This Karma School of Business feed drop from our sister podcast, Best But Never Final, explores the private equity approach to board meetings. Sean Mooney sits down with Lloyd Metz of ICV Partners and Doug McCormick of HCI Equity Partners to unpack how to turn board meetings into strategic powerhouses that drive real outcomes.Episode Highlights:02:24 - Why private equity board meetings focus on strategic impact over routine reporting.10:33 - The structure of PE boards: Who’s on them, the role of independent directors, and the value of concentrated ownership.15:25 - How independent board members are chosen to address specific business needs and enhance executive decision-making.35:55 - Avoiding tactical readouts: Making board meetings a forum for actionable strategy and meaningful discussions.42:37 - Tactical details: Frequency, in-person vs. virtual meetings, committee structures, and agenda planning.To listen to more Best But Never Final episodes, go to...

In this episode of Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney continues the Elements of Value series, exploring what private equity professionals focus on when evaluating businesses that have the potential to thrive.You’ll hear from:0:49 - Vinay Kashyap of MainSail Partners on identifying bootstrap B2B software companies with strong growth potential, durable customer value propositions, and resourceful entrepreneurs.6:19 - Kristin Johnson of Altamont Capital Partners on how her firm assesses market opportunities, team capabilities, alignment with founders, and introduces the concept of a "red team" to bring rigor to investment processes.12:19 - Trent Hickman of VSS on partnering with founder-led businesses, the importance of management integrity, shared vision, and identifying "multiple ways to win."20:50 - Misha Logvinov of MGX on the critical role of leadership quality, adaptability during change, and building a robust technology infrastructure that supports scalability and innovation.To...

Richard Fitzgerald, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at CapitalSpring, joins Sean Mooney to share the story behind one of the most enduring sector-focused firms in private equity. In a conversation that moves well beyond deal mechanics, Richard reflects on the early days of CapitalSpring, the value of sticking with a niche, and what it takes to build trust and alignment — across teams, LPs, and portfolio partners — over the long haul.Episode Highlights:1:07 – Richard’s path to private equity7:53 – Building a sector-specialist investment firm with true competitive advantage11:06 – We'd know Richard better if we knew this about him18:27 – Working through hard things – navigating the pandemic26:45 – The art of private equity in the franchise/multi-location sector – best practices35:48 – Benefits of having a sector specialist franchisee investors for sponsors investing in franchisors40:42 – Flexibility to provide both debt and equity solutions for growing businesses is a competitive...

Brooke Ablon, Co-Founder and Partner at Fort Point Capital, joins Sean Mooney to share how his firm scales lower middle market companies through a precise mix of strategy, data, and partnership. From executing disciplined add-on acquisition plans to transforming founder-led businesses into institutional-grade operations, Brooke walks through a real-world private equity playbook that’s built for today’s competitive landscape.🔑 Key Topics Covered:[00:01:09] How a psychology major and distressed investor found his way into private equity[00:10:22] What distressed investing teaches you about cash flow, value, and conflict[00:19:27] Fort Point’s investment criteria: value proposition, management excellence, and fit[00:24:48] How to create value with strategic add-ons, board governance, and growth alignment[00:29:09] Using data analytics and utilization tracking to uncover hidden margin[00:32:34] Advice for management teams: think proactively, act decisively, use your data[00:40:24] Why...

Brian Neider, Managing Partner at Lead Edge Capital, joins BluWave CEO Sean Mooney to break down what great private equity investing really looks like — from systematic sourcing to building one of the most engaged LP networks in the industry. This episode is packed with real-world lessons from 20 years of disciplined execution and growth equity innovation.Episode Highlights:[1:09] Brian’s early lessons in entrepreneurship from running a vending business to building top-of-funnel strategy at Bessemer[6:09] How 20,000 cold calls built the foundation for Lead Edge Capital’s thesis-driven sourcing[17:06] The 8-point “strike zone” framework Lead Edge uses to evaluate private equity opportunities[27:06] How Lead Edge’s LP network drives differentiated value creation and portfolio company support[34:30] The role of instrumentation and data discipline in unlocking portfolio performance[39:57] Advice to early-career professionals: treat your time, relationships, and decisions like investments...

In this episode of Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney speaks with Don McDonough, Managing Director at GTCR, about his career in private equity and his role in building GTCR’s business development function.Episode Highlights:1:24 - Path to Private Equity: Don’s journey from investment banking to private equity and his early career experiences.4:56 - Leadership Lessons: How sports and teamwork shaped Don’s approach to leadership and problem-solving.10:09 - Building a New Role: Challenges and strategies in developing GTCR’s business development function.27:04 - Value Creation Themes: GTCR’s focus on technology, AI, and proactive risk management strategies to drive portfolio growth.33:02 - Advice to Younger Self: Don’s insights on identifying strengths, following passions, and seeking mentorship.For more information on GTCR, go to https://www.gtcr.com/For more information on Don McDonough, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-mcdonough-a6a3611