97 - You DON'T Need to Be a FOUNDER to Be SUCCESSFUL (Here's Proof!) with Emily Holdman
Dec 16, 2024
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Emily Holdman, managing director at Permanent Equity, transitioned from journalism to a leader in acquisitions, sharing her insights on intrapreneurship—thriving within a larger company. She discusses the importance of embracing a no-intention-to-sell philosophy and creatively solving problems in deal-making. Emily also dives into evaluating businesses and managing risks while emphasizing unique growth opportunities in non-founder roles. Her perspective challenges traditional views and highlights how entrepreneurial thinking can create substantial impact.
Emily Holdman emphasizes that intrapreneurship within established companies offers unique opportunities for growth and impact without needing to be a business founder.
The podcast highlights the importance of networking and adaptability in career paths, showcasing how unconventional journeys can lead to fulfilling roles in unpredictable markets.
Deep dives
Navigating Career Choices and Opportunities
The speaker reflects on their educational background in journalism and economics, expressing how internships shaped their career path during challenging economic times. After an initial role in film publicity, the Great Recession forced them to pivot, leading to a significant chance encounter with an entrepreneur, Brent Bishore, via LinkedIn. This interaction highlighted the importance of networking and the willingness to seek opportunities, as the speaker was invited to interview and eventually offered a role that was created specifically for them. Their experience underlines the idea that unconventional paths and adaptability can lead to fulfilling careers in unpredictable markets.
The Shift from Service Provider to Investor Mindset
Initially working in a variety of business roles, the speaker's perspective shifted dramatically following their first investment in a government services contractor. They acknowledged the difference between providing services as an agency and taking on the responsibilities and rewards of ownership. This transition opened their eyes to the complexities of business operations, which illuminated the potential for growth through strategic investments. As they explored acquisitions, they began to appreciate the stability that longer-term contracts bring compared to the fluctuating nature of project-based work.
The Impact of Economic Crises on Business Mindset
The speaker discusses the long-lasting influence of the Great Recession on their approach to risk and business decisions. They emphasize the necessity of maintaining a strategic mindset while preparing for various economic outcomes, especially during challenging times like COVID-19. Their experience during the recession shaped their understanding of the market's unpredictability, prompting them to create contingency plans for their portfolio of businesses. This perspective grants them insight into the significance of cash management and the need for adaptable strategies during economic instability.
Embracing Creativity in Business Opportunities
The conversation highlights a common misconception in the small and medium-sized business (SMB) community, where trends often dictate investment choices rather than individual strengths and insights. The speaker believes that aspiring entrepreneurs should identify unique business models that align with their skills rather than following the herd towards widely recognized industries. They critique the overemphasis on service-based businesses and encourage a more imaginative approach to finding unique investments that may offer sustainable success. By prioritizing self-awareness and creative thinking, individuals can discover significant opportunities often overlooked in saturated markets.
Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I sit down with Emily Holdman (https://x.com/emilyleldridge), managing director at Permanent Equity. Emily shares her journey from journalism and economics to becoming a leader in acquisitions with a no-intention-to-sell philosophy. In this episode, we focus on intrapreneurship - the art of being entrepreneurial within a larger company, and why it’s a viable but often overlooked path to success. We discuss how Emily evaluates businesses, creatively solves problems in deal-making, and balances risk and opportunity while thriving in a non-founder role. If you’ve ever wondered how to make an impact without starting your own business, this episode is packed with insights you can’t miss.
Questions this Episode Answers:
What is intrapreneurship, and why is it a viable path to success?
How can you thrive as an entrepreneurial thinker within a larger company?
What strategies does Emily use to evaluate businesses and balance risk?
How can creative problem solving enhance deal-making and acquisitions?
Why might a non-founder role offer unique opportunities for growth and impact?
Enjoy the conversation! __________________________
Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or send me an email at Nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________
00:00 Highlights 00:34 Introduction and Background 00:48 Early Career and Internships 01:49 Transition to Permanent Equity 03:49 First Major Acquisition 05:15 Role Evolution and Business Growth 08:06 Navigating the Great Recession 09:51 Curiosity and Problem-Solving 15:58 Professional and Personal Reflections 21:42 Planning for Uncertainty in Business 22:15 The K-Shaped Recovery Post-COVID 23:26 Creativity in the SMB Community 24:42 The Importance of Self-Awareness in Business 29:19 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 33:50 Evaluating Business Models and Industries 40:33 Perma nent Equity's Future Ventures
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