In this engaging episode of the Karma School of Business podcast, Sean Mooney sits down with Dan Ryan, Managing Director at MidOcean Partners, to discuss his journey in private equity, the evolving dynamics of the industry, and how MidOcean is staying ahead in a competitive market. From life-saving lessons to building critical business functions during challenging times, Dan shares invaluable insights about overcoming adversity, nurturing relationships, and leveraging data to create impactful results. Whether you're a private equity professional or a business leader, this episode offers inspiration and tactics you can apply in your career.Episode Highlights2:00 – Dan Ryan’s journey from investment banking to private equity and how his time at Georgetown and Division 1 soccer influenced his leadership approach.8:00 – The life-saving story of a steak dinner gone wrong and how it echoes lessons of trust and collaboration in high-stakes situations.14:00 – Building MidOcean’s business...

Sean Mooney welcomes Vinay Kashyap, Partner at Mainsail Partners, to explore the art and science of investing in and scaling bootstrapped software companies. With a focus on relationships, discipline, and resourcefulness, Vinay reveals how Mainsail supports entrepreneurs in building enduring businesses. Discover practical strategies for turning product-driven companies into market leaders, leveraging AI for growth, and navigating the fast-changing tech landscape with confidence.Episode Highlights1:07 - Vinay’s journey into private equity, how his upbringing influenced his career, and the focus on bootstrapped software companies at Mainsail Partners.6:45 - The value of long-term relationship building, Mainsail’s proactive approach to sourcing investments, and why a three-to-five-year timeline is critical.10:27 - What makes a great investment: strong growth metrics, durable product quality, and visionary, industry-experienced founders with a learning mindset.16:29 - Transforming...

In this special Karma School of Business episode, Sean Mooney breaks down key lessons from 2024 and offers predictions for the private equity industry in 2025. Discover what’s driving growth, the challenges firms must navigate, and strategies to leverage emerging trends like AI adoption, reshoring, and evolving M&A markets.Episode Highlights:2:15 – Looking back at 2024: Stop-and-go momentum, election-year impacts, and why the economy wasn’t as predictable as anticipated.10:00 – Positive signals for 2025: Stable GDP, moderating inflation, and improving private equity deal activity.18:30 – Why private equity is shifting from "wartime generals" to growth-focused "peacetime ministers" and what it means for 2025.26:15 – Breaking down the private equity ecosystem: Emerging trends in M&A, human capital, and AI adoption.34:00 – Upcoming opportunities: U.S. manufacturing renaissance, reshoring strategies, and advice for firms to stay competitive.42:30 – The road ahead: How private equity can...

Sean Mooney sits down with Steve Hunter, Managing Director at TM Capital, to discuss the nuanced world of M&A, the key ingredients for creating value in a business, and what both buyers and sellers need to know for a successful deal. Steve offers practical advice for private equity professionals and business owners, sharing timeless insights from his decades-long career and a behind-the-scenes perspective on helping companies achieve transformational outcomes.Episode Highlights:1:12 - Steve Hunter shares his journey from rural Pennsylvania to a career in M&A, including his early days at Alex. Brown and Robinson Humphrey.8:11 - Building value in a business: How to de-risk operations, grow strategically, and attract top buyers by focusing on recurring revenue, growth opportunities, and strong teams.19:02 - Why every seller should prepare their business as though it’s “sale-ready” from day one to maximize outcomes.24:48 - The importance of transparency, top-tier advisors, sell-side QofE,...

In this episode, Sean Mooney speaks with Casey Myers, partner at Edison Partners, about leadership, value creation, and growing businesses in the lower middle market. Casey shares his unique operator-driven perspective on driving sustainable growth, evaluating leadership, and solving pain points for customers.Episode Highlights:2:37 - Casey shares how his experience with 52 private equity firms during an exit process inspired his focus on operational value creation.8:11 - Casey describes the key foundations of a good company: leadership character, solving customer pain points, and addressing technology debt.16:11 - Casey explains how Edison Partners uses a people-first approach to support leadership development and build high-performing teams.23:54 - Casey highlights the importance of aligning priorities and systematically investing in people to create sustainable growth.32:23 - Casey’s advice to his younger self: embrace a broad range of experiences and lean into opportunities to...

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...

Explore strategic exits and sustained growth in private equity with Doug McCormick of HCI Equity Partners and Lloyd Metz of ICV Partners. This special crossover episode delves into optimal timing for selling companies, the significance of building durable business models, and prioritizing long-term value. Learn how private equity navigates exit complexities, the importance of early strategic initiatives, and innovative exit strategies like partnership deals and continuation vehicles.Episode Highlights:02:13 - Impact of timing exits on value creation.06:00 - Market consolidation and leadership in exit opportunities.14:22 - Innovative exit strategies: partnership deals and continuation vehicles.19:45 - Returning capital and providing optionality for companies.34:57 - Preparing for a sale and avoiding pitfalls in the exit process.To listen to the Best But Never Final podcast, go to https://bestbutneverfinal.buzzsprout.com/For more information about ICV Partners, go to...

"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...