Leadership Quotient

Private equity is often described in the language of numbers — returns, multiples, and margins. But as Mohamad Chahine, author of Private Equity Next and Operating Partner at Meritrium OmniVentures, reveals, true value creation depends on something far less quantifiable: people. In this episode, Mohamad joins host Lindsay Guzowski to trace his journey from engineer to operating partner to author, exploring how resilience, integrity, and emotional intelligence shape outcomes across deal teams, operating partners, and portfolio leadership. Together, they unpack why the learning curve may be more important than the J-curve, the behavioral blind spots holding back many PE firms, and what leadership will need to look like in the era of AI and global transformation.

In this episode of the Leadership Quotient Podcast, Jeff Tobin, Founder and Managing Partner of AscendX Group, shares how trust, alignment, and urgency shape leadership across Private Equity and Venture Capital. Drawing on two decades of experience spanning turnaround operations, microcap investing, and value creation, Jeff reveals why transparent communication and buy-in at every level are non-negotiable. He discusses balancing urgency with empathy, transitioning from hands-on operator to engaged coach, and how trust and curiosity underpin long-term success. Jeff also breaks down the critical shifts leaders face post-close—from preserving cash to driving growth—and the rising importance of in-person connection and thoughtful AI adoption in today’s investment landscape.

In this episode of the Leadership Quotient Podcast, Nick Moscaritolo, Managing Director of Portfolio Company Operations at Platte River Equity, shares how alignment, partnership, and accountability form the foundation of value creation in Private Equity. Drawing on his journey from CFO to Managing Director, Nick explains how empathy, intellectual curiosity, and execution discipline drive results across portfolio companies. He unpacks Platte River’s “pull, not push” philosophy for supporting management teams, why great leaders maintain a near-perfect say-do ratio, and how focusing on three core traits—grit, entrepreneurial spirit, and emotional intelligence—builds resilient, high-performing organizations.

In this episode of the Leadership Quotient Podcast, Max Salazar, Senior Vice President & Head of Executive Assessment at AlixPartners, shares how rigorous leadership assessment and cultural due diligence can transform talent from a risk factor into a value lever in private equity. Drawing on his background as a business psychologist and consultant to middle-market investors, Max explains why “quick, cheap, low-touch” approaches to leadership evaluation fail, how defensiveness and lack of agility derail even seasoned executives, and why human judgment must remain at the center of assessment despite advances in AI. He also breaks down how connecting culture and leadership to financial outcomes shortens hold periods, preserves value, and builds stronger management teams across the investment lifecycle.

In this episode of the Leadership Quotient Podcast, Keith Giarman, President of the Private Equity & Principal Investing Practice at DHR Global, shares how a context-first approach to talent selection drives value creation. Drawing on his experience as a CEO and executive recruiter, Keith explains why domain expertise alone can derail a hire, how psychometrics and critical-thinking assessments inform better decisions, and the two traits he screens for above all: courage and energy. He also unpacks his Talent Operating Flywheel, a pre-deal-to-exit framework for succession planning and leadership development that keeps portfolio companies ready for every stage of the investment cycle.

In this episode of the Leadership Quotient Podcast, Tracey Abbott—global operator turned executive coach, founder of Leadership Current—shares how focus, culture, and curiosity accelerate value creation. From Kodak and Adidas to Bain, PepsiCo, Foot Locker, and owning a Chick-fil-A, Tracey distills lessons from the boardroom and the break room: prioritize the few things that truly move the P&L, translate finance into frontline action, and put culture squarely on the CEO’s desk. She also unpacks stakeholder management with PE boards, why “fast follower” thinking fails on the AI curve, and how assessments can pre-empt team blow-ups and build high-trust execution.

In this episode of the Leadership Quotient Podcast, Rupal Patel, Operating Partner at Benford Capital, shares how her journey from CPA and Deloitte consultant to founder and CEO of a 100-employee advisory firm shaped her perspective on leadership in private equity. Rupal reveals how building a company from the ground up taught her the value of empathy, gap analysis, and culture-first hiring. She explains why understanding founder dynamics, supporting first-time CEOs, and putting the right people in the right seats—with resources to succeed—are essential to scaling portfolio companies and driving sustainable growth.

In this episode of the Leadership Quotient Podcast, Rob Levin, Managing Director and Founder at CIS Ventures, shares how execution is people-powered and why fit for stage matters as much as skills. From diligencing culture and aligning expectations to a 10-day cross-functional onboarding that crushed silos and improved retention, Rob reveals how to build PE-ready teams that can handle governance, speed, and tech adoption without losing the human connection.

In this episode of the Leadership Quotient Podcast, Dave Haslam, Head of Talent at ETONIEN, shares his perspective on the unique role of interim executives in private equity. From stepping into leadership gaps during times of transition to balancing tactical execution with cultural alignment, Dave highlights why specialists are increasingly in demand and how interim leaders create stability in the midst of change. Drawing on his career journey from finance to recruiting, he reveals how the right leader at the right moment can set the stage for lasting value creation.

In this episode of the Leadership Quotient Podcast, The Crucible CEO Lindsay Guzowski speaks with Doug Guess, Operating Partner at Resurgens Technology Partners, about the leadership principles that drive success in private equity. Doug shares his perspective on working with portfolio company CFOs and management teams, emphasizing why competency is only the starting point — and why trust, chemistry, and communication are what ultimately determine success. From navigating challenges to forging loyalty in tough moments, Doug offers practical insights on building intentional relationships that create long-term value.