
Private Equity Podcast: Karma School of Business
Private equity insights for and with top business builders, including investors, operators, executives and industry thought leaders. The Karma School of Business Podcast goes behind the scenes of PE, talking about business best practices and real-time industry trends. You'll learn from leading professionals and visionary business executives who will help you take action and enhance your life, whether you’re at a PE firm, a portco or a private or public company.
BluWave Founder & CEO Sean Mooney hosts the Private Equity Karma School of Business Podcast. BluWave is the business builders’ network for private equity grade due diligence and value creation needs.
To learn more, visit: https://bit.ly/3oPBjs8
Latest episodes

Jul 16, 2025 • 29min
From Turnarounds to Growth: Ben Gaw on Building High-Performing Teams in Private Equity
In this episode of Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney speaks with Ben Gaw, Partner and Head of Portfolio Operations at Cross Rapids Capital. Ben shares stories from his journey as a first-generation immigrant to becoming a sought-after private equity leader, highlighting lessons learned from turnarounds, rapid decision-making, and building successful companies. Episode Highlights: 1:03 - Ben’s background: From chemical engineering to corporate turnarounds, restructuring, and private equity. 10:03 - What makes a good company great: Identifying defensible markets, customer relationships, and opportunities hidden in mismanagement. 12:20 - The Cross Rapids playbook: Leveraging pattern recognition, providing resources, and empowering management teams to execute. 18:13 - Advice for uncertain times: The importance of assembling the right team, moving quickly, and focusing on growth from day one. 22:27 - Soft skills and leadership: How servant leadership and bedside manner help operating partners and executives thrive. For more information on Cross Rapids Capital, go to https://www.crossrapids.com/ For more information on Ben Gaw, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamingawjr For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts

12 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 42min
What Dave Shephard Learned at West Point—and Applies in Private Equity
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.

15 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 54min
Board Meetings that Matter: Strategy, Structure, and Impact
Lloyd Metz, a seasoned partner at ICV Partners, and Doug McCormick, a specialist at HCI Equity Partners, discuss transforming private equity board meetings into strategic platforms. They emphasize focusing on impactful outcomes rather than routine reporting. The duo shares insights on structuring boards, selecting independent directors tailored to business needs, and the importance of avoiding tactical details in favor of actionable strategies. Engaging discussions around effective governance and fostering meaningful dialogue also take center stage.

4 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 26min
Elements of Value in Private Equity (Part 4): How PE Leaders Evaluate Businesses
Vinay Kashyap from Mainsail Partners shares insights on evaluating bootstrap B2B software companies with robust growth potential and durable value propositions. He emphasizes the importance of resourceful entrepreneurs and relationship-building in investment decisions. The conversation also highlights innovative evaluation techniques like using a 'red team' for rigorous analysis, assessing founder-led businesses, and the necessity of strategic foresight in fostering scalability and resilience in companies.

Jun 11, 2025 • 50min
Two Decades of Investing in Franchise/Multi-Unit Businesses with CapitalSpring
Richard Fitzgerald, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at CapitalSpring, shares insights from his extensive career in private equity focusing on franchise and multi-unit businesses. He discusses the importance of sector specialization and building trust with partners. Richard reflects on lessons learned during the pandemic, emphasizing resilience and kindness in business. He offers practical advice for younger professionals, highlighting the art of balancing debt and equity solutions to foster growth in a competitive landscape.

22 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 50min
The Private Equity Playbook for Add-On Strategy, Data Discipline & Value Creation | Brooke Ablon, Fort Point Capital
Brooke Ablon, Co-Founder and Partner at Fort Point Capital, specializes in lower middle market buyouts. He discusses his unconventional journey from psychology to private equity, emphasizing the lessons gained from distressed investing. Brooke reveals Fort Point’s investment criteria and how strategic add-ons can enhance company value. He highlights the power of data analytics in uncovering hidden margins and stresses the importance of proactive management. Finally, he compares private equity careers to marathons, underscoring the value of patience and strategic thinking.

23 snips
May 28, 2025 • 53min
How Private Equity Pros Build Enduring Value with Discipline & Data | Brian Neider, Lead Edge Capital
Brian Neider, Managing Partner at Lead Edge Capital, draws from 20 years in private equity to share compelling insights. He discusses how 20,000 cold calls shaped their investment strategy and reveals the unique 8-point framework for evaluating opportunities. Neider emphasizes the role of data discipline in enhancing portfolio performance and how Lead Edge's strong LP network contributes to value creation. With practical advice for early-career professionals and life hacks for productivity, he inspires listeners to treat their time and decisions as valuable investments.

May 21, 2025 • 39min
Don McDonough on Leading A Private Equity Business Development Function
In this episode of Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney speaks with Don McDonough, Managing Director at GTCR, about his career in private equity and his role in building GTCR’s business development function. Episode Highlights: 1:24 - Path to Private Equity: Don’s journey from investment banking to private equity and his early career experiences. 4:56 - Leadership Lessons: How sports and teamwork shaped Don’s approach to leadership and problem-solving. 10:09 - Building a New Role: Challenges and strategies in developing GTCR’s business development function. 27:04 - Value Creation Themes: GTCR’s focus on technology, AI, and proactive risk management strategies to drive portfolio growth. 33:02 - Advice to Younger Self: Don’s insights on identifying strengths, following passions, and seeking mentorship. For more information on GTCR, go to https://www.gtcr.com/ For more information on Don McDonough, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-mcdonough-a6a3611 For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/

12 snips
May 14, 2025 • 58min
Foundations of Leadership: Private Equity Insights with Dave Schnadig
Dave Schnadig, Co-President of Cortec Group, shares his fascinating journey from a family-run business to a leader in private equity. He discusses the importance of an 'all-in' mentality for success and dives into the gripping story of Yeti's turnaround. Dave elaborates on how smart decisions and innovation can overcome challenges like tariffs. He also emphasizes the need for work-life balance and how curated family adventures can enrich one's life, reminding us that experiences matter just as much as business success.

6 snips
May 7, 2025 • 39min
Data, AI, and Leadership: Essential Lessons for Private Equity from Misha Logvinov
In this engaging discussion, Misha Logvinov, Managing Director at MGX, shares his journey from post-Soviet Russia to Silicon Valley. He delves into how strong leadership and adaptability are key traits for successful companies. Misha highlights the transformative power of AI and data in private equity, emphasizing the need for data readiness and rethinking leadership for the future. Personal anecdotes about balancing drive with kindness add depth to his insights, making for a compelling conversation on growth and innovation in the industry.