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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.

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,...

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Podcast, PE Firms, CEOs, Due Diligence, Episode 065

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...
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Podcast, PE Firms, Value Creation, CEOs, Episode 061

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.
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Podcast, PE Firms, CEOs, Due Diligence, Episode 060

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...
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Podcast, PE Firms, CEOs, Due Diligence, Episode 059

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.
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Podcast, PE Firms, Value Creation, CEOs, Episode 057

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,...
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Podcast, PE Firms, CEOs, Episode 056

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...
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Podcast, Value Creation, CEOs, PE-Backed Companies, Episode 055

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...
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Podcast, PE Firms, CEOs, Due Diligence, Episode 054

Private Equity Spotlight: Crafting the Independent Sponsor Model with Grant Kornman of Align Collaborate

In the "Karma School of Business Podcast," Sean Mooney, founder and CEO of BluWave, has an engaging conversation with Grant Korman, Partner at Align Collaborate. They delve into their entrepreneurial journeys within the private equity sector, discussing the inception of new market segments and the entrepreneurial challenges and successes they've encountered.Episode Highlights: 1:36 - Grant's introduction to private equity during his time at Georgetown and his early career with Sterling Partners. 4:25 - The challenges and lessons of starting in private equity straight from college. 7:36 - Grant's unexpected path to becoming an independent sponsor and co-founding NCK Capital. 14:07 - The creation of Align Collaborate to provide structured equity solutions for independent sponsors. 19:03 - How Align Collaborate works with independent sponsors and portfolio companies to drive growth. 27:02 - Grant's reflections on the unpredictability of business and the importance of seizing...
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Podcast, PE Firms, CEOs, Due Diligence, Episode 053

Private Equity Spotlight: A New Chapter – Eric Hansen’s Transition to Blue Sea Capital

On the "Karma School of Business Podcast," Sean Mooney, founder and CEO of BluWave, engages with Eric Hansen, partner at Blue Sea Capital. This episode delves into Eric's unique journey from the private debt sector to a pivotal role in private equity, highlighting his contributions to the middle market and the experiences that have shaped his career.Episode Highlights: 01:34 - Eric discusses his beginnings in Peoria, Illinois, and the path that led him to Antares Capital and Blue Sea Capital. 06:29 - The founding story of Antares Capital, its innovative approach to private credit, and its strategic success. 09:23 - A look at the financing solutions pioneered by Antares, including sponsor-focused lending and the Unitranche loan structure. 15:41 - Eric's transition to Blue Sea Capital, detailing his retirement, consulting period, and decision to join the firm. 25:05 - Insights into Blue Sea Capital's strategy for growth in portfolio companies, including executive networks and strategic...
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Podcast, PE Firms, Prep For Sale, CEOs, Episode 052

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