In this episode of the Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney hosts Lisa Ames, an accomplished marketing operating executive at Norwest Venture Partners. Lisa shares her unique journey into private equity, the value of fostering trust as a business leader, and actionable strategies for marketing and value creation at portfolio companies. Whether you're a business builder or a marketing professional, this conversation is packed with insights to elevate your approach to leadership and growth.Episode Highlights3:07 - Lisa’s unexpected path to private equity and how her SaaS background shaped her role at Norwest.6:05 - The concept of a "business therapist" and why trust is pivotal in operating roles.14:25 - Key traits of high-performing businesses, including ruthless prioritization and inspirational leadership.26:37 - Norwest’s unique approach to value creation and the resources they offer portfolio companies.35:11 - Advice on refining Ideal Customer Profiles (ICP) and crafting impactful...

Join Sean Mooney in this engaging episode of Karma School of Business as he speaks with Jonathan Metrick, Partner and Chief Growth Officer at Sagard. Jonathan shares profound insights on growth strategies, operational excellence, and lessons learned as a former operator turned private equity growth leader. Tune in for actionable advice on accelerating revenue, leveraging data, and adapting to new market dynamics in today’s fast-paced environment.Episode Highlights[00:02:40] Jonathan’s unconventional journey from operator to private equity and his reflections on entering the investment world.[00:10:25] Why owning your company’s “superpower” and becoming obsessive about it drives long-term success.[00:15:02] How Sagard supports portfolio companies through go-to-market strategies, AI innovation, and commercial partnerships.[00:23:04] The importance of connected data systems and how they help businesses achieve profit-centric growth.[00:30:34] Why "speed to lead" is essential and how...

In this special compilation episode, private equity leaders share the invaluable advice they would give to their younger selves. This collection of insights offers timeless wisdom applicable to professionals at all stages of their careers. Hear lessons on adaptability, patience, relationship building, and trusting your instincts from some of the most respected voices in the industry.Episode Highlights:1:04 - Grant Kornman (Align Collaborate, Episode 53): Discusses the importance of hard work, relationship-building, and creating your own luck.3:20 - John Caple (Hidden Harbor Capital Partners, Episode 57): Talks about embracing feedback, making small process adjustments, and balancing personal strengths.11:02 - Carl Press (Thoma Bravo, Episode 60): Reflects on trusting your instincts, building confidence, and speaking up when you've done the work.13:13 - Doug Horn (Clairvest, Episode 63): Shares the metaphor of not holding the grip too tight and how it applies to life and career.14:58 -...

Join us as Rob Konrad, co-founder of Alterna Equity Partners, shares his journey from NFL athlete to private equity leader. Rob discusses how experiences from sports influence his investment strategies and success in building businesses.Episode Highlights:1:05 - Rob recounts his early fascination with economics and football during his upbringing in Boston.4:14 - The transition from college football at Syracuse University to a career in the NFL.6:51 - Rob reflects on the crucial role of leadership and preparation learned from sports.14:05 - Hear the extraordinary story of survival and resilience during Rob’s unexpected boat accident.29:12 - A look into value creation strategies at Alterna Equity Partners.39:05 - The significance of OKRs and aligning interests for achieving strategic objectives.For more information on Alterna Equity Partners, go to https://www.alternaequitypartners.com/For more information on Rob Konrad, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/rlk44For more information on...

Explore the role of digital innovation in private equity with Nik Kapauan, Managing Director at Access Holdings. Host Sean Mooney, founder and CEO of BluWave, delves into how Access Holdings applies digital strategies and value creation to enhance middle-market businesses. Learn about Nik's shift from strategy consulting to leading initiatives at Access Holdings, the development of the Access Acceleration Center, and the impact of these efforts on the private equity landscape.Episode Highlights:1:19 - Nik's transition from strategy consulting to impactful work in private equity.4:07 - The importance of strategy consulting experience in private equity.8:10 - How Access Holdings identifies and assesses investment opportunities.14:00 - Enhancing portfolio companies with the Access Acceleration Center's digital and data capabilities.25:15 - Key value creation strategies in today's market.39:54 - Nik shares a personal life hack for managing energy and time effectively.For more information...

"Elements of Value in Private Equity: Advanced Insights from Industry Leaders" offers a comprehensive look into the critical factors that define successful private equity investments. Host Sean Mooney, CEO of BluWave, is joined by industry experts Susan Soh (GrowthCurve), Cory Eaves (BayPine), Jessica Ginsberg (LFM Capital), Troy Phillips (BPOC), and Joe McIlhattan and Ami Mehta (Periscope Equity). Together, they unravel the complexities of value creation, focusing on data's impact, leadership effectiveness, compliance in healthcare, and the transformative role of technology.Episode Highlights:01:36 - Susan Soh discusses data utilization and growth in middle-market businesses.06:43 - Cory Eaves focuses on leadership, strategy clarity, and product maturity.12:41 - Jessica Ginsberg delves into competitive advantages, growth strategies, and investor fit.16:30 - Troy Phillips highlights operational compliance, management depth, and customer quality.20:50 - Joe McIlhattan and Ami Mehta...

Explore leadership and culture in private equity with Joelle Marquis, President of Arsenal Capital Partners. Host Sean Mooney and Joelle discuss the critical role of human capital in the industry, offering insights into Arsenal Capital's approach to fostering talent and building a culture of excellence.Episode Highlights:01:30 - Joelle's entry into private equity and her career growth.02:40 - The importance of leadership and culture in business growth.08:24 - Evaluating companies through talent, strategic alignment, and partnership.16:03 - Arsenal's culture of genuine partnership and servant leadership.18:46 - Keeping strategic alignment and recalibrating for success.22:01 - Leadership, culture, and their impact on organizational success.26:48 - Differentiating human resources and human capital.33:05 - Life hacks for organizational success: the "three knock rule" and positive intent.Links:For more on Arsenal Capital Partners, visit https://www.arsenalcapital.com/.For more on Joelle...