Sharp thinking and grounded execution — Neda Vakilian

Throughout 2025, I sat down with CEOs, founders, investors, and leaders across the private equity ecosystem. In every conversation, I asked a question that I have asked since the very first episode of Private Equity Fast Pitch:

What's the quote, motto, or what drives you?

The answers were telling as there were no slogans or catchy buzzwords.

What stood out was a shared seriousness about how success is built over time. Intention. Discipline. Mentorship. Compassion. Consistency. A deep respect for people and for the responsibility that comes with leadership.

These are not quotes for social media.

They are reference points for leadership.

I'm incredibly grateful for these guests time and our impactful conversations. And grateful to be able to bring these voices to the private equity community.

The Ninth Annual Quotes and Mottos montage features perspectives from our 2025 guests:

Erik Brooks – Founder & Managing Partner, Ethos Capital Action over analysis. Grit, discipline, and winning the next 30 minutes.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000684256262

Jeff Aiello – Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Agellus Capital Execution over perfection. Momentum guided by principles.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000687186161

Russ Roenick – Founder & Managing Partner, Transom Capital Group Decisiveness and self-awareness. Knowing your limits and acting accordingly.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000731004463

Michelle Noon – Founder & Managing Partner, Clearhaven Partners Growth through discomfort. Progress comes from moving through challenge.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000733152917

Andrew Weinberg – Founder, CEO & Co-Chair, Brightstar Capital Partners Carpe Diem. Presence, gratitude, and intention, rooted in family.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000696604131

Paul Raphael – Founder & Partner, Aurea Quality and mentorship. Trusting people to figure it out.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000717775898

Parker Weil – Global Co-Head of Investment Banking, TD Securities Long-term thinking. Reputation, relationships, and consistency.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000737590933

Lucy Heintz – Partner, Actis Empathy and perspective. Understanding how others see the world.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000701104377

Chris Rozzell – Managing Partner, Cresta Fund Management Clarity over comfort. Discipline over drama. Truth over ego.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000721947245

Tim Meyer – Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Angeles Equity Partners Focus and simplification. Eliminate noise to intensify impact.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000735555551

Neda Vakilian – Partner, Actis Sharp thinking and grounded execution. Trust and responsibility as leadership.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000713638680

Robert Brown – CEO, Lincoln International Hustle and presence. Showing up and doing the blocking and tackling.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000711726279

Kristin Johnson – Managing Director, Altamont Capital Partners Service and humility. Leading by asking, "What can I do to help?"

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000726285319

Sean MacIver – Managing Director, KeyBanc Capital Markets Adaptability. Knowing when the familiar tool no longer fits.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000728454456

John Diggins – Partner, Platinum Equity Risk and growth. Understanding that not taking risk can be the biggest risk.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000706853889

Matthew Sparks – Managing Director, Northleaf Capital Proactivity. Skating to where the puck is going, not where it's been.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000723925489

Eliot Kerlin – Partner & Managing Partner, Broadwing Capital Presence and forward thinking. Focused on what comes next.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000741835818

Scott Sperling – Co-CEO, THL The ripple effect. Small actions compounding into meaningful impact.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000720142324

Michael Psaros – Co-Founder & Co-Managing Partner, KPS Capital Partners Time, gratitude, and legacy. Using success in service of something larger.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000739675082