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In this episode, Richard Longstreet speaks with Dave Kirby, Founder of Coppett Hill Growth Advisory, a consultancy specialising in go-to-market acceleration for private equity-backed businesses.
Dave shares his journey from strategy consulting and private equity to founding Coppett Hill, and the principles that underpin the firm's rapid growth. The conversation covers the nuances of working with PE portfolio companies, balancing exit mindset with long-term growth, and why results, not just ideas, are what really matter.
Episode Overview:
[00:21] Introduction
[02:24] What it really means to work with private equity clients
[06:29] How to create step-change impact in private equity-backed businesses
[08:54] Balancing long-term exit plans with short-term focus
[11:43] Navigating relationships between PE funds and portfolio leadership teams
[15:37] The shift from output to outcome - redefining value in consulting
[19:37] How have consulting buyers changed over the last 10–15 years?
[22:42] How the skillset of a strategy consultant is evolving
[26:31] How Coppett Hill is developing junior consultants for the future of strategy consulting
[29:48] What Coppett Hill looks for in graduate hires and early experience
[31:41] What the culture is like at Coppett Hill
[34:05] What graduates can expect from the application process at Coppett Hill
[36:14] What the application process looks like for experienced consultants at Coppett Hill
[37:05] Why Coppett Hill? The elevator pitch for joining the team
[38:52] What is the biggest learning from your career?
[40:26] Do you have any horror stories from your career?
[45:59] What do you know now that you wish you'd known at the start of your career?
A big thank you to Dave for your insights – it was brilliant to have you on the show! Find out more about our guest:
Hosted by Tarka Talent
Tarka Talks is hosted by Tarka Talent, leading management consulting recruitment agency. Find out more about our work and get in touch for support with your hiring needs.
By Tarka Talent RecruitmentIn this episode, Richard Longstreet speaks with Dave Kirby, Founder of Coppett Hill Growth Advisory, a consultancy specialising in go-to-market acceleration for private equity-backed businesses.
Dave shares his journey from strategy consulting and private equity to founding Coppett Hill, and the principles that underpin the firm's rapid growth. The conversation covers the nuances of working with PE portfolio companies, balancing exit mindset with long-term growth, and why results, not just ideas, are what really matter.
Episode Overview:
[00:21] Introduction
[02:24] What it really means to work with private equity clients
[06:29] How to create step-change impact in private equity-backed businesses
[08:54] Balancing long-term exit plans with short-term focus
[11:43] Navigating relationships between PE funds and portfolio leadership teams
[15:37] The shift from output to outcome - redefining value in consulting
[19:37] How have consulting buyers changed over the last 10–15 years?
[22:42] How the skillset of a strategy consultant is evolving
[26:31] How Coppett Hill is developing junior consultants for the future of strategy consulting
[29:48] What Coppett Hill looks for in graduate hires and early experience
[31:41] What the culture is like at Coppett Hill
[34:05] What graduates can expect from the application process at Coppett Hill
[36:14] What the application process looks like for experienced consultants at Coppett Hill
[37:05] Why Coppett Hill? The elevator pitch for joining the team
[38:52] What is the biggest learning from your career?
[40:26] Do you have any horror stories from your career?
[45:59] What do you know now that you wish you'd known at the start of your career?
A big thank you to Dave for your insights – it was brilliant to have you on the show! Find out more about our guest:
Hosted by Tarka Talent
Tarka Talks is hosted by Tarka Talent, leading management consulting recruitment agency. Find out more about our work and get in touch for support with your hiring needs.