Deal Us In

An entrepreneur’s business is like their first-born child, says Sheila Emami. Her mission is to help them grow.  

The vice president of St. Cloud Capital, Sheila explains the relationship-driven approach that St. Cloud leverages on behalf of small businesses and underserved communities nationwide. In this conversation with host Penny Zacharias, Sheila also discusses the importance of impact investing, promoting job creation, economic growth, and good corporate governance. For women seeking success in private equity, she stresses preparation and paying it forward so that representation in this arena continues on the upswing. 

☑️ Sheila Emami | LinkedIn

☑️ St. Cloud Capital 

☑️ Penny Zacharias

☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X

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This podcast was recorded and is being made available by McGuireWoods for informational purposes only. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that McGuireWoods makes no warranty, guarantee or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in the podcast. The views, information or opinions expressed during this podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of McGuireWoods. This podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state and should not be construed as an offer to make or consider any investment or course of action.

Purpose. Private Markets. Impact. To some, those are mere concepts. But to The Copia Group’s Beata Kirr, those words are an investment strategy.

In this episode of Deal Us In, Beata Kirr joins host Phyllis Young to discuss impact investing, particularly in private markets. Tune in as Beata discusses how impact investing can lead to higher financial returns, the importance of diversity in the world of investing, and how women can continue to influence the finance industry.

☑️ Beata Kirr | LinkedIn

☑️ The Copia Group, LLC on LinkedIn

☑️ Phyllis Young

☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter/X

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This podcast was recorded and is being made available by McGuireWoods for informational purposes only. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that McGuireWoods makes no warranty, guarantee or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in the podcast. The views, information or opinions expressed during this podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of McGuireWoods. This podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state and should not be construed as an offer to make or consider any investment or course of action.

What do you get when you cross an electrical engineering degree with an MBA? An innovative and successful fund manager.

In this episode of Deal Us In, one-of-a-kind venture capital firm manager SC Moatti of Mighty Capital joins host Kelsey Hitchcock to discuss how she carefully selects her investment opportunities, analyzes emerging challenges and issues in artificial technology, and shares her insights on the challenges women face in private equity and finance.

☑️ SC Moatti | LinkedIn

☑️ Mighty Capital on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter/X, & Instagram

☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter/X

☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music

This podcast was recorded and is being made available by McGuireWoods for informational purposes only. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that McGuireWoods makes no warranty, guarantee or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in the podcast. The views, information or opinions expressed during this podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of McGuireWoods. This podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state and should not be construed as an offer to make or consider any investment or course of action.

Don’t be deferential when you should be more confident. “Technical skills give you the confidence to speak up and take a seat at the table,” says Amy Weisman. 

On this episode of Deal Us In, host Penny Zacharias, Partner at McGuireWoods, is joined by mother-daughter duo, Amy Weisman, Managing Director of Business Development at Sterling Investment Partners, and Julia Weisman, Account Manager at Bloomberg LP.  

In a candid conversation, Amy, an accomplished private equity professional, and Julia, a rising star in finance, delve into their experiences in the finance sector. They offer insights into overcoming imposter syndrome, the power of networking, and the importance of striking a balance between work and personal life. Amy underscores the value of networking for career growth, highlighting Exponent Women, the organization she founded for women in private equity, while Julia emphasizes the value of mentorship and the role it has played in her career at Bloomberg. This episode provides essential guidance for women professionals navigating their careers in private equity and finance.

☑️ Amy Weisman | LinkedIn

☑️ Julia Weisman | LinkedIn

☑️ Penny Zacharias | LinkedIn

☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter/X

☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music

This podcast was recorded and is being made available by McGuireWoods for informational purposes only. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that McGuireWoods makes no warranty, guarantee or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in the podcast. The views, information or opinions expressed during this podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of McGuireWoods. This podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state and should not be construed as an offer to make or consider any investment or course of action.

The workplace has changed considerably in recent years, making arrangements such as working from home more common. However, navigating a career path while simultaneously raising a family can still be challenging, especially in the high-powered financial industry.

On this episode of Deal Us In, host Kelsey Hitchcock, partner at McGuideWoods, welcomes guest Laura Redinger, Principal and Business Development Leader at Foundation Investment Partners, a private equity firm focused on acquiring niche manufacturers, high value added distributors, outsourced business service providers, and niche software developers.

Tune in to hear Laura share how she made the transition from commercial banking to private equity, and how she balanced being a working mom in a primarily male-dominated field, as well as the lessons she learned along the way. Laura also imparts advice for other women aspiring to leadership roles in private equity, particularly those facing gender-related obstacles in their career advancement. 

☑️ Laura Redinger | LinkedIn

☑️ Foundation Investment Partners | LinkedIn

☑️ Kelsey Hitchcock | LinkedIn

☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter/X

☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music

This podcast was recorded and is being made available by McGuireWoods for informational purposes only. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that McGuireWoods makes no warranty, guarantee or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in the podcast. The views, information or opinions expressed during this podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of McGuireWoods. This podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state and should not be construed as an offer to make or consider any investment or course of action.

If you could look ahead and see the future, and that future doesn’t appeal to you, then you might want to pivot your strategy or your career aspirations. 

On this episode of Deal Us In, host Ann Dorsett, counsel at McGuireWoods, welcomes guest Meredith Carter, President and CEO of Edge Capital, a family office-backed specialty finance company outside of Philadelphia focused on providing asset-based loans to lower middle market companies.

Tune in to hear how Meredith got started in asset-based lending and how she successfully transitioned from a career in corporate law to niche specialty finance. Meredith also shares strategies for helping women advance in their organizations and advice for women who aspire to have a leadership role. 

☑️ Meredith Carter | LinkedIn

☑️ Edge Capital | LinkedIn 

☑️ Ann Dorsett | LinkedIn  

☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter/X

☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music

This podcast was recorded and is being made available by McGuireWoods for informational purposes only. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that McGuireWoods makes no warranty, guarantee or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in the podcast. The views, information or opinions expressed during this podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of McGuireWoods. This podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state and should not be construed as an offer to make or consider any investment or course of action.

We see people succeed and wonder how they got there. But it’s just as important to look at what they didn’t do, as it is to look at what they did.

On this episode of Deal Us In, host Xaviera Webb, an associate at McGuireWoods, is joined by guest Kristin Gunther, partner at Revolution Growth, a venture firm based in Washington, D.C. With over 15 years of experience in private equity, finance, and operations, Kristin shares her journey, her struggles, and her advice for women seeking to achieve success in the finance industry. 

Tune in to hear Xaviera and Kristin discuss juggling work and family commitments, the trade-offs of being a working mom, and ‘mom guilt’. They also talk about the character traits that have enabled Kristin to succeed in the high-intensity worlds of both private equity and venture capital, the strategies Kristin finds most effective in managing competing priorities, and the specific challenges unique to women in a competitive workplace. 

☑️ Kristin Gunther | LinkedIn

☑️ Revolution Growth | Twitter/X | Instagram | LinkedIn

☑️ Xaviera Webb | LinkedIn

☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter/X

☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music

This podcast was recorded and is being made available by McGuireWoods for informational purposes only. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that McGuireWoods makes no warranty, guarantee or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in the podcast. The views, information or opinions expressed during this podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of McGuireWoods. This podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state and should not be construed as an offer to make or consider any investment or course of action.

Depending on where you work, financial institutions can have a churn-and-burn atmosphere. How does this affect work-life balance, particularly for aspiring female business leaders?  Although previous generations did a lot of the heavy lifting in terms of overcoming barriers to female leadership, there's always work to be done.

On this episode of Deal Us In, host Phyllis Young, a partner at McGuireWoods, is joined by guest Hannah Jordana, Senior Vice President of Commercial and Industrial Lending at Cadence Bank, to discuss women in the finance industry.

Tune in to hear Hannah’s journey and experience in private equity and finance and how she got involved in deal-making. Hannah and Phyllis also discuss some of the obstacles women face in business, how to address those challenges, and ways in which organizations can actively support and empower women to take on leadership roles in deal execution and decision making.

☑️ Hannah Jordana | LinkedIn

☑️ Cadence Bank | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter/X | YouTube

☑️ Phyllis Young | LinkedIn    

☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter/X

☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music

This podcast was recorded and is being made available by McGuireWoods for informational purposes only. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that McGuireWoods makes no warranty, guarantee or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in the podcast. The views, information or opinions expressed during this podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of McGuireWoods. This podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state and should not be construed as an offer to make or consider any investment or course of action.

Most of us have experienced imposter syndrome. But when you’re the only woman of color in a predominantly white, male-dominated field, it can feel like you’re shooting above your weight.

On this episode of Deal Us In, McGuireWoods associate Xaviera Webb talks to Alyssa Daniel, a private equity associate with PNC Mezzanine Capital, about Alyssa’s journey into private equity, including some of the challenges she faced and how she overcame them. They discuss the role of mentorship, the need to advocate for yourself and the importance of making connections. Alyssa also shares some advice for aspiring private equity professionals.

☑️ Alyssa Daniel | LinkedIn | TikTok

☑️ PNC Mezzanine Capital 

☑️ Xaviera Webb | LinkedIn   

☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter/X

☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music

This podcast was recorded and is being made available by McGuireWoods for informational purposes only. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that McGuireWoods makes no warranty, guarantee or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in the podcast. The views, information or opinions expressed during this podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of McGuireWoods. This podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state and should not be construed as an offer to make or consider any investment or course of action.

For Tamika Tyson, problem solving has not only always been her greatest strength, but also the driving force behind her co-founding her own private equity firm, TGC Impact. 

With more than 25 years of experience in risk management and structure, Tamika has worked in banking, energy, industrial, and international markets and through five different economic cycles. What she heard and witnessed over and over were talks of a capital issue. She decided to take matters into her own hands. 

On this episode of Deal Us In, host Xaviera Webb, an associate at McGuireWoods, is joined by Tamika Tyson, co-founder of TGC Impact, to discuss the access to capital growth, booming business opportunities in the American South, and how other Black women and women of color can break into the private equity sector — and stay there!

Name: Tamika Tyson

What she does: Tamika is a co-founder of TGC Impact, which invests growth capital in diverse and women-led or managed companies. As an industry thought leader and executive partner, Tamika has supported highly strategic business initiatives across the globe. 

Company: TGC Impact                

Where to find Tamika: LinkedIn 

Top takeaways from this episode 

Harness strong characteristics. Tamika advises women and people of color who want to get into private equity to be problem solvers, take calculated risks, be authentic, and be resilient.

Remain focused on your goals. Sometimes getting in isn’t the hard part but staying there is. Tamika believes sharp focus and determination are keys to success. 

Challenges are opportunities in disguise waiting to be conquered. Always rise to the challenge. Take the chance. Bet on yourself.  

✔️ Thank you for joining us at the table for this episode of Deal Us In. We invite you to join the conversation by using our #Dealusinpodcast on Twitter or LinkedIn. 

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✔️ If you have a recommendation for an inspiring interviewee, a question you'd like us to ask, or a topic you would like to hear covered, or if you'd like to tell us about women-focused initiatives in the field, please go to our website. We look forward to hearing from you.

This podcast was recorded and is being made available by McGuireWoods for informational purposes only. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that McGuireWoods makes no warranty, guarantee or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in the podcast. The views, information or opinions expressed during this podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of McGuireWoods. This podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state and should not be construed as an offer to make or consider any investment or course of action.