Take the Stage

In this episode of Take the Stage and our special series, Ladies Who Rock, we shine the spotlight on Stephanie Park, Director in the PE group at Apogem Capital, to unpack a career path that challenges the norm. From starting in private equity, pivoting to the fashion world, and returning to lead with a fresh perspective, Stephanie shares lessons on leadership, culture, and balancing a high-stakes career with family life.

[02:40] Starting a Career in the 2008 Financial Crisis

Stephanie shares her early days in investment banking, navigating layoffs, low morale, and a tough market.

[06:20] The Leap Into Fashion and Entrepreneurship

Stephanie discusses her decision to leave finance, gain operational experience in fashion, and eventually launch a DTC menswear brand. She reflects on the challenges of running a startup and how this entrepreneurial chapter sharpened her problem-solving and operational skills.

[11:45] Returning to Private Equity Through Impact Investing

A chance reconnection with a former colleague leads Stephanie back to private equity, where she joined a new impact-focused firm. She reflects on the evolving culture in the industry and how her fashion background made her a stronger leader.

[20:45] Cultural Shifts in Private Equity

Stephanie talks about the industry's transition from "bro-y" cultures to more inclusive environments, the influence of ESG and DEI, and how behavior once accepted is no longer tolerated.

[31:50] Navigating Pregnancy and Interviews

Stephanie and Alexis delve into the challenges women face when deciding whether to disclose their pregnancy during job interviews. They explore the societal guilt many women feel, why it’s a personal decision, and how finding the right company culture can make all the difference.

[35:45] Motherhood, Paternity Leave, and Workplace Equality

[46:10] Advice for Professionals in Alternative Investments

Stephanie offers advice for professionals, especially women, on navigating a demanding career by setting boundaries to maintain both professional and personal sanity. She explains how she sets boundaries to balance travel-heavy work demands with family life and provides a real example of what that looks like for her.

Stephanie Park's ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Apogem Capital ⁠Website⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Connect with Alexis Alvarez on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ | [email protected]

Today on Take the Stage, and our special series, Ladies Who Rock, we’re joined by Maude Delice, an Investor Relations and Fundraising professional with a non-traditional career journey. A self-described "recovering entrepreneur," Maude leveraged her background in marketing and communications to forge a successful path into investor relations. In this episode, we explore the vital role IR plays in fund management, the growing importance of diversity within investment firms, and emerging trends shaping the industry. Maude also gives us a preview of the upcoming Raising Diversity in Alternatives Capital event on October 22.

Tune in for this engaging conversation, packed with insights on how diversity and effective IR strategies are key to standing out in today’s competitive market.

Episode Outline and Highlights

[01:30] – Maude shares her background and explains how she transitioned from marketing and branding into investor relations and fundraising.

[03:15] – Maude discusses the crucial role IR plays in fund management success and the importance of having a dedicated team for fundraising efforts.

[04:50] – Raising Diversity in Alternatives Capital Event—Maude introduces the event she’s helping organize, designed to spotlight diverse professionals in investor relations and fundraising.

[07:00] – Maude shares insights into current fundraising trends, including competition in the market and the challenges for LMM and emerging managers.

[09:20] – How strategic branding and communication are shaping the future of IR and fundraising, especially with the growth of private wealth management.

[11:30] – Maude emphasizes the need for a well-structured, modernized IR program to understand and meet LP expectations, leading to fundraising success.

[16:15] – The growing trend of hiring diverse professionals, particularly those with a sales background, and why diversity of thought is critical to innovation in the asset management space.

[20:14] – Maude shares final details about the Raising Diversity in Alternatives Capital event and ways to register.

Connect with Our Guest

Connect with Alexis:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | [email protected]

Today on Take the Stage, we sit down with Genine Fallon, Managing Director of Capital Formation and Investor Relations at Cold Bore Capital, a veteran-founded and led firm that invests in lower middle market businesses with a focus on operational value creation. 

With a career journey as dynamic as it is diverse, Genine offers a wealth of knowledge on pivoting career paths, the value of adaptability, and the unique skills that veterans bring to the business table.

Join us for this inspiring exploration into how unconventional paths can lead to extraordinary outcomes in private equity.

Episode Outline and Highlights

[01:53] Genine walks us through her non-traditional career journey— from her humble beginnings in marine biology to leading roles in marketing and branding.

[05:50] Discover how Genine’s varied career experiences and a project with Cold Bore Capital opened the door to her current role, illustrating the power of adaptability in finding one's niche in private equity.

[10:40] Genine discusses the influence of veteran leadership and operational styles at Cold Boar Capital and how her adaptability has been key in her career shifts.

[12:42] - Genine and Alexis explore the concept of identity and adaptability when transitioning between careers and similarly, to civilian life. We discuss the challenges of maintaining personal identity in professional and personal roles and the pivotal moments of self-realization in Genine's life.

[16:04] Genine delves deeper into her motivations for working at Cold War Capital, her alignment with the firm’s values, and the importance of storytelling in her role.

[18:11] Alexis emphasizes the broader definition of diversity and the importance of including varied life experiences in PE.

[20:34] Genine stresses the need for recognizing the transferable skills of veterans and adapting them to business contexts.

[21:45] The discussion shifts towards the practical steps to support veterans' transition into private equity and the role of narrative in their integration.

[25:45] Genine shares her insights on balancing femininity and assertiveness in leadership, challenging the stereotype that women must emulate male characteristics to be respected in professional settings.

[30:01] Genine breaks down her take on navigating workplace dynamics among women, the confusion between sexuality vs feminine energy, and confronting the 'mean girl' mentality in professional settings.

[33:33] Genine and Alexis explore the insecurities that fuel competitive behaviors among women in the workplace and strategies to foster a more supportive environment.

[36:40] Genine and Alexis discuss the role men play in facilitating or hindering supportive environments for women in business.

[39:00] Genine and Alexis dive into the importance of honesty and politeness in confrontational conversations and the need for both men and women to engage in constructive dialogue to foster inclusive work cultures.

[42:38] Genine shares advice for young women aspiring to leadership roles in private equity, emphasizing resilience, adaptability, and authentic self-representation.

[45:00] Reflections on personal growth, the value of discomfort in professional development, and the continuous journey of learning and adaptation.

[52:00] Genine turns the table on Alexis and asks her what she would tell 24 year old Alexis which turns into a conversation about the importance of authenticity, pushing through insecurities, and not being one's own barrier to entry in achieving success.

Special Mentions

Connect with Our Guest

Connect with Alexis:

Today on Take the Stage, as part of our special series "Ladies Who Rock," we’re shining the spotlight on Jessie Harris. Jessie is a Vice President at TXV Partners, an Austin-based venture capital firm that focuses on the intersection of health, tech, and sports. Her career journey spans from Investment Banking at Barclays to Credit Investing at Blackstone, and now to early-stage investing in companies dedicated to human health and performance. In this episode, Jessie shares insights into her career path, the rise of women's sports, and the sector's shift towards greater gender inclusion and investment.

Episode Outline and Highlights

[1:10] Jessie shares her journey from Southern California to Princeton and Wall Street.

[3:11] Jessie explains her career progression from investment banking at Barclays to private credit at Blackstone, and finally to venture capital at TXV Partners

[11:45] How Jessie discovered her passion for the intersection of health, tech, and sports, leading her to explore venture capital

[14:00] The importance of identifying industries you're passionate about when considering career moves

[16:05] Jessie highlights the value of being open-minded and actively seeking opportunities, building networks, and learning from peers and mentors.

[18:05] The importance of raising your hand and taking opportunities that align with your strengths.

[22:05] Embracing discomfort and overcoming self-doubt in career transitions.

[25:27] Discussing the evolving landscape for women in finance and the progress made in recent years.

[26:41] Addressing challenges and harmful mindsets women face in the sports industry.

[27:38] Navigating tokenism and the crucial role of senior female mentors in finance and their impact on career development.

[30:53] Exploring the growth potential of women's sports and the factors driving increased investment and attention.

[43:44] How venture capital is contributing to improved accessibility and wellness in sports and health tech.

[48:45] Jessie's insights on the power of networking and building confidence for aspiring investors.

Special Mentions

Monarch Collective

Connect with our guest

Jessie Harris's ⁠LinkedIn⁠

TXV Partners | ⁠LinkedIn

Connect with Alexis:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | [email protected]

Today on Take the Stage, we talk to Jarron Smith. Jarron is COO and Managing Director at Zeal Capital Partners, a diverse-founded and led venture capital firm that invests in enduring companies to generate above-market rate returns and impact. With a unique background that defies convention, Jarron brings a fresh perspective to the table, championing the power of diverse management teams and the principles of inclusive investing. Join us as we dive deep into Jarron's journey, explore the transformative impact of Zeal Capital's approach, and uncover the secrets of leading from behind. 

Episode Outline and Highlights

[ 02:04]: Jarron shares his background, from his upbringing in California to his family's move to Texas. He discusses how focusing on academics and athletics led him to the University of Pennsylvania.

[ 04:29]: Jarron talks about his early career from corporate internships starting in high school to EY, and his executive MBA at Columbia.

[ 06:54]: Jarron explains his transition from EY to TIAA, taking on an internal strategy and innovation role and later becoming Chief of Staff.

[ 11:28]: Alexis and Jarron discuss how his experience as a collegiate baseball player shaped his leadership philosophy and approach to business. Key lessons include understanding the balance of power, awareness of the game, competition, self, and role, and regulating emotions.

[ 20:57]: Jarron shares his journey to finding the right executive coach.

[ 30:40]: Jarron explains Zeal Capital's differentiated strategy of inclusive investing and outlines its five pillars.

[ 44:56]: Jarron provides tangible examples of how Zeal's investments have created impact, focusing on the Zeal's portfolio company, Asusu, which has unlocked $22 billion in new credit activity and enabled tens of thousands of people to access mortgages, student loans, credit cards, and auto loans.

[ 52:13]: Jarron offers tactical advice for navigating career changes, including strategically approaching the first 90 days in a new role.

[ 01:03:57]: Jarron discusses the power of being a generalist and developing a broad understanding of what success looks like across an organization.

[ 01:06:16]: Jarron explains the concept of “leading from behind” - setting goals and then applying gentle, consistent pressure to support the team in outperforming. 

[ 01:11:04]: Alexis and Jaron wrap up by reflecting on Zeal Capital's impactful work and Jarron's insightful career philosophies.

Special Mentions

Connect with our guest

Jarron Smith's LinkedIn

Zeal Capital Partners | LinkedIn

Connect with Alexis:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | [email protected]

Today on Take the Stage we are shining the spotlight on Devin Brown, a Venture Capital Associate at TechNexus Venture Collaborative. Devin shares his inspiring journey from a high school athlete with Ivy League dreams to an up-and-coming figure in the venture capital space. He discusses the pivotal moments, challenges, and strategies that shaped his career, offering valuable advice for aspiring investors, especially those from non-traditional backgrounds.

Episode Outline and Highlights
[01:30] Devin discusses his upbringing in Dallas, Texas, and his early ambition to pursue athletics. He shares how he earned an athletic scholarship to attend an Ivy League school, but a significant ankle injury in high school redirected his career path from sports to academics, marking a pivotal moment in his life.

[05:29] Devin recounts his freshman year challenges, including loss of identity and the pivotal advice from his father that helped him refocus on academics.

[10:14] Devin talks about his internships and experiences in finance that solidified his interest in venture capital and private equity, particularly at Koch Industries.

[12:34] Devin details his transition from Deloitte Consulting to West Monroe Partners, highlighting how he acquired essential skills in M&A and PE due diligence during this period.

[15:00] Devin opens up about the grueling application process he faced, applying to over 75 venture capital firms and around 60 private equity firms, only to be met with rejection after rejection. He shares how these repeated setbacks taught him resilience and the importance of perseverance. Through this challenging journey, Devin strategically decided to focus solely on venture capital, channeling his energy and determination to break into the field despite the odds.

[17:28] Devin clearly outlines the differences between private equity and venture capital roles. He explains that private equity requires strong quantitative skills, such as financial modeling and valuation, due to its focus on later-stage, profitable companies. In contrast, venture capital values a broader range of backgrounds, including consulting, tech, and startups, because it deals with early-stage, high-growth startups where diverse skills and experiences are crucial for evaluating potential investments.

[19:51] Devin discusses the concept of “owning his story”. Devin's emphasis on his personal narrative became a powerful tool, showcasing his resilience and determination to potential employers.

[24:37] Devin delves into one of the most impactful pieces of advice he received: the importance of thinking like an investor. He explains how this mindset shift was crucial for his success in venture capital recruiting. Devin shares how embracing this approach helped him overcome challenges and better position himself in the VC landscape.

[27:01] Devin explains the various types of venture capital fellowships and emphasizes the strategic advantage of working with general partners who are in the process of raising their first funds.

[34:15] Devin shares his inspiration to bridge the wealth gap for African Americans through venture capital, driven by insights from the book Why Do White Guys Have All the Fun? by Reginald Lewis.

[36:41] Devin addresses the challenge posed by the friends and family round in venture capital and its significant impact on DEI.

[40:09] Devin emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives in venture capital and the need for targeted solutions to address systemic issues, such as the friends and family funding gap.

[47:09] Alexis and Devin explore the broader implications of DEI and discuss how micro-actions can drive meaningful positive change.

Connect with our guest

Devin Brown's LinkedIn

Connect with Alexis: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | [email protected]

Today on Take the Stage, we are shining the spotlight on Peter Washington. Peter is Managing Director and Head of Originations for The Copia Group, a diverse-founded and led firm that provides debt and equity capital solutions to lower middle-market companies. His journey is marked by over two decades of experience as a credit investment professional at firms such as CapX Partners and the Northern Trust Company. From attending a non-target school to making a name for himself on Wall Street and defying odds after the Great Financial Crisis of 2008, Peter takes us through his journey and shares insight on navigating your career path, diversity in the space, and the importance of work-life balance.

Episode Outline and Highlights

[1:13] Peter reflects on his 23-year journey in the credit and lending business, including experiences with Bank of America, the Northern Trust Company, a 14-year tenure at Cap X Partners, to his current role with The Copia Group.

[6:20] We dig deeper into Peter's early path, from encounters in high school and finance classes at Florida A&M that ultimately drove him to a career in credit and lending.

[13.46] Peter finance journey is marked by key moments: valuing underwriting skills, engaging with clients' stories, and closing his first independent deal in 2013. Witnessing a company's growth from $5M revenue to a public listing in 2019 fuels his passion for finance.

[20:10] Peter describes The Copia Group's focus on underserved borrowers in the lower middle market, its three core beliefs, and their mission to bridge credit access disparities for women and diverse entrepreneurs.

[33:28] Peter discusses how working with leaders who prioritize family values has been invaluable in his career and explains how transitioning from singlehood to family life taught him the importance of a supportive work environment.

[38:13] Peter gives three pieces of advice to the next generation of investment professionals.

[45:34] Peter explains that the journey isn't linear; inflection points shape it. Despite challenges, qualities like quality work, humility, hunger, and self-belief are vital.

Connect with our guest

Peter Washington's LinkedIn

The Copia Group | LinkedIn

Connect with Alexis: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | [email protected]

On this special episode of Take the Stage we are shining the spotlight on Jerry Arteaga and Greg Povenski, two Special Operations Forces vets who were able to successfully forge their paths into private equity following long and decorated careers in the military. Beyond their achievements, Jerry and Greg are advocates for recognizing and integrating veteran skills within the investment sector. They discuss their journeys and efforts to reshape the narrative around veterans in private equity.

Episode Outline and Highlights

[2:12] Jerry discusses his transition from a 23-year military career, including 15 years in Special Operations as a Green Beret, to his current role in private equity.

[7:06] Greg details his transition from early enlistment in the Army and Special Forces to pursuing higher education and a career in finance.

[14:45] Jerry and Greg explain how their military training and experience in Special Operations Forces, characterized by rapid decision-making in high-stakes environments and strategic operations with limited resources, have prepared them for their careers in PE.

[23:07] The discussion pivots to address concerns and stereotypes regarding the potential militarization of workplace teams by veterans. Jerry offers an insightful and powerful response, positioning it as a compelling narrative for veterans transitioning to civilian roles.

[27:57:] Greg shares his journey of leveraging networking to transition, highlighting the challenges and benefits of building connections within the industry.

[31:53] Greg underscores the importance of veterans educating themselves on the empirical evidence that supports the inclusion of veterans in business. 

[34:08] Jerry shares his take on transitioning from military to civilian careers, stressing that veterans must recognize "nobody owes you a job."

[37:34] Reflecting on his role as a lobbyist interacting with Capitol Hill's elite, Jerry explains how this role honed skills invaluable to PE.

[40:14] On veteran recruitment and hiring, Greg gives a clear call-to-action to hiring managers and offers practical advice to firms.

[43:04] Jerry advocates for prioritizing inherent traits over specific skills in hiring decisions, emphasizing, "Hire for traits and train the skill."

[45:40] Greg emphasizes the transformative power of military training, emphasizing that the intrinsic traits and high-level skills veterans acquire in the military are not easily teachable, whereas specific business skills can be taught.

[50:37] Greg touches on Jerry’s opinion regarding “nobody owning you a job” and reflects on the profound sense of obligation he feels towards fellow veterans, driven by the opportunities and support he received during his military service.

[52:36] Jerry articulates a nuanced stance on hiring veterans, emphasizing the value of recognizing professional merits first and veteran status second.

[55:29] Jerry emphasizes the need for veterans and recruiters to demonstrate how military experience translates to the corporate world and advocates for moving beyond the concept of hiring veterans as an act of charity. 

[57:35] Greg counters by framing his support for hiring veterans not as charity, but as informed advocacy, akin to alumni networks.

[59:51] The conversation highlights the lack of specific affinity groups for veterans within the financial sector, compared to well-established networks for other demographics.

Connect with our guests

• Jerry Arteaga’s LinkedIn
• Cold Bore Capital Website | LinkedIn
• Greg Povenski's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Resources Mentioned

• Elite Meet
• 51 Vets
• Veterans on Wall Street
• "The Business Case for Hiring Military Veterans"
• Military Veterans’ Transferrable Skills: An HRD Practitioner Dilemma"

Special Causes

• Green Beret Foundation
• Warrior Mission Ranch

Connect with Alexis: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | [email protected]

Today on Take the Stage and our special series Ladies Who Rock, we are shining the spotlight on Jaclyn Voor. Jaclyn is a skilled operator specializing in portfolio company value creation for private equity clients. With over 10 years of experience, Jaclyn has built a remarkable career, transforming companies and driving exponential value for her clients. From her early days in consulting at EY to her pivotal role as VP of Transformation for a $1 billion Platinium Equity portfolio company, Jaclyn's expertise in portfolio company value creation is unique. Her passion led her to establish her own independent consulting business focused on portfolio company transformation and value creation.

Episode Outline and Highlights

Jaclyn Voor's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

JV Transformation Advisors ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with Alexis Alvarez on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | [email protected]

This is Part 2 of our Take the Stage episode with Matan Feldman.

Matan is founder and CEO of Wall Street Prep, a global full-service financial training firm providing self-study programs, instructor-led training and e-learning services to investment banks, financial institutions, and Fortune 1000 companies.

In Part 2, Matan reflects on the transformative journey of Wall Street Prep since the 2008 crisis and its impact on the finance industry.

Episode Outline and Highlights

[01:52] - Matan discusses the impact of the 2008 financial crisis on Wall Street Prep and how they adapted.

[03:42] - He touches on how they expanded from a single program into a comprehensive suite of financial education offerings and the strategic approach they took to cater to corporate clients while shifting towards digitization. 

[12:16] - Matan’s realization that Wall Street Prep is becoming a “real” business marks a turning point, as they begin to define themselves as a format-agnostic content company and begin investing in technology, hires, and building capabilities to deliver content both in the classroom and digitally. 

[14:15] - This commitment to delivering high-quality content in both digital and classroom formats led to a slow but steady growth trajectory and positioned themselves for bigger wins in the corporate sector. 

[23:43] - Matan shares his thoughts on how Wall Street Prep has transformed the finance industry by providing equal opportunities for individuals to break into competitive careers and thereby leveling the playing field when it comes to removing barriers that existed before.

[24:35] - While he takes pride in Wall Street Prep’s role as an equalizer, enabling anyone, regardless of their program, academic background, or school reputation, to learn and thrive in the industry, Matan also questions whether Wall Street Prep has made recruitment interviews harder.

[26:08] - Looking ahead, their vision is to become the go-to resource for all finance careers, bridge the generational divide, and meet the evolving needs of learners in a rapidly changing industry.

[31:25] - Matan wraps up by discussing Wall Street Prep's mission to go beyond being a mere signaling mechanism. As industries evolve, including the influence of AI and data, Wall Street Prep remains focused on the end user and ensuring their products deliver tangible results.

Special Links:

This career-focused program combines the institutional knowledge from the world’s leading business school with the practical skills approach of the private equity industry's leading training provider.

⁠Wall Street Prep & Wharton Private Equity Certificate Program⁠

Connect with Matan Feldman

Matan Feldman on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Wall Street Prep ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with Alexis Alvarez

Alexis on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Alexis on email [email protected]