KARMA SCHOOL OF BUSINESS PODCAST 

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

In this special episode of Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney revisits insights from previous conversations with some of private equity’s most thoughtful leaders. These experts highlight the "elements of value" they prioritize when evaluating companies for investment, offering actionable frameworks and lessons learned across industries, geographies, and strategies.Episode Highlights:01:11 - Nik Kapauan shares Access Holdings’ research-driven approach to identifying segment leaders and defining "what good looks like" in fragmented industries.07:10 - Rob Konrad discusses the critical role of people and alignment when partnering with family-owned businesses in the lower middle market.21:11 - Casey Myers emphasizes leadership, product-market fit, and overcoming tech debt for durable, smart growth in software companies.28:24 - Jonathan Metrick explores the power of identifying superpowers in business and relentlessly prioritizing resources to create competitive advantage.35:29 - Lisa...

In this special episode of Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney revisits insights from previous conversations with some of private equity’s most thoughtful leaders. These experts highlight the "elements of value" they prioritize when evaluating companies for investment, offering actionable frameworks and lessons learned across industries, geographies, and strategies.Episode Highlights:01:11 - Nik Kapauan shares Access Holdings’ research-driven approach to identifying segment leaders and defining "what good looks like" in fragmented industries.07:10 - Rob Konrad discusses the critical role of people and alignment when partnering with family-owned businesses in the lower middle market.21:11 - Casey Myers emphasizes leadership, product-market fit, and overcoming tech debt for durable, smart growth in software companies.28:24 - Jonathan Metrick explores the power of identifying superpowers in business and relentlessly prioritizing resources to create competitive advantage.35:29 - Lisa...

In this special episode, Sean Mooney joins Doug McCormick (HCI Equity Partners) and Lloyd Metz (ICV Partners) to explore the transformative impact of AI on private equity, portfolio companies, and everyday life. From optimizing portfolio company operations to driving innovation in deal sourcing and content creation, this discussion provides actionable insights into how leading firms are leveraging AI to create competitive advantages. Whether you’re an investor, executive, or business builder, this episode is packed with strategies to embrace AI’s potential in your organization.Episode Highlights:12:51 - Sean outlines a practical framework for engaging with AI tools, emphasizing the benefits of experimenting with large language models like ChatGPT and Perplexity as a first step.20:23 - Concrete advice for individuals and business owners: Train your social media algorithms and experiment with AI to unlock strategic insights.25:23 - How AI applications, such as ChatGPT, can enhance...