The Private Equity Podcast, by Raw Selection

In this engaging conversation, Ted Clark, a seasoned chief executive turned private equity investor at Iron Path Capital, shares his wealth of knowledge on deal origination. He discusses the power of specialization in private equity, particularly in the healthcare and life sciences sectors. Ted emphasizes the importance of having a clear investment thesis and leveraging professional networks to uncover valuable opportunities. His systematic approach to deal sourcing showcases how a structured method can enhance effectiveness in a competitive landscape.

Jeffrey Stark, a seasoned executive celebrated for his leadership in private equity-backed exits, shares his career journey from corporate America to driving growth in private equity. He discusses the power of collaborative leadership and the pivotal role of independent board members in enhancing company success. Stark emphasizes transparent communication, especially during crises, and recounts the strategic successes of his companies through robust acquisition strategies. He also reflects on the challenges of navigating corporate transitions during the pandemic, balancing operational improvements with employee well-being.

Jordan Burton, co-founder of Talgo and an expert in executive talent assessment, shares his insights on navigating the complexities of hiring in the private equity sector. He emphasizes the importance of structured interview techniques and timely decision-making to optimize human capital. Burton discusses intrinsic motivation in top-performing executives, underlining traits that define effective leaders. He critiques traditional hiring methods and advocates for a focus on real-world experiences, helping firms elevate their talent assessment processes.

Brendan Anderson, Managing Partner of ScaleCo Capital, shares his expertise on building successful private equity ventures. He highlights the crucial role of having the right team and vision for scaling businesses. The discussion shifts to utilizing data-driven strategies over gut feelings. Brendan also dives into the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) for aligning management teams and the significance of strong financial reporting. Lastly, he sheds light on the challenges of transforming small-cap companies and the integration of technology in enhancing customer and supplier engagements.

Brad Nathan, a seasoned founder of a private equity firm, shares his journey from inception to managing a successful firm. He discusses the initial struggles with capital raising and team assembly, revealing key strategies that turned failures into triumphs. Brad delves into the importance of company culture and leadership in navigating growth, while also recounting the highs and lows of his career. He offers valuable lessons for aspiring founders and shares insights on emerging trends in private equity, all backed by personal anecdotes.

Matt Sharrers, founder of ETJ Advisory, discusses essential strategies for CEOs in private equity-backed firms. He delves into navigating cultural changes during CEO succession and highlights common pitfalls organizations face. Matt emphasizes the significance of aligning company values with private equity goals and the proactive role top executives should take in defining culture. His insights on creating value and fostering effective leadership transitions offer invaluable guidance for executives looking to thrive in dynamic environments.

Mason Myers, the founder and managing partner of Greybull Stewardship, shares his journey from journalism to private equity. He emphasizes the untapped potential in investing in sub $5M EBITDA companies and the importance of collaboration with founders. Mason discusses common pitfalls in private equity and highlights the value of leveraging operational expertise to enhance business fundamentals. He provides insights on selecting the right intermediaries and sustainable strategies for scaling smaller businesses, ensuring long-term growth and profitability.

Seasoned CTO Alan Williamson shares insights on technology transformation in private equity. Discussion includes pitfalls in PE, operational oversight challenges, and key red flags in due diligence. Emphasis on technology enablement, in-house expertise, and security compliance. Explore recommendations for reading and skill development in private equity management.

Welcome to the Private Equity Podcast! In this episode, join us as we delve into intentional business growth strategies with Tim O'Reilly. Learn key insights for success. [00:11] Tim discusses the influence of certain books on shaping strategies.[01:19] Introduction to Tim O'Reilly and focus on intentional business growth strategy.[02:17] Reflections on Frontier Service Partners' successful exit and the importance of strategy.[03:17] Tim elaborates on the intentional strategy at Guild Garage Group.[04:11] Key elements of successful business strategy, including leadership alignment.[05:03] Analogies are drawn from crew dynamics to highlight clear leadership importance.[06:00] Success story from Frontier Service Partners, emphasizing leadership impact.[07:48] Discussion on transferring successful strategies to future endeavors.[09:14] Importance of culture and consistency in delivering exceptional service.[10:07] Utilizing weekly leadership meetings for consistency and accountability.[11:07] Reference to "Atomic Habits" by James Clear and daily habits' significance.[12:59] Transitioning to intentional strategy at Guild Garage Group, emphasis on leadership development.[14:25] Focus on sustainable business strategy beyond financial goals.[15:21] Prioritizing leadership development and employee training.[16:47] Investing in leadership training and development programs.[18:15] Discussion on employee experience and its impact on customer satisfaction.[19:39] Creating career paths and supporting employees' growth.[20:38] Driving brand loyalty through consistent, high-quality customer experiences.[21:58] Anticipating referrals and exponential business growth through service excellence.[22:58] Balancing cost optimization with growth strategies.[23:27] Mention of partnership with Grata for data-driven deal flow enhancement.[23:55] Focus on leadership development plans and training initiatives.[24:22] Basic principles of leadership development.[24:50] Understanding personal goals of leaders and aligning them with work objectives.[26:16] Insights on time management and personal well-being for effective leadership.[27:42] Tools for assessing strengths and consistent leadership training importance.[29:07] Importance of documenting personal and work goals.[29:34] Aligning leadership training with business needs.[31:54] Evolving leadership training programs to address business challenges.[33:20] Commitment to strength-based leadership.[34:45] Regular reassessment of strengths for alignment.[37:35] Tim's advice on transitioning from CFO to CEO.[42:42] Encouragement for aspiring leaders to seek growth opportunities.[43:36] Tim shares his contact information for further assistance.[44:06] Conclusion and invitation to subscribe to the Private Equity Podcast. You can connect with Tim O'Reilly on LinkedIn by visiting his profile here. 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.

 Welcome to the Private Equity Podcast! In this episode, host Alex Rawlings dives into a rich conversation with Nathan Sanders. From navigating financial constraints during the pandemic to tackling add-on acquisitions and integrating technology effectively, Nathan shares valuable insights gained from his extensive experience in leading Private Equity-backed businesses. Tune in to glean lessons on leadership, growth strategies, and the importance of a growth mindset in the world of Private Equity. [00:12] Introduction to the episode, highlighting Nathan Sanders' experience as a Private Equity-backed CEO in various industries.[01:35] Nathan Sanders introduces himself as a value-driven leader, emphasizing his focus on transformation and continuous improvement.[02:32] Discussion on the common mistake of focusing too much on short-term challenges rather than long-term value creation in Private Equity-backed companies.[04:52] Strategies for shifting focus towards long-term value creation during the middle phase of Private Equity investments.[08:04] Nathan shares lessons learned from leading Brooke Furniture through challenges and towards a successful exit.[12:17] Processes implemented to gather intelligence on customer service needs, including direct interactions with customers and team members.[15:32] Refinement of processes to automate simpler tasks, allowing the team to focus on addressing exceptions and improving service delivery.[16:29] Nathan Sanders discusses the impact of understanding customer needs and team alignment on business success, leading to increased KPIs and decreased variable costs.[17:29] Sanders talks about tackling financial constraints during the pandemic and other industry headwinds by redeploying resources and focusing on revenue growth.[20:09] Discussion on mitigating financial risks during challenging times and leveraging opportunities for revenue growth through strategic decision-making.[20:38] Sanders shares advice for portfolio executives on managing acquisitions, emphasizing the importance of understanding the purpose behind acquisitions and building in risk factors.[26:56] Insights from Sanders on successful integration strategies for acquisitions, including understanding the end goal, focusing on process mapping, and fostering a growth mindset within the team.[29:46] Sanders discusses lessons learned from working with both large and small companies, highlighting the importance of technology implementation and process mapping in driving efficiency and growth.[32:34] Discussion on prioritizing technology investments based on customer-facing needs and optimizing processes for maximum impact on revenue growth.[36:22] Recommendations from Sanders on books and podcasts, including "The Fixed Versus Growth Mindset" by Carol Dweck, "What Got You Here, Won't Get You There" by Marshall Goldsmith, and the Founders Podcast with David Sentra.[42:05] Insights from Sanders on fostering a growth mindset within teams, effective communication strategies, and recommendations for further engagement through LinkedIn and personal email.You can connect with Nathan Sanders on LinkedIn by visiting his profile here.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.