Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Private Equity Podcast, by Raw Selection
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Real Due Diligence | What Makes or Breaks a Deal | 04 Nov 2025 | 00:17:51 | |
🎙️ The Private Equity Podcast — Episode with Cyril Aboujaoude, Co-Founder of TioPo Capital In this episode, Alex Rawlings is joined by Cyril Aboujaoude, Co-Founder of TioPo Capital, a hands-on private equity firm investing in SMEs across the UK and France. Cyril shares the journey of launching TioPo, their operationally driven approach to investing, and how young, entrepreneurial grit fueled their path from deal number one to a thriving portfolio. They explore the nuances of deal origination, value creation, and the power of people in private equity. From ERP frustrations to navigating downturns and structuring creative deals, Cyril breaks down the real-world lessons of building a firm from scratch—while staying laser-focused on operational excellence. ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:03 – Introduction to Cyril Aboujaoude and TioPo Capital’s mission 🔑 Key Takeaways:
Raw Selection partners with Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies to secure exceptional executive talent. We focus on de-risking executive recruitment through meticulous search and selection processes, ensuring top-tier performance and long-term success. 🔗 Connect with Alex Rawlings on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexrawlings/ Looking to grow your team? Check out our Hiring Guides for proven strategies, templates, and best practices to make smarter hires. | |||
| How Private Equity Can Win With AI-Driven Hiring | Greg Nieuwenhuys | 28 Oct 2025 | 00:33:09 | |
Guest: Greg Nieuwenhuys – PE Operator & Founder, Generative AI Strategy 🔍 Episode Summary: Greg Nieuwenhuys returns to share a practical, step-by-step AI Playbook for hiring. From writing job descriptions to automating follow-ups, Greg breaks down how PE firms and portfolio companies can integrate generative AI into recruitment. Packed with tools, tactics, and workflow tips, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to hire faster, smarter, and with less bias. 🕒 Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & Why AI in Hiring Matters 01:25 – Greg’s Background 05:17 – Where AI Improves Hiring 06:43 – Quick Wins
09:58 – Tools Greg Uses 12:43 – Building Automation Without a People Team 14:35 – Custom GPTs & Human Oversight 18:25 – Using AI for Better Decision-Making 19:21 – Interview Coaching & Advanced Tools
23:06 – Better Candidate Outreach 25:02 – Improve Candidate Experience with Automation 27:55 – Greg’s AI Stack 29:24 – AI Makes You a Better Human 💡 Takeaways:
📲 Connect with Greg: Raw Selection partners with Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies to secure exceptional executive talent. We focus on de-risking executive recruitment through meticulous search and selection processes, ensuring top-tier performance and long-term success. 🔗 Connect with Alex Rawlings on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexrawlings/ Looking to grow your team? Check out our Hiring Guides for proven strategies, templates, and best practices to make smarter hires. | |||
| How Brett Hickey Built a $Billion Firm From Nothing | Leadership & PE Lessons Every CEO Must Hear | 26 Aug 2025 | 00:43:16 | |
Episode Summary: Brett also discusses the strategic opportunities in the U.S. lower middle market, the implications of aging demographics, his risk-aligned investment strategy, and the power of culture in scaling a firm. If you're looking to understand how to build a high-performing investment organization from the ground up—and what books, frameworks, and philosophies support that—this episode is essential listening. ⏱️ Episode Highlights & Time Stamps: 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction to Brett Hickey 🔗 Connect with Alex Rawlings on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexrawlings/ | |||
| How to build a business to a ONE BILLION DOLLAR EXIT with Adam Coffey - Playbook Series | 14 Nov 2023 | 00:39:50 | |
Introducing Adam Coffey Adam Coffey is a CEO, best-selling author, Forbes Business Council member, and an acclaimed international speaker. Over the past 21 years, he has had the honour of serving as President and CEO of three national private equity-backed service companies. Two of which achieved enterprise values of $1B. What You Will Learn: How to build a billion-dollar business What it takes to scale a business successfully The common mistakes entrepreneurs make on the road to a billion Breakdown: [00:00] Introduction [02:42] What It Takes to Build a Billion-Dollar Business [05:10] How to Build the Perfect $1000,000 Business [08:35] The 30-20-10 Rule For Entrepreneurial Success [12:26] Why Capital is Not the Biggest Hurdle to Entrepreneurial Success [14:39] Making Strategic Pivots in Your Business [16:47] Two Natural Exit Points For Private Equity [22:39] The Top Challenges of Scaling a Business [30:10] How to Hire the Right Talent Every Time [33:25] How to Integrate New Hires Into the Company Culture [37:00] The Feeling of Achieving a Billion-Dollar Exit [39:20] Parting Thoughts The 3 Most Important Aspects of Scaling a Business Every entrepreneur dreams of one day successfully scaling their business. Unfortunately, scaling is hard. As your business grows in size and scope, it also grows in complexity. The good news is that the scaling challenges your company is facing are not unique to your business. Adam Coffey believes you only need to master these three areas to successfully scale your business to a billion-dollar empire. 1. People We all know that people are the most important asset in an organization. When you start scaling your business, you will need people - and, most importantly, the right people. The mistake most business leaders make is that they hire just because a position is open. To be successful, don’t hire for the company you have today; hire for the skill you’ll need for the company you’ll have in 5 years. 2. Understand What Good Looks Like You can only scale a business if you understand what good looks like. Before you buy anything, know what good, average, and best looks like. Otherwise, you’ll fall into the shiny objects syndrome, where everything looks good, and you overlook every flaw. 3. Proper Integration You have a system, you’ve hired the right people, and you have customers who love your product. Now, the next thing you should do is integrate everything into a fully functioning system. Proper integration connects people, cultures, and systems so entrepreneurs have everything they need to scale their businesses. Links and Resources: | |||
| Carl Cox on portfolio company strategy and driving leading indicators | 07 Nov 2023 | 00:33:31 | |
Introducing Carl Cox Carl J. Cox is a Business growth strategy expert, podcast host, and the CEO of 40 Strategy, where he helps CEOs scale with strategic excellence. He is also the author of Lost At CEO: An Entrepreneur's Guide To Strategy. The book reveals a uniquely different approach to strategies that have the power to transform any business that has struggled with stale strategic retreats, failed initiatives, and stalled-out growth. What You Will Learn: The Power of Strategic Planning in Private Equity How to Design a World-Class Strategic Plan Ways to Move From Lagging to Leading Indicators Breakdown: [00:00] Introduction [01:50] The Mistakes PE Firms Make with Their Portfolio Companies [02:49] Marrying People, Processes, and Systems in a Firm [04:14] From Lagging Indicators to Leading Indicators [06:47] Indicators That Prove You're Headed in the Right Direction [08:53] Strategies and How Often to Track Your Them [12:10] The Concept of Strategic Accountability [15:29] What a World-Class Strategy Looks Like [19:25] Motivation For Writing the Book [23:30] What Carl Likes and Dislikes About Private Equity [28:57] What Carl Watches, Reads, and Listens To [33:02] Parting Thoughts The Foundations of a Strategic Plan in Private Equity Ready to scale your private equity firm the right way? Well, it's very simple. All you need is a world-class strategic plan and the accountability to get it done. According to Carl, all these can be achieved by focusing on only three things:
How to Carl Cox Carl's email - CarlJCox@40strategy.com Carl's LinkedIn, 40strategy.com, Lost At CEO: An Entrepreneur's Guide To Strategy Thank you for tuning in! To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here. | |||
| Matthew Garff shares his insights on the private equity industry and how to stand out in the crowd. A must-listen for all private equity professionals | 23 Oct 2023 | 00:29:21 | |
Introducing Matthew Garff Matthew Garff is the Senior Managing Director at Sun Capital Partners, Inc. - a private investment firm focused on investing in middle-market businesses. Sun Capital's portfolio includes approximately 35 businesses across multiple sectors, with over 400 acquisitions since the late '90s.
What You Will Learn: Culture as The Key to Success in Private Equity The Problem with the Low Barrier to Entry in Private Equity Private Equity Deal Scarcity
Breakdown: [00:00] Introduction [01:40] The Mistakes PE Firms Make with Their Portfolio Companies [02:38] How Sun Capital Measures Company Culture [05:15] The Link Between Great Cultures and PE Success [07:32] Current Trends in Private Equity [11:46] What the Best Firms Do to Create Value in Portfolio Companies [15:53] The Role of PE Firms in Their Portfolio Company's Success [18:35] Deal Team and Portfolio Team Working Together [21:11] What's Driving Deal Scarcity in Private Equity [25:58] Biggest Lessons in Matthew's Career [28:02] What Matthew Likes and Dislikes About Private Equity [29:53] The Low Barrier to Entry in Private Equity [31:30] What Matthew Watches, Reads, and Listens To [25:53] Parting Thoughts
How Culture Impacts Private Equity Success Is company culture important for making successful PE firms and portfolio companies? According to Matthew, the culture within a company plays an important role in the performance of that company. Companies with great cultures often translate to better returns for investors. Companies with not-so-great cultures rarely get the intended results for their investors. Unfortunately, culture can often be an afterthought in PE. So, how can you build great cultures in your company? It all starts with getting the right people in the right positions. Firms with the right people are more likely to build a great culture. This, in turn, benefits the firm by embracing a forward-thinking approach—which is often a common predictor of financial success.
How to Contact Matthew Garff Thank you for tuning in! To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here. Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com. | |||
| Pranav Garg on turning your ERP data into profitable growth and EBITDA | 09 Oct 2023 | 00:30:21 | |
Introducing Pranav Garg Pranav Garg is the Founder and Head of Product at Peak Margins, a firm focused on helping B2B companies turbo-charge profitable growth. Their analytics solution taps into ERP data to give companies a transformative view of growth and profitability by customer, product, salesperson, channel, territory, and more.
What You Will Learn: How to Drive Profitable Growth in Private Equity The Power of Data in Deal Sourcing and Decision-Making The TAU Framework For Profitable Growth in Private Equity
Breakdown: [00:00] Introduction [02:28] The Mistakes PE Firms Make with Their Portfolio Companies [05:48] Most PE Firms Don’t Know How They Make Money [09:31] Thinking About Profitable Growth [11:26] Understanding the Drivers of Profitable Growth in PE [14:02] The First Step to Working with Data in PE [17:38] Pranav’s TAU Framework For Profitable Growth [20:12] How to Implement the TAU Framework in PE [23:20] The Advantages of Data-Driven Decision Making [26:26] What Pranav Likes and Dislikes About Private Equity [28:40] What Pranav Watches, Reads, and Listens To [32:24] Parting Thoughts
The TAU Framework For Profitable Growth Why is data critical in running a profitable PE firm? According to Pranav, firms that don’t use data often go with their gut feelings, intuition, or external pressures to make decisions. The problem with this is an over-reliance on the skills and experience of the team. This means that processes stop being easily repeatable, and outcomes are now sorely reliant on luck. But with the TAU framework, you can change all that. ● T - Transparency: You need to have a single source of truth. Get good enough data that your team stops complaining about just how bad the data is. ● A - Accountability: The two most important parts of accountability are incentives and tracking. You need to offer incentives to your people to motivate them to do their jobs better. You also need a way to track the actions you take - and this can be as simple as using a spreadsheet. ● U - Urgency: Make your profitability actions urgent. Keep them at the center of everything you do daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly.
How to Contact Matthew Graff Email on PG@peakmargins.com
Thank you for tuning in! To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here. Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.
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| Tim Flannery on the mistakes you are making with LP relations, improving your fundraising, how PE&VC firms are using AI, raising a series A | 25 Sep 2023 | 00:29:29 | |
Introducing Tim Flannery Tim Flannery is the Co-founder & CEO of Passthrough, a company focused on automating the subscription process for private funds. They make it easy to distribute subscription agreements to investors and have them executed electronically. The result is less time spent going back and forth, better compliance, and structured investor data. What You Will Learn: Investing in Your Firm's Brand For Long-Term Success AI Use in Private Equity How to Communicate Effectively with Your Investors Breakdown: [00:00] Introduction [01:46] The Mistakes PE Firms Make with Their Portfolio Companies [05:48] Fund Strategies and Proactive Communication [06:45] The Benefits of Investing in Your Firm's Brand [08:40] What Investors Really Want [12:54] Straightforward Ways to Improve Brand Strategy [15:18] Understanding the Fundraising Market [17:07] Advice on Raising Funds [21:22] Lessons From Succesful Fundraising [22:56] What Tim Likes and Dislikes About Private Equity [25:30] How Firms Are Using AI to Raise Capital [25:30] What Tim Watches, Reads, and Listens To [25:53] Parting Thoughts Why You Need to Invest In Your Firm's Brand There is nothing quite as important as your brand when it comes to Private Equity investing. We live in a time when people will talk about you. Their investment decisions will be influenced by what they read about you on the internet and what other investors say about you. According to Tim, investing in your firm's brand is the key to achieving long-term PE success. A strong brand establishes credibility, fosters customer loyalty, and differentiates you from competitors. It's the first impression you make and the lasting memory you leave. In today's crowded market, a distinct brand is a powerful asset for driving profitable growth. By investing in your brand, you're investing in the foundation of your business's identity and ensuring a solid place in the market. How to Contact Tim Flannery Tim's Email: Tim@Passthrough.com Thank you for tuning in! To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here. Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.
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| Amy Gross on how you can save money on insurance premiums and how to better manage insurance across the portfolio | 11 Sep 2023 | 00:20:55 | |
Introducing Amy Gross Amy Gross is the Global Private Equity Practice Leader for Liberty Mutual. She consistently demonstrates her expertise by working directly with clients connecting their firms and portfolio companies across Liberty’s global business. Amy brings the scale of her private equity clients to the forefront, where she educates on private equity and encourages people to bring creative solutions to help them solve their needs.
What You Will Learn How to lower private equity insurance costs Insurance for PE portfolio companies Reasons why PE firms should prioritize insurance coverage
Breakdown [00:00] Introducing Amy Gross [01:40] The Mistakes PE Firms Make with Their Portfolio Companies [04:12] Insurance Premiums for PE Portfolio Companies [06:08] Is PE Too Risky For Insurance Firms? [10:35] What PE Firms Can Do to Get the Most Out of the Insurance Industry [13:02] Ways PE Firms Can Reduce Their Insurance Costs [16:15] How to Build Better PE-Insurance Relationships [18:38] What Amy Likes and Dislikes About PE [19:47] What Amy Watches, Reads, and Listens To [20:28] Parting Thoughts
How PE Firms Can Lower Their Insurance Costs Lowering private equity insurance costs can be challenging, as insurance premiums are typically based on factors such as the nature of the business, its operations, risk profile, and claims history. According to Amy, the biggest thing PE firms can do to reduce their insurance cost is to make themselves a better risk. A better risk involves actively reducing the impact of potential loss by developing plans to eliminate, manage, and limit setbacks as much as possible. All this translates not to just better insurance but better workplace safety, better morale, and basic peace of mind. Amy adds that building great relationships with insurance carriers can sometimes lead to better premiums. Demonstrating loyalty and maintaining a positive track record with an insurer can result in favorable negotiations and potentially lower costs.
How to Contact Amy Amy’s email Amy.Gross@Libertymutualgroup.com Thank you for tuning in! To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here. Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.
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| Jon Thompson on utilising business intelligence to drive decision making in PE-Backed portfolio companies | 28 Aug 2023 | 00:31:17 | |
Introducing Jon Thompson Jon Thompson is the author of The Dashboard Effect and co-founder & Chief Strategy Officer at Blue Margin, where he helps private equity and mid-market companies quickly convert data into automated dashboards. Their mission is to deliver breakthroughs early and often, and within clients’ timelines and budgets. Jon offers practical steps for business leaders who want to quickly leverage data to improve outcomes.
What You Will Learn How to Apply Data and Analytics in Private Equity Why Data Intelligence is a Great Differentiator in Business Ways Data is Slowly Transforming Private Equity
Breakdown [00:00] Who is Jon Thompson? [02:00] Common Mistakes by PE Firms and Their Portfolio Companies [04:38] Data Analytics in Private Equity and Why It’s Important [07:24] Successful Data Utilization in PE [10:09] How to Make Data the Main Part of Your Execution Strategy [12:32] Reliable and Scalable Data Architecture [15:18] How to Use Data to Inform Your Decisions [20:00] Using Data Internally to Define Key PE Metrics [22:15] How to Create a Data Utilization Culture [25:55] Improving Data and Analytics in PE [28:57] Jon’s Go-To Self-Improvement Resources [35:25] Parting Thoughts
Successful Data Utilization in Private Equity Private equity firms have recognized the immense potential of data utilization in enhancing their investment decision-making processes and driving operational efficiency. By harnessing the power of data analytics, PE firms can uncover valuable insights, identify investment opportunities, and optimize portfolio performance. Successful data utilization in PE involves leveraging various data sources, employing advanced analytics techniques, and fostering a data-driven culture.
Rapid growth and the birth of AI have heightened the importance of in-depth data and analytics. To compete, PE firms need high-quality technology solutions to sharpen their insight and streamline their workflows across the entire fund lifecycle. However, data is only as valuable as it is understandable and accessible. According to Jon, without an effective way to manage information, your data can very quickly become “noise.” And in some cases, noise is worse than not having the data at all.
How to Contact Jon: Jon’s LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-thompson-37282432/ Jon’s Email: Jon@Bluemargin.com The Dashboard Effect Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dashboard-effect/id1634065977 The Dashboard Effect: Transform Your Company by Jon Thompson and Brick Thompson
Thank you for tuning in! To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here. Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.
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| Ryan Schlitt on everything private fundraising, the LP mindset right now and what successful PE firms are doing to raise capital | 14 Aug 2023 | 00:36:53 | |
Introducing Ryan Schlitt Ryan Schlitt CEO & Co-Founder Aviditi Advisors, a premier, independent alternative advisory firm servicing global alternative investment managers and investors. Ryan has over 20 years of financial experience as a senior management member of the leading private placement/advisory groups at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, and Credit Suisse Securities. Before forming Aviditi, he had originated, executed, distributed, and been part of more than 325 capital raises, aggregating more than $480 billion.
What You Will Learn The Private Equity Fundraising Checklist Why Small Private Equity Funds Struggle Raising Capital When to Start Worrying About Access to Capital
Breakdown [00:00] Who is Ryan Schlitt? [05:10] Common Mistakes by PE Firms and Their Portfolio Companies [07:10] It’s Not When You Start, It’s When You Finish [08:30] How to Prepare for Fundraising Success [14:34] Why Some PE Firms Struggle to Raise Funds [18:07] Ryan Describes the Current Fundraising Climate [22:28] Smaller Funds Struggling to Raise Capital [25:56] Is Capital Moving Away from Private Equity? [29:00] Future Trends in PE [31:45] Ryan’s Go-To Self-Improvement Resources [35:25] Parting Thoughts
Fundraising in Private Equity Private equity has been experiencing a robust fundraising environment with increased investor interest and significant capital commitments. According to Ryan, one notable trend has been the rise of larger fund sizes. Some firms have been able to raise increasingly substantial amounts of capital, with mega-funds (those with over $5 billion in commitments) becoming more common. Established private equity firms with proven track records have been particularly successful in attracting capital from investors.
However, that is not the case with emerging managers and smaller funds. Investors often prioritize track records and prefer investing in established firms with consistent performance. Although the industry continues to evolve, fundraising success still depends largely on factors such as investment track record, investment strategy, differentiation, and alignment with investor preferences.
How to Contact Ryan: Ryan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-schlitt-889896a/ Ryan’s Email: Rschlitt@avidiadvisors.com The Smartless Podcast: https://www.smartless.com/ Thank you for tuning in! To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here. Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.
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| Playbook Series - Jay Goldman on how to create a repeatable playbook for value creation at portfolio companies | 07 Aug 2023 | 00:37:50 | |
Welcome to the Private Equity Podcast Playbook Series. In this series, we'll dive deep into crucial private equity subjects and provide playbooks that you can use to grow your firm or portfolio company.
Introducing Jay Goldman Jay Goldman is the Co-Founder and CEO of Sensei Labs, a Conductor used by the world's top organizations to orchestrate their most critical transformations. Jay and his team enable project management, collaboration, data tracking, and knowledge management that modern organizations need to be successful.
What You Will Learn Sources of Value Creation in Private Equity What it Means to Create Value in a Portfolio Company How to Create Structure in Your Processes
Breakdown [00:00] Introduction [01:40] Value Creation in Private Equity [03:51] What it Means to Create Value in Private Equity [07:02] The First Step to Creating Value in an Asset [09:15] How to Build a Value Creation Team [12:15] Templates for an Effective Value Creation Plan [15:00] How to Orchestrate a Value Creation Process [20:35] Playbooks and the Benefits of Having a Repeatable Checklist [23:43] Why Internal Communication is Crucial For Team Success [26:54] Who Should Be In Charge of Value Creation? [32:20] How to Build Out Checklists and Workflows [35:19] Pros and Cons of Status Reporting [36:55] Parting Thoughts
Value Creation in Private Equity What does it mean to create value? If you're looking at it from an enterprise value perspective, you have an asset as part of our portfolio, and paid $10 million for it. Then your goal should be to exit it at a multiple, say 30, 40, or 50 million dollars. This means you'll have to create some enterprise value before exiting that asset. Jay adds that value creation is no longer associated with firing people. Much has changed, and now more PE firms are determined to create value. Today, PE firms are focused on building better businesses by growing their ability to produce revenue, built on acquisitions, geographic expansion, repricing, or new product lines. However, this is not to say that cost reduction is not essential because it will always be a factor in almost every value-creation plan. But it is now less emphasized than it was in the past.
How to Contact Jay The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right by Atul Gawande Thank you for tuning in! To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here. Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.
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| David Sopp on his transition from PE investor to Operator and getting more attractive multiples | 31 Jul 2023 | 00:26:39 | |
Introducing David Sopp
Perspectives from Being an Investor and an Operator Acquiring Businesses at Attractive Multiples The Attributes of Top Performing Investors
[0:50] Introducing David Sopp [3:58] What Made David Shift from Investor to Operator [6:43] What David Wishes He Knew as an Investor [8:30] Lessons from Private Equity [10:14] The Mistakes That Most PE Firms are Making [12:24] How to Acquire Business at More Attractive Multiples [15:36] Lessons for Lower-Middle Market Investors [19:27] Three Attributes of a Top Performing Investor [23:24] Advice for Operators, C-Suite Executives, and Portfolio Companies [26:23] What David Watches, Reads, and Listens To [28:20] Where to Reach David [29:01] Parting Thoughts
One way is to know where to look, and that comes with developing one’s own proprietary deal workflow. More firms are considering entrepreneurs they’ve backed before and identifying investment ideas that no one else is pursuing yet. Another way is to use operating resources to create and realize upsides. It’s because there’s often more than meets the eye with businesses. Investors need to look into each element of a business to consider how it can potentially differentiate and diversify the business to generate more equity value. Finally, investors must change their mindset about investing. It isn’t always about financial engineering. Instead, investors should focus on building businesses with world class talent with more efficient systems. Building the exact asset that potential customers are looking for will allow investors to mitigate the prices they’re working with while also creating even more value to the business post-acquisition.
1. Intellectual curiosity As the world changes, so do investment strategies. Top-performing investors keep pace with the changing world by remaining curious about what’s new, how it’s going to affect their investments, and what challenges and opportunities are on the way. They need to be passionate about discovering new industries, meeting new people, and developing new skills.
Industries, no matter how different, will often share similar characteristics. Being able to spot these allows top performing investors to get up to speed on new industries and business models much faster than others. Top investors can leverage the patterns they recognize to scope out a better due diligence process and run sensitivities about how likely negative scenarios are going to happen. As David explains, it also helps top performers spot show-stopping deals: investments with unmanageable risks. These help investors mitigate their risks and identify better opportunities.
Investing involves taking calculated risks and many people challenge investing decisions. Top-performing investors need to have the courage and conviction to articulate support for their investing theses. They need to ensure that their thesis makes sense. Without this ability, as David explains, deals aren’t going to get done. | |||
| Private Equity’s GTM Wake-Up Call: Talent, Segmentation & the $500M Mistake | 19 Aug 2025 | 00:36:56 | |
🧠 Episode Summary: With over two decades of commercial leadership and consulting experience, Brian explains why private equity firms often overestimate internal talent, underestimate customer orientation, and misalign incentives—leading to missed growth targets. Packed with case studies and actionable frameworks, this episode is a goldmine for anyone looking to drive scalable and sustainable sales growth within a PE-backed environment. ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Brian Reavell and today's GTM focus 📚 Resources Mentioned:
📨 Connect with Brian Reavell: Raw Selection partners with Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies to secure exceptional executive talent. We focus on de-risking executive recruitment through meticulous search and selection processes, ensuring top-tier performance and long-term success. 🔗 Connect with Alex Rawlings on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexrawlings/ Looking to grow your team? Check out our Hiring Guides for proven strategies, templates, and best practices to make smarter hires. | |||
| Playbook Series - Nevin Raj on the complete guide to achieving proprietary inbound deal flow | 24 Jul 2023 | 00:39:13 | |
Welcome to the Private Equity Podcast Playbook Series. In this series, we'll dive deep into crucial private equity subjects and provide playbooks that you can use to grow your firm or portfolio company.
Introducing Nevin Raj Nevin Raj is the Chief Operating Officer and co-founder of Grata, a B2B search engine for discovering small to middle-market private companies. At Grata, Nevin is responsible for leading business operations, from sales and marketing to customer success and product initiatives.
What You Will Learn: How to Develop a Strategic Business Development Plan The Best Way to Ask for Referrals in Private Equity How to Play the Long Game with Private Equity Relationships
Breakdown [00:00] Introduction [01:18] Inbound Prospecting and Deal Sourcing [03:11] The Tools Needed for Proactive Business Development [04:39] How to Implement Proactive Business Development [07:30] Ways PE Firms Can Drive Effective Business Development [10:20] Understand that the Best PE Firms Play the Long Game [14:27] Building Relationships Before Process [16:10] How to Start Asking for Referrals [20:50] Ways to Build Relationships with Banking Executives [23:35] Build Better Relationships with Lawyers and Accountants [27:20] Engaging with Other Investors [31:50] The "In Real Life" Strategy [35:20] How the Top PE Firms Manage Relationships [37:40] Parting Thoughts
Proactive Business Development in Private Equity Private equity firms are in a tough spot. Competition is fierce, and finding good investments at fair prices is becoming even more challenging. To stay ahead, firms are stepping up their game in deal origination and getting innovative in spotting their next big opportunity. But there is a problem: who should be responsible for ensuring these initiatives work? More and more firms are bringing in business development professionals to fill that role. These folks ensure that the proactive efforts pay off as planned. According to Nevin, business development is proving to be a critical asset to PE funds. Once a firm start proactively building relationships, they should see a noticeable change in actionable deal flow within a few months.
How to Contact Chris Nevin's email - Nevin@grata.com
Thank you for tuning in! To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here. Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.
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| Bryan Gordon on producing above market returns, why the team fit is crucial and his experience in 30+ years of Private Equity | 17 Jul 2023 | 00:24:11 | |
Introducing Bryan Gordon Bryan Gordon is the Founder of “Madison Ventures+” Property Investments, a fund that has overseen the raising and deployment of over $1.1 billion of equity capital - generating an average annual return of over 30%. Bryan boasts over 35 years of experience as a serial entrepreneur, private equity investor, and risk management consultant.
What You Will Learn Focusing on the Upsides Versus Focusing on the Downsides Team Culture in PE Firms The Value of Human Capital
Breakdown [00:45] Getting to Know Bryan Gordon [01:41] Common Mistakes by PE Firms and Their Portfolio Companies [03:56] Why People Are Essential for PE Success [05:20] Important Attributes of a Top Performer [08:10] Advice for PE Firms Looking for Long-Term Investments [11:40] How Bryan and His Team Achieves Yearly 25% Returns [14:05] Things Bryan Likes and Dislikes About Private Equity [18:30] Shifting from a Fund-Based Structure [20:35] Bryan’s Go-To Self-Improvement Resources [22:45] Parting Thoughts
Why People are The Most Important Element in a PE Firm The team element is crucial when finding and closing deals. Gone are the days when machinery and other tangible assets created value in an organization. Today it’s all about teams, execution, and intellectual capital. Your people are responsible for the way organizations transform data and resources into profitable deals to invest in. They bring unique talents and perspectives that can contribute to innovation and creativity within the organization. Bryan explains that when people are engaged and committed to their work, they are more likely to go above and beyond to ensure the organization's success. Overall, people are the lifeblood of an organization. They are the ones who drive its success, bring it to life, and make it thrive. Without people, a firm cannot achieve its goals, deliver its mission, or create a positive impact on its stakeholders.
How to Contact Bryan Bryan’s email: Bgordon@madisonventuresplus.com Margin of Safety: Risk-Averse Value Investing Strategies for the Thoughtful Investor by Seth A. Klarman The Art Of War by Sun Tzu Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson Thank you for tuning in! To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here. Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.
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| Kevin Moyer on the raising costs of capital, advice for PE-Backed CFO's and implementing playbooks | 03 Jul 2023 | 00:20:03 | |
Introducing Kevin Moyer Kevin Moyer is a Partner and Leader of the Transaction Advisory Services at Sax Capital Advisors, a nationally ranked accounting, tax and business advisory firm. He brings over a decade of experience and is responsible for the overall strategy and the delivery of client-related services. His robust knowledge lets him advise clients on financial and operational diligence, finance transformation, and corporate restructuring mandates.
What You Will Learn How the Top PE Firms Deploy Capital The Importance of KPI Dashboarding How to Get the Most Out of Available Data
Breakdown [00:00] Who is Kevin Moyer? [01:46] Common Mistakes by PE Firms and Their Portfolio Companies [03:32] How the Best PE Firms Deploy Capital [06:00] Kevin’s Transition From Finance to Private Equity [09:36] How to Gain the Most From Available Data [11:19] Ways to Drive Change in a Portfolio Company [13:25] How to Prepare Your Firm if We Do Have a Recession [15:26] What Kevin Likes and Dislikes About Private Equity [17:32] Kevin’s Go-To Self-Improvement Resources [20:08] Parting Thoughts
Getting the Most Out of Your Data in Private Equity When it comes to success in private equity, you need to use data to your advantage. There are data sets that exist within companies that many companies don’t know how to use the data. It gets worse when you realize that even more of these firms don’t know how to structure unstructured data. According to Kevin, the best PE firms know how to use unstructured data as a predictive mechanism going forward. And by doing that, you’re much more dangerous as a firm. It also makes adapting and pivoting before or during a catastrophic event possible.
With debt markets in turmoil, PE deals that dominated business headlines in recent years have gone missing. Yes, all firms are always looking out for new investment opportunities. But the best firms know that their existing portfolio companies are equally important. This is why they have systems to structure unstructured data to better manage their existing portfolio companies and maximize their return on investment faster and more efficiently.
How to Contact Kevin: Kevin’s email - kmoyer@saxllp.com Kevin’s phone number: 973-472-6250 Thank you for tuning in! To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here. Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.
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| Jay Goldman on Value Creation and Portfolio Orchestration for Private Equity | 19 Jun 2023 | 00:50:59 | |
Introducing Jay Goldman Jay Goldman is the Co-Founder and CEO of Sensei Labs, a Conductor used by the world's top organizations to orchestrate their most critical transformations. Jay and his team enable project management, collaboration, data tracking, and knowledge management that modern organizations need to be successful. What You Will Learn
Breakdown [00:45] Getting to Know Jay Goldman [01:41] Common Mistakes by PE Firms and Their Portfolio Companies [04:46] Value Creation in Private Equity [06:30] What is Portfolio Orchestration? [11:05] The Best Way to Raise Capital in Private Equity [16:00] Play Books to Help Accelerate Value Creation in PE [19:30] Technology Integration in Private Equity [27:17] The Future of Work [35:40] Consequences of Automating Human Labor [39:08] The Real Value of Work and More Engaging Tasks [43:05] Things Jay Likes and Dislikes About Private Equity [46:40] Jay's Go-To Self-Improvement Resources [51:47] Parting Thoughts Value Creation in Private Equity What are some of the challenges and opportunities in private equity regarding value creation? According to Jay, value creation is a term that has been euphemistically used in the past to mean firing people. Of course, this is not what's happening or what it means in the industry today. Much has changed, and now more funds are determined to create value. Today, PE firms are focused on building better businesses by growing their ability to produce revenue, built on acquisitions, geographic expansion, repricing, or new product lines. However, this is not to say that cost reduction is not essential because it will always be a factor in almost every value-creation plan. But it is now less emphasized than it was in the past. Thank you for tuning in! To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here. Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com. | |||
| Jim Roth discusses greenwashing, how to define impact investing, and growing two Private Equity firms | 05 Jun 2023 | 00:24:28 | |
Introducing Jim Roth Jim Roth is the Founder and CEO of Zamo Capital, Europe’s first specialist investor in impact, private equity, and venture capital firms. Founded in early 2018, Zamo invests in impact managers, providing capital, expertise, and an established network of investors to help raise new capital. Jim’s ability to identify and develop untapped market opportunities previously led to their co-founding LeapFrog Investments in 2007, a world-leading private equity manager that was ranked by Fortune as one of the top 5 Companies Changing the World. The fund was also endorsed by President Bill Clinton, who observed: “Leapfrog’s team is widely recognized as having opened up a new frontier for alternative investing.” What You Will Learn
Breakdown [00:45] Getting to Jim Roth [01:37] Common Mistakes by PE Firms and Their Portfolio Companies [02:54] Why Jim Decided to Foc us on Impact Investing [04:30] The Rising Demand for Impact Investing [08:24] Jim’s Definition of Impact Investing [10:44] The Type of Impact People Invest In [14:07] How Zamo Helps New Impact Investors Scale [17:52] Lessons From Managing Leapfrog [20:01] The Challenges Jim Faced When Scaling Leapfrog [23:27] How to Attract and Retain Top Talent [26:19] Things Jim Likes and Dislikes About Private Equity [28:39] Jim’s Go To Self Improvement Resources [30:40] Parting Thoughts The Rising Demand For Impact Investing When most people think of investing, they immediately jump to publicly traded stocks or bonds. However, all that is starting to change with more and more people looking for investments that positively impact society. Impact investing is a relatively new approach to investing that aims to generate measurable social and environmental benefits alongside financial returns. It has gained popularity recently as investors increasingly seek to align their investments with their values and contribute to positive change in the world. The rise of impact investing is driven by several factors. First, there is a growing awareness of the pressing social and environmental challenges facing the world, such as climate change, poverty, and inequality. Investors recognize the need to address these challenges and are turning to impact investing as a way to do it. Secondly, and most importantly, impact investing has become more accessible in the mainstream in recent years. The increasing number of impact investing funds has made it easier for investors to find and invest in opportunities that align with their values. How to Contact Jim Jim’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-roth-zamocapital/ Zamocapital.com Contact Jim via email: Jim@Zamocapital.com Thank you for tuning in! To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here. Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com. | |||
| Pari Natarajan on falling behind without technology utilisation and what you are missing on value creation | 23 May 2023 | 00:26:39 | |
Introducing Pari Natarajan What You Will Learn Ways PE Firms Can Successfully Transition a Business to a SaaS Model How AI is Revolutionizing the Private Equity Space Breakdown [00:45] Getting to Know Pari Natarajan [01:20] Common Mistakes by PE Firms and Their Portfolio Companies [02:37] Investment Opportunities for PE Firms in 2023 [05:03] Steps to Successfully Transitioning to a SaaS Model [06:31] Why the Tech Industry is so Attractive for PE Firms [09:35] Technology Adoption in Private Equity [14:41] AI in Private Equity and What it Means for the Industry [19:17] Understanding the Core Aspects of Value Creation in PE Deals [22:26] Why Growth is Risky Business in Private Equity [24:57] Things Pari Likes and Dislikes About Private Equity [26:50] Pari's Go-To Self-Improvement Resources [27:31] Parting Thoughts Investment Opportunities for PE Firms in 2023 AI In Private Equity
How to Contact Pari Pari's LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/parinatarajanzinnov/ | |||
| Matthew Carr On How Your Private Equity Firm or Portfolio Company Is at Risk of Cyber Attacks and How To Prevent Them | 08 May 2023 | 00:27:18 | |
Matthew Carr is the Co-Founder and Head of Research & Technology at Atum Cell - a firm that provides leading-edge cybersecurity software, hardware, and services for companies and government agencies in North America and Europe. He is an award-winning cybersecurity researcher and penetration tester specializing in cyber threat management. He held senior positions in security at IKEA, IBM, and SecureLink, where he built a strong base of real-world experience. What You Will Learn The Rising Number of Cyber Attacks on Private Equity Best Practices and Why All PE Firms Need to Build a Cybersecurity Culture Common and Emerging Cyber Threats Currently Plaguing PE Firms Breakdown [00:45] Getting to Know Matthew Carr [02:13] Common Mistakes by PE Firms and Their Portfolio Companies [04:19] Types of Cyber Attacks Targeting PE Firms [07:51] Cybersecurity Threats and Vulnerabilities in Private Equity [11:22] How PE Firms can Build and Implement a Cybersecurity Culture [15:00] Easy Ways to Improve a PE Firm's Cybersecurity [19:26] Take This One Action Step to Protect Yourself Against Cyber Threats [22:45] Reasons Why Cybersecurity Awareness Training is Important [27:15] Matthew's Go-to Self-Improvement Resources [28:52] Parting Thought Common Cybersecurity Attacks in Private Equity Although cybersecurity is a big concern in almost all industries, cyber attacks on PE firms have increased in recent years. Interestingly, the threats are not only a problem for firms with deep pockets but extend even to small upcoming companies. For a PE firm, data breaches can have business-ending consequences. For example, they spook investors, negatively impact valuations, and damage a firm's reputation. According to Matthew, these are some of the most common ways hackers target PE firms. ● Social Engineering - This is the simplest and most common attack in PE right now. Attackers use psychological manipulation to gain access to confidential information or resources. ● Known Vulnerabilities - Expert attackers leverage known vulnerabilities in a system to gain access to a PE firm's data. A typical loophole is outdated systems. Matthew explains that using outdated software presents numerous security vulnerabilities that put your data and business at risk. ● Zero-Day Vectors - Zero-day attacks stem from an operating system or computer software flaw unknown to the software's publisher. The term "Zero-day" is scary because it is unknown, and there is no patch or antivirus for this vulnerability. ● Zero-Click Attacks - These attacks are fully remote and provide access to a victim's data in real time and without any action from the target. Zero-click attacks are dangerous because they can take place without the victim clicking on a malicious website or app. Other Media References Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson How to Contact Matthew Matthew's email address - M@atumcell.com | |||
| Stephen Madsen on how Private Equity firms can originate more deals | 24 Apr 2023 | 00:43:15 | |
Introduction to Stephen Stephen Madsen was the Director of Business Development & Capital Markets at Monomoy Capital Partners, a private investment firm with over $2.7 billion in assets under management. Monomoy invests in the equity and debt of manufacturing and distribution businesses that can benefit from operational and financial improvement. Stephen specializes in mergers & acquisitions, deal sourcing, private equity relationship management, and B2B relationship management.
What You Will Learn The Rise in Deal Origination in Private Equity Ways to Build a Deal Origination Team From Scratch Why You Need to Take Notes in Private Equity
Breakdown [00:47] Introducing Stephen Madsen [03:48] Biggest Mistakes by PE Firms and Their Portfolio Companies [06:59] Why Deal Origination is Such a Big Thing in Private Equity [09:54] Should You Have a Separate Deal Origination Team? [14:03] Benefits of Building a Standalone Business Development Team [17:10] More Versus Less Information in Deal Origination [21:26] Steps to Forming a Strong Intermediary Relationship [25:13] ROI on a Typical Business Development Relationship [28:40] How to Measure the Success of Your Deal Origination Efforts [33:10] Taking Notes and Why It's Important [35:50] Things That Define a Top Performing Individual [38:17] What Stephen Likes and Dislikes About Private Equity [43:10] Parting Thoughts
What is Deal Origination in Private Equity? Deal origination in private equity refers to the process of identifying, sourcing, and evaluating potential investment opportunities in private companies. This typically involves a combination of market research, networking, and outreach to entrepreneurs and business owners. The goal is to find businesses with attractive growth potential, strong management teams, and clear pathways to generating returns for investors. According to Stephen, deal origination is a key component of a private equity firm's investment strategy, as it helps them identify and secure attractive investment opportunities.
Why You Need to Have Intermediary Relationships in Private Equity Intermediary relationships in private equity are important because they provide access to a wider pool of investment opportunities. Stephen explains that they also help build a strong network of contacts. Intermediaries often have deep connections within the business community and can help private equity investors identify attractive investment opportunities they may have yet to be aware of. Additionally, these relationships can provide valuable insight into industries, market trends, and other factors that can impact investment decisions. Stephen believes these types of relationships can make or break the chances of a PE firm achieving long-term success.
How to Reach Tim
Thank you for tuning in! To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here. Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com. | |||
| Chris Ayala from Drum Capital discusses the Building Products sector, Tips for PE-Backed execs and how investors can better engage with their portfolio | 10 Apr 2023 | 00:24:11 | |
Introducing Chris Ayala Christopher Ayala is the Managing Director of Drum Capital Management, a specialized investment management firm dedicated to deep value, lower middle market investment opportunities, including special situations, turnaround, and restructuring strategies. Chris and his team have invested over $1.3B in an array of direct equity positions, co-investments in operating businesses, and fund investments in high-quality, sector-focused private equity funds.
What You Will Learn Tips For Effective Communication in Private Equity The Psychology of Exiting a Business Business Operations in Private Equity
Breakdown [00:45] Getting to Know Chris Ayala [03:50] Why Chris Moved from Business Operations to Private Equity [06:20] Becoming a Better Investor and Closing More Deals [09:36] Things Chris Misses the Most About Operations [12:35] How to Become a Better Leader in PE [16:20] Opportunities in the Building Products Space [20:11] Things Chris Likes and Dislikes About Private Equity [23:46] Chris' Go-To Self-Improvement Resources [25:52] Parting Thoughts
How to Become a Better Leader in Private Equity Private equity leaders play a crucial role in their firms' success. According to Chris, effective communication is one of the most important skills a leader can possess in PE. It helps ensure that everyone is aligned with the firm's goals and working together to achieve them. If you're new to a role or an organization, you need to over-communicate from day one. Understand that everybody around you wants to know what's going on. So you need to have an open line of communication. This doesn't mean oversharing because too much information can be overwhelming. But they need to know the firm's performance, strategy, and goals. This will help your team feel more engaged and invested in the firm's success.
How to Contact Chris Connect with Chris via email: Ayala@Drumcapital.com Call or Text 9176562963 Thank you for tuning in! To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here. Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.
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| Tim O'Reilly on increasing EBITDA by 4X, his M&A and integration process and the Software and Industrial Services industry | 27 Mar 2023 | 00:48:30 | |
Introduction to Tim Tim O’Reilly is the Founding Chief Financial Officer of Frontier Service Partners and is a well known transformational leader in the sphere of trade and private equity organizations. Tim has served to help organizations set themselves up for long-term growth, becoming a beacon for companies to adapt to their respective markets. Aside from his multiple leadership roles across the industry, Tim also has a background for taking his MBA and Accounting undergrad course at the University of Central Florida.
What You Will Learn New Solutions for Greater Returns to Investors How to Set Your Businesses Long-Term Technology and Software, as well as Industrial Service-Based Industry
Breakdown [00:28] Introduction of Tim [05:28] Mistakes and Solutions in PE [10:31] Insights on Tech and Industrial Service-Based Industries [18:50] Challenged and Success Encountered [28:04] Integration of Multiple Organizations for Long-Term Growth [37:52] Media Influences of Tim [45:33] How to Reach Tim [46:30] Attributes That Make a Top Performer
Technology and Industrial Service Sector As a veteran in the industry, Tim shares his experience working for PE-backed organizations in the technology and industrial service-based industry. The industry is rapidly changing and the dynamics of customers and products often change overtime. Tim elaborates that these changes will not slow down and the companies in the industry need to adapt fast in order to project themselves long term with their partners.
The Long Road Ahead Tim shares his strategy for companies in the tech and industrial service industry. The strategies he mentions are aimed towards setting up the companies for at least 3 to 5 years of growth. These include generating a thesis to market their products and services, getting the right people on board to establish the proper work culture, knowing your customers and partners to have a deeper understanding of the products you are selling, and having that creative mindset that could set you apart from your competitors and attract more investors.
Other Media References Private Equity Playbook by Adam Coffey The Exit Strategy Playbook by Adam Coffey Seven Habit of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey The First 90 Days by Michael watkins Capital Gains: Smart Things I learned by Doing Stupid Stuff by Chip Gains Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow
How to Reach Tim Tim’s Email: tim.oreilly@frontierservicepartners.com
Thank you for tuning in! To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here. Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com. | |||
| How AI and Product Strategy Are Reshaping Value Creation | 12 Aug 2025 | 00:26:43 | |
🔍 Episode Overview: In this episode, Alex Rawlings is joined by David Rowley, Operating Partner at Diversis Capital, to explore how private equity can drive value creation through smarter product strategies and the integration of artificial intelligence. With a career spanning back to the 1980s in software product development, David shares practical insights into aligning executive teams with PE theses, building agile innovation pods, and how AI is transforming both product development and organizational structures. 💡 Key Discussion Points:
⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to David Rowley and today’s topics Looking to grow your team? Check out our Hiring Guides for proven strategies, templates, and best practices to make smarter hires. | |||
| Salvatore on SVB, how the .001% invest, building a key network and why being selective on investments and portfolio leaders is key | 21 Mar 2023 | 00:36:30 | |
Introducing Salvatore M. Buscemi Salvatore M. Buscemi is the CEO and co-founder of Dandrew Partners - a private family investment office that has managed money successfully for almost 20 years by creating multiple portfolios on various cross-asset platforms. Sal is a frequent speaker and guest lecturer on real estate finance at professional symposia. He has written numerous books and articles on real estate and private equity finance in various publications, including Investor's Business Daily and Forbes, and on television shows such as CBS New York and Good Morning LaLa Land. What You Will Learn Breakdown [00:47] Getting to Know Salvatore Buscemi How the .001% Invest Why You Need to Build Better Networks How to Contact Sal Salvatore's LinkedIn ,Investinglegacy.com ,Investing Legacy: How the .001% Invest by Salvatore Buscemi | |||
| Jason Glende on getting your first role in a PE backed business and strengthening your commercial sales acumen | 14 Mar 2023 | 00:28:05 | |
Introduction to Jason Jason Glende is an executive sales professional who’s led multiple commercial organizations to success. Jason came from a background in engineering and decided to take on a career in sales and private equity. He shares his story and how his success in the PE industry flourished since his career shift.
What You Will Learn Jason’s Interest in the PE-backed World How to Transition to PE Industry Keys to Long-Term Success in PE Defining A Good Team Culture
Breakdown [00:28] Introduction of Jason [02:00] Mistakes Private Equity Makes and How to Correct [02:40] What Attracted Jason to PE-Backed World [03:56] Advice When Transitioning to PE [06:00] Harnessing Long-Term Success in PE [11:23] Interpretation of a Good Team Culture [14:25] Mistakes and Solutions of Salespeople [18:08] Three Attributes that Make a Top Performer [20:41] Likes and Dislikes About PE [23:08] Media Influences of Jason [26:18] How to Reach Jason
Thinking Long Term For organizations backed by PE, mapping out long-term strategies are the key to success. Strategies to consider include building a good team, listening to customers, having a winning culture, and having a process that increases win rates. Organizations that are covered by these factors are more likely to set themselves up for longer-term success in PE.
The Culture In terms of culture, it’s important that a team has a good and healthy environment in order to achieve your organization’s goals. Culture can be broken down into either the relationship you build with your colleagues, the interactions you have with customers and external companies, or the mindset you have for yourself. Having the empathy to be considerate about the wellness of your organization can create a healthier productive environment on an internal scale. Being humble to competitors and open to customer feedback are ways to project a healthy company to external entities. Having the openness to fail, is one other way to show that you are learning for the future.
Other Media References Empire of the Summer Moon by S.C. Gwyne Atomic Habits by James Clear
How to Reach Jason
Thank you for tuning in! To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here. Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.
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| Chris Kenny discusses the operator led PE investor approach and why you might be hiring the wrong talent into your portfolio | 28 Feb 2023 | 00:40:10 | |
Introduction to Chris Chris is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of L5 Capital Partners. L5 Capital Partners is a business equity firm that invests in consumer businesses. These include, communications, lifestyle, and health. Chris, for the longest time has been in the operations side of organizations, and now he sheds light on how he migrated from ops to the investor side of his career.
What You Will Learn Consumer Space Transitioning from Operations to Investor Quality Hiring Process in PE Business Growth Talent Cycles
Breakdown [00:28] Introduction of Chris Early days in Corporate finance and worked through telecom [02:30] From Operator to Investor [03:31] Mistakes of PE Firms and Portfolios [04:55] Changes in the Hiring Process [11:14] Focusing on Consumer Space [14:29] Focusing and Defining Stage Growth [19:52] Values in Operator-Led Firms [23:58] Experiences Taken as a CEO [28:54] Preparational Procedures for Promotions [31:03] Three Attributes That Make a Top Performer [33:33] Love and Dislikes About PE [36:40] Other Media Literature [40:55] How to Reach Chris
Talent Lifecycle A giant factor that affects businesses is the lifecycle of talents that rotate inside the organization. Talents pertained here are the executives level or decision-making roles. Chris emphasizes the importance of the talent lifecycle due to many companies relying on just filling up the seat rather than considering other long term factors. As someone who’s experienced operations to investor, Chris is now well aware of the timeline and essentials candidates will need and bring in order to become an exceptional candidate for roles such as CEO, CFO, COO, etc.
Consumer Space and Growth In today’s episode, Chris talks about the consumer space in telecom and how elements such as proper business models, good relationships, and market adaptability enable companies to grow long term. These foundations that can accommodate a long term consumer journey are the key for a healthy business development. It’s not only about being adaptable to the market for the consumers, but also establishing the organization’s structure and see if the internal workflow is healthy as well. Aside from the internal relations, companies should also look out for the externals as well, building business relationships with other companies that could be also potential investors and partners for longer term projects.
Other Media References Zora
How to Reach Chris Chris’ Email: chris@lfivecapital.com
Thank you for tuning in! To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here. Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.
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| Eric Anderson discusses his experience completing multiple PE-Backed exits and how he has bucked the trend of changing the C-Suite team, by staying in his position with a multiple PE sponsors | 14 Feb 2023 | 00:39:40 | |
Introduction to Eric Eric Anderson is the Chief Operating Officer of Clearwave Corporation and has been the COO since 2010. Eric’s experience stems from his undergraduate degree in accounting and then an e-commerce program in Stanford. Since his education, he’s worked with startups and Fortune 500 companies. His primary industry work revolves around technology and now healthcare What You Will Learn Investing in Healthcare PE Investment in Healthcare Capital and Company Growth Importance of Knowledge and Resources Standards When Selecting a PE Firm Private Equity Exits Breakdown [00:28] Introduction of Eric [02:37] Mistakes and Actions to Take in PE [06:15] Challenges Encountered by Clearwave Corp. [08:31] Needs in Capital for Growth Acceleration [11:11] Source of Knowledge of Investment [13:24] Acquired by Private Equity [15:06] PE Firm Selection Process [20:40] Advice to PE Executives on Exits [24:39] Eric’s Endurance Post-Exits [28:31] Attributes that Make a Top Performer [31:36] Likes and Dislikes About PE [37:18] Other Media References [40:23] How to Reach Eric
Knowledge is Power When it comes to Private Equity, the more you know will benefit your firm and the businesses backed by PE. According to Eric, the knowledge gained in terms of sales, demand, customers, etc., can help firms and businesses craft a game plan that can project long-term revenue-generating outcomes. This information can be extracted from operating partners and consultants. It is also essential to consider partners or consultants that are well-versed in the industry your business is associated with. Private Equity Exits Private equity exits are moves that are not entirely negative as some require this move to redirect the financial strategy or change the revenue dynamics of certain companies. These exits are okay based on law regulations, however, they require a due process in order to have successful and non-impactful outcomes. In order to achieve an exit, companies should need a playbook strategy that depends on the nature of the business goals. It also helps if the companies have an open mind throughout the process and a leader that’s agile which can result in growth changes. Other Media References Measure What Matters by John Doerr The Leadership Sequence by Nick Saban Never Split the Difference, Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It by Chris Voss and Tahl Raz The Power Law: Venture Capital and the Making of the New Future by Sebastian Mallaby How to Reach Eric Eric’s Email: andersonericd@gmail.com Thank you for tuning in! To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here. Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.
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| John Gallagher discusses investing in the SaaS sector and the venture debt model | 31 Jan 2023 | 00:24:57 | |
Introduction to John John Gallagher is the CEO of Element SaaS Finance. John has been a finance professional for some time now and has worked in different industries including the private equity sector. He has a track record of working with different equity firms, but mostly building his element finance. What You Will Learn PE Firms: A more customer-centric approach The SAAS (Software) Industry Building Customer Relationships Firm Growth Management Different Types of Venture Debt
Breakdown [00:25] Introduction to John [01:29] Mistakes Made in PE and Actions For It [04:04] Focusing on the SAAS Industry [05:45] Investment: Average vs Great SAAS [08:24] Recommendations for Other PE Firms in SAAS [10:20] Facilitating Firm Growth [11:53] About Venture Debt [15:51] Attributes that Make a Top Performer [17:42] Likes and Dislikes of the PE Industry [20:39] Recommendations for SAAS Investment [21:58] Other Media Reference [23:33] How to Connect with John Statistical Analysis System Industry The statistical analysis system industry, or SAAS, is a sector that focuses on data management, advanced analytics, varying types of analysis, business intelligence, and other analytical-based types of work. The target market for SAAS has a wider net as it scales on a global level. Firms would have customers ranging from Australia, and Asia and the base operations can be found in the United States. With SAAS, businesses can really thrive in this industry through organic growth even with little assets they have. With the right strategy and long-term plans such as projection of investments and debt, businesses will have no problems scaling themselves for long-term success. Customer-Centric and Building Relationships When it comes to the SAAS industry, PE firms that want to back companies should keep an open line of communication with their customers. It is important to build a good standing relationship with them in order to drive long-term partnerships and success trajectories for the firm itself. Although results and outputs are important, having a well-developed business relationship with customers may be able to set up companies for a growth-incline future. Other Media References Business and Sports Individuals who overcame adversaries History particularly in Tech, Finance, and Crypto Podcasts How to Reach John John’s website Thank you for tuning in! To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here. Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.
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| Michael Tang discusses his experience in the healthcare arena and add on acquisition/integration learning and best practice | 17 Jan 2023 | 00:22:08 | |
Introduction to Michael Michael Tang is an experienced chief financial officer, in the Healthcare sector. He has more than 20 years of operational finance experience, particularly in the healthcare arena. He’s worked with PE-backed Fortune 500 companies and non-profit integrated healthcare systems. What You Will Learn Balancing margins of PE-backed firms The Healthcare Sector How to Solidify the Healthcare Industry M and A Breakdown [00:28] Introduction to Michael [01:23] Mistakes of PE Firms and How to Correct Them [02:37] Trends in the Healthcare Sector [04:22] Changes in the Industry for Assurance [06:08] Acquisitions Completed by Michael [07:49] Learning Points from Michael [11:22] Acquisition Essentials and Processes [13:43] Errors in Acquisitions and How to Correct Them [15:59] Attributes that Make a Top Performer [17:37] Likes and Dislikes About PE [19:36] Other Literature References [21:43] How to Reach Michael The Healthcare Industry The healthcare industry has been developing over the years, especially since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the behavioral changes and quality services have been a key focus in the industry. These are now new highlights that companies look out for in order to make sure that the baseline on keeping their performances moves forward. The domino effect of acknowledging mental health to the productivity rate in maintaining quality outputs on a day-to-day basis. Acquisition Essentials Acquisitions can be tedious work especially for companies that do not process or strategize their plans properly. When it comes to acquisitions, it is important to do due diligence and have proper integration processes. When companies undergo this move, first and foremost is to make sure that you are backed with basic requirements and ensure that all essential documentation and action plans are well thought of in the timeline of the process. Another important item to consider is integration. It’s imperative to know how you will marry the new and existing elements in order to avoid any unnecessary bottlenecks, complaints, and task negligence when conducting an acquisition process. Other Media References Industry Articles Industry Updates How to Reach Michael Michael’s Email: mtangatfw@yahoo.com Thank you for tuning in! To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here. Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.
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| Alexander Loucopoulos at Sciens Water Discusses Private Equity Specialization and The Water Infrastructure Industry | 03 Jan 2023 | 00:30:57 | |
Introduction to Alexander: Alexander is a partner at the Sciens Water. Alexander has dedicated his recent work to investing in water infrastructure, through private equity investments. He has worked in multiple sectors such as investment banking, led a start up, and went to business school as well. What You Will Learn The Water Infrastructure Industry Investing in Water Infrastructure Firms Associated with Water Specialization and Interdisciplinary Approaches Breakdown: [00:28] Introduction of Alexander [03:22] Opportunities in Water Infrastructure Industry [05:18] Areas of Investment in the Water Industry [08:45] Specialization and Differentiation for Firms [11:15] Decision to Focus on Infrastructure [13:45] Mistakes in PE and How to Solve Them [16:10] Working on a Broader Ecosystem [17:00] Likes and Dislikes of PE [19:22] Entrepreneurial Insights in PE [22:19] PE Human Resource for Performance Enhancement [23:31] Attributes to Make a Top Performer [25:58] Reading References [28:35] How to Reach Alexander
The Water Infrastructure Alexander has been heavily focused on the water infrastructure industry, particularly in the United States. He narrates different areas in which private equity firms can take an angle or approach on the industry such as the fragmentation issues and development of infrastructures. His approach and perspective of learning for the sector relies on the recycle and reuse lens of water. Alexander’s dedication to research and investment in water enumerates the interest, the areas of improvement, and the essentials of both resources and finance.
Being Well-Rounded When it comes to marrying private equity and the water infrastructure, Alexander points out the importance of becoming a well-rounded individual. Defining well-rounded is based on the attitude, work ethics, and flexibility of an individual. It takes a lot of passion and hardwork to be able to comprehend where the sectors can come together despite its niche atmosphere.
Reading Materials Books on the following topics: - Water - Business - History
How to Reach Alexander: Alexander’s Email: a.loucopoulos@scienscapital
Thank you for tuning in! To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here. Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.
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| Eric Stewart Discusses Setting Goals and Driving ROI for PE-Backed Companies | 20 Dec 2022 | 00:37:39 | |
Introduction to Eric: Eric Stewart is the Interim Chief Commercial Officer of IsoPlexis. He started his career in product and process development and later transitioned to private equity. He’s managed worldwide remits and has done some work in marketing and sales. Eric has also been serving as a board member of the Georgia Tech Business Network.
What You Will Learn: Driving ROI for PE-Backed Companies Setting Goals with PE-Backed Firms How Low-Medium Markets can Utilize PE Firms Points to Consider to Drive Effective Processes About CDMO
Breakdown: [00:28]: Introduction of Eric [03:10]: Mistakes of PE Firms [04:43]: Advice for PE-Backed Companies for Revenue Growth [06:45]: Low to Medium Markets’ Essentials [11:26]: Big Takeaways from Private Equity [15:15]: Lookouts in Order to Drive Effective Processes [20:23]: Perspectives in the CDMO Market [24:20]: Three Attributes that Make a Top Performer [27:12]: Likes and Dislikes of Private Equity [33:08] Recommended Reading Materials [37:06]: How to Reach Eric
Setting Goals When companies are backed by private equity firms, it’s highly recommended that they establish their goals early on, especially for those in the low to medium market. It’s essential to always make sure that the ROI that a company seeks are covered by elements such as marketing, sales, and reviews.
Utilizing Internal Knowledge For companies to gauge effective activity growth, utilizing internal knowledge can serve as the base of foundation to unlock the next levels of productivity. When you have a plateau amount of knowledge, executives should take the opportunity to identify the key areas on where or how they can advance their growth, by doing so, they can tap into the process stage where they can utilize the resources they have, which ranges from office, people, and marketing tools. This enables companies to map out their respective priorities, which will serve them long-term in the growing market.
Reading Materials: Adam Coffin - Private Equity Playbook Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins The Reason for God by Timothy Keller
Podcast: McKinsey Raw Selection Interviews
Other Influences: Richard Branson
How to Reach Eric:
Thank you for tuning in! To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here. Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.
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| Jeff Gonyo discusses deal by deal private equity investing and deal origination via the operating executive model | 13 Dec 2022 | 00:30:30 | |
Introduction to Jeff: Jeff Gonyo is the Managing Director of Geneva Glen Capital and has been associated with the firm since 2008. He is very passionate about the Private Equity Industry and has been in the sector for around 32 years. Jeff’s been on a pursuit to help rising companies generate more value by adding operating executives and domain expertise.
What You Will Learn Deal-by-Deal Equity Investments Utilizing the Operating Executive Model Generating Networks How to Strategize for Proprietary Deal Flows
Breakdown: [00:29] Introduction of Jeff Gonyo [01:57] Mistakes PE Firms Make [03:27] The Deal-By-Deal Process [04:44] Particular Deal Drawbacks [06:28] Deciding on the Areas of Focus [07:58] Operating Executive Model [12:40] Building the Network Connections (Get a teaser here) [18:18] Strategies for Proprietary Deal Flows [20:41] Attributes that Make a Top Executive Performer [23:33] Likes and Dislikes of Private Equity [27:45] Recommended Literature [29:15] How to Reach Jeff
Working with Flexibility Jeff’s process in terms of managing firms and companies leans towards the traditional side compared to other firms with experimental standards to fast-track developments. In recent occurrences and with the market of people his firm works with, it’s easier to be flexible and proceed with a more known approach especially if you are already taking on selected areas of expertise on where to invest or where to develop.
Building Your Network When it comes to PE firms, having the connection of people you work with is essential in order to map out the productivity development flow of any company you are investing in. For Jeff, the connection he has with executives has kept him briefed on the demands of the market and the internals of companies, which helps him connect with a proper consultant, representative, and executive to develop that company. One experience and leadership method could potentially be beneficial for many companies.
Reading Materials How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
How to Reach Jeff: Reach Jeff through his website at Geneva Glen Capital
Thank you for tuning in! To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here. Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.
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| Matt Ranta discusses E commerce, due diligence and red flags. | 29 Nov 2022 | 00:31:59 | |
Introducing Matt Matt is the Head of Practice for digital and e-commerce as well as strategy at Nimble Gravity. He started at operations, and now over the last 2 decades, he has slowly transitioned to be acquainted with the digital side and now covers the world of e-commerce. He’s been in other digital-related fields such as telecommunications and mobile ad tech space.
What You Will Learn - Decision-making for PE Firms - Utilizing different tools to analyze e-commerce data trends - How due diligence can help value creation - E-commerce essentials, tools, and red flags
Breakdown [00:45] Introduction of Matt [01:55] From Operations to PE Consultancy [02:58] Mistakes PE Firms Make for Correction [03:58] Recommendation on Data Trends [06:36] Due Diligence for Value Creation [08:41] Advice for E-Commerce Companies [13:29] Red Flags for E-Commerce [17:39] Areas of Adoption for E-Commerce [21:19] How do Firms Prevent themselves to become an overkill of content [25:59] Likes and Dislikes About Private Equity [27:59] Three Attributes to Become a Top Performer [28:49] Other Resources to Listen to [30:24] Best to Reach Matt
The World of E-Commerce In this new age of business, especially after the height of COVID, e-commerce has significantly risen as one of the essential industries in the world. Firms have now developed themselves to adapt to the e-commerce spectrum. Utilizing resources for tools to analyze market trends for faster-decision making, data of consumer behavior and trends, as well as analyzing means to generate value for the firm and the partners involved. In this new digital age, it is also important to see how social media has now dominated the business world.
E-Commerce Essentials When integrating private equity to the spectrum of e-commerce, it is also similar to adjusting to a new world of business. Doing so, you may also need to heavily invest in quality resources that can keep your firm in demand for consumers and potentially ahead of customers. Essentials include tools that can forecast price changes, flow of specific products within certain locations, generation of content that keeps consumers interested and feel naturally drawn to.
Other Resource Materials: - Hidden Brain by Shankar Vedantam - Ten Percent Happier by Dan Harris - Essentialism by Greg Mckeown - Good to Great by Jim Collins
How to Reach Matt
Thank you for tuning in! To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here. Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.
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| Why Founders Are Saying No to Buyouts — Hidden River’s Game-Changing Capital Strategy | 05 Aug 2025 | 00:18:40 | |
🎙️ The Private Equity Podcast — Episode with Graham Bachman, Hidden River Strategic Capital Guest: Graham Bachman, Managing Director & Head of Business Development at Hidden River Strategic Capital In this episode of The Private Equity Podcast, Alex Rawlings is joined by Graham Bachman, who shares how Hidden River Strategic Capital is reshaping lower middle-market investing with structured capital—a hybrid approach that sits between debt and equity, allowing business owners to retain control while unlocking growth opportunities. Graham unpacks how Hidden River’s capital solutions serve founders not looking for full buyouts or rigid debt structures and instead prioritizes long-term partnerships with existing management teams. He also offers valuable insights into deal origination, the firm's philosophy on professionalization, and why education and consistency are key in a fragmented funding landscape. ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome and guest introduction 💡 Episode Highlights:
📚 Graham’s Recommended Reads:
📨 Connect with Graham: Raw Selection partners with Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies to secure exceptional executive talent. We focus on de-risking executive recruitment through meticulous search and selection processes, ensuring top-tier performance and long-term success. 🔗 Connect with Alex Rawlings on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexrawlings/ Looking to grow your team? Check out our Hiring Guides for proven strategies, templates, and best practices to make smarter hires. | |||
| Isabella Calderon Hoyos on women in Private Equity and Tech and promoting diversity | 15 Nov 2022 | 00:25:33 | |
Introduction to Isabella: Isabella Calderon Hoyos is currently the Vice President of Strategy and Transactions at the OMMAX digital solutions company. Prior to joining OMMAX, she spent 9 years in PwC Deutschland, where she worked from senior associate to senior management throughout her stay. She was also an Associate at Roland Berger in Munich, Germany.
What You Will Learn Digitalization of PE Firms Promoting Diversity in Firms and Organizations Benefits of Diverse Teams Part-Time Work inside PE Firms
Breakdown: [00:40] Introduction to Isabella [01:59] Mistakes Taken in Private Equity Firms [03:22] Better Results Through Diversity [05:42] Anchoring Diversity within OMMAX [08:00] Benefits through Diverse Teams [12:42] Diversifying the Talent Pool in PE [16:06] Working Part-time in PE [19:16] Promotion of Diversity in PE Organizations [21:32] Likes and Dislikes about the Industry [23:53] Additional Reading References [25:53] How to Connect with Isabella
Diversifying the PE Firms In this new era of diversity, many companies inside the PE industry are now taking into action to diversify their pool of workforce. The move comes as organizations are now open to recruiting based on skills and capabilities, rather than looking at gender, race, and age. Many findings have proven that diversifying the talent pool has led to positive outcomes inside the industry. Despite a male-dominant sector, talents of different backgrounds are now being discovered and sustained not just as additional workforce but for leadership roles as well.
Additional Reading Reference (Authors): - Jorge Luis Borges - Gary Garcia Marquez
How to Reach Isabella:
Thank you for tuning in! To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here. Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com. | |||
| Jim Silvestri on his experiences of driving PE-Backed industrial companies to an exit | 01 Nov 2022 | 00:19:15 | |
Introduction to Jim: Currently the Chief Financial Officer at Wales-Darby, Jim has been in the financial field for more than 30 years. For the majority of his career, Jim has been involved in the fields of manufacturing, construction, and distribution. He has also worked with public, private, and family-owned businesses.
What You Will Learn Portfolio Companies Acquiring Manufacturing Firms Learning About How Manufacturing Works Difference between PE Backed Businesses and Family-Owned Organizations Process in the PE Business Process Drivers for Industrial Businesses Implementation of ERP Systems
Breakdown: [00:43] Introduction of Jim [02:01] Mistakes Made by Private Equity Firms [02:56] Acquiring Manufacturing Companies [04:14] PE Back Business vs Family-Owned Organizations [06:00] Learning From PE Back Business Process [07:58] Drive Increase for Industrial Business [10:43] Tips for New ERP Implementations [13:12] Likes and Dislikes on the PE Industry [14:46] Known Knowledge Before Entering the Industry [16:04] Reading References of Jim [17:46] Social Links and Conclusion
Understanding the Industry Jim takes on the topic on how private equity firms can work around companies in the manufacturing and construction industry. It is important to know the industry that you are absorbing and it should not only be based on the general revenues. PE firms must understand the complexity of income and goods allocation that progresses throughout the manufacturing industry. This will enable them to better understand the industry from a financial point of view.
Growth In Other Ways In order to improve the portfolio lineup, PE firms need to have a better understanding of the companies or lineups they have. This will enable them to properly fix their portfolio in terms of growth and sustainability. Growth and development does not simply rely on the sales portion, there are more ways growth can be measured throughout the financial cycles of each company.
Reading Materials Twelve and a Half by Gary Vaynerchuk
How to Reach Jim: Email: jimsilvestri70@gmail.com
Thank you for tuning in! To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here. Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.
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| Ferdinand Roberts on the Importance of Using Technological Processes in PE Firms | 18 Oct 2022 | 00:37:15 | |
Introduction to Ferdi Founder and CEO of Asset Class, which focuses on the Private Equity and Venture Capital Sector. The company is dedicated to providing softwares for companies to handle the investment lifecycle management process.
What You will Learn Integration of Software Systems in Firms Importance of Using Technological Processes in Firms The Attitude and Characteristics For the Industry
Breakdown [00:41] Introduction of Ferdi [02:06] Mistakes and Solutions for Private Equity Firms [03:35] Low Usage of New Technology [08:20] The LP Experience [11:45] Motivation to Create Multiple Organizations [16:08] Advice for Firms and Individuals Raising Capital [22:00] Attributes to Make A Top Performer [28:13] Likes and Dislikes of PE Industry [31:50] Ferdi’s Influences [35:39] Ferdi’s Resources
Digitization of Firms With the rapid development of the global market, private equity and venture capital firms are advised to integrate new softwares that will help their companies adapt. The industry is divided on whether or not to use new technologies or keep the traditional mode of problem solving. This is due to the misunderstanding notion and lack of appreciation firms have towards technological advancements.
Putting Your Best Foot Forward In order to gain trust with firms, you must be open to have the right attitude and the openness to learn from the experiences in order to build yourself upwards as a software solution provider in the industry. Ferdi’s exposure to so many technology-based brands and his interest in the private equity industry enabled him to marry his passion to developing Asset Class. Putting yourself out there to learn and develop your product and making yourself larger will come a long way if you ever want to achieve that solution providing service for firms.
Resources
Thank you for tuning in! To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here. Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com. | |||
| From Carlyle to Orangewood: Lessons from Alan Goldfarb on Winning in Private Equity | 03 Oct 2022 | 00:34:48 | |
Today’s Guest On this episode, we welcome Alan Goldfarb. Founder and managing partner of Orangewood Partners. What You’ll Learn Structure and ways of working of large equity firms Breakdown [00:24] Introducing Alan Working in larger equity firms When it comes to working in larger equity firms, on the investing side, the management and strategic team is crucial in making the company successful. On the business-building side, Alan puts time and effort in making sure they are doing what’s best for their investors. Organizational structure Orangewood has plenty of strategic partners and this is because not every situation requires the same expertise or partnership to figure out the right leverage to help the company pull. Another reason is that Orangewood is built on the foundation of partnership, therefore implementing a partnership model where everyone enjoys working with each other to succeed. Resources: Orangewood Partners website Thank you for tuning in! To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here. Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com. | |||
| Joseph Coughlin on the Complexity of Risk in Diverse Portfolios | 19 Sep 2022 | 00:33:25 | |
Today’s Guest Today’s guest is Joseph F. Coughlin, CEO and founder of CRS Limited. What You’ll Learn Litigation in PE firms Breakdown [00:22] Introducing Joe Complexity of risk in diverse portfolios Cyber has taken the world by storm and the hard market we’re in today started almost three years ago while the average hard market that’s gone overtime started decades ago. Because of multiple current events that took place over the past three years, along with the lowest interest rates in history, Joe has experienced multiple complex risks and he sees that the PE industry’s job now is mitigating interest rates, insurance companies, and price increases. Resources: CRS Limited official website Thank you for tuning in! To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here. Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com. | |||
| Brad Nathan on the challenges of Private Equity and the secret to his success | 05 Sep 2022 | 00:36:06 | |
Today’s Guest On this episode, we welcome Brad Nathan, founder and president of Toronto-based PE firm Lynx Equity. What You’ll Learn The buy and hold strategy Breakdown [00:22] Introducing Brad Challenges in private equity For Brad, the biggest challenge in private equity is making sure that you have the right management team. Every company has revenue, cost of sale, and all the different aspects that contribute to its growth, but the key ingredient in a company is always the person running it. Secret to Lynx’s Success Brad is frank and says that Lynx’s success all came down to ability to raise capital. His tenacity and drive to never give up also contributed to the growth and success of Lynx today. Resources: Thank you for tuning in! To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here. Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com. | |||
| Rami Cassis on Diversifying Private Equity | 24 Aug 2022 | 00:33:52 | |
Today’s Guest Today’s guest is Rami Cassis, founder of Parabellum Investments based in London. What You’ll Learn Diversification in PE Breakdown [00:22] Introducing Rami Diversity in PE The level of engagement between management teams and its private equity owners tends to be one-dimensional, limited only to board reporting and financial performance as the key metrics driving the nature of engagement between private equity and management teams. Rami thinks there should be more than that and diversity, such as having HR or Marketing in meetings, brings with it a more rounded and representative view of life than what is typically the case today. High-growth sectors Growth comes from two drivers, which is government spending or legislation, or consumer spending and Rami is seeing that people will invest in their health and wellness in the years to come. Hence, the three high-growth sectors now are pharma and life sciences, luxury, and financial services. Resources: Rami’s Twitter Thank you for tuning in! To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here. Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com. | |||
| Nick Antoine on How Private Equity Firms can Differentiate Themselves in a Crowded Market | 08 Aug 2022 | 00:18:23 | |
Nick Antoine is the Co-Founder, Co-CEO and Managing Partner at Red Arts Capital, where he leads fundraising, research and thesis development. Before forming Red Arts in 2015, Nick served as Special Assistant to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ariel Investments, a $13 billion asset management firm.
What You’ll Learn: Deal flow processes within a narrow niche How PE firms can differentiate themselves in a crowded market Understanding competitive edge in private equity How PE firms strike deals in the supply chain and logistics space
Breakdown [00:50] Getting to Know Nick Antoine [01:36] Common Mistakes by PE Firms and Their Portfolio Companies [02:50] How Red Arts Capital Stands Out in the Marketplace [04:10] Why Red Arts Capital Settled on Supply Chain and Logistics [07:52] Deal Flow and the Benefits of Niching Down [11:30] Trends in the PE Space Post Pandemic [14:45] Nick’s Super Fast Career Progression [15:42] Nick’s Go-to Self-Improvement Resources [17:55] Key Attributes of a Top-Performing Individual [18:56] Parting Thoughts The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun? By Reginald F. Lewis
Thank you for tuning in! To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here. Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com. | |||
| Jeff Gendel on The increasing importance of a strong operations in your private equity firm | 25 Jul 2022 | 00:32:57 | |
Introduction of Jeff Gendel Jeff Gendel is the Principal for Business Development at Gen II Fund Services, LLC, a private equity fund administrator that caters to $850B+ of private capital. Jeff oversees the firm, which offers a unique platform of resources that enables clients to manage their operational infrastructure, financial reporting and investor communications. What You Will Learn The significance of the Operational Team in PE firms Perception of Fundraising and Human Capital Challenges on Reporting Demands Trends and Areas Under Scrutiny Scaling of PE Firms Post-COVID Breakdown [00:48] Getting to Know Jeff Gendel [03:11] Common mistakes of PEP firms and solutions [06:40] Trends and challenges PEP firms face [08:42] Perception of fundraising [12:42] Thoughts on human capital [14:17] CFOs and operational teams in PEP firms [18:04] Pain Points for PEs on reporting demands [21:48] Trends and areas under scrutiny [25:14] Challenges that impact PE firms to scale [27:48] PE’s ability to scale post-COVID [30:58] Likes and dislikes about PE [33:08] How to get in touch with Jeff The Operational Side Jeff Gendel sits down with Alex to discuss the importance of the operational side of PE firms in the industry. He highlights how the team that operates behind the scenes should be valued and is very important, especially for it to reflect the performance of the firm. Many firms are now conducting risk analysis as a solution to address certain output issues, and he identifies operational risk analysis as one key factor. Adding emphasis to talent acquisition for the operational management team, Jeff mentions that even recruitment of talents becomes a competitive struggle for firms, as they all attempt to get the best set of teams for their operations. Retention is also another item he brings up as it is inevitable that people will come in and go from firms, and the firm’s ability to keep the exceptional talent they have on hand is something that needs to be valued. Key Information to Scale Jeff also cites the importance of information that circulates a firm. On top of having the right operational team, they also are in charge of giving the firm the necessary information needed for the firm to adapt to the fast-paced environment. He mentions that information gained by the firm such as returns, ability to attract capital, and the performance difference from competitors will help the operational team materialize the strategy they need to generate the next steps and objectives the firm will have to go for. With this, firms are able to scale their performance and goals accordingly and bring positive outputs to clients and investors. Despite the COVID pandemic, the PE industry is very adaptable. Having a team that can help a firm manoeuvre through the economic environment with the right information will help the organization on a macro-level. Resources Jeff Gendel’s Linkedin Gen II Website | |||
| Ewan Mackinnon on How to Correct Common Mistakes Made by Private Equity Firms and Portfolio Companies | 11 Jul 2022 | 00:25:39 | |
Ewan Mackinnon is a Partner for Maven Capital Partners, a VCT, Private Equity and Property Fund Manager that provides funding to growth-focused UK SMEs and tax-efficient investment opportunities for investors
What You will Learn How to correct common mistakes made by PE firms and portfolio companies How Maven Capital Partners drive value creation How the UK CPT works for Maven Educational resources for industry awareness
Breakdown [00:51] Getting to know Ewan Mackinnon [04:13] One mistake PE firms or portfolio companies and actions to correct them [07:47] Model to drive value creation and new expertise into portfolio companies [09:16] Inspiration to move into PE [11:28] Challenges faced in business completion due to outside London set up [13:31] How UK’s Venture Capital Trust Model works with Maven Capital Partners [16:14] Likes and Dislikes of the PE industry [20:47] Educational resources for the industry to check [24:17] Deal Flow for Maven Capital Partners [25:19] How to get in touch with Ewan Mackinnon [26:18] Side discussion with Ewan
Thank you for tuning in! To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here. Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com. | |||
| From Army Officer to PE CEO: 4 Mistakes Killing Portfolio Performance (Otis Spencer) | 28 Jul 2025 | 00:31:09 | |
The Private Equity Podcast – Show Notes Guest: Otis Spencer 🎙 Episode Overview: In this episode, Otis Spencer, a former U.S. Army logistics officer turned private equity operating partner and CEO, shares a compelling journey of leadership, operations, and transformation. From managing global fuel inventories to spearheading Six Sigma-driven improvements, Otis outlines the key lessons that have shaped his value-creation strategy within private equity. ⏱️ Time Stamps: 00:02 – Introduction & Background 02:25 – Transition to Private Equity 02:52 – The Four Common Mistakes in Private Equity
10:03 – From Operating Partner to CEO: Key Learnings 13:22 – From CEO to Operating Partner: Reversed Lessons 16:14 – Real-World Application of Six Sigma 20:29 – Kaizen Explained for Newcomers 23:16 – Lessons from Multiple Exits
28:50 – What Otis Reads and Recommends
29:46 – How to Reach Otis Spencer 🔗 Connect with Alex Rawlings on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexrawlings/
Looking to grow your team? Check out our Hiring Guides for proven strategies, templates, and best practices to make smarter hires. | |||
| Paul Doyle on Leadership in Private Equity Firms and Portfolio Companies | 27 Jun 2022 | 00:43:28 | |
Paul Doyle is the Managing Partner at Blackford Capital, a Private Equity firm in Grand Rapids, Michigan, which makes majority control investments in founder and family-owned, lower middle market manufacturing, industrial and distribution companies.
What You Will Learn Process PE firms can adopt to achieve specific objectives Internal relations to build morale and improve working environments Literatures on proper leadership and management Other resource materials utilized for industry information
Breakdown [00:40] Introduction of Paul Doyle [06:06] On mistake in PE firms/Portfolio Companies and how to correct it [12:54] Top 4 book recommendation on leadership [21:34] Recommendations for Portfolio Leaders in the Private Equity Industry [29:39] 3 Attributes that make a top performer [35:17] What do you love and dislike about the PE industry [40:43] Any other books or areas of information to be recommended Paul Doyle’s Linkedin To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here. Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com. | |||
| Nevin Raj on How Private Equity Firms are Preparing for the Impending Recession | 20 Jun 2022 | 00:18:45 | |
Nevin Raj is the Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of Grata, a B2B search engine for discovering small to middle-market private companies. At Grata, Nevin is responsible for leading operations of the business, from sales and marketing to customer success and product initiatives.
What You'll Learn: How PE firms are preparing for the impending recession Predictions for Private Equity investing 2022 and beyond Key identifiers for an impending recession How PE investment strategies have evolved over the years
Breakdown [01:15] The Highly Discussed Impending Recession [03:23] Supply and Demand and How They Contribute to Recessions Occurring [04:30] The Low Interest-Rate Environment [05:59] Thesis Driven Investing in Private Equity [10:05] Opportunities For PE Firms In case of a Recession [14:45] What to Expect From Private Equity Ten Years From Now [18:27] Parting Thoughts
Thank you for tuning in! To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here. Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com. | |||
| Matthew Frankel on the Pros and Cons of Structured Private Equity Investing | 13 Jun 2022 | 00:31:19 | |
Today we welcome Matthew Frankel, the Managing Partner at Levine Leichtman Capital Partners (LLCP). Over the course of four decades, LLCP has differentiated itself through its successful structured private equity investment strategy across the United States and Europe.
What You’ll Learn Structured private equity investments Equity ownership of management teams How LLCP expanded globally Relationship building between investor and portfolio companies
Breakdown [00:48] Getting to know Matthew Frankel [17:23] Bridging cultural gaps [20:32] Alignment of interests and goals [25:53] Matthew’s learning resources
Thank you for tuning in!
To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here. Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com. | |||