In this episode of Private Equity Spotlight, Sean Mooney, founder and CEO of BluWave, engages Jay Jester, Partner at Plexus Capital, in a revealing conversation. Jay recounts his path from early family business experiences to establishing the business development role within private equity, highlighting the significance of adaptability, strategic relationships, and the human element in navigating the industry's evolution.

Episode Highlights:

• 00:00 - Welcoming Jay Jester and his impact on the private equity landscape.
• 1:18 - The journey from family business to private equity innovation.
• 8:21 - Establishing the business development role in private equity.
• 13:31 - The importance of relationships between private equity firms and investment banks.
• 25:20 - The role of culture and people in driving private equity success.
• 43:59 - Advice to younger self and the value of standard bearers within organizations.

For more about Plexus Capital, visit https://plexuscap.com/.

For more about Jay Jester, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-jester-768108/.

For more Karma School of Business episodes, visit https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/.

In this engaging episode of the Karma School of Business, host Sean Mooney welcomes Conor Grennan, a New York Times bestselling author, Chief AI Architect at NYU Stern School of Business, and CEO and Founder of AI Mindset. Conor shares his journey into the realm of AI, offering insights that make the subject approachable and relatable to everyone. From his initial exploration sparked by ChatGPT to developing an educational framework for MBA students at NYU, Conor's approach to AI emphasizes the human aspect and practical understanding. This conversation is essential for anyone looking to grasp the current influence and future potential of AI in business and everyday life.

Episode Highlights:

• 00:00 - Introduction to Conor Grennan and the transformative impact of AI.
• 02:30 - Conor's unique path to becoming an AI influencer.
• 09:43 - Effective strategies for utilizing AI in business and personal development.
• 12:44 - The significance of shifting our mindset to unlock AI's capabilities.
• 21:59 - Strategies for adapting careers in the fast-evolving AI landscape.
• 34:09 - Insights into the next five years of AI and its business implications.
• 41:17 - Accessing Conor's AI training materials and newsletter.

For more insights from Conor Grennan and to explore his AI training materials, visit ConorGrennan.com. Conor is also active on LinkedIn, where he shares regular updates and thought leadership in AI.

Discover more episodes and insights into the private equity world at www.bluwave.net/podcasts.

Join host Sean Mooney in a special compilation episode of the Karma School of Business, featuring key insights from industry leaders on value creation in private equity. This episode distills wisdom from Carl Press (Thoma Bravo), Suzanne Yoon (Kinzie Capital), John Caple (Hidden Harbor Capital Partners), Erica Blob (Brighton Park Capital Partners), and Eric Hansen (Blue Sea Capital) into actionable strategies for CEOs, CFOs, and founders. Discover what drives investment decisions and how to cultivate value in your company.

Episode Highlights:

• 00:00 - Introduction to the elements of value in private equity.
• 01:55 - Carl Press on leadership and revenue quality.
• 09:22 - Suzanne Yoon on product differentiation and customer focus.
• 17:17 - John Caple on value investing essentials.
• 22:49 - Erica Blob on selecting growth-stage companies.
• 29:30 - Eric Hansen on the importance of diversification and management integrity.

Links:

• To listen to Carl Press's episode, go to: https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/carl-press-thoma-bravo/
• To listen to Suzanne Yoon's episode, go to: https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/suzanne-yoon-kinzie-capital/
• To listen to John Caple's episode, go to: https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/john-caple-hidden-harbor/
• To listen to Erica Blob's episode, go to: https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/erica-blob-brighton-park-capital/
• To listen to Eric Hansen's episode, go to: https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/eric-hansen-blue-sea-capital/

Gain insights into the core elements of value that shape successful private equity investments and learn how to apply these principles to your business.

Join Sean Mooney for a compelling episode of Private Equity Spotlight featuring Pam Hendrickson, Vice Chairman of The Riverside Company and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the American Investment Council. In this episode, Pam delves into her journey within the private equity sector, sharing insights on leadership, the transformative power of private equity, and the importance of strategic vision in fostering growth and resilience in businesses.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction to Pam Hendrickson's journey from aspiring doctor to a pivotal figure in private equity.

10:57 - Clarifying the distinction between private equity and hedge funds, focusing on strategies for long-term growth.

17:24 - Overview of Riverside's support for portfolio companies, including cybersecurity enhancements.

25:31 - Addressing misconceptions: The proactive efforts of private equity in influencing public perception and policy.

31:37 - Succession planning and monetization strategies for businesses owned by baby boomers through private equity.

37:37 - Leadership insights: Pam shares lessons on decision-making and influence, inspired by military principles.

For more on The Riverside Company, visit www.riversidecompany.com.

For more about Pam Hendrickson, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelahendrickson/.

For more about BluWave and this podcast, visit www.bluwave.net/podcasts.

Join Sean Mooney and Troy Phillips from BPOC for an insightful discussion on navigating the private equity landscape. Troy shares his finance-to-PE journey, highlighting the significance of cash flow, human capital, and strategic investment. Drawing from his unique experiences, including collegiate boxing, Troy offers a comprehensive look at BPOC's approach to investments and the critical role of staffing in today's market.

Episode Highlights:

1:07 - Troy's transition from finance to private equity.
5:02 - Emphasizing cash flow's importance in business evaluation.
14:57 - BPOC's strategic focus on human capital and organic growth.
22:06 - Healthcare investment criteria and the impact on PE strategy.
33:45 - Troy's reflections and advice on the value of real-world experience over formal education.

For more on BPOC, visit www.bpoc.com.
For more about Troy Phillips, visit www.linkedin.com/in/troy-phillips-03896a7.
For more about BluWave and this podcast, visit www.bluwave.net/podcasts.

Sean Mooney and Chris Gibson of Compass Group Equity Partners delve into the nuances of private equity, highlighting the significance of cash flow, Midwest values, and the crucial role of people in business success. Chris recounts his path from leverage finance to co-founding Compass Group, sharing insights on the firm's unique approach and the value of hands-on experience in PE.

Episode Highlights:

• 0:40 - Chris's journey into private equity and the formation of Compass Group.
• 5:02 - The pivotal role of cash flow in evaluating business opportunities.
• 10:02 - How Midwest values shape Compass Group's business philosophy.
• 19:57 - Introduction of Compass Guides for portfolio company support.
• 25:31 - The advantage of real-world experience over formal education in PE.
• 33:03 - Chris's perspective on the importance of building strong partnerships and trust.

For more information on Compass Group Equity Partners, visit https://www.cgep.com/

For more information on Chris Gibson, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-gibson-53a0381b

For more information on BluWave and this podcast, visit www.bluwave.net/podcasts

In this episode, Sean Mooney provides an uplifting overview of BluWave's Q2 2024 Private Equity Insights Report. Amidst fluctuating economic conditions, the private equity deal market shows promising signs of recovery, mirroring the broader economic upturn. Drawing an analogy to Nashville's changing seasons, Sean reflects on the cyclical nature of the economy and the private equity landscape. Key insights include the role of limited partners in catalyzing market activity, the significance of a stabilizing economy, and emerging trends in due diligence and sector-specific investments. This episode offers a hopeful perspective on the future of private equity as we navigate through the economic recovery.

Episode Highlights:

• 0:00 - Introduction to Q2 2024's positive trends in private equity.
• 2:31 - Economic indicators pointing to a deal market recovery.
• 6:04 - Analogy of seasonal changes and economic cycles.
• 12:31 - Limited partners' influence on the deal market.
• 17:35 - Observations of increased due diligence and sector-specific investments.

For further details and insights, visit www.bluwave.net/insights-report.

Catch more episodes of the Karma School of Business Podcast at www.bluwave.net/podcasts.

Host Sean Mooney talks with Chris Cathcart of The Halifax Group about his journey from an entrepreneurial family to private equity. They discuss the transformative role of private equity in small businesses and the economy, emphasizing leadership in value creation. Chris shares his guiding principles: faith, family, and Wake Forest, reflecting on the personal values driving his career. The conversation also covers essential traits for successful investments and the significance of investing in people and systems.

Episode Highlights:

• 1:06 - Chris's early inspiration from his entrepreneur father and journey into private equity.
• 10:55 - The impact of private equity on small businesses and the economy.
• 16:02 - Chris's guiding principles: faith, family, and Wake Forest.
• 24:26 - The importance of leadership and complementary teams in successful investments.
• 33:14 - Advice to younger self and the value of patience and perspective in career growth.

For more on The Halifax Group, visit www.thehalifaxgroup.com.

For more information on Chris Cathcart, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-cathcart-82527722

For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to www.bluwave.net/podcasts.