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KARMA SCHOOL OF BUSINESS PODCAST 

The Business Builders’ Podcast

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The Karma School of Business Podcast provides one-of-a-kind insights into the private equity industry, business best practices and real-time trends. You'll learn from leading private equity professionals, visionary business executives and top industry thought leaders who will help you take action, improve your business and enhance your life.

Foundations of Leadership: Private Equity Insights with Dave Schnadig

In this episode of Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney connects with Dave Schnadig, Co-President of Cortec Group, for an inspiring conversation about private equity, leadership, and the many lessons Dave has learned through his dynamic career.Dave shares his journey from his family’s entrepreneurial roots to leading one of private equity’s most successful firms. Along the way, he dives deep into stories of overcoming challenges, including the Yeti turnaround, managing tariffs, and how to guide portfolio companies through dynamic markets.Episode Highlights:1:14 - Formative Years: Dave’s entrepreneurial childhood and lessons from his family business that shaped his approach to private equity.7:18 - Journey to Cortec Group: How Dave’s experience in investment banking and private equity led him to one of the most unique models in the industry.20:33 - Philosophy of Ownership: Why being “all in” is critical to succeeding in private equity, both for GPs and portfolio leaders.22:35 -...
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Podcast, PE Firms, CEOs, Due Diligence, Episode 115

Data, AI, and Leadership: Essential Lessons for Private Equity from Misha Logvinov

In this episode of Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney sits down with Misha Logvinov, Managing Director and New York Office Lead at MGX, to discuss the essential lessons he’s learned throughout his entrepreneurial journey and private equity career. Together, they explore actionable insights on leadership, adaptability, and leveraging technology for value creation in private equity and beyond.Episode Highlights:1:19 - Misha’s Early Journey: Growing up in post-Soviet Russia, launching entrepreneurial ventures as a teen, and transitioning to Silicon Valley during the dotcom boom.7:22 - Entry into Private Equity: Misha describes his unplanned move into private equity after years as a tech operator and entrepreneur.13:43 - Hallmarks of Great Companies: Key factors Misha looks for in businesses poised for success, including strong leadership, adaptability, and robust tech infrastructure.18:31 - Value Creation at MGX: How MGX helps portfolio companies grow by integrating cutting-edge AI...
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Podcast, PE Firms, Value Creation, CEOs, Episode 114

Private Equity Q1 Insights: Adapting to Economic Shifts and Deal Market Trends

In this episode of Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney shares key insights from Q1 2025, covering private equity activity and responses to evolving economic conditions. Examining GDP, easing inflation, and rebounding deal activity, Sean discusses how private equity professionals are adapting strategies to capitalize on opportunities while managing risks such as emerging tariffs and global complexities.Episode Highlights:04:03 - Economic Landscape: Sean breaks down Q1 economic data, including inflation approaching the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, GDP evaluation, and job market resilience with a 4% unemployment rate.05:23 - Deal Market Trends: BluWave’s activity index reveals rising due diligence activity, with Q1 showing a 15% year-over-year increase. Sean highlights stronger deal flow from firms like Hidden Harbor.10:47 - Tariff Volatility: Sean explains how new tariff policies are driving demand for procurement and logistics strategies as private equity firms adapt to unforeseen...
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Podcast, PE Firms, CEOs, Due Diligence, Episode 113

Private Equity Resilience: Turning Adversity Into Opportunity

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...

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Podcast, CEOs, Episode 112

Elements of Value in Private Equity (Part III): Key Characteristics of Great Companies

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...

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Podcast, PE Firms, CEOs, Due Diligence, Episode 111

AI in Private Equity: How Innovation is Reshaping Business Strategies

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...

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Podcast, PE Firms, CEOs, Due Diligence, Episode 110

Private Equity Spotlight: Grit, Growth, and Game-Changing Deals with Micah Dawson

From a non-traditional career path to transforming businesses, Micah Dawson shares his playbook for designing business success in private equity with Sean Mooney. Packed with bold career moves, hard-earned lessons, and fresh perspectives, Micah shares how grit, leadership, and a focus on people drive real impact in the lower middle market.3:15 - Bold career pivots: Micah’s transition from being an architect to entering law school, business school, and eventually joining the world of private equity.6:49 - Entering the operations world: Micah shares lessons from his time managing manufacturing plants and turning around struggling businesses in rural Indiana.22:23 - Insights into Trivest’s approach to enhancing the founder experience, removing friction from the deal process, and providing transformative resources to portfolio companies.26:19 - The team-building philosophy Micah credits with creating outsized value, and his focus on ensuring the right people occupy the right roles.37:15...
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Podcast, PE Firms, CEOs, Due Diligence, Episode 109

Private Equity Spotlight: Investing in Vision and Integrity with Trent Hickman

What does it take to transform founder-led businesses into industry leaders? In this episode of the Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney sits down with Trent Hickman, Co-Managing Partner at VSS Capital Partners, and shares his blueprint for creating value, building trust, and fostering growth alongside visionary management teams that every business builder and private equity professional needs to hear.Episode Highlights0:34 – Meet Trent Hickman: His journey from Charlotte, NC to becoming a leader in private equity and a passionate ski coach.13:13 – What makes a great investment? The three key attributes Trent looks for in founder-led businesses.19:04 – Building strong partnerships with management teams: Insights on aligning visions and maintaining a growth mindset.22:02 – Innovative approaches to value creation: Using third-party expertise and ensuring multiple ways to win.35:58 – The importance of embracing change and leveraging external resources to accelerate business success....
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Podcast, PE Firms, Value Creation, CEOs, Episode 108

Private Equity Spotlight: The Future of Enterprise Software with John Hodge

Sean Mooney chats with John Hodge, Partner at Rubicon Technology Partners, to explore his inspiring journey from Buffalo, NY, to founding one of the premier private equity firms in enterprise software. John dives into the importance of culture, operational excellence, and aligning with portfolio companies to create value while sharing personal insights on leadership, humility, and change management. Whether you’re a private equity leader or an aspiring entrepreneur, John’s stories, strategies, and advice offer practical wisdom for navigating today’s fast-evolving investment landscape.Episode Highlights1:09 – John Hodge's Buffalo upbringing, competitive swimming career at Stanford, and the values that shaped his leadership philosophy.7:56 – How early advice from an industry leader shaped his career path: the leap from biology to tech-focused investment banking.19:53 – The founding of Rubicon: Why culture, operational discipline, and alignment are the foundation.29:03 – Rubicon’s...

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Podcast, PE Firms, CEOs, Episode 107

Private Equity Spotlight: Kristin Johnson on Building Better, Successful Businesses

In this episode of the Karma School of Business podcast, Kristin Johnson, Managing Director at Altamont Capital Partners, shares actionable advice for building stronger businesses and teams with Sean Mooney. From fostering leadership to embracing innovative practices like AI and employee ownership, Kristin offers a perspective that resonates with business builders and investors alike.Episode Highlights0:35 – Getting to know Kristin Johnson: Her global upbringing, track & field triumphs, and early career influences.8:27 – What Kristin and the Altamont team look for in a business: market potential, leadership, and company dynamics.13:41 – The importance of fostering transparency and the role of the “devil’s advocate” team in decision-making.17:29 – Driving value creation: Altamont’s approach to functional expertise and the promise of AI in portfolio companies.23:47 – Tactics for sustained growth and alignment among employees.29:55 – Kristin’s must-read book recommendations and the...

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Podcast, PE Firms, CEOs, Due Diligence, Episode 106

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