Private Equity Podcast: Karma School of Business

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.

From a non-traditional career path to transforming businesses, Micah Dawson shares his playbook for designing business success in private equity with Sean Mooney. Packed with bold career moves, hard-earned lessons, and fresh perspectives, Micah shares how grit, leadership, and a focus on people drive real impact in the lower middle market. [00:03:15] - Bold career pivots: Micah’s transition from being an architect to entering law school, business school, and eventually joining the world of private equity. [00:06:49] - Entering the operations world: Micah shares lessons from his time managing manufacturing plants and turning around struggling businesses in rural Indiana. [00:22:23] - Insights into Trivest’s approach to enhancing the founder experience, removing friction from the deal process, and providing transformative resources to portfolio companies. [00:26:19] - The team-building philosophy Micah credits with creating outsized value, and his focus on ensuring the right people occupy the right roles. [00:37:15] - Balancing ambition and fulfillment: Micah discusses personal lessons and philosophies on leadership, grit, and finding joy in the career journey. For more information on Trivest Partners, go to Trivest Partners For more information on Micah Dawson, go to Micah Dawson LinkedIn For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to BluWave Podcasts

What does it take to transform founder-led businesses into industry leaders? In this episode of the Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney sits down with Trent Hickman, Co-Managing Partner at VSS Capital Partners, and shares his blueprint for creating value, building trust, and fostering growth alongside visionary management teams that every business builder and private equity professional needs to hear. Episode Highlights 0:34 – Meet Trent Hickman: His journey from Charlotte, NC to becoming a leader in private equity and a passionate ski coach. 13:13 – What makes a great investment? The three key attributes Trent looks for in founder-led businesses. 19:04 – Building strong partnerships with management teams: Insights on aligning visions and maintaining a growth mindset. 22:02 – Innovative approaches to value creation: Using third-party expertise and ensuring multiple ways to win. 35:58 – The importance of embracing change and leveraging external resources to accelerate business success. 40:28 – Advice to the next generation: Trent’s reflections on patience, enjoying the journey, and collaborating to achieve long-term impact.   For more information on VSS Capital Partners, go to https://www.vss.com/ For more information on Trent Hickman, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/trenthickman/ For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts

Sean Mooney chats with John Hodge, Partner at Rubicon Technology Partners, to explore his inspiring journey from Buffalo, NY, to founding one of the premier private equity firms in enterprise software. John dives into the importance of culture, operational excellence, and aligning with portfolio companies to create value while sharing personal insights on leadership, humility, and change management. Whether you’re a private equity leader or an aspiring entrepreneur, John’s stories, strategies, and advice offer practical wisdom for navigating today’s fast-evolving investment landscape. Episode Highlights 1:09 – John Hodge's Buffalo upbringing, competitive swimming career at Stanford, and the values that shaped his leadership philosophy. 7:56 – How early advice from an industry leader shaped his career path: the leap from biology to tech-focused investment banking. 19:53 – The founding of Rubicon: Why culture, operational discipline, and alignment are the foundation. 29:03 – Rubicon’s hands-on operational model and unique approach to value creation. 40:16 – AI in enterprise software: Driving productivity and advancing product roadmaps. 53:01 – Life lessons: The importance of waking up early, keeping a positive attitude, and never taking yourself too seriously.   For more information on Rubicon Technology Partners, go to https://www.rubicontp.com/ For more information on John Hodge, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/jchodge/ For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts

Kristin Johnson, Managing Director at Altamont Capital Partners, brings a wealth of experience in building successful businesses. She dives into the significance of leadership, the innovative use of AI, and the benefits of employee ownership. Kristin emphasizes the importance of transparency and the role of diverse teams in effective decision-making. She also shares personal insights on balancing assertiveness with warmth and recommends must-read books for professional and personal growth.

In this episode of Private Equity Spotlight, Sean Mooney sits down with Ran Ding and Chris Scullin from Norwest to discuss why private equity is ultimately a people-driven business. With deep insights into founder-led businesses and long-term partnership strategies, Ran and Chris share their unique approach to building trust, creating value, and fostering alignment with the companies they invest in. From their personal journeys to the principles that guide their work, this episode offers timeless lessons for investors and founders alike. Episode Highlights 2:15 – Discover how Ran Ding and Chris Scullin turned personal challenges into professional purpose in private equity. 8:45 – Building trust and alignment: The secret to lasting partnerships in founder-led businesses. 17:30 – Winning strategies for scaling founder-driven companies while preserving their culture. 26:15 – How a people-first mindset sets Norwest apart in the world of private equity investing. 36:50 – Real-world examples of value creation and supporting businesses through thoughtful capital allocation. 48:20 – How to craft your own adventure: Lessons in finding energy and fulfillment in your career journey. For more information on Norwest, go to  https://www.nvp.com/ For more information on Ran Ding, go to  https://www.linkedin.com/in/randing For more information on Chris Scullin, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisscullin/ For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts

Sean Mooney dives into the evolution of private equity, uncovering four crucial trends shaping the industry. He discusses the shift to proactive due diligence, allowing firms to make informed decisions that enhance outcomes. Listeners learn about transformative value creation through strategic partnerships and innovative operations. Modern PE firms are now leveraging advanced analytics and AI tools for efficiency. Additionally, the importance of corporate citizenship is highlighted, showcasing how firms are integrating social responsibility into their practices.

Dan Ryan, Managing Director at MidOcean Partners, shares his journey from investment banking to private equity. He reveals life-saving lessons from a steak dinner mishap, emphasizing trust and collaboration. Ryan discusses building business functions during the pandemic and leveraging data for a competitive edge. He highlights the adaptive strategies MidOcean is employing, including structured equity and AI integration. Cybersecurity's importance in private equity-backed firms and practical life hacks for daily challenges also feature prominently in their conversation.

Sean Mooney welcomes Vinay Kashyap, Partner at Mainsail Partners, to explore the art and science of investing in and scaling bootstrapped software companies. With a focus on relationships, discipline, and resourcefulness, Vinay reveals how Mainsail supports entrepreneurs in building enduring businesses. Discover practical strategies for turning product-driven companies into market leaders, leveraging AI for growth, and navigating the fast-changing tech landscape with confidence.   1:07 - Vinay’s journey into private equity, how his upbringing influenced his career, and the focus on bootstrapped software companies at Mainsail Partners. 6:45 - The value of long-term relationship building, Mainsail’s proactive approach to sourcing investments, and why a three-to-five-year timeline is critical. 10:27 - What makes a great investment: strong growth metrics, durable product quality, and visionary, industry-experienced founders with a learning mindset. 16:29 - Transforming companies post-investment: building infrastructure, upgrading tech stacks, assembling top-tier teams, and implementing data-driven systems. 23:45 - Practical applications of AI within portfolio companies, including customer service transformations and developer productivity optimization. 32:13 - Preparing for a future shaped by AI and the importance of embedding cutting-edge technology into both operations and product offerings.   For more information on Mainsail Partners, go to  https://Mainsailpartners.com/ For more information on Vinay Kashyap, go to  https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinay-kashyap-3646173 For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts

Lisa Ames, a marketing operating executive at Norwest Venture Partners, shares her unconventional journey into private equity, shaped by her SaaS expertise. She emphasizes the significance of trust in leadership and the idea of a 'business therapist' for navigating challenges. The discussion covers key traits of high-performing businesses, effective Ideal Customer Profiles, and the synergy between sales and marketing. Lisa also offers timeless advice on networking, stressing the power of authentic connections in transforming careers and driving growth.