Brilliant People Podcast

As Founder & CEO of WestRiver Group—a thematically driven investment platform that funds and builds companies across the global innovation economy, and Vice Chairman of Topgolf Callaway Brands, Erik has led and scaled some of the most iconic and forward-looking brands in sports, tech,and entertainment. Under his leadership, Topgolf became a globalphenomenon, reimagining how people connect through play. He's also a recognized visionary at Singularity University, where he helps organizations embrace exponential technologies to tackle complex global challenges.

Ram Charan, world-renowned business advisor, has spent decades inside boardrooms guiding CEOs and leadership teams through transformative decisions. Fortune calls him "the most influential consultant alive," and for good reason - his insights on leadership, strategy, and talent development have shaped the course of global businesses. Joining him in conversation is Kevin O'Neill, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Acertitude, a firm dedicated to unleashing human potential through executive search. Together, they delve into the forces shaping today's business landscape and what separates great leaders from the rest.

From professional basketball to private equity, Rob Delaney's journey is as diverse as it is impressive. Now Managing Director at Carrick Capital Partners, a growth-oriented investment firm, he is laser-focused on helping entrepreneurs scale their software and tech-enabled services companies, with a keen eye on the payments space.In this dynamic episode of the Brilliant People Podcast, Rob joins host Linnea Jungnelius, Global Head of Marketing & Strategy at Acertitude, to unpack: -Focusing on the critical few factors that move the needle in business-Building unshakable trust with management teams-Carrick's value creation playbook, showcased through DailyPay's meteoric rise-The role of artificial intelligence in private equity and portfolio companies-Maintaining peak performance and keeping your “monster" in check

Mark Fiske, seasoned marketeer and master of digital, is Operating Partner and Head of Digital Transformation at H.I.G. Capital, one of the largest and most influential private equity firms in the middle market, managing $65 billion in capital across a portfolio of over 100 companies. In his role, Mark drives the digital transformation strategy and co-leads the Generative AI practice, partnering with portfolio management to accelerate value creation. Before making his mark in PE, Mark led the marketing teams at fast-growing powerhouse brands like Ancestry and Credit Karma. In our latest episode of the Brilliant People Podcast, Mark joins host Linnea Jungnelius, Global Head of Marketing & Strategy at Acertitude, to explore: -The evolution of the operating partner role and its impact on growth -Proven marketing strategies for driving scale and success -Navigating the shifting landscape of the modern CMO -Harnessing Generative AI as a powerful tool for value creation

Ben Humphreys is a Senior Operating Executive at Monomoy Capital Partners, a private investment firm focused on the middle market. The firm recently closed Fund V, exceeding its initial $1.6 billion target to close at an admirable $2.25 billion. Ben has journeyed through many of the world's elite organizations, including investment firms like BlackRock and Cerberus along with enterprises like General Electric. Leveraging rich experience as both operator and operating partner, Ben takes a hands-on approach to partner with portfolio management and transform companies at Monomoy. On this episode of the Brilliant People Podcast, Linnea Jungnelius, Global Head of Marketing & Strategy at Acertitude, sat down with Ben to share his toolkit approach to value creation. The show covers Ben's strategic frameworks for organizational change, recruiting winning leaders, building strong partnerships, and what allows him to show up and be his best self.

Jerry Hughes is the Director of Commercial Excellence at American Securities, a leading private equity firm in the U.S. with $27 billion in committed capital. With typical equity investment ranging from $300-700 million, Jerry has the exciting remit of scaling sizeable industry players and capturing market share. With a career that's revolved around the persistent pursuit of growth, Jerry has the tested ideas and tools that strengthen sales and marketing capabilities – and achieve business results. On this episode of the Brilliant People Podcast, Linnea Jungnelius, Global Head of Marketing & Strategy at Acertitude, was priviledged to sit down with Jerry to share some of those with you. The show also covers the American Securities approach to value creation, Jerry's views on the big value unlock of AI in sales, and what inspires him to work and live life to the fullest.

Dominic is Managing Director and Head of Digital & AI at Bridgepoint, Europe's leading middle-market growth investor with €43 billion euro of assets under management. As part of the Operational Support Group, he is a force for advancing digital, dispersing collective wisdom, building brands, and driving growth.

David Acharya is the Managing Partner of Acharya Capital Partners, a New York City-based PE firm that buys and grows lower middle market companies. He discovered his passion for the independent sponsor model after progressing over 25 years as a private equity investor with a fund, and investment banker on Wall Street, thriving in the pace of change, alignment, and impact that he's able to bring forth. David also serves on the Board of ACG Global, the community for middle market deal-making.

Over the last 20 years, Farhan shaped and pioneered some of the most visible and successful digital transformations in the consumer and financial sectors, holding leadership positions with Ahold Delhaize, McDonald's, Bank of America, and Target. As chief digital officer of Ahold, he cracked the code on digital change for its 20 brands. It's no surprise that when Ahold acquired FreshDirect, he was asked to serve as interim CEO and pivoted the company from survival mode to growth mode. Farhan took the private equity plunge in 2021, today an operating partner at BayPine, a private equity firm with an unrelenting focus on modernization that invests in core-economy, market-leading businesses. His rare vantage point from holding roles as Operating Partner, CEO, and Chief Digital Officer give him an edge in delivering digital capital and guiding portfolio leaders.

Tiffany Lopinsky, alongside fellow co-founders Harry Rein and Chris Tinsley, set out to change the influencer marketing space in 2020. Their vision: craft a revolutionary tool for the creator economy – ShopMy. Already, they have grown its network to over 40,000 creators and 300 brand partners, signing on renowned beauty brands like Tatcha, Dior, and Elemis and retailers like Nordstrom, Nike, and Lululemon. Recently, they secured $18.5 million in funding, which they are now using to innovate product features, attract even more brands to the platform, and build the team to support its strategic investments.

Ben Gaw embraces the chance to address complex challenges head on, approaching them with passion, grit, and determination. His pursuit of unleashing organizational potential is fueled by a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of leadership and operational excellence. This conviction is the cornerstone of his distinguished career in the private equity industry.

Daniel Perry is an energized revenue leader who, time and again, has been the driving force for scaling companies and delivering successful exits. The challenges he tackles are as varied as his approaches to solving them, whether collaborating with portfolio companies to dramatically scale their productivity, provide capacity to their go-to market teams, or help accelerate revenue growth.

Jason Ojalvo has a knack for spotting trends that others don't see, and a willingness to bet big on those beliefs, often swimming against the tide. That lens has shaped his 25 years as a leader, all focused on digital entertainment and disruptive innovation.

Russell Findlay, a distinguished marketing leader, has shaped some of the most identifiable brands over the last three decades, Major League Soccer, IHOP, and PepsiCo among them. Unlike most, his success traverses sectors. He's left an imprint on industries as diverse as CPG, food & beverage, sports & entertainment, and financial services. While there's no “one-size-fits-all” answer as to how Russell has repeatedly scaled billion dollar brands, his commitment to nurturing the next generation of marketeers is a prevailing theme.

Jeff Sloan has risen through the ranks and the worlds of fintech, private equity, and investment banking. In his role as CEO of Global Payments, these experiences led Jeff to get on the radar as one of the most innovative leaders in the fintech space. He led the company through a remarkable transformation from conventional payment enterprise into a global technology trailblazer.

Marc Jourlait is passionate about taking broken things and making them whole again. A serial CEO and private equity operator, his career weaves a compelling narrative of transforming shattered ambitions into resounding success stories, reigniting both performance and pride in people.

Jack Callison, CEO of Sunrise Senior Living, is leading the evolution of the senior living industry by championing the cross-section between personalized health care and hospitality. Jack joined the Brilliant People Podcast for a conversation on how he made this possible with Rick DeRose, co-founder and managing partner at Acertitude. Read on for Jack's mission behind transforming the organization, his lessons for building resilience during sudden disruption, and his scorecard for successful executive leadership teams. For more leadership insights, follow us on Instagram @Acertitude and visit us at Acertitude.com. Questions or comments? Want to be featured on the show? Email Stephanie Giunta, Marketing Director, at sgiunta@acertitude.com.

Chris Quinn, CEO of iDesign, is in an enviable spot. When the average American has an estimated four of your company's products in their household — even if they don't realize it — it's fair to say your brand is successful. Chris helped iDesign reach that ubiquitous level and emerge as a dynamic leader in the global housewares and organizational products market in more than 100 countries. He joined Acertitude's Brilliant People Podcast for a conversation with Partner Geoff Votta, who leads board and C-suite searches for the firm's consumer practice. Here, Chris reveals the strategies he uses to drive record-breaking growth; the qualities he seeks in high-performing team members; and where he draws inspiration as a leader. For more leadership insights, follow us on Instagram @Acertitude and visit us at Acertitude.com. Questions or comments? Want to be featured on the show? Email Linnea Jungnelius, VP, Marketing & Strategy, at linnea@acertitude.com.

Dr. Drew Pinsky, known nationally as “Dr. Drew,” is a globally recognized media personality, board certified internist, and addiction medicine specialist, dedicated to helping people improve their lives. His unique leadership experience sits at the rare intersection of medicine (he still treats patients!) and media. He's explored different broadcasting avenues since the 90s, from radio to reality TV to Tik Tok Q&As, known for Loveline, Celebrity Rehab, Teen Mom, and more. From serving patients at the height of the AIDS epidemic, to leading a successful medical practice, to directing Las Encinas Hospital's Chemical Dependency Services, Dr. Drew's passion for tackling tremendous life challenges head-on is unparalleled and inspiring. Following an instinct for what the public needed at a moment in time, his varied journey has always aligned with one belief: the secret to a good life is serving others. Dr. Drew sat down with Acertitude Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Kevin O'Neill, for a candid conversation about how leaders, their teams, and their communities can thrive emotionally and mentally – during a global pandemic, and every day. For more information, follow us on Twitter @Acertitude and visit us online at Acertitude.com. Questions or comments? Want to be considered as a podcast guest? Email Linnea Jungnelius, vice president of marketing and strategy at linnea@acertitude.com.