Dave Shepherd, Director of Portfolio Operations at Rainier Partners, shares insights from his journey at West Point to private equity. He discusses how military lessons instilled grit and resilience, emphasizing leading without authority. Dave explains Rainier Partners' value creation process, blending strategy and operational improvements. He highlights the foundational role of data and AI, advocating for small, impactful starts. Lastly, he encourages continuous learning and curiosity as vital tools for growth in both personal and professional domains.