
X-Factor
X-Factor casts a spotlight on proven private equity-backed executives and the tools and tactics they leverage to create enterprise value within their portfolio companies. This podcast is brought to you by PrivateEquityCXO, the world’s largest digital community of PE-backed executives. Start your free membership today and unlock exclusive content and insights that help PE-backed executives drive performance.
Latest episodes

Mar 28, 2024 • 32min
Forecasting Deal Activity: Insights into Market Trends
Arindam Basu, Managing Director at KeyBanc Capital Markets, joins us to discuss deal markets and forward-looking macroeconomic conditions for deal activity. X-Factor is presented by PrivateEquityCXO, the world’s largest digital community of PE-backed executives. Start your free membership today and unlock exclusive content and insights that help PE-backed executives drive performance. This episode is hosted by FALCON Partner, Rob Huxtable. FALCON is a retained executive search firm exclusively recruiting C-level leaders in the PE-backed, middle market.

Mar 14, 2024 • 39min
Executive Performance Coaching in Private Equity
Andrea Petrone, a Human Performance and Leadership Advisor and Executive Coach, shares valuable insights on improving executive performance in the private equity sector. He challenges the idea that vulnerability is a weakness, emphasizing the transformative power of mindset. Petrone distinguishes between executive and performance coaching, highlighting their impact on leadership. He discusses the complexities leaders face in rapidly changing environments and the importance of effective decision-making and collaboration in fostering long-term success.

Feb 29, 2024 • 31min
Accelerating People-Powered Performance in Private Equity
Dan Cremons, founder of Accelera Partners and author of Winning Moves, shares his insights on maximizing value in private equity through human capital. He emphasizes three pillars: hiring smarter, developing faster, and leading better. Cremons discusses the importance of a 'people plan' and effective communication between investors and portfolio operators. He also highlights the significance of training and development, and reinstating fundamental leadership practices to enhance performance and accountability in middle market firms.

Feb 15, 2024 • 52min
Private Equity M&A Trends and Outlook
Join us for a panel discussion on how PE-backed CXOs can thrive amid the current dealmaking environment to maximize their M&A efforts. Lindsay Guzowski, Partner at FALCON and CEO of The Crucible, guest hosts a panel of seasoned M&A experts - Meredith Beuchaw, Partner at Lowenstein Sandler, Eric Crabb, CEO at Valcourt Group and Board Director and Adam Oakley, Managing Director at Mesirow Investment Banking.X-Factor is presented by PrivateEquityCXO, the world’s largest digital community of PE-backed executives. Start your free membership today and unlock exclusive content and insights that help PE-backed executives drive performance. FALCON is a retained executive search firm exclusively recruiting C-level leaders in the PE-backed, middle market.

Feb 1, 2024 • 45min
Striking a Balance Between Organic Growth and M&A
Tom Walzer, CEO of Saco Foods and expert in CPG manufacturing, shares his insights on the delicate balance between organic growth and mergers & acquisitions. He outlines six pillars for M&A success, including strategy and synergy. Tom reflects on lessons learned from his Fortune 500 experience, emphasizing the importance of trust in leadership transitions. The conversation also dives into identifying market 'white space' for growth, and how platformization can enhance acquisition strategies while keeping debt under control.

Jan 18, 2024 • 46min
Executive Women in Private Equity: Defining the Path Forward
Join us for a panel discussion on what private equity-backed companies and sponsors can do to strengthen and support the pipeline of women entering and advancing in PE roles.Lindsay Guzowski, Partner at FALCON and CEO of The Crucible, moderates a conversation between Lynne Berreman, CFO at Clean Freak and Rainstorm Car Wash, and Anna O’Nan, CFO at Baker Hill Solutions. X-Factor is presented by PrivateEquityCXO, the world’s largest digital community of PE-backed executives. Start your free membership today and unlock exclusive content and insights that help PE-backed executives drive performance. FALCON is a retained executive search firm exclusively recruiting C-level leaders in the PE-backed, middle market.

Jan 4, 2024 • 57min
Private Equity Strategy for Revenue Growth: CROs and Value Creation
Join us for a panel discussion on maximizing organic value creation through hiring and enabling CROs. Joe Gravino, Vice President of GTM Search at FALCON, guest hosts a robust panel of GTM-focused operating partners - Kevin McShane, Operating Partner at HKW, Zorian Rotenberg, Operating Partner at Charlesbank Capital Partners, and Paul Stansik, Operating Partner at ParkerGale. X-Factor is presented by PrivateEquityCXO, the world’s largest digital community of PE-backed executives. Start your free membership today and unlock exclusive content and insights that help PE-backed executives drive performance. FALCON is a retained executive search firm exclusively recruiting C-level leaders in the PE-backed, middle market.

Dec 21, 2023 • 56min
What It Takes to Get Hired in Private Equity
Join us for a panel discussion on best practices for executives seeking their next PE-backed role, developing their career, or seeking to understand sponsor expectations for executive hires.Jeff DePlanty, Executive Vice President and Operating Partner of WILsquare Capital LLC, moderates a discussion between Lindsay Guzowski, FALCON Partner and CEO of The Crucible, and X-Factor host and FALCON Partner, Rob Huxtable. X-Factor is presented by PrivateEquityCXO, the world’s largest digital community of PE-backed executives. Start your free membership today and unlock exclusive content and insights that help PE-backed executives drive performance. FALCON is a retained executive search firm exclusively recruiting C-level leaders in the PE-backed, middle market.

Dec 7, 2023 • 20min
Tackling Sales Rep Turnover
Tom Barrett, private equity operating partner and multi-time CEO, joins us to discuss proven strategies for hiring, training, and retaining sales representatives, particularly in tech-based companies. X-Factor is presented by PrivateEquityCXO, the world’s largest digital community of PE-backed executives. Start your free membership today and unlock exclusive content and insights that help PE-backed executives drive performance. This episode is hosted by FALCON Partner, Rob Huxtable. FALCON is a retained executive search firm exclusively recruiting C-level leaders in the PE-backed, middle market.

Nov 22, 2023 • 25min
Behind the Scenes of an Exit
Jack Slinger, President and CEO of Gerard Daniel, joins us to discuss the private equity exit process. X-Factor is presented by PrivateEquityCXO, the world’s largest digital community of PE-backed executives. Start your free membership today and unlock exclusive content and insights that help PE-backed executives drive performance. This episode is hosted by FALCON Partner, Rob Huxtable. FALCON is a retained executive search firm exclusively recruiting C-level leaders in the PE-backed, middle market.
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