What does it take to build a value-creation engine that scales across portfolios, empowers CEOs, and blends purpose with performance?

In Episode 27, host Linnea Jungnelius sits down with Tory Ramaker, Senior Partner and Co-Head of Vistria PRG, LLC ("Portfolio Resources Group") at The Vistria Group, one of the private-equity industry’s most forward-thinking operating leaders.

From founding the PRG from the ground up to re-engineering how portfolio teams drive transformation, Tory shares what it really means to create impact in essential industries — where financial returns and societal outcomes go hand in hand.

For Operating Partners, CEOs, and investors alike, this conversation breaks down the next generation of value creation, grounded in partnership, empathy, and disciplined execution.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to architect a portfolio operations model that bridges strategy and execution

• Why management ownership, not investor direction, determines success

• The playbook for aligning boards, sponsors, and CEOs around one value-creation plan

• Why the best portfolio leaders blend consulting rigor with real operating experience

• The leadership balance between autonomy and accountability that builds lasting trust

Timecodes

00:00 Intro

00:15 Guest Introduction: Tory Ramaker, The Vistria Group

00:54 Early Lessons in Resilience and Adaptability

02:26 Learning to Influence: From Data and Logic to Empathy

07:13 Building the PRG: Founding Vision and Early Model

08:04 Evolving the Model: From Generalists to Functional Specialists

09:51 Portfolio Priorities: Technology, Talent, and Finance

11:06 Hiring Strategy: Product-Minded Tech Leaders and PE-Proven CFOs

11:45 Next-Gen Operating Talent: Consulting Rigor Meets Operating Experience

13:00 Operating Model Shift: Fewer Companies, Deeper Engagement

14:33 Value Creation Planning: It Must Be Management’s Plan

15:14 Execution and Measurement: Defining Success Metrics

17:03 Integrating Impact: Embedding Purpose into Value Creation

19:00 Partnering with CEOs: Building Trust and Candid Collaboration

21:03 Leadership Alignment: Autonomy with Accountability

22:35 Co-Investment Collaboration: Clarity and Over-Communication

23:46 Change Leadership: Applying AI and Data to Transformation

26:42 Capacity Discipline: Forced Scarcity and Strategic Resourcing

29:15 Leadership Standard: Autonomy with Accountability

31:39 Human Capital Playbook: Assessments, Coaching, and CEO Readiness

36:20 Leadership Evolution: EQ Over IQ

38:19 Lightning Round: Personal Reflections

Resources:

Tory Ramaker:

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/tory-ramaker-a077141/

Linnea Jungnelius:

LinkedIn: https://⁠www.linkedin.com/in/linneajungnelius

⁠X: ⁠https://x.com/itslinnea⁠

Explore the Podcast:

Spotify: ⁠https://acertitu.de/tory-ramaker-spotify-podcast

Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://acertitu.de/tory-ramaker-apple-podcast

⁠Blog: ⁠https://acertitu.de/tory-ramaker-blog⁠

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