickman/

For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts

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