Private Equity Podcast: Karma School of Business

In this episode of Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney connects with Dave Schnadig, Co-President of Cortec Group, for an inspiring conversation about private equity, leadership, and the many lessons Dave has learned through his dynamic career. Dave shares his journey from his family's entrepreneurial roots to leading one of private equity's most successful firms. Along the way, he dives deep into stories of overcoming challenges, including the Yeti turnaround, managing tariffs, and how to guide portfolio companies through dynamic markets.

Episode Highlights:

• 1:14 - Formative Years: Dave's entrepreneurial childhood and lessons from his family business that shaped his approach to private equity.

• 7:18 - Journey to Cortec Group: How Dave's experience in investment banking and private equity led him to one of the most unique models in the industry.

• 20:33 - Philosophy of Ownership: Why being "all in" is critical to succeeding in private equity, both for GPs and portfolio leaders.

• 22:35 - Yeti's Turnaround Story: How tenacity and smart strategic decisions transformed a significant challenge into one of private equity's top home runs.

• 42:10 - Mitigating Tariffs: Dave explains Cortec's proactive approach to addressing tariffs and supplier diversification across portfolio companies.

• 48:27 - Adventure and Balance: Dave's advice for finding balance through curated family trips and why experiences matter as much as success in business.

For more information on Cortec Group, go to https://cortecgroup.com/

For more information on Dave Schnadig, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-schnadig-a585529

For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts

In this episode of Karma School of Business , Sean Mooney sits down with Misha Logvinov, Managing Director and New York Office Lead at MGX, to discuss the essential lessons he's learned throughout his entrepreneurial journey and private equity career. Together, they explore actionable insights on leadership, adaptability, and leveraging technology for value creation in private equity and beyond.

Episode Highlights:

• 1:19 - Misha's Early Journey: Growing up in post-Soviet Russia, launching entrepreneurial ventures as a teen, and transitioning to Silicon Valley during the dotcom boom.

• 7:22 - Entry into Private Equity: Misha describes his unplanned move into private equity after years as a tech operator and entrepreneur.

• 13:43 - Hallmarks of Great Companies: Key factors Misha looks for in businesses poised for success, including strong leadership, adaptability, and robust tech infrastructure.

• 18:31 - Value Creation at MGX: How MGX helps portfolio companies grow by integrating cutting-edge AI and data strategies.

• 23:16 - Actionable Advice: Misha highlights the importance of prioritizing data readiness, embracing AI for operational improvement, and rethinking leadership approaches for the future.

• 33:44 - Advice to Younger Self: Misha reflects on the importance of balancing drive with kindness while pursuing high performance.

For more information on MGX, go to https://www.mgx.ae/en

For more information on Misha Logvinov, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlogvinov

For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts

In this episode of Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney shares key insights from Q1 2025, covering private equity activity and responses to evolving economic conditions. Examining GDP, easing inflation, and rebounding deal activity, Sean discusses how private equity professionals are adapting strategies to capitalize on opportunities while managing risks such as emerging tariffs and global complexities.

Episode Highlights:

• 4:03 - Economic Landscape: Sean breaks down Q1 economic data, including inflation approaching the Federal Reserve's 2% target, GDP evaluation, and job market resilience with a 4% unemployment rate.

• 5:23 - Deal Market Trends: BluWave's activity index reveals rising due diligence activity, with Q1 showing a 15% year-over-year increase. Sean highlights stronger deal flow from firms like Hidden Harbor.

• 10:47 - Tariff Volatility: Sean explains how new tariff policies are driving demand for procurement and logistics strategies as private equity firms adapt to unforeseen complexities.

• 18:01 - Strategic Recalibration: Sean discusses the importance of clearer guidance from Washington and how private equity continues to mitigate risk while identifying opportunities in an uncertain global landscape.

To request the Q1 2025 Private Equity Insights Report, go to https://www.bluwave.net/insights-report.

This episode of Karma School of Business explores how resilience, tenacity, and grit enable private equity professionals to turn risk into opportunity. Sean Mooney reflects on industry responses to the 2008 financial crisis and COVID-19, showcasing how frameworks like Colonel John Boyd's OODA Loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) drive action during times of uncertainty.

Episode Highlights:

• 0:34 -Sean's preamble: How private equity reframes risk in uncertain times, with a focus on the 2008 financial crisis and COVID-19.

• 12:05 - Andrew Joy: Overcoming immense personal adversity, including a near-fatal injury, and rebuilding his life to graduate valedictorian from Emory University.

• 19:36 - Sean expands on Andrew's mindset shift: The power of small victories and how they mirror resilience in private equity.

• 26:19 - Rob Konrad: Surviving a 16-hour swim in open ocean by relying on clarity and determination.

• 31:12 - Sean reflects on Rob's story: Lessons on resilience and decision-making in life and business.

To listen to Andrew's full episode, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/andrew-joy-hidden-harbor/

To listen to Rob Konrad's full episode, go to

In this special episode of Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney revisits insights from previous conversations with some of private equity's most thoughtful leaders. These experts highlight the "elements of value" they prioritize when evaluating companies for investment, offering actionable frameworks and lessons learned across industries, geographies, and strategies.

Episode Highlights:

• 01:11 - Nik Kapauan shares Access Holdings' research-driven approach to identifying segment leaders and defining "what good looks like" in fragmented industries.

• 07:10 - Rob Konrad discusses the critical role of people and alignment when partnering with family-owned businesses in the lower middle market.

• 21:11 - Casey Myers emphasizes leadership, product-market fit, and overcoming tech debt for durable, smart growth in software companies.

• 28:24 - Jonathan Metrick explores the power of identifying superpowers in business and relentlessly prioritizing resources to create competitive advantage.

• 35:29 - Lisa Ames highlights the importance of ruthless prioritization in marketing, focusing efforts where they create the most predictable success.

To listen to Nik Kapauan's full episode, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/nik-kapauan-access-holdings/

To listen to Rob Konrad's full episode, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/rob-konrad-alterna-equity-partners/

To listen to Casey Myers' full episode, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/casey-myers-edison-partners/

To listen to Jonathan Metrick's full episode, go to

In this special episode, Sean Mooney joins Doug McCormick (HCI Equity Partners) and Lloyd Metz (ICV Partners) to explore the transformative impact of AI on private equity, portfolio companies, and everyday life. From optimizing portfolio company operations to driving innovation in deal sourcing and content creation, this discussion provides actionable insights into how leading firms are leveraging AI to create competitive advantages. Whether you're an investor, executive, or business builder, this episode is packed with strategies to embrace AI's potential in your organization.

Episode Highlights:

• 12:51 - Sean outlines a practical framework for engaging with AI tools, emphasizing the benefits of experimenting with large language models like ChatGPT and Perplexity as a first step.

• 20:23 - Concrete advice for individuals and business owners: Train your social media algorithms and experiment with AI to unlock strategic insights.

• 25:23 - How AI applications, such as ChatGPT, can enhance sales, marketing, and streamline repetitive tasks, creating ROI advantages for businesses of all sizes.

• 39:28 - Sean discusses preparing the next generation for an AI-driven workforce, emphasizing critical thinking and creative utilization of AI tools.

• 47:09 - Using AI to enable lower middle market portfolio companies: Sean highlights simple, high-ROI approaches like data visualization tools and KPIs to drive business improvements.

• 53:39 - Sean considers the future: A 15–20-year outlook on AI evolution and the melding of human and machine capabilities in business and beyond.

For more information on Best But Never Final, go to https://www.buzzsprout.com/2247932/ .

For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts .

From a non-traditional career path to transforming businesses, Micah Dawson shares his playbook for designing business success in private equity with Sean Mooney. Packed with bold career moves, hard-earned lessons, and fresh perspectives, Micah shares how grit, leadership, and a focus on people drive real impact in the lower middle market.

[00:03:15] - Bold career pivots: Micah's transition from being an architect to entering law school, business school, and eventually joining the world of private equity.

[00:06:49] - Entering the operations world: Micah shares lessons from his time managing manufacturing plants and turning around struggling businesses in rural Indiana.

[00:22:23] - Insights into Trivest's approach to enhancing the founder experience, removing friction from the deal process, and providing transformative resources to portfolio companies.

[00:26:19] - The team-building philosophy Micah credits with creating outsized value, and his focus on ensuring the right people occupy the right roles.

[00:37:15] - Balancing ambition and fulfillment: Micah discusses personal lessons and philosophies on leadership, grit, and finding joy in the career journey.

For more information on Trivest Partners, go to https://www.trivest.com/

For more information on Micah Dawson, go to

https://www.linkedin.com/in/micahdawson/

For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to

https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts

What does it take to transform founder-led businesses into industry leaders? In this episode of the Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney sits down with Trent Hickman, Co-Managing Partner at VSS Capital Partners, and shares his blueprint for creating value, building trust, and fostering growth alongside visionary management teams that every business builder and private equity professional needs to hear.

Episode Highlights

• 0:34 – Meet Trent Hickman: His journey from Charlotte, NC to becoming a leader in private equity and a passionate ski coach.

• 13:13 – What makes a great investment? The three key attributes Trent looks for in founder-led businesses.

• 19:04 – Building strong partnerships with management teams: Insights on aligning visions and maintaining a growth mindset.

• 22:02 – Innovative approaches to value creation: Using third-party expertise and ensuring multiple ways to win.

• 35:58 – The importance of embracing change and leveraging external resources to accelerate business success.

• 40:28 – Advice to the next generation: Trent's reflections on patience, enjoying the journey, and collaborating to achieve long-term impact.

For more information on VSS Capital Partners, go to https://www.vss.com/ For more information on Trent Hickman, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/trenthickman/

For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts

Sean Mooney chats with John Hodge, Partner at Rubicon Technology Partners, to explore his inspiring journey from Buffalo, NY, to founding one of the premier private equity firms in enterprise software. John dives into the importance of culture, operational excellence, and aligning with portfolio companies to create value while sharing personal insights on leadership, humility, and change management. Whether you're a private equity leader or an aspiring entrepreneur, John's stories, strategies, and advice offer practical wisdom for navigating today's fast-evolving investment landscape.

Episode Highlights

• 1:09 – John Hodge's Buffalo upbringing, competitive swimming career at Stanford, and the values that shaped his leadership philosophy.

• 7:56 – How early advice from an industry leader shaped his career path: the leap from biology to tech-focused investment banking.

• 19:53 – The founding of Rubicon: Why culture, operational discipline, and alignment are the foundation.

• 29:03 – Rubicon's hands-on operational model and unique approach to value creation.

• 40:16 – AI in enterprise software: Driving productivity and advancing product roadmaps.

• 53:01 – Life lessons: The importance of waking up early, keeping a positive attitude, and never taking yourself too seriously.

For more information on Rubicon Technology Partners, go to https://www.rubicontp.com/

For more information on John Hodge, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/jchodge/

For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts

In this episode of the Karma School of Business podcast, Kristin Johnson, Managing Director at Altamont Capital Partners, shares actionable advice for building stronger businesses and teams with Sean Mooney. From fostering leadership to embracing innovative practices like AI and employee ownership, Kristin offers a perspective that resonates with business builders and investors alike.

Episode Highlights

• 0:35 – Getting to know Kristin Johnson: Her global upbringing, track & field triumphs, and early career influences.

• 8:27 – What Kristin and the Altamont team look for in a business: market potential, leadership, and company dynamics.

• 13:41 – The importance of fostering transparency and the role of the "devil's advocate" team in decision-making.

• 17:29 – Driving value creation: Altamont's approach to functional expertise and the promise of AI in portfolio companies.

• 23:47 – Tactics for sustained growth and alignment among employees.

• 29:55 – Kristin's must-read book recommendations and the lessons on balancing assertiveness, confidence, and warmth for success in work and family life.

For more information on Altamont Capital Partners, go to https://altamontcapital.com/

For more information on John Hodge, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-johnson-9275708/

For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts