Private Equity Podcast: Karma School of Business

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.

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