Private Equity Podcast: Karma School of Business Private Equity Judgment, Resilience, and the Art of Business Building
Jan 14, 2026
Geoff Faux, a partner at Clearview Capital, brings his extensive experience in private equity to the table. He shares how his background in competitive swimming instilled discipline in his investing mindset. Key insights focus on evaluating management teams and industry stability as essential investment factors. Geoff recounts a harrowing first deal setback and how he turned a struggling portfolio company into a top performer through strategic hiring and resilience. His advice centers on teamwork and valuing cultural fit in hiring, making for a grounded exploration of business-building.
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Swimming Shaped Discipline And Focus
- Geoff recounts growing up in Atlanta, swimming at Princeton, and learning discipline through early-morning training cycles.
- He credits athletics for teaching focus, incremental improvement, and studying others to improve his own performance.
Four Variables That Define Deals
- Geoff frames four core investment variables: industry, competitive advantage, management, and price.
- He stresses balancing those variables and recognizing which strengths can outweigh weaknesses.
Two Non-Negotiables For Success
- Geoff identifies two non-negotiables: industry stability and a baseline of management strength.
- He argues industry volatility or weak management can undo other strengths regardless of price or product.