BluWave's Karma School of Business

Join Sean Mooney in this episode of the Karma School of Business as he sits down with Mike Rubel, Managing Partner at RFE Investment Partners. With a career that spans from the bustling floors of investment banking to the strategic realm of private equity, Mike shares his journey into an industry where personal connections and market dynamics play a pivotal role. This conversation delves into Mike's early experiences at Harris Williams, his brief exploration of the hedge fund world, and his ultimate passion for the personal nature of private equity. Listen as Mike discusses the importance of finding unique companies, nurturing talent, and the critical role of culture in driving success within portfolio companies.

Episode Highlights:

• 1:03 - Welcome and introduction to Mike Rubel's unique path to private equity.
• 5:17 - Exploring Mike Rubel's naval family tradition and its influence on his career.
• 10:14 - The significance of finding unique companies in traditional industries.
• 18:38 - Mike Rubel's approach to value creation and the role of human capital.
• 29:48 - The importance of culture and incentives in driving business success, and Mike's advice for enjoying the journey.

For more information on RFE Investment Partners, go to https://www.rfeip.com/

For more information on Mike Rubel, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-rubel-79820b2

For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts

In this episode of Private Equity Spotlight, Sean Mooney, founder and CEO of BluWave, sits down with Philip Lewis, Partner at Fulcrum Equity Partners. From his early days in investment banking to his significant role in shaping Fulcrum Equity Partners, Philip shares his unique journey into the private equity world. This conversation explores the dynamic landscape of private equity fundraising, the importance of adaptability in career paths, and Philip's insights into the future of the industry. Join us as we delve into the strategies for success in private equity and the impact of innovation on the sector's growth.

Episode Highlights:

• 1:06 - Philip's unconventional path to private equity, from communications to venture capital.
• 3:27 - The growth and evolution of Fulcrum Equity Partners from a startup fund to managing nearly a billion under management.
• 5:17 - Personal insights: Philip's early aspirations and experiences that shaped his professional outlook.
• 7:26 - Tackling challenges head-on: Philip's approach to problem-solving and crisis management.
• 15:26 - The role of culture and values in driving business success and team alignment.
• 22:21 - Navigating the current fundraising market: Trends and strategies for private equity firms.
• 29:33 - Philip's book recommendation and its relevance to professional growth and leadership.

For more information on Fulcrum Equity Partners, go to https://www.fulcrumep.com/

For more information on Phillip Lewis, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/philiplewisfulcrum

For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net

Join us in this episode of Private Equity Spotlight where Sean Mooney, founder and CEO of BluWave, engages in a deep dive with Christian Bullitt, Managing Director at Raymond James Private Capital Advisory Practice. With a career that has traversed from public relations to the heart of private equity, Christian brings a wealth of experience and a unique viewpoint on the evolving fundraising landscape. This episode unpacks the challenges facing private equity firms in today's fundraising environment, the critical role of operational excellence, and what Limited Partners (LPs) are currently seeking in their private equity partnerships.

Episode Highlights:

• 1:53 - From PR to private equity: Christian's unconventional path to success.
• 4:19 - Insights into Christian's background and his early aspirations.
• 7:11 - What LPs value in private equity firms in the current market.
• 14:16 - Analyzing the present state of private equity fundraising.
• 22:36 - Effective strategies for standing out in the fundraising arena.
• 27:17 - How Raymond James supports PE firms amidst fundraising challenges.
• 33:32 - A book recommendation from Christian and its influence on his professional outlook.

For more information on Raymond James, go to https://www.raymondjames.com/corporations-and-institutions/investment-banking

For more information on Christian Bullitt, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianbullitt

For more information on BluWave, go to https://www.bluwave.net

In this engaging episode of Private Equity Spotlight, Sean Mooney, founder and CEO of BluWave, sits down with Caleb Clark, Senior Partner at ATL Partners. With a rich background that spans from investment banking to private equity, Caleb shares his journey through the industry, highlighting his entrepreneurial roots and his role in shaping ATL Partners. This conversation explores the importance of asymmetric returns, strategic investments, and building a firm that not only excels in making best-in-class investments but also in being a best-in-class business itself.

Episode Highlights:

• 1:56 - From investment banking to private equity: Caleb's path to ATL Partners.
• 5:19 - Entrepreneurial roots and the transition to building ATL Partners.
• 8:22 - Personal insights: From politics to private equity.
• 15:42 - Identifying value in potential investments: Caleb's approach.
• 22:21 - The role of sector focus in assessing and growing investments.
• 27:24 - Embracing change and innovation for future success.
• 34:41 - Advice to younger self: Embrace opportunities and adaptability.

For more information on ATL Partners, go to https://www.atlpartners.com/

For more information on Caleb Clark, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarkcaleb/

For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/

In this episode of Private Equity Spotlight, Sean Mooney, founder and CEO of BluWave, sits down with James Sidwa, Managing Partner at Heartwood Partners. James shares his journey from the roots of entrepreneurship within his family to his pivotal role in private equity. With a rich background that spans across continents and sectors, James brings a unique perspective on investing in family and founder-run businesses in the lower middle market. This conversation delves into the importance of trust, strategic planning, and the transformative power of partnerships in driving business success.

Episode Highlights:

• 1:34 - From Arthur Andersen to the world of private equity.
• 3:14 - The evolution of James' career and the growth of Heartwood Partners.
• 5:07 - Personal insights: Family, scouting, and the joys of sailing and skiing.
• 9:23 - Key traits Heartwood Partners looks for in companies: Trustworthiness and market leadership.
• 15:38 - Value creation strategies: Building on company strengths and addressing common challenges.
• 21:07 - Embracing change and innovation for future success.
• 28:15 - Advice to younger self: Embrace adaptability and seize opportunities that open doors.

For more information about Heartwood Partners, go to https://heartwoodpartners.com/

For more information about James Sidwa, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamessidwa

For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts

In this episode of Private Equity Spotlight, Sean Mooney, founder and CEO of BluWave, engages in a dynamic conversation with Susan Soh, Chief of Capital Formation and Investor Relations at GrowthCurve Capital. Susan shares her unique journey from law to the forefront of private equity, highlighting her transition through various sectors of finance and her role in shaping innovative investment strategies at GrowthCurve Capital. This episode delves into the importance of data-rich businesses, the transformative power of AI and digital tools in private equity, and the value of adaptability and questioning in professional growth.

Episode Highlights:

• 1:12 - Susan's transition from law to private equity and her early experiences in the field.
• 3:02 - The founding journey of GrowthCurve Capital and its innovative approach.
• 6:28 - Personal insights: The entrepreneurial spirit and embracing technology.
• 10:21 - Key traits GrowthCurve looks for in companies: Data-rich and growth-oriented.
• 16:25 - Hands-on partnership: How GrowthCurve collaborates with portfolio companies for value creation.
• 25:26 - The imperative of adopting AI and digital transformation for future success.
• 35:02 - Advice to younger self: Embrace adaptability, curiosity, and the power of networking.

For more information on GrowthCurve Capital, go to https://www.growthcurvecapital.com/

For more information on Susan Soh, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-soh-653a213

For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts

In this episode of Private Equity Spotlight, Sean Mooney, founder and CEO of BluWave, engages Jay Jester, Partner at Plexus Capital, in a revealing conversation. Jay recounts his path from early family business experiences to establishing the business development role within private equity, highlighting the significance of adaptability, strategic relationships, and the human element in navigating the industry's evolution.

Episode Highlights:

• 00:00 - Welcoming Jay Jester and his impact on the private equity landscape.
• 1:18 - The journey from family business to private equity innovation.
• 8:21 - Establishing the business development role in private equity.
• 13:31 - The importance of relationships between private equity firms and investment banks.
• 25:20 - The role of culture and people in driving private equity success.
• 43:59 - Advice to younger self and the value of standard bearers within organizations.

For more about Plexus Capital, visit https://plexuscap.com/.

For more about Jay Jester, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-jester-768108/.

For more Karma School of Business episodes, visit https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/.

In this engaging episode of the Karma School of Business, host Sean Mooney welcomes Conor Grennan, a New York Times bestselling author, Chief AI Architect at NYU Stern School of Business, and CEO and Founder of AI Mindset. Conor shares his journey into the realm of AI, offering insights that make the subject approachable and relatable to everyone. From his initial exploration sparked by ChatGPT to developing an educational framework for MBA students at NYU, Conor's approach to AI emphasizes the human aspect and practical understanding. This conversation is essential for anyone looking to grasp the current influence and future potential of AI in business and everyday life.

Episode Highlights:

• 00:00 - Introduction to Conor Grennan and the transformative impact of AI.
• 02:30 - Conor's unique path to becoming an AI influencer.
• 09:43 - Effective strategies for utilizing AI in business and personal development.
• 12:44 - The significance of shifting our mindset to unlock AI's capabilities.
• 21:59 - Strategies for adapting careers in the fast-evolving AI landscape.
• 34:09 - Insights into the next five years of AI and its business implications.
• 41:17 - Accessing Conor's AI training materials and newsletter.

For more insights from Conor Grennan and to explore his AI training materials, visit ConorGrennan.com. Conor is also active on LinkedIn, where he shares regular updates and thought leadership in AI.

Discover more episodes and insights into the private equity world at www.bluwave.net/podcasts.

Join host Sean Mooney in a special compilation episode of the Karma School of Business, featuring key insights from industry leaders on value creation in private equity. This episode distills wisdom from Carl Press (Thoma Bravo), Suzanne Yoon (Kinzie Capital), John Caple (Hidden Harbor Capital Partners), Erica Blob (Brighton Park Capital Partners), and Eric Hansen (Blue Sea Capital) into actionable strategies for CEOs, CFOs, and founders. Discover what drives investment decisions and how to cultivate value in your company.

Episode Highlights:

• 00:00 - Introduction to the elements of value in private equity.
• 01:55 - Carl Press on leadership and revenue quality.
• 09:22 - Suzanne Yoon on product differentiation and customer focus.
• 17:17 - John Caple on value investing essentials.
• 22:49 - Erica Blob on selecting growth-stage companies.
• 29:30 - Eric Hansen on the importance of diversification and management integrity.

Links:

• To listen to Carl Press's episode, go to: https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/carl-press-thoma-bravo/
• To listen to Suzanne Yoon's episode, go to: https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/suzanne-yoon-kinzie-capital/
• To listen to John Caple's episode, go to: https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/john-caple-hidden-harbor/
• To listen to Erica Blob's episode, go to: https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/erica-blob-brighton-park-capital/
• To listen to Eric Hansen's episode, go to: https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/eric-hansen-blue-sea-capital/

Gain insights into the core elements of value that shape successful private equity investments and learn how to apply these principles to your business.

Join Sean Mooney for a compelling episode of Private Equity Spotlight featuring Pam Hendrickson, Vice Chairman of The Riverside Company and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the American Investment Council. In this episode, Pam delves into her journey within the private equity sector, sharing insights on leadership, the transformative power of private equity, and the importance of strategic vision in fostering growth and resilience in businesses.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction to Pam Hendrickson's journey from aspiring doctor to a pivotal figure in private equity.

10:57 - Clarifying the distinction between private equity and hedge funds, focusing on strategies for long-term growth.

17:24 - Overview of Riverside's support for portfolio companies, including cybersecurity enhancements.

25:31 - Addressing misconceptions: The proactive efforts of private equity in influencing public perception and policy.

31:37 - Succession planning and monetization strategies for businesses owned by baby boomers through private equity.

37:37 - Leadership insights: Pam shares lessons on decision-making and influence, inspired by military principles.

For more on The Riverside Company, visit www.riversidecompany.com.

For more about Pam Hendrickson, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelahendrickson/.

For more about BluWave and this podcast, visit www.bluwave.net/podcasts.