How the Best Private Equity Firms Hire Top Portfolio Executives With Jordan Burton

Welcome to The Private Equity Podcast by Raw Selection! In this episode, our host, Alex Rawlings, is joined by Jordan Burton, co-founder of Talgo. Together, they delve into the intricacies of talent interviewing and assessment within the private equity sector. Jordan brings a wealth of knowledge from his transition from a potential private equity investor to an expert in executive talent assessment. This discussion promises to enlighten those interested in optimizing their hiring processes and understanding the common pitfalls and best practices in recruiting top-tier executives. 

[00:00] Introduction to Jordan Burton, specializing in talent interviewing and assessment.

[00:16] Discussion on timely decision-making in human capital issues.

[00:44] Jordan shares his career transition to executive talent assessment.

[01:12] Insights into Jordan’s career evolution and the founding of Talgo.

[02:11] Importance of proper interviewing techniques in talent acquisition.

[03:07] Indicators of when to act on personnel changes.

[04:06] Consequences of being overly accommodating in personnel decisions.

[05:02] Deep dive into interviewing and hiring processes.

[06:01] Setting clear expectations and metrics for new executives.

[08:22] Characteristics of effective private equity executives.

[10:19] Traits that define a top executive in private equity.

[12:15] Importance of quantitative skills in executives.

[13:13] Techniques used in interviewing executives about their past experiences.

[15:05] Importance of detailed discussions about past roles and achievements.

[18:27] Systematic assessment in identifying leadership qualities.

[20:26] Nuances of executive onboarding and performance tracking.

[22:10] Organizational dynamics and internal politics in hiring.

[24:06] Future trends in executive hiring, including technology impacts.

[26:01] Importance of adaptability and continuous learning in talent acquisition.

[28:26] Final thoughts on the evolution of the talent acquisition field.

[30:52] Methodologies for developing leadership pipelines in portfolio companies.

[33:18] Common pitfalls in the executive search process and avoidance strategies.

[35:44] Role of diversity and inclusion in executive hiring.

[38:09] Jordan reflects on the mentors who shaped his career.

[40:33] Tips for building a career in talent management within private equity.

[42:57] Advice for maintaining a competitive edge through strategic talent management.

[44:31] Closing remarks by Alex, encouraging listener engagement and subscription.

You can connect with Jordan Burton on LinkedIn by visiting his profile here. 

Thank you for tuning in!

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Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.