Greg Nieuwenhuys, a Private Equity Advisor and AI expert with over 20 years in the industry, dives into the transformative potential of generative AI for private equity. He explains how it's distinct from traditional AI, focusing on its capacity to create content and drive strategic initiatives. Greg dispels myths about AI as a lengthy IT endeavor, emphasizing the need for leadership and team training. He also demonstrates voice prompting as a productivity tool and highlights innovative recruitment applications, showcasing AI's role as a powerful ally in business.
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Greg's AI Journey
Greg Nieuwenhuys shared his 20 years as CEO and chair of PE-backed consumer goods companies.
He became passionate about generative AI two years ago and sees it as a people challenge, not just tech.
insights INSIGHT
What is Generative AI?
Generative AI can create and interpret diverse content including text, images, and business plans.
It differs from classic AI, which mainly makes recommendations rather than generating content.
insights INSIGHT
AI is a People Challenge
Most business leaders wrongly see generative AI as a long, expensive tech project.
Real impact occurs quickly when CEOs lead and empower teams to use AI effectively.
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Greg showcases how he uses voice to interact with AI—writing emails, brainstorming use cases, even in Chinese.
Prompts done via speech save time and boost output.
GenAI as an “intern army”—needs clear direction and oversight.
🔹 PortCo Strategy (25:00 – 32:00)
PE-backed firms should use GenAI for growth, not just cost-cutting.
AI can reshape customer journeys and product innovation.
Link GenAI to value creation plans: “How can AI help us grow faster, better, cheaper?”
🔹 Private Equity Funds Must Lead Too (32:00 – 39:00)
Many PE funds expect portfolios to adopt AI—but don’t use it themselves.
Greg supports fund-level training: mapping investment flow to identify use cases in screening, DD, deal memos, legal, and more.
Example: “Sales Hunt” tool for sourcing targets with AI-powered outreach.
GenAI allows same-size teams to evaluate more deals and increase velocity—without compromising quality.
🔹 Where to Start? (39:00 – 44:00)
Overcome fear and decision paralysis.
AI must be part of culture—non-use should be seen as “cheating the company.”
Build internal champions to sustain the transformation.
Key resources:
Dr. Ethan Mollick’s LinkedIn & site
AI Daily Brief podcast
11Labs’ “ElevenReader” for converting articles into listenable audio
🔹 Contact Greg (44:00 – 45:00)
LinkedIn: @Greg Nieuwenhuys
Key Takeaways:
AI is a culture shift, not a tech add-on.
Empower the entire team to use GenAI in everyday work.
Start small, build momentum, and tie AI directly to growth strategy.
Private equity must adopt AI internally to credibly promote it in portfolio firms.
Raw Selection partners with Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies to secure exceptional executive talent. We focus on de-risking executive recruitment through meticulous search and selection processes, ensuring top-tier performance and long-term success.
The Private Equity Podcast, by Raw Selection