KARMA SCHOOL OF BUSINESS PODCAST

The Business Builders’ Podcast

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Episode 065

Private Equity Spotlight: From Assembly Line to Investment Line with John Stewart

In this episode of the "Karma School of Business Podcast," host Sean Mooney interviews John Stewart, founder and managing partner of MiddleGround Capital. They explore John's unconventional journey from a college dropout and night shift worker at Toyota to leading a private equity firm that champions operational excellence and entrepreneurial spirit.

Episode Highlights: 1:24 - John's unconventional journey from Toyota to private equity. 4:22 - How operational expertise inspired MiddleGround Capital's vision. 6:52 - Applying lean manufacturing principles to private equity. 9:12 - MiddleGround's unique value creation approach. 16:40 - Overcoming challenges in building MiddleGround Capital. 23:44 - John's advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. 29:04 - John recommends "Building a Second Brain" for efficiency.

For more information on MiddleGround Capital, go to https://middleground.com/ For more information on John Stewart, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnstewartky To purchase John's book, go to https://www.amazon.com/Toyota-Kaizen-Continuum-Practical-Implementing/dp/1439846049 For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/

PE Firms
Operations
Due Diligence

Episode 064

Private Equity Spotlight: Synergy in Action – Ami Mehta & Joe McIlhattan at Periscope Equity

In the "Karma School of Business Podcast," host Sean Mooney talks with Joe McIlhattan and Ami Mehta of Periscope Equity about their unique collaboration in private equity. They discuss the integration of deal-making and operational excellence, illustrating the firm's innovative approach and teamwork-driven success.

Episode Highlights: 2:17 - Joe's transition from consulting to private equity. 3:01 - Ami's journey from auditing to operational excellence. 5:49 - Ami's focus shift to investment growth and operations. 9:08 - Traits sought in potential investments. 23:29 - Orchestrating deal and ops team synergy at Periscope Equity. 33:51 - Investing in tech-enabled service companies. 41:04 - The importance of culture in driving success. 48:52 - Advice for aspiring private equity professionals.

For more information on Periscope Equity, go to https://periscopeequity.com/ For more information on Ami Mehta, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/ami-mehta/ For more information on Joe McIlhattan, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-mcilhattan-737b5820/ For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/

PE Firms
Operations
Due Diligence

Episode 063

Private Equity Spotlight: Formulating Wins in Specialized Sectors with Doug Horn

On the "Karma School of Business Podcast," host Sean Mooney and returning guest Doug Horn, Managing Director at Clairvest, delve into the private equity landscape's evolution. They discuss Clairvest's unique strategy of minority or non-control investments and its commitment to partnering with entrepreneurs, highlighting the firm's approach to investment opportunities and value creation.

Episode Highlights: 1:34 - Doug Horn reintroduces Clairvest's philosophy and his role. 4:13 - Clairvest's five key investment criteria. 6:34 - Focusing on specific industry domains for deeper partnerships. 9:27 - How Clairvest develops industry expertise. 14:08 - The role of domain expertise in value creation. 17:05 - Case study: Success with Nextech Solutions in aerospace and defense. 22:04 - Balancing deep knowledge with openness to new opportunities. 26:48 - The impact of focus on Clairvest's success and reputation. 30:14 - Doug's advice: The value of flexibility and adaptability.

For more information on Clairvest, go to https://www.clairvest.com/ For more information on Doug Horn, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/horndouglas/ For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/

PE Firms
Operations
Due Diligence

Episode 062

Private Equity Spotlight: Building Future Leaders with Bob Belke

In the "Karma School of Business Podcast," host Sean Mooney talks with Bob Belke, Managing Partner at Lovell Minnick Partners, about his journey from a small Northern Wisconsin town to becoming a key player in private equity. They discuss the evolution of the industry, the importance of focus, and strategies for value creation.

Episode Highlights: 1:06 - Bob's journey from small-town beginnings to private equity success. 4:33 - The role of tenacity and vision in achieving industry success. 6:00 - Bob's unexpected achievement in the Wisconsin spelling bee. 9:46 - Lovell Minnick's criteria for potential investments. 15:03 - Collaborating with CEOs to drive company success. 19:26 - Leveraging technology and finance for value creation. 22:20 - Bob's take on the current and future state of private equity. 33:35 - Bob's life lessons and impactful book recommendations.

For more information on Lovell Minnick, go to www.lmpartners.com. For more information on Bob Belke, go to www.linkedin.com/in/robert-belke-a480a74a. For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to www.bluwave.net/podcasts.

PE Firms
Operations
Value Creation

Episode 061

Private Equity Spotlight: From Lending to Leading with Gretchen Perkins

On the "Karma School of Business Podcast," Sean Mooney engages with Gretchen Perkins of Avance Investment Management to explore her transition from commercial lending to a key role in private equity business development. They discuss the evolution of private equity and the increasing importance of specialized roles in firm success.

Episode Highlights: 0:54 - Gretchen's journey from commercial lending to private equity. 6:02 - Mentorship's role in developing business development skills. 9:12 - The influence of Gretchen's upbringing on her professional values. 14:21 - Avance's thematic approach to identifying investment opportunities. 24:17 - How Avance uses specialized functions for value creation. 27:21 - Gretchen's insights on market trends and investment strategies. 31:45 - Gretchen's personal tips for balance and efficiency.

For more information on Avance Investment Management, go to www.avanceinv.com For more information on Gretchen Perkins, go to www.linkedin.com/in/gretchenbperkins For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to www.bluwave.net/podcasts

PE Firms
Operations
Value Creation

Episode 060

Private Equity Spotlight: Shaping the Future of Software with Carl Press from Thoma Bravo

In the "Karma School of Business Podcast," host Sean Mooney and Carl Press of Thoma Bravo explore the nuances of private equity in the software industry. They discuss Thoma Bravo's strategic investment approach, leadership development, and value creation methodologies that have established the firm as a leader in the sector.

Episode Highlights: 0:32 - Carl Press discusses his transition from engineering to private equity. 7:39 - Thoma Bravo's investment philosophy and focus on enterprise software. 18:18 - An in-depth look at Thoma Bravo's strategies for value creation. 27:55 - Carl's advice for managing through economic uncertainty. 37:24 - Carl reflects on personal growth and shares influential reads.

For more information on Thoma Bravo, go to www.thomabravo.com. For more information on Carl Press, go to www.linkedin.com/in/carlpress. For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to www.bluwave.net/podcasts.

PE Firms
Operations
Due Diligence

Episode 059

Private Equity Insights: Q1 2024, Charging Through the Storm

In this episode of the "Karma School of Business Podcast," Sean Mooney, founder and CEO of BluWave, delves into the private equity landscape of early 2024. Utilizing BluWave's comprehensive data, Sean provides an in-depth analysis of current trends, strategic shifts, and economic indicators that are influencing the private equity sector, offering insights into how firms are navigating growth amidst changing economic conditions.

Episode Breakdown: 02:09 - Exploring the "Buffalo Strategy" as a metaphor for private equity's approach to economic challenges. 04:17 - Analysis of key economic metrics and their impact on private equity strategies. 07:18 - Increased activity in the manufacturing and healthcare sectors signals strategic realignment. 09:38 - Surge in technology investments, with a focus on ERP and CRM systems for an AI-driven future. 11:55 - Trends in hiring senior-level and growth-oriented executives indicate a pivot towards expansion. 13:39 - Predictions for 2024: Assessing accuracy and identifying emerging trends in private equity. 18:44 - The rising importance of data scientists in private equity for advanced data analysis. 21:19 - The growing role of marketing expertise in private equity teams for brand building and deal sourcing.

To request the report, go to www.bluwave.net/insights-report

PE Firms
Operations
Due Diligence

Episode 058

Private Equity Spotlight: The Art of the Deal with OpenGate’s Josh Adams

On the "Karma School of Business Podcast," host Sean Mooney and Josh Adams of OpenGate Capital delve into the nuances of the private equity industry. They discuss Josh's unique journey to becoming a partner at OpenGate Capital, the firm's strategic focus on corporate carve-outs, and how they navigate the global market.

Episode Highlights: 1:05 - Josh's journey from South Wales to private equity. 07:59 - How Welsh heritage shapes Josh's professional approach. 10:43 - Discussing current private equity market challenges. 18:00 - OpenGate's specialization in industrials and corporate carve-outs. 24:47 - The benefits of OpenGate's global strategy and team. 29:40 - Adapting investment strategies in a tough market.

For more information about OpenGate Capital, go to www.opengatecapital.com For more information on Josh, go to www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-m-adams-70602126 For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to www.bluwave.net/podcasts

PE Firms
Operations
Due Diligence

Episode 057

Private Equity Spotlight: Value and Vision with John Caple of Hidden Harbor

In the "Karma School of Business Podcast," host Sean Mooney and guest John Caple, Partner at Hidden Harbor Capital Partners, delve into the world of private equity. John shares his journey from management consulting at Bain to significant roles at HIG Capital and Hidden Harbor, offering insights into the nuances of private equity, from identifying company potential to strategic growth and operational excellence.

Episode Highlights: 1:14 - John's transition from consulting to private equity, with experiences at HIG Capital and Hidden Harbor. 9:56 - John's personal interests, including offshore fishing and balancing work with family life. 21:06 - Hidden Harbor's approach to value creation through team building and operational improvements. 27:23 - Strategies for sales enhancement, system upgrades, and employee engagement to unlock growth.

For more information on Hidden Harbor Capital, go to www.hh-cp.com. For more information on John, go to www.linkedin.com/in/john-caple-969345.

PE Firms
Operations
Value Creation

Episode 056

Elevating Everyday: Private Equity Pros Share Transformative Life Hacks

In a special episode of the "Karma School of Business Podcast," host Sean Mooney gathers invaluable life hacks from leading figures in the private equity sector. This compilation offers listeners a treasure trove of practical advice to streamline daily routines, enhance wellbeing, and optimize work-life balance in the demanding world of private equity.

Episode Highlights: 01:23 - Erica Blob's sleep-enhancing travel pillow for the frequent traveler. 04:33 - Andrew Joy champions hard work and dedication as foundational success principles. 06:21 - Dave Feierstein's strategy for simplifying wardrobe choices to save time. 11:08 - Gabe Mesanza's switch to digital note-taking for better organization and recall. 13:46 - David Hellier's quick coffee preparation tip for busy mornings. 15:46 - Charlie Gifford's innovative wine aeration method for an improved dining experience. 17:48 - Doug Horn's use of noise-canceling earphones for tranquil travel.

For more info on BluWave and this podcast, visit www.bluwave.net/podcasts.

PE Firms
Operations

Episode 055

Private Equity Spotlight: Doron Grosman on Shaping Success Across Sectors

In a compelling episode of the "Karma School of Business Podcast," we sit down with Doron Grosman, a distinguished figure in the private equity, venture capital, and angel investing sectors. Grosman, with his extensive background as a serial CEO, private equity operating partner, and investor, discusses his journey and insights into the dynamic field of private equity.

Episode Highlights: 01:01 - Exploring Doron Grosman's varied career in private equity and beyond. 02:25 - The impact of guiding management teams towards success. 04:45 - The unique challenges faced when leading as a private equity CEO. 06:39 - The critical role of board engagement in the private equity ecosystem. 08:37 - Strategies for utilizing board positions in governance and strategic planning. 11:45 - How to navigate and overcome common private equity challenges. 15:08 - Key skills and experiences vital for thriving in private equity. 20:15 - Grosman's parting wisdom for those aspiring to enter the private equity field.

For more information on Doron Grosman, visit www.linkedin.com/in/dorongrosman. For more information on BluWave and this podcast, visit www.bluwave.net/podcasts.

PE-Backed Companies
Operations
Value Creation

Episode 054

Private Equity Spotlight: The Art of Value Creation and Global Expansion with Livingbridge’s Curt Kahn

In this episode of the "Karma School of Business Podcast," Sean Mooney, founder and CEO of BluWave, engages with Curt Kahn, Investor and Head of US Operations at Livingbridge. Curt shares his unique path from consulting at Booz Allen and PricewaterhouseCoopers, through an operational leadership role at Ability Network, to spearheading Livingbridge's US market expansion, offering a glimpse into his diverse journey into private equity.

Episode Highlights: 01:15 - Curt's journey from consulting and M&A advisory to private equity with Livingbridge. 03:29 - How Curt's varied background shapes his investment approach. 05:54 - Curt's personal interest in paddle tennis. 08:19 - Essential factors Curt considers in successful investments. 13:40 - Livingbridge's unique value creation strategy for portfolio companies. 17:49 - Curt's insights on identifying value creation opportunities in fluctuating economies. 21:54 - Curt's advice on embracing challenges for career growth.

For more information on Livingbridge, visit www.livingbridge.com. For more information on Curt Kahn, visit www.linkedin.com/in/curt-kahn-611a3b9. For more information on BluWave and this podcast, visit www.bluwave.net/podcasts.

PE Firms
Operations
Due Diligence

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