On this episode of the AEI Idea Makers Podcast, we sit down with Dick Boyce, a private investor who has held executive positions with J. Crew, Texas Pacific Group, PepsiCo, Burger King, and Bain & Company.

In this conversation, Mr. Boyce talks about the biggest mistake he made in an otherwise successful career. Later, he explains why an important part of your job search should entail seeking out organizations that are competitive, results-driven, and constantly evolving.

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On this episode of the AEI Idea Makers Podcast, we sit down with David Coulter, a private equity partner at Warburg Pincus and former executive at J.P. Morgan Chase and BankAmerica Corporation.

Reflecting on various parts of his career, Mr. Coulter describes the differences between small and large corporations—and what it is like working at each. He also offers some big picture advice—arguing that you need to do what you like in your career. If you do, you will be happier and more successful.

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On this episode of the AEI Idea Makers Podcast we sit down with Geoffrey Rehnert, the co-founder and co-CEO of the Audax Group. Previously, he served as managing director of Bain Capital, which he helped start with Mitt Romney in 1984.

Among other words of advice in this conversation, Mr. Rehnert echoes Ben Franklin in reminding young professionals that “you’re known by the company you keep.” Later describing the company that he has kept in his own career, Mr. Rehnert shares about working at Bain Capital with Mitt Romney, and why he eventually decided to leave to start his own firm.

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In this episode of the AEI Idea Makers Podcast, we sit down with Floyd Kvamme, a venture capitalist, partner emeritus at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, and former executive at Apple Computer.

In this conversation, Mr. Kvamme describes the importance of technology and why he chose to study engineering in school. He also shares stories from his time at Apple, including the decision to approve and a controversial Super Bowl advertisement in 1984. We end the conversation by discussing why serving people is fundamental to any job and career.

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On this episode of the AEI Idea Makers podcast, we sit down with Phil Lebherz, an entrepreneur and founder of several companies, including LISI, a wholesale distributor of group health insurance.

In this conversation, Mr. Lebherz explains why every successful person is a good salesperson, discussing his career, policy, the Affordable Care Act, and more.

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On this episode of AEI’s Idea Makers podcast, our guest is Tom Stephenson, a long-time partner of Sequoia Capital, a Silicon Valley based venture capital firm. He also spent 22 years at Fidelity Investments in Boston and served as U.S. Ambassador to Portugal.

In the conversation, Ambassador Stephenson describes his professional journey from the farm system of the Philadelphia Phillies to a venture capital firm. He also shares insight, from first-hand experience, on how public policy impacts the business climate. Listen below:

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On this episode of AEI’s Idea Makers podcast, our guest is Ed Conard, a visiting scholar at AEI, long time partner with Bain Capital, and author of “Unintended Consequences: Why Everything You’ve Been Told About the Economy is Wrong.”

In the conversation, Mr. Conard provides an inside look at careers in investment banking, consulting, and private equity. He argues that the main value of early jobs is training and experience, rather than salary—and explains why in the middle of his career he decided to work for Mitt Romney at Bain Capital without compensation. A best-selling author, Mr. Conard also makes the case for why we should sincerely pursue the truth in a world full of propaganda. Listen below:

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On this episode of AEI’s Idea Makers podcast, our guest is Sean Fieler, president of the hedge fund Equinox Partners, and chairman of the American Principles Project.

In our conversation, Mr. Fieler explains why he has chosen to spend 20 years at the same organization—a rare career path in today’s economy. Based on those years of experience, he also offers advice about what characteristics make for a good investor. Later in the interview, he describes why it’s better to get deeply involved with a few organizations (or causes) rather than tangentially involved with many.  Listen below:

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On this episode of AEI’s Idea Makers podcast, our guest is Ken Mehlman, Global Head of Public Affairs at KKR. He has also served as chairman of the RNC and campaign manager of the Bush-Cheney 2004 campaign.

In the conversation, Mr. Mehlman describes his time working for George W. Bush, providing a look into President Bush’s style of leadership. He also offers a number of pieces of advice for young people at the start of their careers: offer something distinctive… happiness makes success, not the other way around… live life in chapters… and be a white blood cell. Wait, be a white blood cell? That’s right. Listen below to find out what he means.

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On this episode of AEI’s Idea Makers podcast, our guest is Jim Carreker, who is the former CEO of Wyndham Hotels, and has had a long career of leadership in the hotel and retail industries.

In the conversation, Mr. Carreker explains how he sought mentorship in the early days of his career, and discusses why “learning how to learn” is the most important thing a student can get out of college. He also urges young people not to kid themselves about who they are. Being able to understand what you like—and as importantly, what you are good at—is critical to choosing the right career path.

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