Navigating Wealth Fortune 500 to PE CEO: Better Work-Life Balance? ft. Marc Boreham | Navigating Wealth
Dec 24, 2025
Marc Boreham, President and CEO of Technical Safety Services, shares his fascinating transition from leading Agilent Technologies' billion-dollar operations to the world of private equity. He reveals how PE firms can offer a better work-life balance than Fortune 500 companies, emphasizing the strategic focus and longer-term vision in PE. Marc discusses his investment philosophy after achieving financial independence, weighing high-risk opportunities against stable allocations. He also highlights the importance of understanding company culture and customer needs when integrating acquired firms.
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Split Wealth Into Safe And Upside Buckets
- Put a core portion of wealth into a low-risk “don’t break glass” portfolio so you don’t worry about day-to-day finances.
- Keep a separate allocation for high-risk, asymmetric opportunities if you enjoy upside and participation.
Leaving A Long Corporate Tenure To Build
- After 20 years at Agilent, Marc left to lead a PE-backed roll-up because he feared a lifelong 'what if' regret.
- He traded a corporate path for the chance to build via buy-and-build in lab services.
Negotiate Pay Versus Equity In PE Moves
- When moving from a public company to PE, negotiate equity roll and understand typical ownership stakes and pay tradeoffs.
- Expect lower guaranteed pay short-term but materially higher upside if the plan succeeds.