Fund Fanatics is back—and we’re kicking off the year with a powerhouse conversation.

This episode, Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier sit down with Brendan Coughlin, President of Citizens Financial Group, to unpack what it really takes to build and lead at the highest level in financial services. From launching Citizens Private Bank in the aftermath of the 2023 banking shakeup to scaling a service-led culture with over $13B in deposits, Brendan shares what he’s learned by winning by losing.

We dive into reimagining the future of banking, the massive generational wealth transfer reshaping the industry, how AI is changing the operating model and why trust, advice and people matter more than ever. Brendan also opens up about balancing ambition with family life, building side hustles inside big organizations and taking smart career risks without waiting for permission.

In this episode of Fund Fanatics, Jeff Maier and Scott Aleali team up with Matt Allard, Founder and Managing Partner of Case Study Capital Partners, for a lively dive into launching a new independent sponsor platform, the meaning behind the Case Study name and what he’s hearing from nearly 90 LP conversations in today’s unpredictable fundraising world.

Matt shares why the lower middle market is buzzing, how servant leadership shaped his boardroom style and what it’s really like to build a firm when you’re simultaneously the cook, cleaner and waiter. And of course, Michigan pride is on full display as Matt dishes on his family’s maize-and-blue legacy and offers up a must-hit Ann Arbor experience. Go blue!

Fund Fanatics hosts ⁠Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier team up with Taylor Robinson of Lexington Partners for a sharp, engaging dive into private equity’s hottest topics: liquidity, continuation funds, and the evolution of secondaries. Taylor shares how firms are adapting to shifting valuations and investor demands, plus a few stories from his championship squash days as the sport heads to the 2028 Olympics.

On this episode of Fund Fanatics, hosts Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier are joined by Blake Cholost, VP of Finance and Controller at Kinderhook Industries. Blake shares how Kinderhook scaled from $2B to $8.5B AUM while modernizing operations through outsourcing, automation, and AI. From data architecture to ROI—and even surviving as long-suffering Miami Dolphins fans—this episode blends finance insights with a dose of fun.

Shark Tank investor. Atlanta Falcons owner. Private equity dealmaker. Rashaun Williams has built a career turning once-in-a-lifetime opportunities into industry-shaping wins. In this episode of Fund Fanatics, Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier sit down with Rashaun to unpack the private equity boom in professional sports—and why franchises from the NFL to the NBA are becoming the hottest alternative asset class.

From breaking down the “Sports 1.0 to 3.0” evolution, insider strategies for valuing minority stakes and parallels between tech unicorn secondaries and sports ownership, Rashaun delivers a masterclass on spotting the arbitrage. Along the way, he shares stories from backing 180+ companies, working with high-profile partners like Mark Cuban, and why bringing value first is the ultimate networking playbook.

If you’re into private equity, sports business, venture capital, or deal-making at the highest level, you won’t want to miss this episode.

In this episode of Fund Fanatics, Jeff Maier and Scott Aleali are joined by Brian Vickery, Partner at Pact Capital, for a masterclass on GP stakes and platform-building in private equity. Brian shares why Pact is doubling down on the middle market and how minority capital can fuel growth, not just cash out founders.

Drawing on his experience at McKinsey and as host of Deal Volume, Brian offers insight into value creation at the GP level, trends in firm scaling, and the true cost vs. return tradeoff of GP stake transactions. Whether you’re managing a fund or launching a podcast, this episode is packed with lessons on intentional growth, firm culture, and building something that lasts.

In this special episode of Fund Fanatics, Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier sit down with Nizar Tarhuni, EVP of Research & Market Intelligence at PitchBook, for an unfiltered conversation covering everything from private market trends to his early days as employee 79 at PitchBook. Nizar breaks down the real story behind private credit, shifting LP behavior and the evolving fundraising landscape, sharing data-backed insights that challenge today's dominant narratives. Plus, we get personal with restaurant war stories, Blazers heartbreaks and what Rip City really means. Whether you're a deal junkie, data nerd or hoops fan - this one has something for you.

Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier huddle up with Rick "Coach" Gordon, Senior Managing Director at Citizens Private Wealth, who brings his A-game, sharing wealth strategies for PE professionals. Rick shares his expertise on liquidity smoothing, risk barbells and tax efficiency techniques that help PE professionals navigate the unique financial challenges they face. He also reveals why DIY investors often fumble their personal accounts, and gives a hard-hitting assessment on alternative assets.

When he's not calling financial plays, Rick's coaching youth sports and building young champions - all while bleeding Michigan blue (just ask him about that epic '97 Ohio State game!). From the trading floor to the baseball diamond, Coach Gordon proves he's got game in every arena.

Calling all Fund Managers, Investors, and Business Leaders in the Private Markets with a bold perspective and an excitement for life’s adventures ⚡

Join Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier and tune into Fund Fanatics - Private Markets, it's People and Passions 📹

What does it take to evolve from a back-office number cruncher to a boardroom strategist? In this episode of Fund Fanatics, Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier sit down with Jason Donner, CFO of Veritas Capital, to unpack a few of his insights from the Private Funds CFO’s feature, “The Strategic CFO.” Jason shares his take on the rise of retail investors, the evolving role of the private markets CFO, and what it really means to earn a seat at the partnership table. We also get personal — from his near-complete wine sommelier journey to his must-visit list of MLB ballparks. Whether you're a seasoned finance leader or an aspiring one, this episode is a playbook in strategic thinking, communication, and passion — on and off the clock.