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...

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...

In this episode of Private Equity Spotlight, Sean Mooney sits down with Ran Ding and Chris Scullin from Norwest to discuss why private equity is ultimately a people-driven business. With deep insights into founder-led businesses and long-term partnership strategies, Ran and Chris share their unique approach to building trust, creating value, and fostering alignment with the companies they invest in. From their personal journeys to the principles that guide their work, this episode offers timeless lessons for investors and founders alike.Episode Highlights2:15 – Discover how Ran Ding and Chris Scullin turned personal challenges into professional purpose in private equity.8:45 – Building trust and alignment: The secret to lasting partnerships in founder-led businesses.17:30 – Winning strategies for scaling founder-driven companies while preserving their culture.26:15 – How a people-first mindset sets Norwest apart in the world of private equity investing.36:50 – Real-world examples of...

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 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...

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...

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...

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,...