Take the Stage

Today on Take the Stage, we are shining the spotlight on 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. This is part one of a two-part episode where Matan takes us on a journey through the early years of his entrepreneurial venture. From his experiences in investment banking to the inception of Wall Street Prep, Matan shares the challenges, inspirations, and pivotal moments that shaped the company's path.

Episode Outline and Highlights

[03:24] Matan shares his journey through M&A and sell-side equity research to the decision of starting Wall Street Prep.

[07:59] While working at JP Morgan, Matan realized the need for a resource he wished he had when entering the industry. He reflects on his time at Boston U and how his exposure to finance and investment banking didn’t come until a study abroad experience his junior year. Matan describes the challenges of understanding the industry jargon and the lack of accessible resources, which in turn, inspired his vision to simplify and demystify the technical skills needed for finance careers.

[12:04] Matan details his initial vision for Wall Street Prep, which was focused on an eight-week program akin to a Kaplan-style LSAT prep, targeting college students interested in investment banking. Matan explains the barriers that existed in accessing knowledge and mentions his desire to break these unnecessary moats and signaling mechanisms that existed in the industry. 

[17:37] Matan explains his bold career move and the reactions of his family and friends when he tells them of his entrepreneurial desires.

[22:27] Matan explains that the first year was dedicated to creating content and building the program without market validation or proof of concept. He describes how he spent long hours developing the materials, drawing from his work discipline gained in investment banking. He also shares the grassroots efforts to promote his program that yielded minimal success.

[25:15] Matan shares how his marketing strategy shifted with the arrival of Google AdWords which helped him learn valuable marketing lessons during this phase, including the importance of global advertising for a global product.

[28:50] Matan shares how he learned his lesson about pricing and positioning and reflects on the moment he realizes Wall Street Prep’s growth potential.

[34:53]  Matan reflects on a crucial transition in his life as revenue started flowing in and how the focus became about expanding offerings and building Wall Street Prep's reputation, while navigating the challenges that come with being a small, unknown company.

[38:13]  Matan addresses the credibility obstacles they faced as a small business and discusses how demand from finance clubs for their innovative self-study approach allowed them to overcome objections and showcase the practical relevance of their program. 

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]

Today on Take the Stage, we are shining the spotlight on Patty Fernandez Moore. Patty is a Senior Associate at Lightspring Capital Partners, a lower middle market PE firm that targets majority equity investments across various industries. She began her career in the Valuation & Business Modeling group at EY before completing her MBA and joining JP Morgan's Investment Banking Group in Chicago. She also happens to be a mother of a toddler and helps to dispel the myth that women cannot successfully balance motherhood with a career in private equity. In this episode, Patty opens up about her experiences, offering insights for women who struggle with the age-old question, "Can women really have it all?"

Episode Outline and Highlights

[01:45] Breaking the mold - Patty shares her journey of embracing motherhood while working as an Investment Banking Associate and how she "broke the mold" to prove that it is possible to thrive in both roles.

[08:10] Patty recounts her experience on what it was like to interview and participate in her recruitment processes while pregnant and the surprisingly positive experience it turned out to be.

[10:50] Finding the right culture fit is important to everyone when recruiting and Patty shares how she approached this as an expectant mother. She offers advice on just how to navigate recruitment processes and encourages women to pursue their career aspirations.

[13:03] The joys and challenges of being a working mom are endless, but Patty has found joy in unexpected places. Becoming a mother has given her the critical and invaluable ability to set boundaries, something she wishes she had done earlier in her career. She also cites forging deeper connections with other women and reveling in what she calls the sisterhood of motherhood.

[18:10] Patty concludes the episode by offering heartfelt advice to women considering a career in private equity and answering the question "Do women over overthink this too much?

Patty Fernandez Moore's ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠

Lightspring Capital ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠

Connect with Alexis Alvarez on ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ | [email protected]

Today on Take the Stage, we are shining the spotlight on Emily Yin. Emily is an Analyst at Avante Capital Partners, the largest women-owned private credit firm in the SBIC industry. She is primarily responsible for investment due diligence but also works on other impact initiatives, including a junior women’s network and student mentorship through Avante’s diversity internship program. Emily graduated with a bachelor’s degree in global health and previously worked in biotech and pharma. She is passionate about the intersection between finance and social impact, particularly in healthcare equity and women’s health. 

Episode Outline and Highlights

1:45 Emily enlightens us with her fascinating, non-traditional background that includes Global Health and little exposure to the world of private equity.

5:00 Emily explains what drove and attracted her to the space. With a network that didn’t include the investment banking/PE crowd, but with guidance from mentors, Emily approached it by spreading a wide net.

9:05 Emily talks about the qualities or experiences that were instrumental in her breaking into PE and how she overcame the steep learning curve by taking initiative and using her non-traditional background to her advantage. Mentors and the right attitude played a big part, too.

15:05 Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable was key to Emily's success. Emily understood that it wasn’t about having all the answers but asking the right questions. Understanding that it’s an apprenticeship business, shadowing VPs, learning different methods and styles, bringing in a new perspective and knowing there are several ways to reach an outcome were factors in overcoming the overwhelm.

18:11 Emily explains the unique Avante internship program. Few internships offer women / minorities / non-finance profiles a program to explore if they would be interested in pursuing PE roles without currently possessing the technical chops or traditional profile.

20:02 Emily discusses the Avante junior women’s network, her desire to foster a supportive community for young women as they advance in their careers while increasing diversity throughout the industry, and the types of events they hold. 

32:02 Emily drops golden nuggets regarding female talent, balancing family (either managing when to have children or balancing the “partner track”) and how it doesn’t need to be a choice between personal or professional.

35:20 Emily offers advice to women who see it as a choice between family and work. She’s both conscious and grateful her firm bucks the trend but recognises it hasn’t always been that way, isn’t at every firm, and that there’s still much to do.

39:45 Emily shares her take on the negative feelings associated with networking and shares several platforms, including regional and cultural professional groups. She talks cold reach outs, moving past feelings of rejection, and most importantly, how to build your tribe.

Emily Yin's LinkedIn

Avante Capital Partners Website | LinkedIn

Connect with Alexis Alvarez on LinkedIn | [email protected]

Today on Take the Stage, we are shining the spotlight on Rocio Heres. Rocio is the Managing Director at AltamarCAM Capital Partners where she is currently co-head of the New York office and a member of Altamar’s 10-person US investment team. She has led an extensive number of deals in the US, Latin America, and Europe, focusing on GP-led restructurings in the LMM. Originally from Northern Spain, she has been residing in New York for the past six years.

Episode Outline and Highlights

[1:00] Rocio walks us through her international career that spans three countries - Spain, Chile, and the United States. After five years with Altamar, and upon the successful setup of a new office in South America, she was moved to NYC to open Altamar's first US office where she currently serves as MD.

[4:30] Being a foreigner, a woman, and a non-native English speaker, Rocio discusses living outside her comfort zone and overcoming those challenges. She attributes it through work ethic and effort, the need to work harder and longer.

[10:00] Reflection time! Rocio looks back at the start of her professional career and with the benefit of hindsight offers what she would have changed - avoid self-limiting beliefs, be more confident, work hard and be patient!

[12:45] What does being named in Next Gen Leaders of Secondaries (2021 list), which spotlights the 20 most influential people (and being one of only 20 women and the only MD listed) mean to Rocio? Humbled and honored by the recognition which proved her hard work, she didn’t expect it even though she aspired to be included on it.

[15:00] What would it take to increase the number of women on similar lists in the future? Rocio details that by looking at past lists, the trend is already apparent and trending upward. She also thinks that by supporting female talent, be it candidates or colleagues, will help ensure that no one feels alone as she once did. More flexibility will also help. Lastly, women should understand that they are deserving and finance positions are for them, too.

[18:00] Is there a misconception by women of work life and personal life balance within PE? Rocio thinks it’s misunderstood and that it does exist.

[20:15] Rocio’s take on diversity within the PE space - more and more investors are asking for it. Having diversity within investment teams makes them stronger and allows for better investment decisions. It’s becoming more important and LP’s already have in mind that they should support diversity.

Rocio Heres' LinkedIn

AltamarCAM Capital Website | LinkedIn

Connect with Alexis Alvarez on LinkedIn | [email protected]

Today on Take the Stage, we are shining the spotlight on Ashley Kooyenga. Ashley's career starts with the financial downturn of 2008 and takes her through a series of rapid growth promotions that culminate in her current role with a lower middle-market family equity firm. Her path is peppered with pivots, recalibrations, and even a year-long pause. From investment banker to Director of healthcare leveraged finance at 28, a one-year long sabbatical to travel the world, and now as Director of Business Development for McNally Capital, Ashley shares her take on the most important attributes for finding success, the importance of following your gut feeling, the power of mentors, and more.

Episode Outline and Highlights

[1:00] Ashley walks us through her career that started out amidst a looming financial crisis. Within her career journey she explains her motivations for making the decisions she made and ultimately what drove her to embark on a year long travel-the-world tour. She adds plenty of flavor while explaining her trajectory and decisions made through her advancement. 

[6:00] Ready for goals and structure, Ashley returns home to pursue her long held desire to work for a healthcare operator which leads to a jump back into PE, this time at the firm level.

[10:40] Giving credit where credit is due, Ashley says some of the most important attributes for finding success are: 1) detecting the right team and accompanying support system; 2) being a hard worker and asking the right questions (because the real answers aren’t found in textbooks but rather in the people around you); and 3) taking initiative to make yourself available and being helpful towards others.

[18:00] Golden nugget takeaway time: by trying to do the right thing, listening to your gut and putting the power of leveraging mentors front of mind, the effort/work you do becomes all the more meaningful.

[24:00] How did Ashley’s year abroad make her a better professional? It grounded her and provided an opportunity to take a pause and put things into perspective in terms of being able to add value no matter the path you are on. For her, this was built around relationships and people, creating trust and being helpful.

[30:00] Ashley describes the favorite aspect of her work: that magical matchmaking moment in the beginning of a new business relationship when she realizes that her firm is the perfect partner to the acquisition company to help them keep growing.

Ashley Kooyenga's Bio and LinkedIn 

McNally Capital Website | LinkedIn

Important Causes to Ashley

Connect with Alexis Alvarez on LinkedIn | [email protected]

Today on Take the Stage, we are shining the spotlight on Sam Ory. Sam started her career with a degree in Design from Parsons The New School For Design. Your read that right! So how did Sam parlay her fashion degree into a successful career in PE as founder and General Partner of Ouroboros Group? We touch on confidence, leveraging different professional experiences, and turning perceived "deficits" into advantages.

Episode Outline and Highlights

[1:00] Sam the fashion major explains her path to becoming Sam the finance and PE professional.

[4:30] From Morgan Stanley to grad school, where she really dug into the buy-side of finance, a move into a hedge fund, followed by another into more traditional private equity and finally into entrepreneurship after buying out her first company, Sam captivates us with her intriguing career journey. Buckle up, it's a doozy!

[8:25] It's Ouroboros time, baby! Sam explains what's behind the unique name of her company and the authenticity and proprietary deal sourcing that sets them apart.

[13:30] Sam responds to whether being a young, female founder has helped or hindered her and how the Covid-era work from home environment has worked to her advantage.

[17:20] The defining moment - reflecting on that "breakthrough moment" or event when she knew she had "made it," Sam shares her perspective on gaining confidence in herself, being comfortable saying she doesn't have the answer or know something, and how it plays into the cycle of trust.

[21:00] Sam nails her last question! "What is the most important trait or strength one needs to have to succeed in your job?" Besides requiring a lot of quantitative and qualitative maturity, stamina and pattern recognition, as well as soft skills such as sales leadership and candor speaking with stakeholders, and not only wearing multiple hats, but being ok with it, performing flawlessly and executing strategically, what it really boils down to is having multiple jobs and experiences and pulling from that pattern recognition. BOOM! Yeah it does...

Sam Ory's Bio and Contact Info

Sam Ory is the General Partner at Ouroboros Group, a private investment firm specializing in middle market corporate acquisitions and operations. She has led two deals to closing over the past year with Ouroboros in both the contract manufacturing services and consumer services sectors. Prior to Ouroboros Sam was on the investment team at Generation Equity Capital where she was active in sourcing, evaluating and executing on investment opportunities as well as developing investment theses across various sectors. Sam received her BBA in Design & Management, Summa Cum Laude, from Parsons The New School For Design and an MBA from Brandeis University.  

Connect with Sam Ory

Sam on LinkedIn

Ouroboros Group Website | LinkedIn

Connect with Alexis Alvarez

Alexis on LinkedIn

Alexis on email [email protected]

Today on Take the Stage, we are shining the spotlight on Michelle Lewis. From a Fine Arts degree to Principal at The Capstreet Group, Michelle's career path is all but ordinary. We discuss how she was able to turn her non-traditional background into a career in PE and also touch on personal topics familiar to many working parents, such as "Mom guilt", family dynamics, and turning "being the only one" into opportunity.

Episode Outline and Highlights

(1:15) Michelle enlightens us about how she moved from a Fine Arts degree to a career in private equity. Michelle identifies with 3 distinct phases as she reflects on her career: 1. Why not? --> a yearning for new experiences, a curious mindset and pursuit of learning and trying new things; 2. Getting a seat at the table --> pursuing an MBA and pivoting into the world of restructuring/M&A; 3. Making a conscious effort AGAIN to always learn something new --> started a new chapter within private equity.

(7:35) Did you ever have a fear of failure? Michele possesses the same "common denominator quality" as all high performing rockstars: The mentality of, "Although I might not know exactly what I am doing, I can figure it out and I'm up to the task."

(10:10) Michelle explains what the phrase, "To whom much is given, much is expected" means to her values-driven family and her belief in the importance of giving back.

(15:35) Harnessing her web of influence, Michelle explains the involvement of her childrens' friends in their acts of kindness and the impact it brings.

(18:00) Michelle discusses how she makes the family dynamic work. How she and her husband balance their executive careers and relationship. She explains her experience with "Mom guilt", the importance of letting go of your own expectations, and being ok with imperfection.

(7:00) Michelle offers advice for any woman who will be "the only woman (or man, or mother, etc) in the room", by turning around the focal point and looking at it through a different lense. Instead of viewing it as the only one at the table, one should look at it as an opportunity and privilege for that person to be in that spot and to shine and illustrate the greatness of it.

Michelle Lewis' Bio and Contact Info

Michelle Lewis is a Principal and investment committee member for a lower middle-market private equity firm in Houston. She oversees origination for the firm's investments in industrial distribution and services, software, and tech-enabled businesses. Over the course of her career, she has successfully closed several billion in cross-border public and private transactions from the Texas panhandle to Kazakhstan and been involved in many more. And most recently, she was named to Kayo's Top 21 in 21 Texas Dealmakers List.

Michelle on LinkedIn 

The CapStreet Group Website | LinkedIn

Important Causes to Michelle

GenerationServe Houston Website

CareerSpring Website

Connect with Alexis Alvarez

Alexis on LinkedIn

Alexis on email [email protected]

Today on Take the Stage, we are shining a spotlight on Deana Morrow, whose impressive track-record spans 20 years of executive leadership, M&A, corporate development and investment banking experience. From a Physics and Aeronautical Engineering graduate to CEO of a gourmet food manufacturing company to Managing Director of an award-winning M&A consulting firm, Deana’s career path is fascinating and all but ordinary. 

In today’s episode, we discuss how she got where she is today, the importance and lifelong benefits of mentorship, and her advice for women looking to pave their path in business.

Episode Outline and Highlights

(1:48) Deana walks us through her “off-the-beaten-path” career. She explains how her love for science and business led her to the industries she’s worked in and why she always ends up coming back to M&A.

(3:13) Deana discusses what her experiences in male dominated industries have taught her. Key takeaways being the importance of both confidence and intuition, especially when you find yourself as the only woman in the room. Deana and Alexis share some great insights for anyone starting off their careers and looking to develop those qualities.

(7:37) Deana reflects on the most impactful decisions and factors that shaped her career and the power of mentorship.

(12:51) How has your approach to business and your career shifted with age? (i.e. in your 20’s, your 30’s, etc.) Deana describes how she now sees her career in a wave-like rather than linear fashion, what that means, and the value of “growing” in a new pot of soil, so to speak.

(16:21) Deana shares her advice to women in male dominated industries, both figurative and tactical. Moral of the story: take control, make your own path and don’t be afraid to ask for what you want!

Deana Morrow Bio and Contact Info

Deana has 20 years of experience in executive leadership, mergers & acquisitions, corporate development and investment banking. She is the former President and CEO of Torn Ranch, a luxury CPG company based in Sonoma, California. Prior to Torn Ranch, she led M&A and due diligence efforts for BAE Systems and was a technology investment banker with Credit Suisse. She lives in the Bay Area in California.

Deana on LinkedIn

Align Business Advisory Website | LinkedIn  

Resources Mentioned/Highlighted

Clear Star Advisory Website

Torn Ranch Website 

Connect with Alexis Alvarez

Alexis on LinkedIn

Alexis on email [email protected]

In today’s episode, we are shining a spotlight on Elisabeth Wadsworth. Elisabeth has spent the last 15 years working within finance, investment banking, hedge funds and PE. A true NYC powerhouse, Elisabeth discusses her non-traditional journey from political science major to high-impact board advisor. Beyond her exciting career journey, we cover entering the workforce amidst financial downturn, the importance and value of stewardship and building high impact teams, and fostering D&I, in and out of the board room. Throughout the episode, Elisabeth and Alexis offer lots of great insight and wisdom from both personal and professional perspectives, applicable to professionals at any stage of their careers.

Episode Outline and Highlights

(1:57) Elisabeth discusses her career journey and transitions along the way. She goes from business school, investment banking, portfolio management, to being a trusted investor and board director, with many twists and turns. She also touches on her passion for governance, and investing from a human capital perspective.

(3:30) How important is timing when it comes to opportunities and leaving for a new role?

(5:50) Elisabeth and Alexis share their thoughts on networking. Elisabeth discusses the importance of advocating for networking, natural ways to connect with others and shares how it has shaped her career. “Once you detach from the desired outcome, at the end of the day, networking is just a conversation. One conversation can lead to a lifetime of conversations.” - yes!

(9:57) Elisabeth describes the most impactful events or factors that shaped her career progression. Graduating from Wharton at the start of a major economic downturn threw a wrench in millions of recents grads' career plans. Elisabeth used it to her benefit. She's also an advocate for business school, especially for those coming from non-traditional backgrounds, like herself.

(16:35) Elisabeth shares her definition of success. For her, it’s all about the team, and enabling others to be great.

(22:06) What does “Beyond Diversity and Inclusion” mean to you? Elisabeth and Alexis share their opinions, initiatives and “a-ha” moments in regards to D&I.

(32:02) In your opinion, how can one be a champion of D&I at an individual contributor level? Elisabeth discusses the importance of self-education, challenging assumptions and engaging in meaningful conversations.

Elisabeth Wadsworth Bio and Contact Info

Elisabeth Wadsworth is an investor, board member, and writer. She’s also an avid reader and self-described urban enthusiast. Elisabeth has spent 15 years working in finance, from investment banking to hedge funds to private equity. She’s served in a variety of roles, including portfolio management and board advisory. In her most recent role, she is an Advisor at Palingen Capital, a lower middle market evergreen firm.

Elisabeth on LinkedIn

Palingen Capital Website | LinkedIn

People and Resources Mentioned/Highlighted

Friends of the Children - A nationwide organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of generational poverty through salaried, professional mentoring. 

Women of Consequence - Chanel Dokun

Connect with Alexis Alvarez

Alexis on LinkedIn

Alexis on email [email protected]

Networking - It's an ever so important term that many feel a needlessly uncomfortable amount of dread towards. To many, the words “daunting,” “awkwardness” and “intimidating” also come to mind. Alexis chunks the process of networking down into manageable and simple mini-steps. She offers 4 pieces of advice that are simple for anyone to implement. These tips will help you to jumpstart your relationship building. After all, there's a lot of truth behind the saying, "your network is your net worth."

Episode Outline and Highlights

Connect with Alexis on LinkedIn

[email protected]

www.career-rockstars.com