Ep. 131: Vern Davenport, Partner at QHP Capital & Michael Curry, Co-Chairman and Co-CEO at Lullwater & Co.
Investors & Operators
Empowering Teams Through Enjoyment and Fulfillment
This chapter emphasizes the significance of prioritizing enjoyment and engagement in the workplace for founders and executives. It discusses how a joyful work environment boosts productivity and fosters a thriving organizational culture.
Topics:
- How to Free Up Leadership Bandwidth
- The Power of Mission, Vision & Values
- Pitfalls in Implementing The Management System
...and so much more.
Top Takeaways
- Want more freedom? Get more structure and discipline. Many founders resist structure, fearing it will slow them down. In reality, a well-defined system brings clarity, accountability, and autonomy. As an SMB founder, Michael knows firsthand that clear roles and a problem-solving framework allow companies to move faster and focus on growth instead of firefighting. Vern describes The Management System as liberating. It removes dysfunction and unnecessary complexity, creating an environment where talented people can thrive.
- Middle management is the backbone of scalable companies. Great companies scale by empowering middle management, not by keeping decisions at the top. The Management System ensures that middle managers understand the bigger vision, their role in achieving it, and how their success is measured. And if someone resists this level of accountability and transparency, the system reveals it fast.
- Efficient teams track fewer metrics—and get more done. Vern suggests ditching 50-slide reports for clear, actionable tools. Tracking sheets keep teams focused on 10 or fewer key metrics—green means you’re on track, red means it’s time to act. Tools like the A3 condense problem-solving into a one-page plan outlining the issue, root cause, and next steps. With these tools, teams leave meetings not just informed, but aligned and ready to execute.
- Teamwork makes the dream work. Podcasts and books often highlight solo journeys to success, but Michael emphasizes that true success comes when a team unites for something bigger than themselves. What matters more than personal wins is a shared mission and a willingness to support each other through the highs and lows. When a group shares that purpose, success follows naturally.
Recommended Reads from This Episode
- “Accelerating Growth” by Vern Davenport: Unpacks how a structured system can help companies scale by improving execution, accountability, and leadership alignment.
- “Getting the Right Things Done” by Pascal Dennis: Teaches how to apply lean management principles to eliminate inefficiencies.
- “The Founder’s Dilemma” by Noam Wasserman (Harvard Business Review article): Explores the trade-off between control and financial success that founders face as they scale.
About Vern Davenport
Vern Davenport is a partner at QHP Capital, a growth equity firm focused on tech-enabled life sciences and pharma services. He created The Management System, a structured framework designed to scale businesses. With executive leadership experience at Misys Healthcare, Medfusion, M*Modal, and Allscripts, Vern specializes in business transformation and operational execution.
About Michael Curry
Michael Curry is the co-chairman and co-CEO of Lullwater & Co., an investment firm specializing in entrepreneurship through acquisition. A search funder turned investor, he is an experienced operator in the healthcare space. Michael scaled a healthcare services company through M&A and is now focused on building the next stage of his investment firm.
Disclaimer:
The opinions expressed herein are those of QHP Capital, L.P. (“QHP Capital”) and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. QHP Capital is a registered investment adviser with the U.S Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.
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