In this episode of the Leadership Quotient Podcast, Matt Young, Operating Executive at North Equity, shares how unconventional paths can create exceptional leaders in private equity. From journalist to documentary filmmaker to growth operator, Matt reflects on how his MFA taught him to read a room better than any MBA and why emotional intelligence, proactivity, and accountability often outperform pedigree. He unpacks lessons from scaling BrightRoll and Yahoo, leading integrations across global teams, and driving rapid value creation at Bain- and Blackstone-backed portfolio companies. Matt also discusses how AI is reshaping the leadership landscape and why adaptability, curiosity, and humility will define the next generation of investors and operators.