Investors & Operators

On this episode of Investors & Operators, Jordan sits down with Patrick McGinnis, Managing Partner at Dirigo Advisors. Together, they discuss:Growing up, finding one's purpose, and not being afraid to create a unique path through life“The 10% Entrepreneur”, one of Patrick McGinnis’ latest takes on how to integrate entrepreneurship into a person’s traditional career pathFOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and how FOMO has further impacted people’s daily lives through technological advancement...and so much more.Patrick McGinnis, a public speaker, venture capitalist, author of two worldwide bestsellers, and entrepreneur, recently spoke with 51 Labs about his newest thoughts on the entrepreneurial environment and FOMO. Patrick discussed why he believes one of the simplest methods for someone to start his/her own business is to gradually transition into being entrepreneurial by contributing about 10% of his/her time and effort. Since coining the word FOMO in 2004, McGinnis has been working tirelessly to turn the FOMO mindsets into something that can drive and inspire people to reach greater success. Patrick discussed how FOMO is essentially the mindsets that stresses people out simply because everyone wants to accomplish everything and lives in a constant state of comparison with others. Patrick went on to address "outsourcing inconsequential decisions to the universe" in order to help listeners who fret over insignificant decisions rearrange their thinking and how they approach issues. Patrick's work continues inspiring positive environments for developing a healthy entrepreneurial culture and teaches how to use FOMO in a positive way to reach beyond your perceived limitations.

On this episode of Investors & Operators, Jordan sits down with Taren Gesell, Founder at  MōTTIV. Together, they discuss:Setting challenging goals, and developing a plan to achieve themOvercoming mental barriersAnticipating discomfort and building physical resilience...and so much more.Taren describes his young adult life as an unhealthy and unhappy time where he realized that he was missing the challenge and fulfillment he really desired in life. 12 years later, Taren has risen to the top of content creators in the endurance world where his personalized training and nutrition programming has helped countless people discover and then realize their own dreams of completing endurance events. His approach to training is that this is where you dig deep, and really forge the mental resilience you will need to draw upon later during the race. His experiences have taught us that the more substantial discomfort is felt in training, so that the race really just becomes a victory lap. The race is going to hurt, but if you train properly, it is the expected level of discomfort. Challenging himself, and finding his passion for endurance sports has helped Taren to become fulfilled in life, and he has used that passion to help others do the same.

Join us for part II of our discussion with Michelle Noon, Managing Partner & Co-Founder at Clearhaven Partners. Together, Jordan and Michelle discuss:Raising Fund I at $312 MHow the values of the firm drive decision makingHow the cultural fabric of the firm grows as the business scales...and so much more.We had the pleasure of meeting with Michelle back in Episode 29. In the roughly 2 years since then, Michelle and Clearhaven Partners have been hard at work raising funds and have officially launched their Fund 1 at $312 M. As a founder of Clearhaven, Michelle’s leadership and values have instilled a culture of “WE” over “ME” where there is communal ownership and responsibility within the firm. Michelle discusses some of the key leadership concepts which have aided in her success, including growing from the mistakes she has made so that she can use them to teach the next generation of leaders within her organization. She encourages her team by giving them the confidence that it is alright to make original mistakes, so long as you are not repeating the same mistakes of the past. Michelle has consistently driven a culture of support and camaraderie, with a focus on the road ahead. Clearhaven’s accelerated growth is due in no small part to Michelle’s dedication to the ideals instilled in the firm at its founding. Her efforts have ensured a bright future for the company and promises to bring exciting changes through continued growth. 

Why treat DE&I different than any other aspect of business?On this episode of Investors & Operators, Jordan sits down with Bob Greene, President & CEO of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Together, they discuss:The history of the NAICThe past two years of change in discussions about DE&IHow the NAIC aims to bring change to communities across the country...and so much more.Bob Greene has been committed to community development since an early age. His professional leadership career expands across Private Equity, economics, policy advocacy, and he is a life-long member of the National Eagle Scout Association. Bob’s investment and developmental expertise have led him to being recognized on the Root 100 list for his leadership across business and his dedication to furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion in business. Bob is working hard for a future where opportunity and affluence are achievable in every community, not based solely on access, but on actual performance. Business leaders would not accept CAN’T as answer to any other problems in business, and if we want to really achieve success with DE&I, we need to: Stop accepting NO as an answer, and stop accepting CAN’T as a solution.

On this episode of Investors & Operators, Jordan sits down with Kyle and Brent Pease, founders of the Kyle Pease Foundation. Together, they discuss:How Kyle became an IronmanFinishing the 2015 NYC marathon against all odds in 7 hours 30 mins (planned: 3h30m)What is the Kyle Pease Foundation and how you can help...and so much more.###The Kyle Pease Foundation was founded in 2011 by brothers Kyle & Brent Pease upon completion of their first triathlon in April of that year. Kyle wanted to share the experience of inclusion with others, so the idea of KPF was born. After a few months of work, the group received their IRS determination as a 501(c)3 not for profit organization, and off they went. In March of 2012 they supported their first athlete and the brothers, and the organization has continued to grow since then. LINK to The Kyle Pease Foundation WebsiteLINK to donation page set up by 51 Labs

On this episode of Investors & Operators, along with Jing (Co-founder, COO and wife), Jordan sits down with Caroline Young, CEO & Founder at Craftsbury Consulting, and former Partner at HKW. Together, they discuss:How to give feedbackHow firms can effectively retain their female colleagues Being a woman in an industry that is traditionally dominated by men...and so much more.###Caroline's bio Personal mission: spread light and joy to those around me and promote kindness and respect for humanity.HKW – Honored to have spent 19+ years working with incredibly talented management teams, helping to prepare businesses for a sale process, and shepherding companies through to the exit. Currently shifting my focus to HKW’s ESG (environmental, social, governance) initiatives to transition my time to a new venture... Craftsbury Consulting – Excited to be writing a new chapter doing what I love most: helping people craft their paths to a successful future by collaborating with company founders and their successors as they craft their path to a successful exit; as well as working with women on career development, thereby helping their firms in the important work of recruiting and retaining top female talent. I have successfully navigated the male-dominated world of PE and am passionate about helping other women excel in the world of finance.Board experience includes companies in: niche manufacturing, medical device, branded products, aerospace & defense, business services and energy services. Currently on the board of Kite Realty Group Trust (NYSE: KRG) and Providence Cristo Rey High School, a college and career preparatory high school that offers a transformational educational experience to students with economic need. Committee participation includes executive, governance, compensation, and audit committees. Frequent speaker at industry events and conferences on topics ranging from exit strategies to women deal makers. Proud recipient of 2019 WSJ Pro Women to know in PE.

The secret of growing a start-up by 44x in 3 years While managing two start-ups simultaneously, and starting a family, David Thorpe built Upperline Health from the ground up with a mission to disrupt specialty healthcare by bringing value-based care to narrower segments within the healthcare system. Over the past 5 years, Upperline Health branched out across 6 states, and was named the fastest growing practice out of its home base in Nashville, TN. Upperline Health's 3-year growth rate is a staggering 4,438%, and today it is the nation’s largest practice dedicated to lower extremity care with providers in AL, TN, IN, CA, FL, and GA. How did he do it? David’s work and personal life are not in conflict. He describes a love for his work and for his family that does not require him to put up arbitrary walls, nor to divide himself between the two. His compassion and dedication to delivering the highest-quality healthcare services to the community have skyrocketed Upperline Health to the top of the private sector of the healthcare industry.

“You can have everything you want, but not at the same time”What are the keys to success in the energy sector? How can you be strategic in designing an investment team?How do you balance the professional rigors of serving on a board, with family life, and participation with non-profit organizations?Patti has been a leader of capital management in the energy industry for over 35 years. When assembling a team, be prepared to hire and support the investment team for up to 2 years. It can usually take 8-10 years before the company is really profitable.Patti always remained true to placing her family first, and continues masterfully investing in the future of others, just as she has mastered investing in the future of energy. Her motto has become, “You can have it all, but maybe not all at once.” Play the long game, and don’t be afraid to pause instead of stopping something altogether.Her unparalleled drive and compassion have enabled her to balance the demands of rigorous capital management along with the challenges of being a mother. Her loyalty and commitment to her family led her to found the Joy School, which now helps deliver specialized education to over 150 children with learning disabilities. Patti started EIV Capital at 49 years old, and has no intention of retiring anytime soon. As Managing Partner and Co-founder of EIV Capital, Patti routinely oversees investments in the hundreds of millions of dollars, all while remaining environmentally conscious, and working to create better opportunities for the future. She is an inspiration, and she will continue to be a leader in the energy industry for many years to come.

(DWYSYWD)Do What You Said You Would DoMichael Painter is Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Plexus Capital based out of Raleigh, NC. Plexus Capital was established in 2005 and has rapidly risen under the strategic leadership of Michael and his team. In 2016, Plexus Capital raised over $400 million in support of establishing its fourth investment fund. In 2020, they established a fifth fund with over $500 million raised. At that same time, Plexus Capital managed over 1.1 billion dollars invested across 115 small businesses.Today, Plexus Capital has raised over $1.5 billion and manages a portfolio of 131 investments across its five funds. With Michael Painter’s expertise and strategic vision as Board of Governors Chair for the Small Business Investor Alliance (SBIA), Plexus Capital has grown to 32 top-tier professionals and has supported the growth and development of over 125 small businesses. The culture of respect and excellence that he reinforces strengthened the business and has earned its reputation as a reliable firm that inspires growth. Michael exemplifies these qualities, and represents all leaders who “do what you said you would do.”

How do you bring new leadership into your organization? How do you develop and maintain the culture within your organization? Walt Freese, the former CEO of world-renowned ice cream and dominant incumbent, Ben & Jerry’s, gave his perspective on bringing new talent into an organization. He described the belief carried by many organizations which focus too much on specific qualifications and past experiences of candidates, instead of focusing on where those candidates might be in the next decade. Experience is important, but effective leadership skillsets require experience in leadership positions. Treat it like hiring athletes, looking for potential, long-term growth, and the combined natural talent and training. Speaking of leadership, in addition to executive-level leadership across numerous global businesses, Walt is a mentor for veterans separating from the military. As a top-tier leader, Walt works directly with elite military special operations personnel as part of The Honor Foundation (THF). Through his mentorship, special operations veterans are able to step out of uniform, and into influential positions in the business world that stand to benefit from their experience and unique mindsets. Walt Freese takes teamwork and culture very seriously. The magic of teamwork is built on open dialogue. High-performing teams demonstrate a willingness to communicate and discuss the difficult, or more challenging aspects of a situation. The culture of a company needs to be based in real metrics, and with virtues that align with the mission. When you have created this virtuous circle, you have created a lasting culture within your organization.