Private Equity Podcast: Karma School of Business

Latest Episodes:

Private Equity Spotlight: Lessons in Leadership and Growth with Casey Myers Jan 08, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Sean Mooney speaks with Casey Myers, partner at Edison Partners, about leadership, value creation, and growing businesses in the lower middle market. Casey shares his unique operator-driven perspective on driving sustainable growth, evaluating leadership, and solving pain points for customers. Episode Highlights:

2:37 - Casey shares how his experience with 52 private equity firms during an exit process inspired his focus on operational value creation.
8:11 - Casey describes the key foundations of a good company: leadership character, solving customer pain points, and addressing technology debt.
16:11 - Casey explains how Edison Partners uses a people-first approach to support leadership development and build high-performing teams.
23:54 - Casey highlights the importance of aligning priorities and systematically investing in people to create sustainable growth.
32:23 - Casey's advice to his younger self: embrace a broad range of experiences and lean into opportunities to develop versatile skills.

For more information on Edison Partners, go to https://www.edisonpartners.com/

For more information on Casey Myers, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/casey-atl

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

What I Wish I Knew: Private Equity Leaders' Advice to Their Younger Selves (2024, Part 1) Jan 02, 2025

Show notes

In this special compilation episode, private equity leaders share the invaluable advice they would give to their younger selves. This collection of insights offers timeless wisdom applicable to professionals at all stages of their careers. Hear lessons on adaptability, patience, relationship building, and trusting your instincts from some of the most respected voices in the industry. Episode Highlights:

1:04 - Grant Kornman (Align Collaborate, Episode 53): Discusses the importance of hard work, relationship-building, and creating your own luck.
3:20 - John Caple (Hidden Harbor Capital Partners, Episode 57): Talks about embracing feedback, making small process adjustments, and balancing personal strengths.
11:02 - Carl Press (Thoma Bravo, Episode 60): Reflects on trusting your instincts, building confidence, and speaking up when you've done the work.
13:13 - Doug Horn (Clairvest, Episode 63): Shares the metaphor of not holding the grip too tight and how it applies to life and career.
14:58 - Ami Mehta and Joe McIlhattan (Periscope Equity, Episode 64): Ami emphasizes patience and balance, while Joe focuses on skill development and appreciating the journey.
19:00 - Cory Eaves (BayPine, Episode 66): Encourages thoughtful planning and doing more of what you love, like sailing.
23:12 - Jessica Ginsberg (LFM Capital, Episode 67): Reminds us to stay open-minded, take risks, and trust the process.
24:52 - Chris Cathcart (The Halifax Group, Episode 72): Highlights patience, perspective, and learning from each season of life.

Episode Links:

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

Happy Holidays from the Karma School of Business! Dec 25, 2024

Show notes

Celebrate the joy of the season with a special message from The Karma School of Business. We're taking this moment to wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Enjoy this time with family and friends, and thank you for being a part of our community.

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

Private Equity Business Builders' Bookshelf 2024 Dec 18, 2024

Show notes

In this special episode, we gather impactful book recommendations from our guests, offering insights into the minds of leading business builders. Episode Highlights:

1:12 - Emily Holdman: Recommends "The Book of Charlie" by David Von Drehle for its profound wisdom and applicability to life changes.

https://www.amazon.com/Book-Charlie-Remarkable-American-109-Year-Old/dp/1476773939/

6:04 - Suzanne Yoon: Shares insights from "Traction" by Gino Wickman, emphasizing the entrepreneurial operating system for accountability and growth.

https://www.amazon.com/Traction-Get-Grip-Your-Business/dp/1936661837/

10:03 - Tim Schulte: Suggests Yuval Noah Harari's "Sapiens," "Homo Deus," and "21 Lessons for the 21st Century" as thought-provoking reads on humanity and its future.

https://www.amazon.com/Sapiens-Humankind-Yuval-Noah-Harari/dp/0062316117/

https://www.amazon.com/Homo-Deus-Brief-History-Tomorrow/dp/0062464345/

https://www.amazon.com/Lessons-21st-Century-Yuval-Harari/dp/0525512195/

12:00 - Eric Hansen: Describes "The Loop Files" by Rick Kaempfer and "The Mosquito Bowl" by Buzz Bissinger for their engaging historical narratives.

https://www.amazon.com/Loop-Files-History-Outrageous-Station/dp/B0CNH5TZSQ/

https://www.amazon.com/Mosquito-Bowl-Game-Death-World/dp/0062879936/

16:43 - Josh Adams: Highlights "What It Takes" by Stephen Schwarzman, "Greenlights" by Matthew McConaughey and "Shoe Dog" by Phil Knight emphasizing the engaging storytelling and life lessons.

https://www.amazon.com/What-Takes-Lessons-Pursuit-Excellence/dp/1501158147/

https://www.amazon.com/Greenlights-Matthew-McConaughey/dp/0593139135/

https://www.amazon.com/Shoe-Dog-Memoir-Creator-Nike/dp/1501135910/

19:31 - Bob Belke: Discusses "Die With Zero" by Bill Perkins, advocating for investing in life experiences, and "The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari" by Robin Sharma for its insights on living a fulfilled life.

https://www.amazon.com/Die-Zero-Getting-Your-Money/dp/0358567092/

https://www.amazon.com/Monk-Who-Sold-His-Ferrari/dp/0062515675/

26:34 - John Stewart: Talks about "Building a Second Brain" by Tiago Forte, which outlines a methodology for organizing information efficiently.

https://www.amazon.com/Building-Second-Brain-Organize-Potential/dp/1982167386/

31:45 - Erik Ginsberg: Recommends "Leadership and Self Deception" by The Arbinger Institute for its insights on self-awareness and organizational behavior.

https://www.amazon.com/Leadership-Self-Deception-Fourth-Transforming-Relationships/dp/1523006560/

33:21 - Darren Herman: Offers "Startup" by Jerry Kaplan for its diary-format insights on building a technology company, and reflects on "Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger as an inspirational read.

https://www.amazon.com/Startup-Silicon-Adventure-Jerry-Kaplan/dp/0140257314/

https://www.amazon.com/Catcher-Rye-J-D-Salinger/dp/0316769177/

37:16 - Christian Bullitt: Suggests "The Fund" by Rob Copeland, describing Bridgewater Associates' unique corporate culture.

https://www.amazon.com/Fund-Bridgewater-Associates-Unraveling-Street/dp/1250276934/

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

Private Equity Spotlight: From NFL to Investment Leadership with Rob Konrad Dec 11, 2024

Show notes

Join us as Rob Konrad, co-founder of Alterna Equity Partners, shares his journey from NFL athlete to private equity leader. Rob discusses how experiences from sports influence his investment strategies and success in building businesses. Episode Highlights:

1:05 - Rob recounts his early fascination with economics and football during his upbringing in Boston.
4:14 - The transition from college football at Syracuse University to a career in the NFL.
6:51 - Rob reflects on the crucial role of leadership and preparation learned from sports.
14:05 - Hear the extraordinary story of survival and resilience during Rob's unexpected boat accident.
29:12 - A look into value creation strategies at Alterna Equity Partners.
39:05 - The significance of OKRs and aligning interests for achieving strategic objectives.

For more information on Alterna Equity Partners, go to https://www.alternaequitypartners.com/

For more information on Rob Konrad, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/rlk44

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

Digital Transformation in Private Equity: Nik Kapauan's Journey with Access Holdings Dec 04, 2024

Show notes

Explore the role of digital innovation in private equity with Nik Kapauan, Managing Director at Access Holdings. Host Sean Mooney, founder and CEO of BluWave, delves into how Access Holdings applies digital strategies and value creation to enhance middle-market businesses. Learn about Nik's shift from strategy consulting to leading initiatives at Access Holdings, the development of the Access Acceleration Center, and the impact of these efforts on the private equity landscape.

Episode Highlights:

1:19 - Nik's transition from strategy consulting to impactful work in private equity.
4:07 - The importance of strategy consulting experience in private equity.
8:10 - How Access Holdings identifies and assesses investment opportunities.
14:00 - Enhancing portfolio companies with the Access Acceleration Center's digital and data capabilities.
25:15 - Key value creation strategies in today's market.
39:54 - Nik shares a personal life hack for managing energy and time effectively.

For more information on Access Holdings, go to https://accessholdings.com/

For more information on Nik Kapauan, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/nkapauan

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

Strategic Exits and Sustained Growth: Year-End Insights from Doug McCormick and Lloyd Metz Nov 26, 2024

Show notes

Explore strategic exits and sustained growth in private equity with Doug McCormick of HCI Equity Partners and Lloyd Metz of ICV Partners. This special crossover episode delves into optimal timing for selling companies, the significance of building durable business models, and prioritizing long-term value. Learn how private equity navigates exit complexities, the importance of early strategic initiatives, and innovative exit strategies like partnership deals and continuation vehicles.

Episode Highlights:

02:13 - Impact of timing exits on value creation.
06:00 - Market consolidation and leadership in exit opportunities.
14:22 - Innovative exit strategies: partnership deals and continuation vehicles.
19:45 - Returning capital and providing optionality for companies.
34:57 - Preparing for a sale and avoiding pitfalls in the exit process.

To listen to the Best But Never Final podcast, go to https://bestbutneverfinal.buzzsprout.com/

For more information about ICV Partners, go to https://icvpartners.com/

For more information about HCI Equity Partners, go to https://hciequity.com/

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

Value Creation and Philanthropy: Jon Pressnell's Multifaceted Strategy at Blue Point Capital Nov 20, 2024

Show notes

In this insightful episode of the Karma School of Business podcast, host Sean Mooney, Founder and CEO of BluWave, engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Jon Pressnell, Partner at Blue Point Capital Partners. They delve into the multifaceted world of private equity, the strategic business building, and the unique philanthropic initiative, Blue Point Cares, which exemplifies a novel way of supporting portfolio companies. Jon shares his journey from a potential career in social work and dentistry to becoming a key player in private equity, highlighting the influence of his upbringing on his professional path and philanthropic endeavors.

Episode Highlights:

01:13 - Jon Pressnell's unique path to private equity and the influence of his family's social work background.
04:42 - Insights into Jon's personal life, revealing his introverted nature despite a seemingly extroverted profession.
08:17 - The challenge of work-life balance in the demanding private equity industry and strategies for managing it.
14:22 - Blue Point Capital's approach to creating value in portfolio companies, emphasizing technology, data, and human capital.
23:18 - Introduction to the Blue Point Cares program, an emergency assistance fund for employees of portfolio companies.
30:29 - Jon shares a life hack that has made traveling and working more manageable, introducing AR glasses for privacy and convenience.

For more information on the Blue Point Cares program, go to https://www.bluepointcapital.com/news/blue-point-launches-support-program-for-portfolio-company-employees-facing-unexpected-hardships

For more information on Blue Point Capital, go to https://www.bluepointcapital.com/

For more information on Jon Pressnell, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-pressnell

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

Private Equity's Guide to Impactful Giving with Katie Marchetti Nov 13, 2024

Show notes

Learn about the essence of philanthropy with Sean Mooney, Founder and CEO of BluWave, and Katie Marchetti, Vice President of Philanthropic Services at the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. This episode of the Karma School of Business podcast is designed for both individuals and businesses within the private equity community, offering a roadmap for initiating and enhancing philanthropic endeavors. Katie, transitioning from the corporate and private equity world to philanthropy, shares comprehensive strategies for impactful giving, regardless of your starting point.

Episode Highlights:

03:03 - Katie Marchetti's journey from private equity to leading philanthropic initiatives.
17:22 - Key considerations in philanthropy for individuals and businesses.
22:04 - How individuals and businesses in private equity can engage in corporate philanthropy.
34:05 - Addressing common challenges in philanthropy for a diverse audience.
44:42 - Practical advice from Katie for impactful giving across the private equity sector.

For more information on the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, call their office at (615) 321-5639, or go to http://www.cfmt.org/

For more information on Katie Marchetti, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-marchetti-90a89b4

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

Elements of Value in Private Equity (Part II): More Insights from Top Business Builders Nov 06, 2024

Show notes

"Elements of Value in Private Equity: Advanced Insights from Industry Leaders" offers a comprehensive look into the critical factors that define successful private equity investments. Host Sean Mooney, CEO of BluWave, is joined by industry experts Susan Soh (GrowthCurve), Cory Eaves (BayPine), Jessica Ginsberg (LFM Capital), Troy Phillips (BPOC), and Joe McIlhattan and Ami Mehta (Periscope Equity). Together, they unravel the complexities of value creation, focusing on data's impact, leadership effectiveness, compliance in healthcare, and the transformative role of technology.

Episode Highlights:

01:36 - Susan Soh discusses data utilization and growth in middle-market businesses.
06:43 - Cory Eaves focuses on leadership, strategy clarity, and product maturity.
12:41 - Jessica Ginsberg delves into competitive advantages, growth strategies, and investor fit.
16:30 - Troy Phillips highlights operational compliance, management depth, and customer quality.
20:50 - Joe McIlhattan and Ami Mehta cover value propositions, team capabilities, and technology's role in growth.

To listen to Susan Soh's full episode, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/susan-soh-growthcurve-capital/

To listen to Cory Eaves' full episode, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/cory-eaves-baypine/

To listen to Jessica Ginsberg's full episode, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/jessica-ginsberg-lfm-capital/

To listen to Troy Phillips' full episode, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/troy-phillips-bpoc/

To listen to Joe and Ami's full episode, go to https://bluwave.net/podcasts/ami-mehta-joe-mcilhattan-periscope-equity/

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

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