The Private Equity Podcast, by Raw Selection

Greg Nieuwenhuys, a Private Equity Advisor and AI expert with over 20 years in the industry, dives into the transformative potential of generative AI for private equity. He explains how it's distinct from traditional AI, focusing on its capacity to create content and drive strategic initiatives. Greg dispels myths about AI as a lengthy IT endeavor, emphasizing the need for leadership and team training. He also demonstrates voice prompting as a productivity tool and highlights innovative recruitment applications, showcasing AI's role as a powerful ally in business.

Nate Edgerly, CEO of Enzo Group Inc., shares his fascinating journey from CPA to private equity leader in hospitality. He discusses how empathy and culture drive exceptional leadership, revealing what separates the great CEOs from the rest. Nate highlights common pitfalls in private equity, stressing the importance of long-term strategies over quick gains. He also unveils Enzo Group’s innovative approach to democratizing investment in hospitality, making it accessible to individual investors and underscoring the significance of effective systems in the sector.

Join Jeff Zwiefel, former President & COO of Life Time, who expertly scaled the business from $139M to $2.3B. He delves into the significance of a people-first culture and why private equity often falters by ignoring leadership and employee development. Jeff discusses innovative hiring practices through 'casting' and the need for rigorous training programs. He also highlights trends in the health industry, including personalized wellness services, while revealing how to use leadership to foster accountability and growth.

Henry Ward, CEO and Co-Founder of Carta, shares his insights on revolutionizing private equity through technology. He discusses the urgent need for legacy firms to shift from financial engineering to operational strategies that add value. Henry reveals the challenges of scaling a billion-dollar business and the importance of innovation in navigating market risks. He emphasizes the role of cloud-based tools in enhancing efficiency and transparency in private equity, while advocating for a new approach that combines venture-style growth with classic private equity rigor.

David Feingold, CEO of Broad Street Global, shares insights from over 35 years in private equity. He emphasizes the importance of hiring for cultural fit rather than credentials, showcasing how effective listening fosters a supportive work environment. With zero attrition among 55 partners, he reveals the secret to team cohesion lies in decentralized control and empowering leaders. David also discusses the exciting intersection of infrastructure and crypto mining, revealing how strategic decisions can adapt to market demands.

James Varela, Partner at Rede Partners and Head of MENA, brings over 15 years of capital-raising expertise to the table. He discusses the evolving landscape of fundraising in the Middle East, emphasizing the importance of DPI metrics and GP credibility. Varela reveals that transparency and storytelling are vital for attracting investors. He warns against common mistakes such as lack of preparation and potential pitfalls in communication. With a focus on co-investments and strategic relationships, he offers insights into navigating this challenging environment.

Sequoya Borgman, founder of Borgman Capital, shares insights from his journey in private equity, emphasizing the importance of culture in founder-led acquisitions. He discusses the unique challenges of CEO transitions and why they prioritize people over processes. The strategic choice of independent sponsorship allows flexibility in deal-making, attracting retail investors. Borgman highlights the role of AI in enhancing efficiency and reveals how leveraging local networks is key to sourcing deals, providing a holistic look at navigating the private equity landscape.

Chris Rozzell, Managing Partner at Cresta, brings a wealth of experience from scaling businesses and investing in decarbonization-focused infrastructure. He dives into the importance of fostering trust with management teams and the need to go all-in on early-stage infrastructure. Rozzell shares insights on blending venture capital with large infrastructure investments, emphasizing the significance of solutions in high-emission sectors. He's all about pragmatic approaches, advocating for scalable, cost-effective tech while navigating the complexities of ESG and climate discourse.

Sam Bendix, a partner at Chicago Pacific Founders, shares his innovative framework for capital raising through motivational interviewing. He elaborates on how this method effectively uncovers investor motivations without the hard sell. The discussion includes engaging investor interactions, refining hiring practices, and managing relationships with limited partners. Sam emphasizes the importance of structured conversations to establish rapport and clear next steps, plus a real-life case where this approach secured crucial interest. His insights promise to reshape how investors think about engagement.

Jared Weisel, SVP at Revenue Analytics, specializes in pricing strategy for PE-backed firms. He discusses how optimized pricing can significantly boost EBITDA without causing customer churn. Jared points out the common oversight of pricing in private equity, advocating for continuous pricing strategies instead of one-off changes. He also highlights the pitfalls of relying on gut instincts for pricing decisions and the value of data-driven approaches. Moreover, he emphasizes the need for visibility and consistency in pricing to prevent revenue loss and enhance profitability.