Private Equity Podcast: Karma School of Business

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.

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.

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.

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/

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.

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.

Explore Q1 2025 insights on private equity as key economic shifts unfold. Discover how easing inflation and resilient job markets are influencing deal activity, with a notable 15% year-over-year increase. Learn about the impacts of emerging tariffs and the strategic recalibrations firms are making to mitigate risks. The discussion emphasizes the need for clear guidance from Washington and highlights opportunities amidst global uncertainties. This dynamic landscape showcases how adaptability is paving the way for future growth.

Andrew Joy, a partner at Hidden Harbor Capital, shares his incredible journey of overcoming a near-fatal injury and rising to become valedictorian at Emory University. He discusses how resilience and grit shape success in private equity, particularly during crises like the 2008 financial crash and COVID-19. The conversation highlights the importance of small victories and mindset shifts in turning challenges into opportunities. Additionally, Rob Konrad's 16-hour survival swim story adds a gripping layer, illustrating the profound lessons of determination and decision-making in life and business.

In this special episode of Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney revisits insights from previous conversations with some of private equity’s most thoughtful leaders. These experts highlight the "elements of value" they prioritize when evaluating companies for investment, offering actionable frameworks and lessons learned across industries, geographies, and strategies.   Episode Highlights: 01:11 - Nik Kapauan shares Access Holdings’ research-driven approach to identifying segment leaders and defining "what good looks like" in fragmented industries. 07:10 - Rob Konrad discusses the critical role of people and alignment when partnering with family-owned businesses in the lower middle market. 21:11 - Casey Myers emphasizes leadership, product-market fit, and overcoming tech debt for durable, smart growth in software companies. 28:24 - Jonathan Metrick explores the power of identifying superpowers in business and relentlessly prioritizing resources to create competitive advantage. 35:29 - Lisa Ames highlights the importance of ruthless prioritization in marketing, focusing efforts where they create the most predictable success. To listen to Nik Kapauan's full episode, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/nik-kapauan-access-holdings/ To listen to Rob Konrad's full episode, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/rob-konrad-alterna-equity-partners/ To listen to Casey Myers' full episode, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/casey-myers-edison-partners/ To listen to Jonathan Metrick's full episode, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/jonathan-metrick-sagard/ To listen to Lisa Ames' full episode, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/lisa-ames-norwest/

Doug McCormick, a partner at HCI Equity Partners, discusses the transformative impact of AI on private equity. He shares actionable insights on using AI to optimize operations, drive innovation in deal sourcing, and improve marketing. Doug emphasizes the importance of training social media algorithms and experimenting with AI for strategic benefits. He highlights how lower middle market companies can leverage simple AI tools for growth and talks about preparing the next generation for an AI-driven workforce, balancing machine efficiency with human intuition.