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,...

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...

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...