In this episode, Joel Palathinkal chats with Trish Spurlin, a capital allocator with experience at Babson College and in fractional CFO services. They discuss launching and managing investment businesses, career pivots, and the value of risk-taking and trust-building. Trish shares insights on building a CFO consulting business, emphasizing relationships, empathy, and problem-solving. They delve into breaking into private equity and venture capital, essential skills, and the role of networking. The episode wraps up with advice on handling difficult conversations and closing remarks.

(0:00) Launching and managing an investment business

(0:48) Introduction of Tris Spurlin, capital allocator

(1:14) Tris Spurlin's role at Babson College and career background

(4:40) Transition to startup experience and fractional CFO business

(6:26) Career progression at Babson Endowment

(7:10) Career pivots, risk-taking, and building trust

(12:10) Building a CFO consulting business and value-first relationships

(16:49) Empathy and problem-solving in fund management

(19:08) Breaking into private equity and venture capital

(20:19) Essential skills for the investment industry

(23:11) The importance of networking and sales in career growth

(25:49) Team dynamics, motivation, and work culture

(31:45) Industry learnings and professional development resources

(39:12) Learning from hosting a podcast and maintaining LP relationships

(45:02) Investment decision making and team importance

(46:36) Portfolio strategy and performance evaluation

(50:02) Secondary sales and diversification in portfolio management

(52:40) Balancing long-term and short-term strategies in venture capital

(53:27) Communication and critical thinking in fund management

(54:18) Mentor advice on handling difficult conversations

(55:01) Closing remarks and appreciation