Topics: How to Free Up Leadership Bandwidth The Power of Mission, Vision & Values Pitfalls in Implementing The Management System ...and so much more. Top Takeaways Want more freedom? Get more structure and discipline. Many founders resist structure, fearing it will slow them down. In reality, a well-defined system brings clarity, accountability, and autonomy. As an SMB founder, Michael knows firsthand that clear roles and a problem-solving framework allow companies to move faster and focus o...
Mar 06, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 131
Topics: How to Avoid Mid-Career Burnout Confusing Activity with Productivity Building Mental Resilience Through Endurance ...and so much more. Top Takeaways Write your own eulogy to reframe success. Professionals often hit a mid-career plateau where work feels less fulfilling. Kevin shares practical exercises to help reframe your purpose. One standout is the "Tombstone Exercise": write what you'd want on your tombstone or in your eulogy. This helps separate transactional accomplishments from tra...
Feb 20, 2025•2 hr 35 min•Season 1Ep. 130
Topics: Why PE Should Hire Veterans Navigating the Challenges of Growing Companies How Mentors Play a Role in Breaking into PE ...and so much more. Top Takeaways What do your company and a brontosaurus have in common? As businesses grow, founders often struggle with transitioning from generalist roles to more focused leadership. Professor Carter Cast’s HBR article describes the Dinosaur Diagnostic that uses the brontosaurus' long neck to illustrate the growth curve. This diagnostic helps you pin...
Feb 13, 2025•39 min•Season 1Ep. 129
Topics: 2025 US Economic Outlook Transparency in Managing Investor Money When Hesitation Costs More Than Failure ...and so much more. Top Takeaways “First loss, best loss” — why smart investors (and leaders) know when to cut bait . Know when to cut your losses and move on fast. One of Sal’s main investing principles: first loss, best loss. He never doubles down on or gets emotionally attached to a losing investment. If the market signals he’s wrong, he exits. The same goes for leadership—ho...
Feb 06, 2025•47 min•Season 1Ep. 128
Topics: Common Challenges for CEOs How to Empower Teams to Take Ownership Having an Athlete Mindset in Business ...and so much more. Top Takeaways Adapt skills to scale. In the early days, success often comes from being hands-on and wearing multiple hats. But as the business grows, Jared points out that leaders need to evolve their skill sets and shift focus from execution to strategy. It’s not always easy to let go of control, but if you don’t, you risk becoming the bottleneck in your own busin...
Jan 23, 2025•53 min•Season 1Ep. 127
Topics: Challenges for Emerging Managers Outreach & Pitch Deck Best Practices How to Develop a Competitive Edge ...and so much more. Top Takeaways Make resilience a core part of your fundraising strategy. With liquidity bottlenecks from stalled exits and fundraising timelines now stretching to 24 months, emerging managers need to manage expectations internally and externally. Liz advises setting realistic goals, communicating transparently, and fostering a partnership mindset within your tea...
Dec 19, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 126
Topics: Hurdles for Emerging Managers Role of Team Continuity in Fundraising How to Time Global Outreach ...and so much more. Top Takeaways Invert the problem to build a stronger story. Ray mentions Charlie Munger’s inversion technique as a powerful tool to reveal blind spots in your storytelling. It works by flipping the question you’re trying to solve: instead of asking, "How do I raise the fund?" ask, "What would make investors say no?" The answers might include unclear data, a strategy...
Dec 05, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 125
Topics: Business Growth Strategies Equity-Based Incentives to Retain Top Talent How to Delegate as a Leader ...and so much more. Top Takeaways Establish a "North Star" vision to guide your growth strategy. Instead of trying to expand in all directions at once, grow by adding services in adjacent areas that complement your core offerings. This approach positions you to serve clients more comprehensively without spreading your resources too thin or diluting your brand. Doug emphasizes that a clear...
Nov 21, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 124
Topics: Transitioning Into Your First Fund The Importance of Due Diligence Choosing the Right Partner ...and so much more. Top Takeaways Stay resilient and purpose-driven when raising your first fund. Raising a fund is challenging, with a high rejection rate. Jim and Doug emphasize the need for persistence, confidence, and experience from deal-by-deal fundraising. Equally important is a clear “why.” Independent sponsors must convey their mission and unique value to stand out to investors i...
Nov 07, 2024•21 min•Season 1Ep. 123
Topics: How to Find Success in PE Revenue Streams for Independent Sponsors Strategies to Scale a Team ...and so much more. Top Takeaways Flexible and purpose-built capital is key. Investors should provide independent sponsors with flexible capital solutions that support, rather than control, their operations. Michael shares how Align Collaborate embodies this approach, building a collaborative partnership where the independent sponsor is the lead decision-maker. Smart scaling starts with the rig...
Oct 24, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 122
Topics: Balancing Stress in Franchising How Private Equity Influences Growth The Role of Data in Decision-Making ...and so much more. Top Takeaways Letting go of control and trusting your team. Leadership, especially during challenging moments, requires composure rather than reacting with stress or panic. Kim reflects on her experience as a first-year CEO, sharing how panicking when things go wrong can affect the entire team. She learned that staying calm, even in tough situations, lead to clear...
Sep 26, 2024•51 min•Season 1Ep. 121
Topics: Exploring the Benefits of PE Building Your Team for Success Insights for First-Time Franchisees ...and so much more. Top Takeaways Advice on selling your business. Reflecting on his experience with Stretch Zone, Tony stresses the importance of seasoned advisors. Their guidance was crucial, allowing him to concentrate on daily operations. He highlights the value of investing in a strong team and advisors, as they are key to a successful sale. Tony also emphasizes patience and ...
Jun 27, 2024•36 min•Season 1Ep. 120
Topics: The importance of partnerships as an entrepreneur. Core values and their impact on your business Reimagining leadership ...and so much more. Top Takeaways Partnerships play a vital role in entrepreneurship. Reflecting on years of experience, Pardis shares a key insight to avoid 50/50 arrangements. Instead, focus on aligning goals, respecting each other, and defining clear roles. Ego can block teamwork; success comes from relying on experts and working together. Entrepre...
Jun 20, 2024•51 min•Season 1Ep. 119
Who should listen? Finance professionals, entrepreneurs, and investment bankers. Topics: The rise in personal LinkedIn posts Long-term effects of investing in teams Intentional Hiring Practices ...and so much more. Top Takeaways “People crave personal connection through posts.” Jordan and Marc discuss the importance of personal posts on LinkedIn. Marc recounts how sharing more about himself led to a surge in positive feedback and a stronger sense of community. Posting personal ...
Jun 13, 2024•56 min•Season 1Ep. 118
Who should listen? Founders, Operators, and PE Firms. Topics: The Importance of Human Capital Benefits of Difficult Conversations Understanding Founder's Goals ...and so much more. Top Takeaways Human capital management and value creation go hand in hand. In private equity, understanding the significance of human capital is just the beginning. The ability to turn that awareness into action will set your PE firm apart. Investing in human capital helps navigate diverse teams, driving i...
Jun 06, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 117
Who Should Listen? Franchise Owners and Operators, Managing Partners, and Business Owners. Topics: The Differences Between Private Equity Buyers The Value Diverse Management Teams Bring The Challenges and Complexities of Turnarounds in Franchising ...and so much more. Top Takeaways “One of the common misconceptions is that they're all the same,” Alicia explains the pros and cons of the different types of private equity buyers, emphasizing that the value of an offer for your business ...
May 30, 2024•51 min•Season 1Ep. 116
Who Should Listen? Credit lenders, Managing Partners, Investors, and RIA’s Topics: Factors and Complexities Within the Current Market Challenges That RIA’s Face The Future of Private Credit ...and so much more. Top Takeaways “The market has been more dynamic over the last six months than over the last six years.” Jordan, Aaron, and Joe dive into the dynamic nature of the present market landscape They point out that the lenders struggling today might be different from the ones struggling in...
May 23, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 115
Who Should Listen? Aspiring Investment Bankers, Young Bankers, and Investment Bankers. Topics: The Importance of Adaptability Career Fulfillment Pros & Cons of Working Remote ...and so much more. Top Takeaways "The most successful teams are those who adapt to changes in the market and the market opportunity." Teams that are true to their mission but adapt to market shifts can become durable, long-term value creators. Learning how to adapt is difficult and uncomfortable, but havin...
May 16, 2024•54 min•Season 1Ep. 114
Topics: The Value of Anchor Fund-of-Funds Inside-Out Fundraising The Importance of Storytelling ...and so much more. Top Takeaways 90% of groups fail to raise a second fund after launching their first. To overcome the difficulty in the market. Chris emphasizes the importance of evaluating your team's experience and reputation, along with understanding economic factors to determine the support needed for your first and second funds. Focus on building a core network of trusted su...
May 02, 2024•32 min•Season 1Ep. 113
Topics: Discovering Your Purpose Lessons from His Dad Franchise or Start-Up: Which Way to Go? ...and so much more. Top Takeaways What is your “why”? As chairman and CEO of Lawn Doctor, spanning over 650 locations, Scott has the opportunity to travel the world and experience all of the different cultures of their franchisees. Connecting their narratives of life ambitions and goals with those of Scott’s father has anchored, he was able to find his personal “why” and fuel his dedication. Lessons fr...
Apr 18, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 112
Topics: Who is ready for a fund in this market? How do I build momentum during fundraising? What are the Do's and Don'ts in fundraising decks and first meetings? ...and so much more. Top Takeaways Strategies for Differentiation. There's no shortcut to experience in this space. Showing up to meetings with findings is important, but showing theories while backing them up with an explanation and story will set you apart. Liz states how you can differentiate yourself by connecting with a management ...
Apr 11, 2024•36 min•Season 1Ep. 111
Topics: Value Creation Operating Systems Trends in Healthcare & Life Sciences ...and so much more. Top Takeaways Careers aren’t always a linear journey. Staying open to unexpected opportunities, prioritizing meaningful connections, and personal fulfillment allow you to navigate life with more flexibility. Matt advises young professionals to embrace unpredictability in their career paths, recommending a focus on strengths, motivations, and building relationships rather than fearing that their...
Apr 04, 2024•57 min•Season 1Ep. 110
Topics: Transitioning from tech to doggy daycares Partnering with Pet Resort Hospitality Group, a PE-backed pet boarding and daycare platform Taylor’s journey with sobriety ...and so much more. Top Takeaways Embracing sobriety. Taylor and Jordan’s conversation about alcohol and addiction emphasizes the importance of recognizing unhealthy habits and looking for balance in life. Transitioning from relying on alcohol for relaxation and celebration to embracing sobriety led Taylor to a more fulfilli...
Mar 28, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 109
It currently costs up to $500,000 per dose for stem cell therapy. Applied StemCell is going to change that. In this episode of Investors & Operators, Jordan speaks with Ruby Tsai , CEO and Co-founder at Applied StemCell, for a fascinating discussion on stem cells and how her partnership with a private equity firm - QHP - is taking ASC to the next level. Together, they discuss: How ASC is revolutionizing gene editing Current Cell Therapies Partnering with QHP ...and so much more. Top Ta...
Mar 21, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 108
In this episode of Investors & Operators, Jordan sits down with Kim Smith , Chief Capital Formation Officer at Andalusian Credit Partners, to discuss her new role and dive deeper into her personal story. Together, they discuss: Her Dad’s Journey Kim’s Personal Health Scare Investing Time with Veterans ...and so much more. Top Takeaways Time is more valuable than money. Kim and Jordan stress that time holds greater value than money. While financial assistance is great, the time spent with vet...
Mar 14, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 107
In this episode of Investors & Operators, Jordan sits down with Chris Antonello , Owner and Operating Partner at Plexus Capital to discuss the different aspects of deal creation, offering his insights and advice to those looking to either secure capital or structure deals. Together, they discuss: Types of Operating Partners Professionalizing a Company Value Creation After a Deal ...and so much more. Top Takeaways Where am I going? Where do I want to be? When talking about the key questions a...
Feb 29, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 106
In this episode of Investors & Operators, Jordan sits down with Scott Abbott , CEO of Five Star Franchising . After launching 20 companies, selling 11, and expanding Five Star Franchising from 50 to 800 locations in less than 3 years, Scott has become an expert in all aspects of franchising. In this episode, Scott joins Jordan to discuss the different dynamics of achieving business success while also balancing their roles as CEO and father. Together, they discuss: Emotions from Selling...
Feb 15, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 105
In this episode of Investors & Operators, Jordan sits down with Jeanne Hecht , CEO & Executive Chairwoman of Lexitas . With over 25 years of professional experience, Jeanne brings a wealth of knowledge in all things life science, pharma, and healthcare IT. In this episode, she shares the invaluable lessons she’s learned during her tenure as a board member of 17 diverse companies. Together, they discuss: The Management System’s Impact Lessons in Team Management A Board Member’s Role...
Jan 25, 2024•22 min•Season 1Ep. 104
In this episode of Investors & Operators, Jordan sits down with Fred Malloy , Managing Director of Harken Capital . Fred Malloy, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Harken Capital, has over 15 years of experience in private equity and raising funds I through III. In this episode, he walks us through his background at Harken Capital and everything about first-time funds and emerging managers. Together, they discuss: First-Time Funds Fundraising Do’s and Don’ts First-Time Funds Fun...
Jan 11, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 103
On this episode of Investors & Operators, Jordan sits down with Caroline Young , CEO & Founder of Craftsbury Consulting . With 20+ years of private equity experience, Caroline has been a driving force in hundreds of successful exits. In this podcast, she walks us through her extensive career in private equity and shares how she transitioned that experience to found Craftsbury Consulting. Together, they discuss: Career Development Advice to Women in Finance Management Presenta...
Dec 14, 2023•45 min•Season 1Ep. 102
