In this episode of Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney speaks with Don McDonough, Managing Director at GTCR, about his career in private equity and his role in building GTCR’s business development function.Episode Highlights:1:24 - Path to Private Equity: Don’s journey from investment banking to private equity and his early career experiences.4:56 - Leadership Lessons: How sports and teamwork shaped Don’s approach to leadership and problem-solving.10:09 - Building a New Role: Challenges and strategies in developing GTCR’s business development function.27:04 - Value Creation Themes: GTCR’s focus on technology, AI, and proactive risk management strategies to drive portfolio growth.33:02 - Advice to Younger Self: Don’s insights on identifying strengths, following passions, and seeking mentorship.For more information on GTCR, go to https://www.gtcr.com/For more information on Don McDonough, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-mcdonough-a6a3611

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...

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...

Join Sean Mooney in this episode of the Karma School of Business as he sits down with Mike Rubel, Managing Partner at RFE Investment Partners. With a career that spans from the bustling floors of investment banking to the strategic realm of private equity, Mike shares his journey into an industry where personal connections and market dynamics play a pivotal role. This conversation delves into Mike's early experiences at Harris Williams, his brief exploration of the hedge fund world, and his ultimate passion for the personal nature of private equity. Listen as Mike discusses the importance of finding unique companies, nurturing talent, and the critical role of culture in driving success within portfolio companies.Episode Highlights:1:03 - Welcome and introduction to Mike Rubel's unique path to private equity.5:17 - Exploring Mike Rubel's naval family tradition and its influence on his career.10:14 - The significance of finding unique companies in traditional industries.18:38 - Mike...

Join us in this episode of Private Equity Spotlight where Sean Mooney, founder and CEO of BluWave, engages in a deep dive with Christian Bullitt, Managing Director at Raymond James Private Capital Advisory Practice. With a career that has traversed from public relations to the heart of private equity, Christian brings a wealth of experience and a unique viewpoint on the evolving fundraising landscape. This episode unpacks the challenges facing private equity firms in today's fundraising environment, the critical role of operational excellence, and what Limited Partners (LPs) are currently seeking in their private equity partnerships.Episode Highlights:1:53 - From PR to private equity: Christian's unconventional path to success.4:19 - Insights into Christian's background and his early aspirations.7:11 - What LPs value in private equity firms in the current market.14:16 - Analyzing the present state of private equity fundraising.22:36 - Effective strategies for standing out in the...

Join host Sean Mooney and Brian Bank, a seasoned strategy and client relations executive from Kirkland & Ellis, for an enlightening discussion on the private equity landscape. With over 25 years of experience as both an institutional limited partner and placement agent, Brian delves into the nuances of fundraising, the evolving role of ESG, and the transformation of annual meetings in the post-COVID era, leveraging his extensive background and deep network within the investment funds community.Key Highlights:3:12 - Fundraising Dynamics: Insights into current trends and challenges.5:32 - Mid-Market Success: The importance of LP relationships.18:22 - Continuation Funds: Their reshaping role in private equity.35:12 - ESG's Growing Influence: On investment strategies.43:56 - Annual Meetings Evolved: Innovative approaches in a digital age.For more information on Kirkland & Ellis, go to https://www.kirkland.comFor more information on Brian Bank, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandbank...

In the "Karma School of Business Podcast," host Sean Mooney talks with Joe McIlhattan and Ami Mehta of Periscope Equity about their unique collaboration in private equity. They discuss the integration of deal-making and operational excellence, illustrating the firm's innovative approach and teamwork-driven success.Episode Highlights: 2:17 - Joe's transition from consulting to private equity. 3:01 - Ami's journey from auditing to operational excellence. 5:49 - Ami's focus shift to investment growth and operations. 9:08 - Traits sought in potential investments. 23:29 - Orchestrating deal and ops team synergy at Periscope Equity. 33:51 - Investing in tech-enabled service companies. 41:04 - The importance of culture in driving success. 48:52 - Advice for aspiring private equity professionals.For more information on Periscope Equity, go to https://periscopeequity.com/ For more information on Ami Mehta, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/ami-mehta/ For more information on Joe McIlhattan, go...