The Private Equity Podcast, by Raw Selection

From Investor to Operator: Hard Truths from 35 Years in Private Equity with Matthew Kearney


Listen Later

🎙️ The Private Equity Podcast – Essentials for Investors with Matthew Kearney

This episode is packed with pragmatic advice and “growth hacks for operators” – get your pen ready.

⏱️ Episode Highlights & Timestamps:

00:03 – Introduction
Meet Matthew Kearney: 35 years in private equity, from 3i to operating partner and PE-backed CEO.

01:07 – From 3i to New York CEO
Matthew’s early career, moving from UK PE investments into operational leadership in media and technology.

02:31 – Common PE Mistakes
Why thinking “buying right” is outdated and why zombie portfolios exist. The importance of adding value post-investment.

04:56 – Speed Matters
Why hitting the ground running with a viable plan is critical – and where many PE firms still fail.

05:23 – The Need for Differentiation
You can’t differentiate on capital anymore. Matthew explains the need for pre-planned specialization and strategy.

07:21 – The Case for Specialism
Why generic approaches fail in auction processes. Success lies in preparedness and knowing your niche.

09:27 – Private Equity’s Evolution
From generalists to specialists, and from deal teams to fully professionalized operations functions.

11:24 – Pick Your Spots
The strategic importance of check size, deal type, and industry vertical – especially for smaller funds.

12:47 – Talent Strategy
When to insource, when to outsource. The balance between internal teams and external experts.

13:42 – Reducing Direct Reports
Why Matthew cut down his direct reports from double digits to five – and how he structured high-performance teams.

18:38 – NASA-Level Team Building
Using High-Performance Team models (inspired by NASA) to fast-track team effectiveness and reduce storming time.

20:06 – Grata Partnership Promo

20:35 – Lessons from Three Exits
Matthew shares what made his billion-dollar exits successful, from growth-first mentality to choosing the right M&A advisor.

23:27 – Beware of Price Promises
Red flag: advisors promising high valuations without understanding your business. Chemistry and early engagement are key.

24:31 – Staying the Course Through Uncertainty
Avoiding plan deviation in volatile markets. Why good governance, transparency, and dialogue are essential.

26:46 – The Decision to Pause a Sale
How Matthew and his board paused a 2021 sale due to geopolitical headwinds, only to exit successfully in 2025.

28:07 – Balancing Shareholder vs. Management Perspectives
Navigating differing time horizons and objectives post-sale delay. The role of a good Chair in alignment.

29:59 – What Matthew Reads
Matthew’s go-to content: Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, The Economist (begrudgingly!), BBC, and even Daily Mail for well-researched stories.

31:55 – How to Connect with Matthew
📧 Email: [email protected]
🔤 Name spelling: Matthew (with two T’s) Kearney (K-E-A-R-N-E-Y)

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/
🌐 Visit Raw Selection: www.raw-selection.com

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

The Private Equity Podcast, by Raw SelectionBy Alex Rawlings

  • 4.5
  • 4.5
  • 4.5
  • 4.5
  • 4.5

4.5

32 ratings


More shows like The Private Equity Podcast, by Raw Selection

View all
Masters in Business by Bloomberg

Masters in Business

2,162 Listeners

Exchanges by Goldman Sachs

Exchanges

979 Listeners

Invest Like the Best with Patrick O'Shaughnessy by Colossus | Investing & Business Podcasts

Invest Like the Best with Patrick O'Shaughnessy

2,289 Listeners

M&A Science by Kison Patel

M&A Science

126 Listeners

Capital Allocators – Inside the Institutional Investment Industry by Ted Seides – Allocator and Asset Management Expert

Capital Allocators – Inside the Institutional Investment Industry

798 Listeners

Talks at GS by Goldman Sachs

Talks at GS

83 Listeners

Making Sense by J.P. Morgan

Making Sense

64 Listeners

Thoughts on the Market by Morgan Stanley

Thoughts on the Market

1,278 Listeners

Dry Powder: The Private Equity Podcast by Hugh MacArthur, Bain & Company

Dry Powder: The Private Equity Podcast

150 Listeners

The Memo by Howard Marks by Oaktree Capital Management

The Memo by Howard Marks

403 Listeners

Acquisitions Anonymous - #1 for business buying, selling and operating by Bill D'Alessandro, Mills Snell, Heather Endresen, and Michael Girdley

Acquisitions Anonymous - #1 for business buying, selling and operating

243 Listeners

Business Breakdowns by Colossus | Investing & Business Podcasts

Business Breakdowns

352 Listeners

The View From Apollo by Torsten Slok

The View From Apollo

23 Listeners

The Credit Edge by Bloomberg Intelligence by Bloomberg

The Credit Edge by Bloomberg Intelligence

28 Listeners

The Markets by Goldman Sachs

The Markets

72 Listeners