The Private Equity Podcast, by Raw Selection

Introduction to JasonJason Glende is an executive sales professional who’s led multiple commercial organizations to success. Jason came from a background in engineering and decided to take on a career in sales and private equity. He shares his story and how his success in the PE industry flourished since his career shift.  What You Will LearnJason’s Interest in the PE-backed WorldHow to Transition to PE IndustryKeys to Long-Term Success in PEDefining A Good Team Culture Breakdown[00:28] Introduction of Jason[02:00] Mistakes Private Equity Makes and How to Correct[02:40] What Attracted Jason to PE-Backed World [03:56] Advice When Transitioning to PE [06:00] Harnessing Long-Term Success in PE[11:23] Interpretation of a Good Team Culture[14:25] Mistakes and Solutions of Salespeople[18:08] Three Attributes that Make a Top Performer[20:41] Likes and Dislikes About PE[23:08] Media Influences of Jason[26:18] How to Reach Jason Thinking Long TermFor organizations backed by PE, mapping out long-term strategies are the key to success. Strategies to consider include building a good team, listening to customers, having a winning culture, and having a process that increases win rates. Organizations that are covered by these factors are more likely to set themselves up for longer-term success in PE.  The Culture In terms of culture, it’s important that a team has a good and healthy environment in order to achieve your organization’s goals. Culture can be broken down into either the relationship you build with your colleagues, the interactions you have with customers and external companies, or the mindset you have for yourself. Having the empathy to be considerate about the wellness of your organization can create a healthier productive environment on an internal scale. Being humble to competitors and open to customer feedback are ways to project a healthy company to external entities. Having the openness to fail, is one other way to show that you are learning for the future. Other Media ReferencesEmpire of the Summer Moon by S.C. GwyneAtomic Habits by James Clear How to Reach JasonJason’s Linkedin ​​Thank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.  

Introduction to ChrisChris is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of L5 Capital Partners. L5 Capital Partners is a business equity firm that invests in consumer businesses. These include, communications, lifestyle, and health. Chris, for the longest time has been in the operations side of organizations, and now he sheds light on how he migrated from ops to the investor side of his career. What You Will LearnConsumer SpaceTransitioning from Operations to InvestorQuality Hiring Process in PEBusiness GrowthTalent Cycles  Breakdown[00:28] Introduction of ChrisEarly days in Corporate finance and worked through telecom [02:30] From Operator to Investor[03:31] Mistakes of PE Firms and Portfolios[04:55] Changes in the Hiring Process[11:14] Focusing on Consumer Space[14:29] Focusing and Defining Stage Growth[19:52] Values in Operator-Led Firms[23:58] Experiences Taken as a CEO[28:54] Preparational Procedures for Promotions[31:03] Three Attributes That Make a Top Performer[33:33] Love and Dislikes About PE[36:40] Other Media Literature[40:55] How to Reach Chris Talent LifecycleA giant factor that affects businesses is the lifecycle of talents that rotate inside the organization. Talents pertained here are the executives level or decision-making roles. Chris emphasizes the importance of the talent lifecycle due to many companies relying on just filling up the seat rather than considering other long term factors. As someone who’s experienced operations to investor, Chris is now well aware of the timeline and essentials candidates will need and bring in order to become an exceptional candidate for roles such as CEO, CFO, COO, etc.  Consumer Space and GrowthIn today’s episode, Chris talks about the consumer space in telecom and how elements such as proper business models, good relationships, and market adaptability enable companies to grow long term. These foundations that can accommodate a long term consumer journey are the key for a healthy business development. It’s not only about being adaptable to the market for the consumers, but also establishing the organization’s structure and see if the internal workflow is healthy as well. Aside from the internal relations, companies should also look out for the externals as well, building business relationships with other companies that could be also potential investors and partners for longer term projects. Other Media ReferencesZora How to Reach ChrisChris’ Email: chris@lfivecapital.com  ​​Thank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com. 

Introduction to EricEric Anderson is the Chief Operating Officer of Clearwave Corporation and has been the COO since 2010. Eric’s experience stems from his undergraduate degree in accounting and then an e-commerce program in Stanford. Since his education, he’s worked with startups and Fortune 500 companies. His primary industry work revolves around technology and now healthcareWhat You Will LearnInvesting in HealthcarePE Investment in HealthcareCapital and Company GrowthImportance of Knowledge and ResourcesStandards When Selecting a PE FirmPrivate Equity ExitsBreakdown[00:28] Introduction of Eric[02:37] Mistakes and Actions to Take in PE[06:15] Challenges Encountered by Clearwave Corp.[08:31] Needs in Capital for Growth Acceleration[11:11] Source of Knowledge of Investment [13:24] Acquired by Private Equity[15:06] PE Firm Selection Process[20:40] Advice to PE Executives on Exits[24:39] Eric’s Endurance Post-Exits [28:31] Attributes that Make a Top Performer[31:36] Likes and Dislikes About PE [37:18] Other Media References[40:23] How to Reach Eric Knowledge is PowerWhen it comes to Private Equity, the more you know will benefit your firm and the businesses backed by PE. According to Eric, the knowledge gained in terms of sales, demand, customers, etc., can help firms and businesses craft a game plan that can project long-term revenue-generating outcomes. This information can be extracted from operating partners and consultants. It is also essential to consider partners or consultants that are well-versed in the industry your business is associated with.Private Equity ExitsPrivate equity exits are moves that are not entirely negative as some require this move to redirect the financial strategy or change the revenue dynamics of certain companies. These exits are okay based on law regulations, however, they require a due process in order to have successful and non-impactful outcomes. In order to achieve an exit, companies should need a playbook strategy that depends on the nature of the business goals. It also helps if the companies have an open mind throughout the process and a leader that’s agile which can result in growth changes. Other Media ReferencesMeasure What Matters by John DoerrThe Leadership Sequence by Nick SabanNever Split the Difference, Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It by Chris Voss and Tahl RazThe Power Law: Venture Capital and the Making of the New Future by Sebastian MallabyHow to Reach EricEric’s Email: andersonericd@gmail.com ​​Thank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com. 

Introduction to JohnJohn Gallagher is the CEO of Element SaaS Finance. John has been a finance professional for some time now and has worked in different industries including the private equity sector. He has a track record of working with different equity firms, but mostly building his element finance. What You Will LearnPE Firms: A more customer-centric approach The SAAS (Software) IndustryBuilding Customer RelationshipsFirm Growth ManagementDifferent Types of Venture Debt Breakdown[00:25] Introduction to John[01:29] Mistakes Made in PE and Actions For It[04:04] Focusing on the SAAS Industry[05:45] Investment: Average vs Great SAAS[08:24] Recommendations for Other PE Firms in SAAS [10:20] Facilitating Firm Growth[11:53] About Venture Debt [15:51] Attributes that Make a Top Performer[17:42] Likes and Dislikes of the PE Industry[20:39] Recommendations for SAAS Investment[21:58] Other Media Reference[23:33] How to Connect with JohnStatistical Analysis System Industry The statistical analysis system industry, or SAAS,  is a sector that focuses on data management, advanced analytics, varying types of analysis, business intelligence, and other analytical-based types of work. The target market for SAAS has a wider net as it scales on a global level. Firms would have customers ranging from Australia, and Asia and the base operations can be found in the United States. With SAAS, businesses can really thrive in this industry through organic growth even with little assets they have. With the right strategy and long-term plans such as projection of investments and debt, businesses will have no problems scaling themselves for long-term success.Customer-Centric and Building RelationshipsWhen it comes to the SAAS industry, PE firms that want to back companies should keep an open line of communication with their customers. It is important to build a good standing relationship with them in order to drive long-term partnerships and success trajectories for the firm itself. Although results and outputs are important, having a well-developed business relationship with customers may be able to set up companies for a growth-incline future. Other Media ReferencesBusiness and Sports Individuals who overcame adversaries History particularly in Tech, Finance, and CryptoPodcasts  How to Reach JohnJohn’s website​​Thank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com. 

Introduction to MichaelMichael Tang is an experienced chief financial officer, in the Healthcare sector. He has more than 20 years of operational finance experience, particularly in the healthcare arena. He’s worked with PE-backed Fortune 500 companies and non-profit integrated healthcare systems.What You Will LearnBalancing margins of PE-backed firmsThe Healthcare Sector How to Solidify the Healthcare IndustryM and ABreakdown[00:28] Introduction to Michael[01:23] Mistakes of PE Firms and How to Correct Them [02:37] Trends in the Healthcare Sector[04:22] Changes in the Industry for Assurance [06:08] Acquisitions Completed by Michael[07:49] Learning Points from Michael[11:22] Acquisition Essentials and Processes [13:43] Errors in Acquisitions and How to Correct Them[15:59] Attributes that Make a Top Performer[17:37] Likes and Dislikes About PE[19:36] Other Literature References[21:43] How to Reach MichaelThe Healthcare Industry The healthcare industry has been developing over the years, especially since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the behavioral changes and quality services have been a key focus in the industry. These are now new highlights that companies look out for in order to make sure that the baseline on keeping their performances moves forward. The domino effect of acknowledging mental health to the productivity rate in maintaining quality outputs on a day-to-day basis. Acquisition EssentialsAcquisitions can be tedious work especially for companies that do not process or strategize their plans properly. When it comes to acquisitions, it is important to do due diligence and have proper integration processes. When companies undergo this move, first and foremost is to make sure that you are backed with basic requirements and ensure that all essential documentation and action plans are well thought of in the timeline of the process. Another important item to consider is integration. It’s imperative to know how you will marry the new and existing elements in order to avoid any unnecessary bottlenecks, complaints, and task negligence when conducting an acquisition process. Other Media ReferencesIndustry ArticlesIndustry Updates How to Reach MichaelMichael’s Email: mtangatfw@yahoo.comMichael’s LinkedIn ​​Thank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com. 

Introduction to Alexander:Alexander is a partner at the Sciens Water. Alexander has dedicated his recent work to investing in water infrastructure, through private equity investments. He has worked in multiple sectors such as investment banking, led a start up, and went to business school as well. What You Will LearnThe Water Infrastructure IndustryInvesting in Water InfrastructureFirms Associated with WaterSpecialization and Interdisciplinary Approaches Breakdown:[00:28] Introduction of Alexander [03:22] Opportunities in Water Infrastructure Industry[05:18] Areas of Investment in the Water Industry[08:45] Specialization and Differentiation for Firms [11:15] Decision to Focus on Infrastructure [13:45] Mistakes in PE and How to Solve Them[16:10] Working on a Broader Ecosystem[17:00] Likes and Dislikes of PE[19:22] Entrepreneurial Insights in PE[22:19] PE Human Resource for Performance Enhancement[23:31] Attributes to Make a Top Performer[25:58] Reading References[28:35] How to Reach Alexander The Water InfrastructureAlexander has been heavily focused on the water infrastructure industry, particularly in the United States. He narrates different areas in which private equity firms can take an angle or approach on the industry such as the fragmentation issues and development of infrastructures. His approach and perspective of learning for the sector relies on the recycle and reuse lens of water. Alexander’s dedication to research and investment in water enumerates the interest, the areas of improvement, and the essentials of both resources and finance. Being Well-RoundedWhen it comes to marrying private equity and the water infrastructure, Alexander points out the importance of becoming a well-rounded individual. Defining well-rounded is based on the attitude, work ethics, and flexibility of an individual. It takes a lot of passion and hardwork to be able to comprehend where the sectors can come together despite its niche atmosphere. Reading Materials Books on the following topics:-          Water-          Business-          History How to Reach Alexander:Alexander’s Email: a.loucopoulos@scienscapitalAlexander’s Linkedin  ​​Thank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com. 

Introduction to Eric:Eric Stewart is the Interim Chief Commercial Officer of IsoPlexis. He started his career in product and process development and later transitioned to private equity. He’s managed worldwide remits and has done some work in marketing and sales. Eric has also been serving as a board member of the Georgia Tech Business Network. What You Will Learn:Driving ROI for PE-Backed CompaniesSetting Goals with PE-Backed FirmsHow Low-Medium Markets can Utilize PE FirmsPoints to Consider to Drive Effective ProcessesAbout CDMO Breakdown:[00:28]: Introduction of Eric [03:10]: Mistakes of PE Firms[04:43]: Advice for PE-Backed Companies for Revenue Growth[06:45]: Low to Medium Markets’ Essentials[11:26]: Big Takeaways from Private Equity [15:15]: Lookouts in Order to Drive Effective Processes[20:23]: Perspectives in the CDMO Market[24:20]: Three Attributes that Make a Top Performer[27:12]: Likes and Dislikes of Private Equity[33:08] Recommended Reading Materials[37:06]: How to Reach Eric Setting Goals When companies are backed by private equity firms, it’s highly recommended that they establish their goals early on, especially for those in the low to medium market. It’s essential to always make sure that the ROI that a company seeks are covered by elements such as marketing, sales, and reviews.  Utilizing Internal KnowledgeFor companies to gauge effective activity growth, utilizing internal knowledge can serve as the base of foundation to unlock the next levels of productivity. When you have a plateau amount of knowledge, executives should take the opportunity to identify the key areas on where or how they can advance their growth, by doing so, they can tap into the process stage where they can utilize the resources they have, which ranges from office, people, and marketing tools. This enables companies to map out their respective priorities, which will serve them long-term in the growing market. Reading Materials:Adam Coffin - Private Equity PlaybookCan’t Hurt Me by David Goggins The Reason for God by Timothy Keller Podcast:McKinsey Raw Selection Interviews Other Influences:Richard Branson How to Reach Eric: Eric’s Linkedin  ​​Thank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.  

Introduction to Jeff:Jeff Gonyo is the Managing Director of Geneva Glen Capital and has been associated with the firm since 2008. He is very passionate about the Private Equity Industry and has been in the sector for around 32 years. Jeff’s been on a pursuit to help rising companies generate more value by adding operating executives and domain expertise. What You Will LearnDeal-by-Deal Equity InvestmentsUtilizing the Operating Executive ModelGenerating NetworksHow to Strategize for Proprietary Deal Flows   Breakdown:[00:29] Introduction of Jeff Gonyo[01:57] Mistakes PE Firms Make [03:27] The Deal-By-Deal Process[04:44] Particular Deal Drawbacks [06:28] Deciding on the Areas of Focus[07:58] Operating Executive Model[12:40] Building the Network Connections (Get a teaser here)[18:18] Strategies for Proprietary Deal Flows[20:41] Attributes that Make a Top Executive Performer[23:33] Likes and Dislikes of Private Equity[27:45] Recommended Literature[29:15] How to Reach Jeff Working with FlexibilityJeff’s process in terms of managing firms and companies leans towards the traditional side compared to other firms with experimental standards to fast-track developments. In recent occurrences and with the market of people his firm works with, it’s easier to be flexible and proceed with a more known approach especially if you are already taking on selected areas of expertise on where to invest or where to develop.  Building Your NetworkWhen it comes to PE firms, having the connection of people you work with is essential in order to map out the productivity development flow of any company you are investing in. For Jeff, the connection he has with executives has kept him briefed on the demands of the market and the internals of companies, which helps him connect with a proper consultant, representative, and executive to develop that company. One experience and leadership method could potentially be beneficial for many companies.      Reading Materials How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie  How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie    How to Reach Jeff:Reach Jeff through his website at Geneva Glen Capital  ​​Thank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com. 

Introducing MattMatt is the Head of Practice for digital and e-commerce as well as strategy at Nimble Gravity. He started at operations, and now over the last 2 decades, he has slowly transitioned to be acquainted with the digital side and now covers the world of e-commerce. He’s been in other digital-related fields such as telecommunications and mobile ad tech space. What You Will Learn-         Decision-making for PE Firms-         Utilizing different tools to analyze e-commerce data trends-         How due diligence can help value creation-         E-commerce essentials, tools, and red flags Breakdown[00:45] Introduction of Matt[01:55] From Operations to PE Consultancy [02:58] Mistakes PE Firms Make for Correction[03:58] Recommendation on Data Trends[06:36] Due Diligence for Value Creation[08:41] Advice for E-Commerce Companies[13:29] Red Flags for E-Commerce [17:39] Areas of Adoption for E-Commerce[21:19] How do Firms Prevent themselves to become an overkill of content[25:59] Likes and Dislikes About Private Equity[27:59] Three Attributes to Become a Top Performer[28:49] Other Resources to Listen to [30:24] Best to Reach Matt The World of E-CommerceIn this new age of business, especially after the height of COVID, e-commerce has significantly risen as one of the essential industries in the world. Firms have now developed themselves to adapt to the e-commerce spectrum. Utilizing resources for tools to analyze market trends for faster-decision making, data of consumer behavior and trends, as well as analyzing means to generate value for the firm and the partners involved. In this new digital age, it is also important to see how social media has now dominated the business world.  E-Commerce EssentialsWhen integrating private equity to the spectrum of e-commerce, it is also similar to adjusting to a new world of business. Doing so, you may also need to heavily invest in quality resources that can keep your firm in demand for consumers and potentially ahead of customers. Essentials include tools that can forecast price changes, flow of specific products within certain locations, generation of content that keeps consumers interested and feel naturally drawn to.  Other Resource Materials:-         Hidden Brain by Shankar Vedantam-         Ten Percent Happier by Dan Harris-         Essentialism by Greg Mckeown-         Good to Great by Jim Collins-         Masters of Scale Podcast How to Reach MattMatt’s LinkedinNimble Gravity Website  ​​Thank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com. 

Introduction to Isabella:Isabella Calderon Hoyos is currently the Vice President of Strategy and Transactions at the OMMAX digital solutions company. Prior to joining OMMAX, she spent 9 years in PwC Deutschland, where she worked from senior associate to senior management throughout her stay. She was also an Associate at Roland Berger in Munich, Germany. What You Will LearnDigitalization of PE FirmsPromoting Diversity in Firms and OrganizationsBenefits of Diverse TeamsPart-Time Work inside PE Firms Breakdown:[00:40] Introduction to Isabella[01:59] Mistakes Taken in Private Equity Firms[03:22] Better Results Through Diversity [05:42] Anchoring Diversity within OMMAX[08:00] Benefits through Diverse Teams[12:42] Diversifying the Talent Pool in PE[16:06] Working Part-time in PE[19:16] Promotion of Diversity in PE Organizations[21:32] Likes and Dislikes about the Industry [23:53] Additional Reading References [25:53] How to Connect with Isabella Diversifying the PE FirmsIn this new era of diversity, many companies inside the PE industry are now taking into action to diversify their pool of workforce. The move comes as organizations are now open to recruiting based on skills and capabilities, rather than looking at gender, race, and age. Many findings have proven that diversifying the talent pool has led to positive outcomes inside the industry. Despite a male-dominant sector, talents of different backgrounds are now being discovered and sustained not just as additional workforce but for leadership roles as well. Additional Reading Reference (Authors):-          Jorge Luis Borges-          Gary Garcia Marquez How to Reach Isabella:Isabella’s LinkedinOMMAX Website ​​Thank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.