Podcast appearances and mentions of alex rawlings

Description: In this episode of The Private Equity Podcast, Alex Rawlings sits down with Ben Claremon, Partner at Devonshire Partners, a lower middle-market PE firm investing in micro and nano-cap businesses. Ben shares insights into why PE firms overlook small public companies, how microcap investing presents unique opportunities, and why a hedge fund mindset can be valuable in private equity. He also discusses the challenges of deal competition in the lower middle market, mitigating risks in microcap investments, and how Devonshire builds long-term relationships with business owners.Breakdown:[00:00] Welcome back to The Private Equity Podcast. Today, Alex speaks with Ben Claremon, Partner at Devonshire Partners, focusing on micro and nano-cap investments.[00:30] Ben's journey from real estate and hedge funds to private equity.[01:00] Devonshire's investment focus: $2M–$10M EBITDA, founder/family-led businesses.[01:27] The crowded lower middle market and increased deal competition.[02:25] Why PE firms ignore small public companies and why they shouldn't.[03:48] The lack of institutional capital in microcap public equities—an overlooked opportunity.[05:16] Public vs. private small businesses—why public companies often have better governance.[07:07] Devonshire's hybrid approach: investing in public companies with a private equity mindset.[09:00] How Devonshire builds relationships with microcap companies for long-term deals.[10:28] Risks and challenges in microcap investing—and how Devonshire mitigates them.[12:19] Why small public take-private deals are underexplored by PE.[14:16] Devonshire's screening process to filter out high-risk investments.[16:10] Generalist vs. Specialist Investing—how Devonshire balances both.[19:31] Lessons Ben brought from hedge funds into private equity.[21:57] Ben's podcast recommendations: Capital Allocators, Invest Like the Best, and his own Compounders Podcast.[30:04] Connect with Ben:

Welcome back to The Private Equity Podcast, by Raw Selection. In this week's episode, Alex Rawlings speaks with Cari Lodge, a seasoned investor with 25 years in private equity secondaries. They explore the market's rapid growth from $2 billion to $160 billion, the increasing need for liquidity, and how secondaries optimize portfolio management. Cari discusses GP-led secondaries, continuation funds, and the market's evolution, offering key insights into future opportunities in this space. Breakdown: [00:00] Introduction to the episode and guest, Cari Lodge, Managing Director and Head of Secondaries at CF Private Equity.[00:28] Cari's background, her start in secondaries, and how the market has expanded from $2 billion to $160 billion.[01:45] Common mistake in private equity: Holding assets too long. How increasing holding periods from 5.7 years to 6.7 years impacts returns.[03:34] Why firms miss exit opportunities. The importance of DPI and how delaying exits can lead to the same returns years later.[04:29] Explanation of secondaries for newcomers. The role of LP secondaries, GP-led solutions, and the growing demand for liquidity.[06:53] The benefits of secondaries for investors, including diversification, shorter duration, and strong IRRs and ROIs.[08:49] Demand for GP-led secondaries, continuation funds, and LP transactions. How secondaries are now part of active portfolio management.[10:42] The future of secondaries. Market expected to grow from $160 billion to $200–220 billion in 2024, but constrained by capital and human resources.[12:33] Challenges holding the market back. Capital constraints, lack of resources, and evolving perceptions of secondaries.[14:21] Why Cari loves the secondaries market. Exposure to 1,200+ private equity funds, constant evolution, and a collaborative industry.[17:12] Key trends in private equity. The impact of higher interest rates, valuations, and the growing focus on liquidity solutions.[20:32] Secondaries' role in providing liquidity. Now contributing 15–20% of total private equity liquidity.[22:28] How secondaries adapt to market cycles. Benefits in both up and down markets, shifting from a distress play to a mainstream strategy.[23:22] Cari's recommended reads: The Economist, Private Equity Analyst, and What It Takes by Steve Schwarzman.[25:14] How to reach Cari Lodge. Best contact method: LinkedIn.[25:45] Closing thoughts. Recap of insights and encouragement to subscribe to The Private Equity Podcast.Thank you for tuning in! Connect with Cari here. To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.

Welcome Back to another episode of the Private Equity Podcast, In this episode, Alex Rawlings sits down with Tracie Kelly, Director of Marketing at Exellere Partners, to explore the evolving role of marketing within private equity firms. Tracie shares insights into how marketing contributes to deal origination, firm differentiation, and relationship-building with investment bankers, founders, and advisors. She also discusses the increasing importance of internal marketing functions and how private equity firms can leverage branding to stand out in a competitive market.Breakdown:[00:00] – Introduction to the episode and guest, Tracie Kelly, Director of Marketing at Exelir Partners[00:31] – Tracie's background: 20+ years in private equity marketing and origination[01:30] – The common mistakes PE firms make regarding technology adoption[02:36] – The role of marketing in private equity firms vs. traditional deal origination[03:51] – How Tracie's firm integrates marketing with deal sourcing[05:35] – Tracie's journey into private equity marketing and how she shaped the role[07:04] – How KRG Capital (now Mountain Gate) grew from $200M to $2.5B[08:27] – Why private equity firms should consider hiring internal marketing professionals[09:57] – Marketing's role in brand awareness and differentiation in private equity[10:54] – Current market conditions: Post-2021 deal flow and valuation challenges[11:51] – The future of private equity: What to expect in Q2, Q3, and beyond[12:20] – Tracie's book and podcast recommendations for professionals[14:15] – The challenge of diversity in private equity and encouraging women in the industry[16:41] – Why Tracie loves working in private equity and the dynamic nature of investments[18:06] – How to connect with Tracie Kelly (LinkedIn: Tracie Kelly at Exelir Partners)[18:35] – Closing remarks and thank you for tuning inThank you for tuning in!Connect with Tracie HereTo get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.

Welcome to The Private Equity Podcast by Raw Selection, hosted by Alex Rawlings. Brent Burnett, Head of Infrastructure and Real Assets at Hamilton Lane, shares insights on infrastructure growth, key trends, and the 2025 outlook. Tune in for a deep dive into its role in PE. Breakdown:[00:00] Welcome to the Raw Selection Private Equity Podcast with host Alex Rawlings and guest Brent Burnett, Head of Infrastructure and Real Assets at Hamilton Lane.[00:30] Brent shares his background in infrastructure investing and career journey.[01:22] How Brent's experience in real estate and industrial assets shaped his focus.[02:17] Brent's role in launching a real assets fund and joining Hamilton Lane.[03:06] Growing interest in infrastructure investments and Hamilton Lane's outlook for 2025.[03:59] Increasing allocations to private infrastructure in both private wealth and institutional sectors.[04:56] Infrastructure's role in AI, energy transition, and supply chain optimization.[05:48] Interest rate impacts on infrastructure investments and risk classifications.[07:10] Core plus and value-add infrastructure offsetting interest rate pressures through growth.[08:07] How secondary market pricing and asset valuation have adjusted.[09:29] Breaking down valuation trends in power, transportation, telecom, and environmental assets.[09:57] Data centers and renewable energy—hot sectors with valuation risks.[10:53] Renewable energy valuation trends and cautious investment approaches.[11:48] Stable valuation trends in other infrastructure sectors.[13:14] Political impact on infrastructure investing, including policy shifts in the US and UK.[14:11] Infrastructure growth drivers—data telecom and renewable energy.[15:09] Challenges in expanding data center capacity, including power and water constraints.[15:39] Role of renewable energy tax credits in US policy and investment strategy.[17:02] Historical renewable capacity growth under different US administrations.[18:27] Low likelihood of drastic policy changes affecting renewable energy investments.[20:18] Fundraising challenges and market dynamics in infrastructure.[21:20] Expectations for improved fundraising conditions in 2025.[22:43] How difficult fundraising conditions benefit co-investment strategies.[23:11] Brent's positive outlook for deal flow in 2025 and accountability joke.[23:39] Alex highlights Raw Selection's executive search services for private equity firms.[24:07] Hamilton Lane's evergreen funds expanding access to private infrastructure investments.[24:35] Benefits of infrastructure investments—income, appreciation, and diversification.[26:54] Brent shares his favorite books, podcasts, and influences.[27:21] Recommended business podcasts, including Dry Powder and In Good Company.[27:49] Interest in psychology and behavioral economics through Hidden Brain.[28:49] Books Brent is reading: Atomic Habits, The Comfort Crisis, and Empire of the Summer Moon.[30:41] A mix of professional and entertainment reading for learning and growth.[31:08] How to connect with Brent on LinkedIn for further discussions.[32:02] Closing remarks and thanks to listeners of The Private Equity Podcast. Thanks for listening! Connect with Brent Burnett hereSubscribe on iTunes or Spotify. For questions, email alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.  

Welcome back to The Private Equity Podcast, by Raw Selection. Host, Alex Rawlings speaks with John Dahlgren, VP of Talent at SBJ Capital, about the growing role of internal talent in private equity, portfolio hiring strategies, and using talent partnerships to generate deal flow. John shares insights on hiring trends, common mistakes, and how SBJ Capital optimizes talent operations for long-term success.Breakdown: [00:00] Introduction to the episode and guest John Dahlgren. Overview of hiring trends in PE firms and portfolio companies.[00:29] Rising demand for operating partner talent and how firms can develop a structured hiring approach.[00:59] John's journey from executive search to private equity, his role at SBJ Capital, and their investment focus.[02:22] PE firms sometimes push beyond their core mandate. The importance of patience and focusing on strengths.[04:48] Why internal talent functions are critical. Managing over 45 searches across 12 portfolio companies in a year.[06:46] How SBJ Capital partners with investment professionals to refine hiring criteria and streamline recruitment.[09:11] Building trust with portfolio executives to ensure hiring aligns with their company's needs.[11:15] The importance of hiring PE-experienced executives with adaptability and strategic leadership skills.[13:36] Acting faster on hiring mistakes and recognizing early signs of a mis-hire.[14:46] The cultural impact of hiring at the fund level and promoting from within.[17:16] Using industry experts to source deals via the Origination Partner Program.[19:38] The program has sourced 50-100 deals in 18 months, contributing to SBJ Capital's deal pipeline.[21:11] Working with former CEOs and advisors to generate proprietary deal flow.[23:08] Recommended reads and podcasts: The Catalyst by Jonah Berger, ParkerGale's PE Funcast, and SmartLess.[25:29] How to connect with John via LinkedIn or email.[27:20] Final thoughts on diversifying deal sourcing and ensuring strong talent strategies.[27:50] Closing remarks and call to action to subscribe.Thank you for tuning in!Connect with John here.  To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.

Welcome to The Private Equity Podcast, by Raw Selection, hosted by Alex Rawlings. In today's episode, Jordan Burton shares his expertise on hiring, training, and evaluating executives. They discuss common mistakes private equity firms make when hiring portfolio executives, how to improve interview techniques, and the critical role of structured assessment. Jordan also covers the importance of preparing for interviews, aligning stakeholders, and ensuring a thorough evaluation process.Breakdown: [00:00] Introduction to the episode and guest Jordan Burton. Overview of hiring and interviewing in private equity.[00:28] The importance of preparation before an interview. Defining the role clearly and aligning expectations among stakeholders.[01:26] The biggest hiring mistakes in private equity. Why many firms fail to achieve more than a 30% success rate in portfolio hiring.[02:52] Understanding your role in the hiring process. Avoiding generic questions and ensuring structured, targeted assessments.[04:20] How to create an effective scorecard. The value of assessing current leadership strengths and defining key success traits.[06:15] The impact of investor dynamics on hiring success. Recognizing patterns in successful executives and adapting selection criteria accordingly.[07:42] Why “been there, done that” is a flawed hiring approach. Focusing on upward trajectory and capability over past roles.[09:05] The importance of structured note-taking during interviews. Ensuring consistency in feedback and preventing redundant questioning.[11:00] How curiosity and active listening improve interviews. Creating a strong rapport to uncover valuable insights.[12:30] Balancing assessment with selling the opportunity. Tailoring your pitch based on the candidate's motivations and priorities.[14:54] What truly differentiates a PE firm in hiring. How to stand out beyond compensation and equity offers.[17:21] The role of portfolio executives in recruiting. Leveraging their experience to attract and evaluate top talent.[19:49] Why most private equity investors are never trained in interviewing. Steps firms can take to develop better hiring processes.[21:41] How to ask better interview questions. Moving beyond hypothetical questions to uncover real insights.[24:02] Identifying red flags in executive candidates. Evaluating openness, honesty, and past performance patterns.[27:25] The importance of conducting rigorous reference checks. Selecting the right references and verifying past performance.[30:20] Post-interview best practices. Consolidating feedback and structuring hiring decisions effectively.[35:50] The final hiring decision. Aligning stakeholders and ensuring a structured decision-making process.Thank you for tuning in!You can connect with Jordan Burton on LinkedIn by visiting his profile here. To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com

Welcome to The Private Equity Podcast, by Raw Selection. Today's guest is Jeff Wigle, Managing Director at Banyan Capital Partners, a lower-to-middle market private equity firm based in Canada. Jeff shares insights on transitioning portfolio companies from founder-led to data-driven decision-making, leveraging technology, and managing cultural change during these shifts.Breakdown:[00:00] Jeff Wigle discusses his background, Banyan Capital Partners, and his experience transitioning portfolio companies to data-driven decision-making[00:29] Jeff's background from accountant at Ernst & Young to private equity leader, including serving as CEO of a portfolio company at age 31[02:26] Building an evergreen private equity model with the importance of long-term holds and avoiding rushed investment theses[04:22] Common private equity mistakes including rushing transformations, breaking culture, and short-sighted strategies[05:48] Banyan's approach focusing on long-term value creation, rebuilding foundations, and avoiding premature integrations or expansions[07:31] Lessons from being a CEO with the critical importance of having the right people in the right roles[08:52] Characteristics of top performers including clarity, consistency, transparency, and alignment with investor and business goals[10:16] Transitioning to data-driven decision-making by addressing founder-led systems and building scalable processes for growth[11:43] Challenges of upgrading systems with balancing inward focus during upgrades with market opportunities[12:42] Investing in systems and data by upgrading technology to generate actionable insights and improve decision-making[14:09] Starting with manual processes by using limited data to identify profit drivers and inefficiencies before implementing systems[16:05] Managing resistance to change by evolving culture carefully with executive buy-in to avoid breaking businesses[17:41] Leveraging IT consultants and internal resources with strategies for implementing and managing technology upgrades[20:59] Early steps with artificial intelligence including using AI for coding fixes, dynamic pricing, and operational efficiencies[23:22] AI and dynamic pricing with AI to manage large customer bases and product catalogs efficiently[24:50] Staying competitive with AI and how larger businesses lead adoption, but smaller firms must act to avoid falling behind[27:44] AI at the private equity level with AI for research and data compilation, but still validating results manually[29:10] Recommended reading Scaling Up by Vern Harnish, Grit, Good to Great, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, and Switch[31:00] Podcast recommendations Business Breakdowns, In Good Company, and Michael Lewis's podcast[32:26] Connect with Jeff via the Banyan Capital Partners website for contact details[32:55] Closing thoughts with Alex Rawlings thanking Jeff for sharing his insights on data-driven decision-making and cultural change in private equityTo be added to the book waitlist, you can email alex.offer@raw-selection.comThank you for tuning in! Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn here.  To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com

Welcome back to The Private Equity Podcast, by Raw Selection. Our host, Alex Rawlings is joined by Sanjay Chandra, Managing Partner of Trinity Investors, a Private Equity firm based in Texas. Sanjay brings decades of experience as an operator, entrepreneur, and private equity investor. In this episode, we explore how he scaled businesses from single-digit EBITDA multiples to double-digit exits, his unique journey from operator to investor, and Trinity's focus on domestic manufacturing and industrials.Breakdown: [00:29] Sanjay shares his journey from immigrating to Texas as a child, excelling academically, and starting his career at Arthur Andersen before transitioning into entrepreneurship.[01:58] Founding American Leather, growing it into a $300–$400 million business with 1,600+ employees.[03:24] Sanjay discusses the founding of Trinity Investors, growing it into a $7 billion AUM alternative asset manager, and the firm's focus on operating companies and commercial real estate investments.[07:17] Reflecting on mistakes in private equity, Sanjay emphasizes the importance of exiting troubled investments quickly and shares how Trinity has adjusted its processes to respond to challenges more decisively.[09:46] Sanjay explains how his experience as an operator helps him empathize with founders and better understand the challenges they face in the lower middle market.[11:42] Advice for private equity professionals without operational experience: spend time on the shop floor, listen to management teams, and immerse yourself in the business beyond financial reports.[13:08] Sanjay highlights Trinity's focus on domestic manufacturing in the U.S., explaining why the firm prioritizes single-digit entry multiples with growth potential through operational improvements and strategic investments.[16:04] Insights from growing American Leather: the value of patience in scaling companies, focusing on steady growth, and the compounding benefits of later years in business.[19:29] Sanjay discusses the challenges of implementing infrastructure, upgrading management, and transitioning companies to professional operations, emphasizing the importance of respecting founders' knowledge and contributions.[22:55] Sanjay shares his passion for mentorship, explaining how he invests in the growth and development of leaders across Trinity's portfolio companies and his philanthropic initiatives.[25:21] Sanjay talks about his love for lifelong learning, mentioning his recent exploration of AI and continuous efforts to stay at the forefront of technology and innovation.[28:38] How to reach Sanjay via email or LinkedIn, along with his openness to connecting with new people and sharing his insights.[29:37] Closing remarks from Sanjay, reflecting on his journey and the value of entrepreneurial experiences, followed by Alex thanking him for his time and insights.To be added to the book waitlist, you can email alex.offer@raw-selection.comThank you for tuning in! Connect with Sanjay on LinkedIn here or via email at sanjay@trinityinvestors.com. To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com

Welcome to The Private Equity Podcast, hosted by Alex Rawlings. Today's guest is Seth Auld, VP of Portfolio Management and Deal Origination at Kompass Kapital. Seth shares his insights on building LP relationships, raising capital effectively, and the importance of sector specialization.Breakdown;[00:00] Introduction to Seth Auld and the episode's focus on LP relationships and capital raising.[00:29] Seth's journey from running a family business to private equity, including roles in banking, consulting, and Fortune 500 agribusiness.[03:14] Key mistake: Firms lack focus and fail to define a niche. Seth emphasizes sector specialization, strong operating partners, and avoiding transactional relationships.[05:36] Seth's approach to relationships: Be genuinely curious, ask questions, and build trust. He recommends How to Win Friends and Influence People.[08:45] Importance of narrowing a niche and involving full-time, deeply engaged operating partners with relevant experience for target company size.[11:09] What appeals to LPs: Strong track record, operating partner alignment, and financial commitment to the fund.[13:58] Better LP engagement: Build relationships during the current fund, offer co-investment opportunities, and avoid transactional outreach.[14:58] The challenge of direct outreach to family offices and the value of referrals, conferences, and relationship-building over cold solicitations.[17:21] Closing the right deal: Avoid deal fatigue, revisit your original thesis, and maintain discipline. A broad deal pipeline ensures better options.[20:38] Seth's influences: Wall Street Journal, FRED economic data, trade magazines, and AI developments.[21:07] Connect with Seth on LinkedIn for further insights.To be added to the book waitlist, you can email alex.offer@raw-selection.comThank you for tuning in!Connect with Seth on LinkedIn here. To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com

Welcome back to The Private Equity Podcast by Raw Selection, hosted by Alex Rawlings. Today's guest is Richard Neff, a proven operator and operating partner with decades of experience in private equity and a 25-year career at GE Capital and GE Healthcare. In this episode, Richard shares insights into the investor-operator relationship, the importance of infrastructure, and lessons learned from GE's legendary playbook for growth and transformation.Breakdown; [00:00] Reflecting on 2024 and looking ahead to 2025.[00:28] Introduction to Richard Neff: His background in healthcare, tech-enabled services, industrial services, and 25 years at GE.[00:57] One common private equity mistake: Over-ambitious plans versus focused execution.[02:17] What typically moves the needle in $20M revenue businesses: Human capital and growth initiatives.[03:38] Key areas private equity firms can better align with portfolio executives.[04:36] The gap between evaluators (investors) and doers (operators): Surprises post-acquisition.[06:29] The infrastructure gaps often missed: Sales team depth, product development, and capability issues.[07:53] Why infrastructure and capability investment is underestimated and often delayed.[09:21] Richard's experience at GE Capital: A private equity-style approach to business building.[10:49] How GE executed a structured playbook for M&A, growth, and cultural integration.[11:45] Lessons from managing hyper-growth businesses pre- and post-financial crisis.[12:44] Richard's key takeaways from GE:The value of a structured 100-day plan.Building global networks and talent development.Creating a sense of belonging and shared purpose.[14:36] Applying GE's lessons to smaller portfolio companies: Building camaraderie and engagement.[15:35] The power of networking within private equity portfolio companies.[16:58] Why private equity firms often miss the value of connecting their C-suite leaders.[18:26] Richard's influences: His diverse reading list including Fast Company, Wired, and Financial Times.[19:47] Encouraging problem-solving and situational adaptability through varied experiences.[20:13] How to contact Richard Neff. To be added to the book waitlist, you can email alex.offer@raw-selection.comThank you for tuning in! Connect with Richard on LinkedIn here. To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com

Welcome to The Private Equity Podcast by Raw Selection, hosted by Alex Rawlings. Today's guest is Jon Van Tuin, Managing Director at P4G Capital. With decades of experience in Private Equity, Jon shares his insights on deal origination, building relationships with deal sources, and standing out in an increasingly competitive market. Learn actionable strategies to improve deal flow, develop meaningful relationships, and elevate your firm's positioning as the preferred acquirer. Breakdown:[00:00] The current private equity landscape with over 3,500 funds and $1 trillion in undeployed assets.[00:28] Introduction to Jon Van Tuin and his role at P4G Capital.[00:57] Jon's background: 30+ years in private equity starting in the late 1980s.[01:27] A common mistake private equity firms make: Addressing portfolio issues too slowly.[02:27] The importance of acting quickly and getting the right people into key roles.[03:25] Jon's career reflections and the growth of private equity since the 1980s.[05:23] Jon's approach to deal origination: Focusing on relationships, not transactions.[06:21] Why 80% of P4G's deals come from a select group of intermediaries.[07:43] Adding value to intermediaries: Sharing insights instead of just asking for deal flow.[08:42] The value of a dedicated deal origination professional in private equity.[09:40] How origination teams keep pipelines full and differentiate firms in a crowded market.[10:39] Positioning P4G as a preferred acquirer: Building relationships and delivering on process.[11:07] Jon's multi-pronged approach: Over 700 face-to-face meetings and consistent outreach.[12:57] Staying top of mind: Leveraging tools like DealCloud for digital outreach.[13:25] The demands of travel: 43 weeks on the road to drive deal origination success.[14:22] Jon's influences: Focusing on leadership, culture, and aligning the right teams for success.[16:16] Recommended reading: Insights from McKinsey, Bain, Stephen Covey, and Jim Collins.[17:14] How to contact Jon Van Tuin: Email: jvantuin@p4gcap.comTo be added to the book waitlist, you can email alex.offer@raw-selection.comThank you for tuning in! You can connect with Jon Van Tuin on LinkedIn here. To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com

Mike "C-Roc" sits down with Alex Rawlings, founder and managing partner of Raw Selection, as well as host of The Private Equity Podcast. Together, they delve into what drives Alex's relentless work ethic and passion for success, drawing on his early inspirations from his father's unwavering dedication. Alex shares the intricacies of leading a top-tier executive search firm specializing in private equity, the value of building strong relationships, and the balancing act between ambition and quality time with family. With candid insights into navigating business challenges, automation, and personal growth, Alex reveals his vision for creating lasting impact in his industry while staying grounded in his personal life. Tune in for a conversation packed with actionable takeaways on leadership, resilience, and building a legacy that uplifts not just yourself but everyone around you. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a rising star in private equity and hear C-Roc's reflections on finding fulfillment in the journey. Website-https://www.raw-selection.com/ Social Media Links/Handles- https://www.instagram.com/rawselection https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexrawlings

Welcome back to The Private Equity Podcast by Raw Selection hosted by Alex Rawlings! Today's guest is Joe Gerber, a proven Operating Partner and transformation expert. In this episode, we explore Driving EBITDA Growth Through Data Metrics. Joe shares actionable strategies on leveraging real-time data, optimizing decision-making, and taking reporting from good to great. Discover how Private Equity firms and portfolio executives can use data to identify inefficiencies, drive operational excellence, and boost EBITDA growth.Breakdown:[00:00] What does good reporting look like? Starting with excellence and working backward.[00:12] Building effective teams without geographical limits.[00:41] Joe's background: Middle-market investment banking, transforming businesses, and PE advisory work.[01:39] The biggest reporting mistakes PE firms make and how to correct them.[02:36] Real-time reporting example: Cutting headcount by 30% and growing EBITDA.[04:32] Metrics to track daily: Real-time insights to forecast performance.[06:50] How real-time data leads to operational pivots and improved decision-making.[09:15] Optimizing working capital to fuel growth and cash flow.[11:33] Taking reporting from good to great: Key improvements PE firms need.[13:01] Assessing management teams early with data-driven insights.[15:46] Where to start: Key data points in multi-location businesses.[18:41] Coaching CEOs: Common gaps and how to address them.[20:19] Joe's influences: The Art of Gathering, personal growth, and daily reads.[22:43] Best way to connect with Joe: LinkedIn.To be added to the book waitlist, you can email alex.offer@raw-selection.comThank you for tuning in! You can connect with Joe Gerber on LinkedIn here. To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com

Welcome back to The Private Equity Podcast by Raw Selection, In this episode, host Alex Rawlings sits down with Sam Bendix, Partner of Investor Relations at Chicago Pacific Founders. In this episode, we dive deep into what it takes for Private Equity firms to truly stand out in an increasingly competitive market.Sam shares actionable insights on how differentiation can impact talent attraction, capital raising, and deal origination. Sam discusses the importance of building a strong brand, fostering innovation, and effectively communicating your firm's story.[00:00] Brand is a product of the people building it and consistent results.[00:13] Importance of differentiation in attracting talent, capital, and investments.[00:42] Introduction to Sam Bendix, Partner of Investor Relations at Chicago Pacific Founders, and the episode's focus on differentiation in private equity.[01:11] Sam's career journey from investment banking to real estate investments and IR roles across various firms.[04:57] Overview of Chicago Pacific Founders and its healthcare-focused investment strategy.[06:24] The mistake of inconsistent messaging and the importance of cohesive communication.[08:07] Differentiation strategies: strategic positioning, operational strengths, and client-centric innovation.[10:55] Proprietary processes, attracting top talent, and creating barriers to imitation.[12:18] Case study: Proving differentiation through performance and results.[13:12] The role of brand recognition and consistent execution in building a firm's reputation.[14:39] Educating the market as a key element of branding and thought leadership.[16:38] Attracting talent: building a network and aligning with career aspirations.[19:01] Revisiting assumptions and fostering innovation for market differentiation.[19:59] The role of talent in building and maintaining differentiation.[22:26] Alex shares insights on private equity firms' branding and talent strategies.[28:06] Importance of putting yourself out there and documenting over creating for awareness.[33:24] Building trust through transparency and thought leadership.[36:17] Efficiently qualifying leads and fostering trust through shared insights.[38:12] Challenges in communication: sticking to agendas, avoiding jargon, and active listening.[42:03] Tools for effective communication: checklists, frameworks, and structured conversations.[43:27] Recommended communication frameworks: What-So What-Now What and others.[45:23] Sam's book and podcast recommendations for effective communication and decision-making.[46:52] Importance of knowing when to quit and insights from behavioral science.[47:21] Sam invites listeners to connect via email for further discussions.[47:44] Recap of the conversation's key themes and the importance of continuous improvement in differentiation strategies. You can connect with Sam on LinkedIn by visiting his profile here. To be added to the book waitlist, you can email alex.offer@raw-selection.comThank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com

Welcome back to The Private Equity Podcast by Raw Selection! In this episode, Alex Rawlings welcomes back Adam Coffey, CEO and author of the Private Equity Playbook. Adam shares his strategies for scaling businesses, reducing employee turnover, and building strong company cultures. He emphasizes hiring for future growth, addressing employee concerns, and using hybrid work models to retain top talent. Adam also discusses his updated edition of the Private Equity Playbook, offering new post-COVID business insights.Breakdown: [00:00] Most Private Equity firms report a success rate of only 20-30% with CXO hires, with 30% being quite rare.[00:46] Adam, gives us a brief insight into your background.[01:15] Adam reflects on his time at GE, leading companies through private equity backing, and now helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses.[04:06] Adam talks about the importance of culture in scaling businesses and the challenge of reducing employee turnover from 41%. He highlights how different regions and employee needs required tailored approaches to address issues and improve retention.[07:30] He explains how culture, leadership, and people are fundamental when scaling businesses. Having a strong culture ensures employees stay and grow, making talent the key to driving success.[09:25] Adam dives into how he tackled turnover in different regions, using examples from the Pacific Northwest and Texas, where pay scale and benefits played a role in employee satisfaction.[12:15] By investing in people early on and addressing their needs, Adam quickly reduced turnover to below industry standards. He explains how transparency and early investments helped build trust and boost employee engagement.[15:01] Adam discusses how private equity firms struggle with transitioning founder-led companies to PE-backed environments, emphasizing the importance of communicating career opportunities and company growth potential.[17:49] When acquiring companies, Adam emphasizes how better benefits and career development opportunities within a larger organization can turn acquisition anxiety into employee buy-in.[19:36] Adam addresses the shift in work culture, particularly after COVID-19, and the challenges and benefits of remote work in recruiting talent nationally.[23:16] He highlights how businesses can still maintain flexibility for employees while ensuring productivity and accountability. Companies that find the right balance will be better positioned for growth.[27:24] Adam shares his approach to hiring top executive talent, with a focus on aligning work to be done with the candidate's experience.[33:01] He stresses the importance of hiring leaders who can guide the company through growth and challenges, even if it means making difficult decisions like upgrading talent.[38:10] Adam talks about the importance of culture fit when hiring and how toxic employees can disrupt growth. [41:59] Adam reveals his process for assessing talent within six months.[44:15] Adam announces his updated edition of the Private Equity Playbook, highlighting new insights post-COVID and why it's been a top read for private equity professionals for years.To be added to the book waitlist, you can email alex.offer@raw-selection.comThank you for tuning in!You can connect with Adam Coffey on LinkedIn here.To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com

Welcome back to The Private Equity Podcast by Raw Selection, In this episode, host Alex Rawlings sits down with Matt Bodnar, founder and managing partner of Eidolon Capital. They discuss Eidolon's unique deal origination strategies, including innovative approaches like direct mail, and how their flexibility in deal-making helps them close deals where more rigid firms miss out. Matt also shares valuable insights on long-term investing, inspired by Berkshire Hathaway, and offers top recommendations on business, psychology, and deal-making books. Breakdown: [00:00] Matt explains how their market position was inspired by Berkshire Hathaway, leading them to find unique opportunities by being flexible where others are rigid.[00:12] PE firms often miss out on deals due to their rigid criteria; Eidolon benefits from a more flexible approach.[00:26] Matt mentions Extreme Ownership as one of his favorite books and shares it with his management teams.[00:53] Introduction to Matt Bodnar, founder of Eidolon Capital. The conversation covers deal origination, using direct mail, and valuable book recommendations.[01:21] Goldman Sachs, starting Eidolon Capital, and focusing on lower middle market companies with a long-term approach.[02:17] Matt identifies rigid deal structures as a common mistake PE firms make, missing opportunities to tailor deals based on sellers' needs.[03:09] Flexibility in deal-making, like structuring equity rolls and earn-outs, gives Eidolon an advantage over more rigid buyers.[04:34] Matt shares Eidolon's broad deal origination strategies, including cold email, LinkedIn, direct mail, and networking.[07:46] The importance of market positioning and personal outreach from principals to increase deal engagement.[09:39] Why principals contacting sellers directly makes a significant difference in building rapport and closing deals.[10:35] Direct mail as an effective, less crowded method for sourcing deals, especially in old-economy sectors like manufacturing and distribution.[13:23] Eidolon's brand focuses on long-term investing and taking care of all stakeholders, inspired by Berkshire Hathaway.[15:16] Eidolon's flexibility with capital and bespoke deal structures allows them to close deals even in suboptimal conditions where other firms might walk away.[17:09] How taking a long-term view, as opposed to the typical 3-5 year private equity time horizon, results in better decisions and stronger outcomes for companies.[19:25] Matt discusses the importance of staying informed on macroeconomic trends, the Fed, and market cycles to understand the broader impact on investment decisions.[20:48] Book recommendation: How to Make a Few Billion Dollars by Brad Jacobs, a prolific entrepreneur who founded or acquired several billion-dollar companies.[22:41] Matt shares how deep reading into human psychology and decision-making (Charlie Munger's Poor Charlie's Almanac and Robert Cialdini's Influence) shapes his approach to deals and negotiation.You can connect with Matt on LinkedIn by visiting his profile here.  To be added to the book waitlist, you can email alex.offer@raw-selection.comThank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com

In this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Alex Rawlings from Raw Selection delves into the complexities of executive hiring in private equity. With a 27% retention rate for C-suite hires in the first year, many firms face costly turnover. Alex shares actionable insights on how to set a high standard for talent, build a robust hiring process, and improve executive retention. If you're in private equity or looking to strengthen your hiring approach, this episode is packed with value. Next month we launch our podcast sponsors program, click to join!   Connect with Alex: Website:  www.raw-selection.com  LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/alexrawlings    Where to find Carl: https://40strategy.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/carljcox/ https://www.instagram.com/carljcox40/ https://x.com/40Strategy  

In this episode of the Private Equity Podcast, host Alex Rawlings is joined by Paul Adams, an experienced CEO in the home and residential services sector. Paul shares his extensive experience in leading private equity-backed companies through multiple acquisitions and the challenges of navigating a highly fragmented industry. They dive into why private equity is increasingly focused on the residential services sector, what makes it such an attractive investment opportunity, and the importance of managing labor shortages in a people-driven business. [00:00] Introduction of Paul Adams.[00:44] Paul's background in HVAC, electrical, and plumbing services.[01:38] Challenges private equity faces with mom-and-pop shops in home services.[02:08] Importance of patience and strong M&A skills in home services.[02:36] Balancing private equity's need for speed with the slower pace of acquisitions.[03:33] The emotional side of selling a family legacy and employee concerns.[03:59] How generational handovers can create trust issues during acquisitions.[04:28] Building trust and relationships with founders during the process.[04:57] Paul's approach to working with contractors in residential services.[05:26] The people-driven nature of service businesses and their focus on relationships.[05:53] Addressing concerns of sellers about their employees and legacy post-sale.[06:52] Challenges in attracting technicians despite the sector's essential nature.[07:19] Impact of the labor shortage on growth in home services.[08:19] Acquiring companies to meet demand and gain market share.[09:18] Changes in the sector, including energy efficiency and government rebates.[09:48] How government regulations are driving growth in system replacements.[10:17] Increasing profitability through system replacements and upgrades.[10:47] Private equity's interest in home services due to favorable cash flow.[11:15] Low capital requirements and barriers to entry in home services.[11:41] Challenges for small companies to scale due to limited technicians.[12:09] Struggles of small businesses in growth because of labor shortages.[12:35] Fragmentation and integration challenges in residential services.[13:05] Costs of elevating unsophisticated businesses post-acquisition.[14:04] Importance of proper systems to meet customer expectations.[14:33] Paul's strategy in buy-and-build and lessons learned from past experiences.[14:57] Avoiding big announcements and press releases post-acquisition.[15:29] Focusing on investment and continuity to maintain business stability.[16:19] Benefits of working in the background for better performance.[17:17] The power of consistency in building successful businesses.[19:43] Paul's passion for the residential services industry and M&A challenges.[20:12] Alex's closing remarks and a reminder to subscribe to the podcast.You can connect with Paul Adams on LinkedIn by visiting his profile here. To be added to the book waitlist, you can email alex.offer@raw-selection.comThank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.

Welcome back to The Private Equity Podcast, by Raw Selection! In this episode, Alex Rawlings is joined by Richard Brekka, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Second Alpha. Richard dives deep into the explosive growth of the secondaries market, explaining how his firm provides liquidity to shareholders of private tech companies. The pair discuss the rise of secondary funds, why more companies are staying private longer, and the unique opportunities in the market for smaller, profitable tech companies.  Breakdown: [00:00] Introduction to Richard Brekka, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Second Alpha.[00:12] Richard explains the secondary market's growth and why 90% of it is in unicorn companies.[01:10] Richard's background and how he got into secondary investing after working in venture capital.[01:37] The common mistake of holding on to investments too long and the importance of realizing value sooner.[02:05] Richard explains the two types of secondary markets: fund secondaries and direct secondaries.[02:58] Growth in secondary funds driven by a lack of liquidity for GPs and the emergence of unicorn companies staying private longer.[03:58] Richard shares why 90% of transactions in the secondary market are focused on unicorn companies.[05:25] Discussion on the $2.3 trillion unicorn market and the trillion-dollar opportunity in companies valued between $100 million and $1 billion.[06:21] How Second Alpha identifies companies for investment by targeting profitable, growing companies over $100 million in revenue.[07:50] Second Alpha's approach to providing liquidity to shareholders and building long-term relationships with CEOs.[08:49] Richard discusses the various reasons shareholders seek liquidity, from personal financial needs to new business investments.[10:12] The value Second Alpha provides to CEOs and how they become a trusted partner in helping companies toward their exit.[11:00] Richard explains the challenges of accessing private companies for investment and how Second Alpha overcomes these obstacles.[11:58] The importance of building trust with CEOs and navigating rights of first refusal in secondary deals.[13:26] Second Alpha's role as a helpful partner to the CEOs, offering introductions, advice, and exit planning support.[14:53] Challenges private companies face after 10 years of growth, including management changes and adapting to market shifts.[16:22] How companies must pivot and develop new products to continue growing and reach their next phase of success.[17:20] Second Alpha's focus on North American technology companies with strong revenue and profitability.[18:46] The advantage of investing in growth-stage companies at a discount through secondary transactions.[20:39] The role of artificial intelligence and cloud technologies in transforming industries and the efficiency opportunities they bring.[22:32] Second Alpha's focus on disrupting industries like data analytics and finding efficiencies in cloud infrastructure.You can connect with Richard Brekka on LinkedIn by visiting his profile here. To be added to the book waitlist, you can email alex.offer@raw-selection.comThank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com

In this episode of the Private Equity Podcast, host Alex Rawlings sits down with Chad Kalland, an experienced CEO in the industrial services sector with multiple private equity-backed exits under his belt. Chad shares his insights on navigating cultural changes, integrating acquisitions, and driving growth in a private equity-backed environment. He also dives into key lessons learned from his successful exits, how to keep teams engaged during times of rapid change, and the importance of choosing the right private equity partner. [00:00] Introduction of Chad Kalland.[00:12] Importance of growing as a platform company with potential runway.[00:41] Chad's experience with private equity-backed exits and acquisitions.[01:46] Mistakes private equity firms make by implementing changes too quickly.[02:16] Understanding business strengths before making changes.[02:43] Evaluating talent and their unique skills in an organization.[03:12] Transitioning from founder-owned businesses to private equity-backed environments.[03:42] Evaluating a company's culture before acquisition to ease integration.[04:11] Incorporating the acquired company's strengths into the platform.[04:39] Fostering a merger mindset instead of a takeover during acquisitions.[05:08] Injecting private equity-backed speed into founder-owned businesses.[05:38] Bringing acquired leadership into the fold to integrate with the platform.[06:07] Key lessons learned in integrating companies, especially service lines.[07:04] Missteps by not integrating acquired companies quickly enough.[08:02] Adding service lines to increase market share.[08:30] Ensuring smooth service line integration for long-term growth.[09:28] Maintaining employee engagement during changes and new processes.[09:57] Motivating technicians and engineers during transitions.[10:27] Developing employees and offering leadership opportunities to improve retention.[11:27] Strategies for retaining employees in a labor-intensive industry.[11:53] Keeping new hires engaged and committed during the first 90 days.[12:23] Onboarding and training to improve retention.[12:52] Lessons from two successful private equity-backed exits.[13:22] Adapting to private equity decision-making processes with new stakeholders.[13:51] Finding the right private equity partner for growth.[14:20] Evaluating private equity partners beyond the highest offer.[14:49] Choosing between remaining a platform or joining a strategic acquirer.[15:17] Benefits of staying on as the platform versus integrating into a larger organization.[16:16] Focusing on high-margin services for profitability.[17:15] Adding organic growth to acquired companies for value creation.[18:09] Understanding employee motivation as a leader.[19:35] Other leadership podcasts and books, like Simon Sinek's work.To be added to the book waitlist, you can email alex.offer@raw-selection.comThank you for tuning in!You can connect with Chad Kalland on LinkedIn by visiting his profile here. To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.

Welcome back to The Private Equity Podcast, by Raw Selection! In this episode, our host, Alex Rawlings is joined by Marc Jourlait, a seasoned Private Equity Operating Partner with extensive experience as a former CEO, leading multiple successful exits. Marc shares his unique insights into the role of the Operating Partner, the importance of driving value creation early in the investment cycle, and why private equity firms must act quickly in their hold period.  Breakdown:[00:00] Introduction of Marc Jourlait. [01:36] Overview of Marc's career journey, from Apple to private equity.[02:03] Importance of acting quickly in the hold period to create value.[03:00] Why replacing key personnel, like the CFO, is crucial early in the investment cycle.[03:30] Causes of delay: risk management and decision-making dynamics in private equity.[04:30] The importance of early involvement, even pre-close, to maximize value creation.[04:59] Benefits of operating partners engaging with the management team before deal closure.[05:49] How early engagement can lead to stronger value creation and faster exits.[06:18] The operating partner model and its differences between the US and Europe.[06:46] Riverside's model of using former CEOs as generalist operating partners.[07:37] Operating partners at Riverside: from acquisition to exit, staying engaged.[08:05] Benefits of operating partners serving as board chairmen for governance and guidance.[09:02] Shift in private equity from financial engineering to operational improvements.[09:31] Importance of having a clear value creation roadmap from the start.[10:01] The short five-year hold period in private equity requires fast action.[11:00] European firms' reluctance to invest in operating partners compared to the US.[12:07] How value creation is now more focused on operational improvements over financial strategies.[12:35] Key areas for value creation: pricing, operations, and cost management.[13:04] How private equity firms create a clear story to maximize exit premiums.[14:01] Discussion on employee ownership and its growing adoption in private equity.[14:37] Riverside's involvement with Ownership Works and its impact on employee ownership.[15:07] How Ownership Works offers equity to all employees, driving engagement.[16:12] Employee ownership as a catalyst for company success and value creation.[17:57] Impact of employee ownership on engagement and business performance.[20:14] Marc's enthusiasm for the Ownership Works program and its positive transformation.[22:13] Marc's encouragement for more private equity firms to adopt employee ownership.[22:41] Importance of employee ownership in driving engagement and maximizing value creation.[24:04] Marc's commitment to continuous learning and networking for professional growth.[24:58] Marc invites listeners to connect with him on LinkedIn. You can connect with Marc Jourlait on LinkedIn by visiting his profile here. To be added to the book waitlist, you can email alex.offer@raw-selection.com Thank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.

TCP Co-Managing Partner, Geoff Lurie, joins Alex Rawlings on The Private Equity Podcast to discuss how private equity investors and operators can produce better results. In this episode, Alex Rawlings, speaks with Geoff Lurie, Managing Partner at Traub Capital Partners. Geoff brings decades of experience as an operator-turned-private equity investor. He shares his invaluable insights on how private equity firms and portfolio companies can collaborate more effectively for superior results.    Alex Rawlings is the Founder & Managing partner of Raw Selection, an executive search firm that specializes in working with Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies across Europe and North America. On his podcast, Alex interviews the leading experts in the Private Equity industry to unlock their secrets of success.

Welcome back to The Private Equity Podcast, by Raw Selection!  In this episode, Alex Rawlings, speaks with Geoff Lurie, Managing Partner at Traub Capital Partners. Geoff brings decades of experience as an operator-turned-private equity investor. He shares his invaluable insights on how private equity firms and portfolio companies can collaborate more effectively for superior results.  Breakdown: [00:00] Geoff Lurie, Managing Partner at Traub Capital Partners, is introduced as an operator-turned-PE investor.[00:25] Geoff emphasizes the need to focus on how price increases are perceived on the other side.[00:55] Alex discusses the tough market conditions for private equity and hints at potential positive changes with increasing hiring and deal flow.[02:18] Geoff explains the issue with PE firms assuming that entrepreneurs must suddenly change how they operate post-acquisition.[02:47] Managing expectations and helping entrepreneurs report to the PE firm without losing their edge.[03:42] Entrepreneurs struggle to adjust to reporting to external investors after being self-reliant.[05:07] The importance of the first 100 days after an acquisition, setting up reporting structures and management.[06:26] The crucial role of the CFO in portfolio companies, and why PE firms often replace them after acquisition.[08:19] Geoff discusses how changing consumer sentiment impacts the success of private equity-backed companies.[11:01] Differences between financial modeling and the practical steps needed to increase margins in portfolio companies.[13:17] The importance of understanding real-world difficulties in implementing changes in portfolio companies.[14:28] Alex asks how young private equity professionals can gain operational understanding without becoming CEOs.[16:26] Alex plugs Raw Selection's services, explaining the firm's focus on executive searches for private equity-backed businesses.[17:24] Geoff discusses the importance of managing debt properly and avoiding over-leverage in portfolio companies.[18:23] Avoiding the mistake of using short-term working capital loans for long-term growth.[19:42] Geoff explains how private equity firms motivate middle management by offering equity incentives.[21:04] The importance of instilling an “enterprise, team, individual” mindset in portfolio companies.[24:20] Geoff shares a personal anecdote about overhearing a young woman discussing her desire for a high-paying job without office work.[26:20] Geoff talks about his transition from operator to private equity investor and why he made the switch.[29:43] The best time to sell a portfolio company is on the way up, not at the top.[31:10] Geoff explains the importance of setting up the right structure to allow CEOs to focus on future growth, not just day-to-day operations.[32:34] Geoff shares that his passion stems from mentoring young professionals and imparting knowledge. You can connect with Geoff Lurie on LinkedIn by visiting his profile here. To be added to the book waitlist, you can email alex.offer@raw-selection.com Thank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.

Welcome to the Private Equity Podcast! In this episode titled host, Alex Rawlings, dives into the insights and strategies of a seasoned executive known for his leadership in multiple private equity-backed exits. Jeffrey Stark discusses his career trajectory, highlighting his transition from corporate America to becoming a pivotal figure in private equity spaces, steering companies through significant growth and successful exits. Breakdown:[00:00] Jeffrey Stark discusses his success with multiple private equity exits. [00:11] He highlights his collaborative leadership approach, emphasizing guidance without micromanagement. [00:40] Stark recounts his transition from corporate roles to significant positions in private equity. [01:09] Focuses on challenges and strategies for leading companies to successful private equity exits. [01:37] Insights into his proactive career approach in the private equity sector. [02:33] The value of independent board members in providing unbiased support and expertise. [03:46] Benefits of experienced board members for guidance in unfamiliar business areas. [04:44] Operational focus on lean manufacturing and quality improvements. [06:09] Discusses the transition from CEO to advisor roles, and the dynamics involved. [07:33] Tactics for building trust with CEOs and preparing them for board meetings. [09:01] How he has guided marketing strategies through CEOs, fostering a partnership approach. [10:17] Stark shares experiences on cultural and operational challenges in mergers and acquisitions. [12:49] The importance of transparent communication during transitions. [14:05] Financial strategies and accountability in managing private equity-backed companies. [15:20] Leadership development within teams to foster a culture of innovation.  [18:14] Insights into global economic factors influencing private equity. [19:05] Ethical considerations and corporate governance in the sector. [20:21] Predictions on the evolving landscape of private equity and the role of technology. [21:40] Advice for aspiring private equity professionals based on extensive experience. [22:58] A case study of a successful exit, detailing strategic decisions involved. [24:15] Discussions on work-life balance and managing stress in leadership roles. [25:30] The role of mentoring and support systems in his career. [26:45] Innovation in maintaining business competitiveness. [28:00] His involvement in philanthropy and corporate social responsibility. [29:15] Strategies for managing international business and cross-cultural teams. [30:30] Thoughts on leadership succession planning. [31:45] Personal and professional development influences. [33:00] Future plans and continued impact on the industry. [34:15] Invitation to connect for further insights and collaboration opportunities. [35:30] Closing remarks. You can connect with Jeffrey Stark on LinkedIn by visiting his profile here.  Thank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.

Welcome to The Private Equity Podcast by Raw Selection! In this episode, our host, Alex Rawlings, is joined by Jordan Burton, co-founder of Talgo. Together, they delve into the intricacies of talent interviewing and assessment within the private equity sector. Jordan brings a wealth of knowledge from his transition from a potential private equity investor to an expert in executive talent assessment. This discussion promises to enlighten those interested in optimizing their hiring processes and understanding the common pitfalls and best practices in recruiting top-tier executives.  [00:00] Introduction to Jordan Burton, specializing in talent interviewing and assessment.[00:16] Discussion on timely decision-making in human capital issues.[00:44] Jordan shares his career transition to executive talent assessment.[01:12] Insights into Jordan's career evolution and the founding of Talgo.[02:11] Importance of proper interviewing techniques in talent acquisition.[03:07] Indicators of when to act on personnel changes.[04:06] Consequences of being overly accommodating in personnel decisions.[05:02] Deep dive into interviewing and hiring processes.[06:01] Setting clear expectations and metrics for new executives.[08:22] Characteristics of effective private equity executives.[10:19] Traits that define a top executive in private equity.[12:15] Importance of quantitative skills in executives.[13:13] Techniques used in interviewing executives about their past experiences.[15:05] Importance of detailed discussions about past roles and achievements.[18:27] Systematic assessment in identifying leadership qualities.[20:26] Nuances of executive onboarding and performance tracking.[22:10] Organizational dynamics and internal politics in hiring.[24:06] Future trends in executive hiring, including technology impacts.[26:01] Importance of adaptability and continuous learning in talent acquisition.[28:26] Final thoughts on the evolution of the talent acquisition field.[30:52] Methodologies for developing leadership pipelines in portfolio companies.[33:18] Common pitfalls in the executive search process and avoidance strategies.[35:44] Role of diversity and inclusion in executive hiring.[38:09] Jordan reflects on the mentors who shaped his career.[40:33] Tips for building a career in talent management within private equity.[42:57] Advice for maintaining a competitive edge through strategic talent management.[44:31] Closing remarks by Alex, encouraging listener engagement and subscription. You can connect with Jordan Burton on LinkedIn by visiting his profile here. Thank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.

Welcome to the Private Equity Podcast! In this episode, Alex Rawlings welcomes back Brad Nathan, a seasoned private equity firm founder, to dive into the intricacies of starting and managing a PE firm. Brad shares first-hand experiences, detailing the triumphs and tribulations he's encountered and offering a comprehensive guide for navigating the competitive private equity landscape.Episode Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction of today's topic and guest, Brad Nathan.[01:15] Exploration of Brad's early career and the motivations behind starting his private equity firm.[03:30] Challenges faced during the initial setup of the firm, including capital raising and team assembly.[06:45] Strategies Brad implemented to overcome initial failures and secure the firm's first successful deals.[10:20] Key decisions and strategies that fueled the firm's growth and expansion.[13:50] Insights into the recruitment, culture building, and leadership styles vital for a successful PE firm.[18:30] Stories of the highest highs and lowest lows in managing the firm.[22:10] The most valuable lessons learned throughout Brad's career and advice to aspiring private equity firm founders.[25:40] Predictions on emerging trends and the evolution of the private equity industry.[29:00] Listener Q&A session with Brad on specific challenges and advice on various scenarios in private equity.[33:15] Summary of key insights shared by Brad and closing remarks. You can connect with Brad Nathan on LinkedIn by visiting his profile here. Thank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.

Welcome to The Private Equity Podcast! In this episode, we're diving deep into the world of investments with a focus on sub $5M EBITDA companies. Our guest is Mason Myers, Founder and Managing Partner of Greybull Stewardship. Mason's expertise lies in navigating and scaling smaller, often overlooked businesses, and he's here to share valuable insights on how to unlock potential and drive growth in this niche market. [00:00] Alex Rawlings introduces the podcast and today's focus on investing in sub $5M EBITDA companies with guest Mason Myers.[00:13] Discussion on Grable Stewardship's Gravel Strategy, targeting pre-middle market businesses with less than $5M in profit.[00:24] Alex welcomes Mason Myers, Founder and Managing Partner of Greybull Stewardship, to the podcast.[00:48] Alex invites listeners to connect on LinkedIn before diving into the conversation with Mason.[01:13] Mason shares his background from journalism to founding Greybull Stewardship, his experience with startups, acquisitions, and his shift to private equity.[02:34] Mason highlights common mistakes by private equity firms and portfolio companies, stressing the need to listen to founders and choose intermediaries carefully.[04:27] Mason explains Greybull Stewardship's focus on pre-middle market businesses, the firm's mission, and its commitment to this underserved space.[06:44] Mason addresses unique risks in sub $5M EBITDA investments and how Greybull manages these risks, focusing on sustainable business models.[09:08] Mason discusses strategies for scaling businesses post-investment, improving operational fundamentals, and expanding management teams.[10:12] Mason details Greybull's diligence process and collaboration with management teams to enhance business value.[12:29] Mason emphasizes the role of operating partners in creating value over financial engineering, noting Greybull's focus on operating experts.[16:12] Mason advises businesses on increasing value before engaging with private equity, covering accounting practices, revenue predictability, and growth initiatives.[19:29] Mason shares strategies for maintaining deal flow in a slow market and how Greybull uses referrals and intermediaries to find opportunities.[20:27] Mason offers tips on selecting the right intermediary and invites a 20-minute brainstorming session to assist business owners.[21:26] Mason discusses his influences, including Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger, and his interest in biographies and historical figures.[24:17] Alex concludes the podcast. You can connect with Mason Myers on LinkedIn by visiting his profile here. Thank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.

Welcome to the Private Equity Podcast!  In this episode, we explore "Private Equity and Technology Transformation" with Alan Williamson. Alan, a seasoned CTO and operating partner, shares insights from his journey—from embedded engineering to navigating Enterprise Java and PE due diligence. He emphasizes crucial operational details affecting portfolio companies, such as cybersecurity and data ownership, and discusses the evolving role of technology in PE.[00:10] Social engineering is still the number one way to hack a company.[00:17] Introduction of guest Alan Williamson, CTO, operating partner, and author.[00:46] Discussion on technology transformation, pitfalls in private equity, and opportunities pre and post-deal.[01:13] Shares background from embedded engineer to Java development and entry into private equity.[02:08] Discusses common mistake in portfolio companies: neglecting operational details like domain ownership and software subscriptions.[03:30] Anecdote on operational oversight challenges in companies due to misplaced responsibilities.[04:29] Highlights key red flags in due diligence, emphasizing over-reliance on individual technical knowledge within companies.[05:53] Discussion on technology enablement in private equity and the evolving role of specialized operating partners.[08:17] Contrasts in-house technical expertise with external consultancy services in private equity firms.[09:44] Pre-deal considerations including data ownership and regulatory compliance.[10:37] Security concerns in acquisitions, emphasizing cybersecurity diligence and compliance across different states.[14:37] Discusses social engineering as a primary hacking method in corporate security breaches.[15:00] Post-deal implementation strategies including securing operations and aligning with PE firm objectives.[18:58] Maximizing data value through machine learning and leveraging historical data for business insights.[21:23] Personal influences and recommendations, highlighting interests in movies and older business literature.[23:46] Alex Rawlings wraps up the podcast. You can connect with Alan Williamson on LinkedIn by visiting his profile here. Thank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.

Send us a Text Message. Welcome to the Private Equity Podcast! In this episode, host Alex Rawlings dives into a rich conversation with Nathan Sanders. From navigating financial constraints during the pandemic to tackling add-on acquisitions and integrating technology effectively, Nathan shares valuable insights gained from his extensive experience in leading Private Equity-backed businesses. Tune in to glean lessons on leadership, growth strategies, and the importance of a growth mindset in the world of Private Equity. [00:12] Introduction to the episode, highlighting Nathan Sanders' experience as a Private Equity-backed CEO in various industries.[01:35] Nathan Sanders introduces himself as a value-driven leader, emphasizing his focus on transformation and continuous improvement.[02:32] Discussion on the common mistake of focusing too much on short-term challenges rather than long-term value creation in Private Equity-backed companies.[04:52] Strategies for shifting focus towards long-term value creation during the middle phase of Private Equity investments.[08:04] Nathan shares lessons learned from leading Brooke Furniture through challenges and towards a successful exit.[12:17] Processes implemented to gather intelligence on customer service needs, including direct interactions with customers and team members.[15:32] Refinement of processes to automate simpler tasks, allowing the team to focus on addressing exceptions and improving service delivery.[16:29] Nathan Sanders discusses the impact of understanding customer needs and team alignment on business success, leading to increased KPIs and decreased variable costs.[17:29] Sanders talks about tackling financial constraints during the pandemic and other industry headwinds by redeploying resources and focusing on revenue growth.[20:09] Discussion on mitigating financial risks during challenging times and leveraging opportunities for revenue growth through strategic decision-making.[20:38] Sanders shares advice for portfolio executives on managing acquisitions, emphasizing the importance of understanding the purpose behind acquisitions and building in risk factors.[26:56] Insights from Sanders on successful integration strategies for acquisitions, including understanding the end goal, focusing on process mapping, and fostering a growth mindset within the team.[29:46] Sanders discusses lessons learned from working with both large and small companies, highlighting the importance of technology implementation and process mapping in driving efficiency and growth.[32:34] Discussion on prioritizing technology investments based on customer-facing needs and optimizing processes for maximum impact on revenue growth.[36:22] Recommendations from Sanders on books and podcasts, including "The Fixed Versus Growth Mindset" by Carol Dweck, "What Got You Here, Won't Get You There" by Marshall Goldsmith, and the Founders Podcast with David Sentra.[42:05] Insights from Sanders on fostering a growth mindset within teams, effective communication strategies, and recommendations for further engagement through LinkedIn and personal email.You can connect with Nathan Sanders on LinkedIn by visiting his profile here.Thank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, sen

Send us a Text Message. Welcome to the Private Equity Podcast! In this episode, host Alex Rawlings engages in a dynamic discussion with Nick McLean, founder of Four Pillars Investors, on the topics of servant leadership and disruptive marketing in the Private Equity sector. Join us as we delve into Nick's insights and experiences in navigating the complexities of the industry. [00:00] Hosted by Alex Rawlings, featuring Nick McLean. Discussion on servant leadership and disruptive marketing in Private Equity.[00:12] Nick McLean, founder of Four Pillars Investors and creator of Nick McLean Private Equity YouTube channel.[00:42] Nick McLean, co-founder of Four Pillars Investors, targeting lower middle market companies with untapped growth potential.[01:09] Not all firms are equal; some are overly spreadsheet-driven. Four Pillars Investors prioritizes entrepreneurial problem-solving over rigid financial analysis.[03:03] Nick's shift from business operator to Private Equity investor, emphasizing portfolio growth and development.[04:52] Prioritize relationship-building; establish rapport before closing deals. Four Pillars Investors focuses on strong, pre-existing relationships.[07:41] Named after core values: Relationships, Servant Leadership, Challenge the Status Quo, Persistence.[09:27] Focus on helping team members succeed; create positive work environments and prioritize career development.[14:49]  Nick's decision to start a YouTube channel differentiates Four Pillars Investors, aims to provide valuable content and build relationships.[18:17] Content creation and branding are long-term investments; intent and commitment are crucial for success.[22:09] Studying leadership principles; recommended book: "Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion" by Robert Cialdini.[24:30] Contact details for Nick - Email: nmclean@example.com; YouTube Channel: Nick4FourPillars.[25:55] Thank you to Nick McLean for sharing insights; subscribe to the Private Equity Podcast for weekly episodes.To connect with Nick, visit his LinkedIn profile at: Nick McLean LinkedIn Thank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.

Send us a Text Message.Welcome to The Private Equity Podcast! In this episode, host Alex Rawlings discusses the critical factors behind deal failures and how to steer clear of them. Brian Scanlon from DealGen Partners shares insights on deal origination and sales processes. He stresses prep and presentation, akin to staging a house for sale. Brian pinpoints reasons for deal failures: unprepared sellers, messy finances, and unrealistic valuations. He also covers effective deal structures, boosting multipliers, and seller challenges like cultural clashes and prolonged due diligence. Key takeaway: swift action and clear communication are vital to keep deals on track. Tune in for expert advice on selling a company successfully and avoiding pitfalls.[00:00] Alex Rawlings introduces the topic of selling a company and the challenge of achieving high multipliers. He welcomes Brian Scanlon, noting his previous podcast on deal origination.[01:18] Brian Scanlon discusses the common reasons deals fail, primarily due to sellers being unprepared. He explains the importance of proper preparation and packaging, akin to staging a house for sale.[03:40] Brian estimates that nearly all proprietary deals are unprepared and outlines why private equity funds prefer these deals despite the lack of preparation.[04:39] Brian highlights the role of investment bankers in managing the sale process efficiently, similar to selling a house, and stresses the need for sellers to be upfront about financials and issues.[07:30] Brian identifies the lack of clean financials and unrealistic valuation expectations as major reasons deals fail. He emphasizes the importance of accurate financial statements and realistic deal structures.[09:52] Brian explains typical deal structures, including cash at close, earnouts, and equity rollovers, and stresses the importance of understanding these structures before going to market.[11:17] Brian discusses factors that increase a company's multiplier, such as recurring revenue, customer retention, and quality contracts. He uses the staffing industry as an example to illustrate these points.[14:13] He explains the challenges of project-based businesses with high customer churn and declining revenue, which generally have lower multipliers.[16:06] Brian talks about why sellers back out of deals, citing cultural misalignment, process frustration, and the length of the due diligence period as primary reasons.[19:56] He notes that tighter debt markets and more rigorous due diligence are causing deals to take longer, increasing the risk of the business not appearing as attractive by the closing date.[22:50] Brian emphasizes the importance of effective communication to keep deals moving and shares examples where delays led to deals falling through. He advises completing the due diligence period quickly to avoid deal collapse.[25:46] Alex asks for top advice.  [26:20] Alex thanks Brian for joining him on the podcast. To connect with Brian, visit his LinkedIn profile: Brian Scanlon LinkedIn Thank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.

Send us a Text Message.Welcome to The Private Equity Podcast! In this episode, host Alex Rawlings is joined by Paul Swaney, Managing Director of Swaney Group Capital. Formerly with Partners Group and a veteran of McKinsey and Amazon, Paul dives into the intricate world of value creation from an operator turned investor perspective. He shares his journey from the military to the forefront of private equity, discusses the innovative use of media for business growth, and details the strategic operational frameworks that have shaped his successful career. Join us as Paul provides a deep dive into his approach to enhancing portfolio company performance and his insights on the pivotal role of transformation governance in private equity.Breakdown: [00:00] Introduction to Paul Swaney, discussing his transition from Partners Group to founding Swaney Group Capital.[00:10] How Paul uses media to enhance his Private Equity firm's outcomes.[00:22] Mention of a successful investment initiated from Twitter.[00:25] Overview of Paul's career and insights into his value creation strategies in Private Equity.[00:55] Paul provides a detailed background of his diverse experiences from military service to corporate roles and Private Equity.[01:24] Insights into applying lean system in a chemical plant and his recruitment by McKinsey.[02:21] Challenges of starting his own Private Equity firm during peak deal flow times and growing his team.[03:17] Common mistakes in Private Equity from deal processing to post-acquisition management.[04:45] Lessons from Partners Group and the importance of transformation governance post-acquisition.[06:04] Introduction to the Swaney Group Operating System, focusing on operational excellence.[07:30] Discussion on maintaining flexibility and strategic planning in business operations.[09:25] Paul's effective use of social media for deal origination and brand building.[10:24] Emphasis on the initial 100-day observational period post-acquisition to understand business intricacies.[12:16] Typical patterns observed in founder-led businesses and strategic advice for potential acquisitions.[14:43] Importance of strategic operational assessments in Private Equity investments.[18:27] Paul discusses leveraging media for enhancing visibility and deal flow in Private Equity.[19:25] Success stories from using Twitter for business development and investment opportunities.[21:17] Closing thoughts on the integration of operational systems within Private Equity to enhance performance.To connect with Paul, you can visit his LinkedIn profile at Paul Swaney LinkedIn.Thank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.

Welcome to The Private Equity Podcast! In this episode, host Alex Rawlings talks with Chris Jamroz, CEO of Roadrunner and a former executive at Ascent Global Logistics. Chris shares his extensive experience in logistics and Private Equity, discussing the transition from investment banking to executive leadership. He highlights the common errors in Private Equity, such as focusing too heavily on past performance instead of potential growth, and offers advice on effective leadership and strategic investment. Chris also provides insights into navigating the cyclical nature of the logistics industry and emphasizes the importance of operational expertise in achieving successful exits. This episode offers valuable perspectives on leadership and investment strategies in Private Equity.Breakdown: [00:00] Introduction to the podcast and guest Chris Jamroz, highlighting his commitment and unique approach to running a business.[00:16] Chris reflects on the critical factors contributing to his success over the past four years.[00:26] Chris offers advice on being a successful Private Equity-backed CEO.[00:46] Overview of Chris's career trajectory from investment banking to leadership roles in logistics, and the recent sale of Assent to HIG.[01:16] Start of the in-depth conversation with Chris, exploring his strategies and experiences across various roles.[01:46] Chris shares his approach as a "shareholder value unlocking specialist" and his operational playbook across the global supply chain.[02:12] Discussion on common mistakes in Private Equity and portfolio companies, with historical context and advice for modern practices.[03:58] Chris critiques the backward-looking focus of Private Equity firms and emphasizes the importance of future potential in investment decisions.[06:21] Chris elaborates on the need for a paradigm shift in Private Equity from past performance to future potentialities.[07:19] Inquiry into balancing the evaluation of past performance and future potential in Private Equity investments.[10:15] The significance of having a strong operations team in achieving successful outcomes in Private Equity ventures.[13:39] Mention of Grata, highlighting its role in enhancing proprietary deal flow with data-driven processes.[14:07] Chris provides insights into the logistics industry, discussing its trends and cyclicality.[18:27] Detailing the process and challenges faced during the recent sale of Assent Global Logistics to HIG.[22:18] Chris shares the personal and professional challenges he faced from taking office to navigating company exits.[26:47] Advice to Private Equity-backed chief executives on understanding and adapting to business realities.[33:07] Chris discusses his personal influences and reading habits, emphasizing the value of learning from both successes and failures.[39:13] Closing remarks and ways to contact Chris Jamroz for further insights and discussions.To connect with Chris, you can visit his LinkedIn profile at Chris Jamroz LinkedIn. Thank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.

Welcome to The Private Equity Podcast! In this episode, host Alex Rawlings chats with Dan Cremons, Founder of Accelera Partners, and discusses the integration of human capital into Private Equity value creation, emphasizing proactive talent management. He shares insights on optimizing teams, strategic hiring, and the significance of due diligence on leadership before acquisition. Cremons stresses learning from hiring mistakes, recognizing biases, and evolving human capital practices. He advocates for nuanced talent assessment, including development and coaching. Resources influencing his approach to value creation and human capital in private equity are also shared.Breakdown:[00:00] Introduction to the concept of surgically approaching value creation.[00:18] Discussion on common hiring mistakes rooted in cognitive biases.[00:30] Introduction of Dan Cremons, founder of Accelera Partners, and an overview of his background in Private Equity.[00:59] The focus shifts to the importance of talent, hiring processes, due diligence, and the use of scorecards.[01:29] Dan Cremons shares his journey from finance to Private Equity and founding Accelera Partners.[02:56] Key mistake Private Equity firms make: a reactive approach to value creation.[04:22] The evolving importance of proactive value creation in a competitive Private Equity space.[05:21] Explanation of value creation and its fundamental meaning.[07:16] The critical role of people in driving value creation.[09:12] Introduction to people planning and its importance.[13:20] The ongoing process of aligning talent with the company's evolving needs[17:38] Discussion on the iterative effort of people planning throughout an investment.[20:02] Personal reflections on learning from hiring mistakes.[23:42] The evolution of human capital practices in Private Equity.[27:02] Importance of professional training in interviewing and hiring.[30:44] Due diligence on portfolio companies' executive teams pre-acquisition.[34:03] The broader scope of organizational due diligence, including leadership, talent, culture, and capabilities.[37:18] Dan Cremons shares his influences and recommended resources.You can connect with Dan Cremons on LinkedIn by visiting his LinkedIn Page - Link to Dan Cremons' LinkedInThank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.

Welcome to The Private Equity Podcast! In this episode, host Alex Rawlings engages with Chris Parisi, a partner at Carl Marks Advisors, to discuss how Private Equity firms can more effectively engage with business owners and founders to secure successful deals. Parisi shares insights from his extensive experience in middle-market investment banking, focusing on the nuances of working with family-owned and privately held businesses. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting the unique challenges these businesses face, such as customer concentration and the need for a cultural fit beyond mere financial valuation. Throughout the discussion, Parisi offers advice on building trust with business owners, the current and future M&A outlook, and how Private Equity firms can adapt their strategies to ensure mutual success in acquisitions.Breakdown: [00:00] Alex Rawlings introduces the Raw Selection Private Equity Podcast, welcoming Chris Parisi to discuss Private Equity strategies.[00:12] Chris traces his career from Ernst & Young to the Blackstone Group and his current role at Carl Marks Advisors.[01:12] Insight into Chris's career shifts and his significant move to Blackstone Group.[01:42] Chris discusses the evolution of fund sizes he has managed, from his early career to present multi-billion dollar funds.[02:12] He explains his academic and professional journey in middle market investment banking post-MBA from Northwestern.[02:42] Overview of Carl Marks Advisors' focus on middle market M&A and family-owned businesses.[03:09] Chris highlights challenges like customer concentration in family-owned business M&A.[04:04] Insights on how Private Equity firms may miss opportunities by strictly adhering to their investment criteria.[05:30] Emphasis on the importance of recognizing management team strengths in investment strategies.[05:59] Discussion on the 2024 middle market M&A outlook, considering interest rates and earnings visibility.[07:56] Predictions of increased deal flow activity in late 2024 and 2025 due to more predictable earnings.[09:50] How Private Equity firms can build acquisition confidence through predictable financial projections.[10:46] Factors influencing the shallow M&A market of 2023, including COVID-19 and supply chain issues.[14:18] Chris discusses the need for strategic adjustments in supply chain management post-pandemic.[17:15] Insights into why family business owners decide to sell, driven by personal motivations and life events.[18:14] What business owners seek in Private Equity firms beyond financials, like cultural fit and growth plans.[21:09] Effective engagement strategies for Private Equity firms with business owners during acquisitions.[25:30] Chris shares his personal influences and recommended readings.[28:27] Closing remarks and contact information for Chris Parisi for further M&A insights.To connect with Chris, you can visit his LinkedIn profile at Chris Parisi LinkedIn. Thank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.

Welcome to The Private Equity Podcast! In this episode, host Alex Rawlings speaks with Rocío Heres, Partner at AltamarCam Partners and discusses the competitive nature of capital raising in Private Equity, stressing the value of talent development and succession planning for long-term success. She highlights the shift towards specialization in the industry and the importance of aligning with LP expectations in fundraising efforts. Rocío shares insights from her international career and addresses the balance between professional success and personal life, advocating for increased female representation in Private Equity. Contact details for further conversations with Rocío are also provided.Breakdown:[00:00] The competitive landscape for capital in Private Equity is discussed.[00:16] Rocío Heres, a partner at AltamarCam Partners, is introduced. The episode promises insights on strategies to attract more capital and women into Private Equity, career advice, and more.[01:14] Rocío shares her background, highlighting her role in Private Equity investments in North America.[02:07] The common mistake of Private Equity firms taking their people for granted is discussed, emphasizing the importance of fostering a family-like environment and career growth.[03:05] The necessity for clear succession planning and career path development within private equity firms to ensure long-term success.[04:29] Rocío talks about observing the evolution of Private Equity firms and the importance of stable, process-oriented firms that focus on repeatable and understandable processes.[07:21] The challenges and opportunities in a competitive capital market are discussed. Rocío emphasizes the importance of sticking to core investment strategies and learning from various Private Equity firms.[10:34] The trend towards specialization within Private Equity firms is noted, including sector-focused and generalist firms developing expertise in specific areas.[13:41] Rocío comments on the changing fundraising landscape and the increasing effort by Private Equity firms to understand LP needs.[17:21] The benefits of having an international career and Rocío's experiences working in different countries are shared.[20:07] Cultural differences and the welcoming nature of the North American market are discussed.[22:29] Rocío talks about her influences, focusing on staying updated with market trends and developments, especially in the secondary market.[24:24] Addressing the gender gap in Private Equity, Rocío emphasizes the possibility of balancing a successful career and family life within the industry.[28:05] Contact information for Rocío is provided, encouraging listeners to reach out for advice or discussion.You can connect with Rocio Heres on LinkedIn by visiting her LinkedIn Page here.Thank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.

Welcome to The Private Equity Podcast! This is the first episode in The Playbook Series. In this episode, host Alex Rawlings speaks with Carl Cox, the CEO of 40 Strategy. Carl shares insights on increasing exit multiples for private equity investments. Highlighting the gap in data-driven strategy, Cox introduces a software tool for strategic planning that focuses on business improvements to positively impact exit multiples. He emphasizes the importance of reducing business risks and enhancing sales processes as key strategies. The discussion also explores the role of leading indicators in driving growth. Breakdown:[00:00] Carl Cox emphasizes the irony of businesses claiming to be data-driven except in strategy and discusses the importance of focusing on strategy to enhance exit multiples.[01:02] Introduction to the Playbook series podcast with Carl Cox, focusing on actionable insights for Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies.[01:52] Carl Cox shares insights on leading strategy over business operations to maximize EBITDA and increase exit multiples by focusing on business rather than in-business activities.[02:48] Examples of strategies to reduce business risks and increase exit multiples, including diversifying customer concentration and building a capable senior team.[04:16] Introduction of a new software tool that Carl Cox describes as the "holy grail" for strategic planning, offering the ability to prioritize and monetize areas of improvement to impact exit multiples directly.[07:06] Discussion on the challenges of choosing what business aspects to work on and how the new software can focus efforts on what will move the needle the most.[10:19] The conversation shifts towards the importance of reducing business risks and improving sales management processes as critical factors in increasing a company's multiple.[12:38] Carl Cox outlines common issues in portfolio companies, such as poor sales management, and suggests focusing on leading indicators to drive significant improvements.[15:05] The concept of leading indicators is explored further with an example from a school district, illustrating how identifying and tracking the right metrics can lead to substantial business growth.[18:19] Discussion on the negotiation process in Private Equity deals and how identifying and addressing risk areas can lead to better exit multiples.[20:28] Carl Cox talks about the need for businesses to have a clear focus on key areas that can increase multiples, emphasizing the importance of sales management and risk reduction.[23:23] The benefits of implementing strategies focused on key leading indicators and ensuring a customer-centric approach to business improvements.[27:50] Carl Cox offers listeners a special opportunity to receive a free signed copy of his book for US-based listeners and mentions where others can find the book online.[32:03] Closing remarks, thanking Carl Cox for his insights into improving exit multiples and the role of strategic planning in value creation.You can connect with Carl Cox on LinkedIn by visiting his LinkedIn Page.Thank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.

Tom is joined by Alex Rawlings, primary headteacher, plus assorted teacher-callers who share their views on the recent controversy regarding this corridor. Does corridor decor matter? Is it a reflection on school culture? Where does school design fit in with school performance? Listen to this discussion to find out! 

Welcome to The Private Equity Podcast! In this episode, host Alex Rawlings talks with Javar Avery, President at Sun and Moon Capital. They delve into micro-cap investing's potential and the essential role of operational playbooks. Avery discusses the rationale behind focusing on smaller, often overlooked companies, detailing the importance of detailed due diligence and strategic deal-making. He highlights overcoming key risks, like key man risk, and maintaining owner engagement for success. The episode also touches on Avery's influences and reading recommendations, offering insights into effective strategies for micro-cap investment growth.Breakdown:[00:00] Javar Avery discusses the potential of investing in micro-cap companies and wonders why larger firms aren't more active in this space.[00:15] The focus is on market competition, management, and team evaluation, introducing governance playbooks for strategic guidance.[00:37] Introduction to Javar Avery and Sun and Moon Capital's focus on microcap investing, targeting companies with $1 million to $2 million of EBITDA.[01:07] Exploring the opportunities and challenges in microcap investing, and Avery's emphasis on the use of playbooks for business implementation.[01:37] Avery provides a brief overview of his background, his role at Sun and Moon Capital, and his personal life.[02:59] Discussion on common mistakes in Private Equity and the necessity for having a clear rationale and strategy for deals.[03:26] Avery shares an experience with a deal that lacked rationale and emphasizes the importance of having a structured due diligence process.[04:47] The significance of playbooks in overcoming integration challenges and maintaining structured operations post-acquisition.[06:35] Avery discusses his interest in micro-cap investing, influenced by recognizing the potential value and challenges in smaller businesses.[08:30] Reasons behind choosing micro-cap investing include less competition, potential for significant value addition, and the unique challenges of smaller businesses.[12:46] Details on Sun and Moon Capital's due diligence process, tailored to their investment rationale and focused on commercial, financial, and management evaluations.[15:12] The ECE strategy used by Sun and Moon Capital to provide operational support without running the companies directly.[17:06] Key risk factors in micro-cap investing, such as key man risk and concentration risks, and strategies to mitigate these risks including retaining skin in the game for owners.[19:34] Avery shares his reading interests, emphasizing autobiographies, business insights from books like "Moneyball," and his passion for learning outside his expertise.[23:32] Recommendations for books and influences, highlighting the importance of different perspectives and personal development.[28:14] Contact information for Javar Avery and an invitation for listeners interested in learning more or seeking investment opportunities to reach out.[29:10] Closing remarks, thanking Javar Avery for his insights into micro-cap investing and the critical role of operational playbooks.You can connect with Javar Avery on LinkedIn by visiting his LinkedIn Page.Thank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.

Welcome to The Private Equity Podcast! In this episode, host Alex Rawlings talks with James Mackey, the Managing Director of Climate Investment. They discuss the advantages of a focused investment strategy for boosting deal flow and addressing the climate crisis. James highlights the importance of precise investment criteria in attracting impactful projects, especially in hard-to-abate sectors like heavy industry and transportation. He stresses the need for realistic assessments and data-driven decisions to scale investments effectively. The conversation offers key insights for investors aiming to contribute significantly to environmental sustainability through disciplined investment approaches.Breakdown: [00:00] James Mackey discusses deal flow and the selective nature of investments under Climate Investment's focused mandate.[00:17] Highlighting how specific criteria and investment goals can increase deal flow, contrary to the belief it might limit opportunities.[00:43] Shifting to the role of private equity and venture capital in addressing climate change through strategic investments in critical sectors.[01:13] Introduction to James Mackey and his role at Climate Investment[02:12] Mackey outlines his background and Climate Investment's mission for strategic decarbonization investments.[03:07] Detailing Climate Investment's focus on sectors with high carbon footprints and the challenges in attracting necessary capital.[04:07] Emphasizing the scale of impact and the targeted carbon reduction goals of their investments.[05:05] Discussing the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative's evolution and its broader mission beyond the oil and gas sector.[06:02] Exploring the engagement model with LPs and the success of pilot programs and commercial orders for portfolio companies.[06:54] Addressing common mistakes in underestimating execution challenges and the importance of realistic goals.[08:19] The necessity of data-driven approaches and asking critical questions to evaluate investment potential.[09:18] Highlighting the importance of being data-driven in understanding the potential for disruption.[12:08] The challenges in finding investments with significant carbon impact and the stringent selection criteria.[14:33] Example of evaluating a plastics recycling business and its difficulty in meeting carbon impact requirements.[16:28] Discussing Climate Investment's strict investment model, driven by clear focus and robust deal flow.[19:24] On the current capital flow towards climate improvement and the need for more targeted investment in neglected sectors.[22:20] Highlighting the mismatch between capital flow and emission sources, stressing the need for catalytic capital in emerging sectors.[25:13] Discussing investment horizons, compensation models, and incentives for directing capital towards impactful solutions.[26:11] Mackey shares his approach to staying informed through diverse news sources and listening to inspirational podcasts.[28:04] Providing contact information for James Mackey for investment proposals or inquiries.You can connect with James Mackey on LinkedIn by visiting his LinkedIn Page.Thank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.

Welcome to The Private Equity Podcast! In this episode, host Alex Rawlings chats with Reuben Munger of Vision Ridge Partners about the intersection of Private Equity and sustainable investments, focusing on the electric transportation revolution. Munger, a pioneer in sustainable real assets, shares insights into transitioning from hedge funds to Private Equity with a sustainability lens, and the impact of electric vehicles and infrastructure on the environment and investment returns. Dive into this engaging discussion on how Vision Ridge Partners is leading the charge in sustainable investments, shaping a greener future through strategic, impactful projects.Breakdown: [00:00] Definition and focus on Vision Ridge Partners' approach to investing in sustainable real assets.[00:15] Discussion on building and owning charging systems, operating electric fleets, and the firm's role in sustainable investing.[00:43] Insight into the focus on vehicle electrification, niche specialization in private equity, and the broad appeal of narrowing focus.[01:09] Munger shares his journey from the hedge fund industry to private equity focusing on sustainability, managing over $3 billion across various sectors.[01:39] Munger discusses the motivation behind the shift and the value of active ownership and sector-specific knowledge in private equity.[03:02] Discussion on the need for infrastructure and real assets to become more sustainable, focusing on efficiency and lower resource intensity.[04:29] Vision Ridge's approach to investing in assets with a sustainable edge and the transition from "gray to green."[06:40] How sustainability shapes Vision Ridge's investment strategy and decision-making process.[07:39] Differences in sustainability mindsets between Europe and North America and how it affects investment strategies.[10:05] Discussing unexpected opportunities and challenges in portfolio companies, emphasizing agility and innovation.[11:55] How Vision Ridge's focused approach has benefited the firm in terms of differentiation, expertise, and deal flow.[16:18] Discussion on electrification in the transportation sector, including commercial vehicles and the impact on sustainability.[21:38] Alex Rawlings mentions Raw Selection's role in private equity executive search and salary surveys.[22:08] Insights into the transition towards electric ferries and the challenges of electrifying longer maritime routes.[23:59] Exploration of competition and collaboration in the electrification of commercial vehicles.[25:55] Munger shares his recommendations for podcasts, books, and resources that inspire him in the field of sustainable investing.[28:51] Closing remarks and how to contact Reuben Munger for further discussion on sustainable real assets and electrification.You can connect with Reuben Munger on LinkedIn by visiting his LinkedIn Page.Thank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.

Welcome to The Private Equity Podcast! This episode provides valuable insights into the mindset and strategies of a successful entrepreneur who has founded and managed multiple businesses. Allan Draper's experiences offer lessons on leadership, the importance of delegation, and the value of aligning with passionate individuals, all crucial for Private Equity investors and portfolio executives aiming for growth and success.Breakdown: [00:00] Introduction to Allan Draper's business portfolio, highlighting his principle of delegation and efficiency.[00:28] Alex Rawlings explains the value Allan brings to the podcast, focusing on insights for PE investors and C-suite executives from a founder outside the PE space.[01:52] Allan provides an overview of his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing his role in assisting others to build their businesses and wealth.[02:50 Discussion on the challenges and motivations behind starting and running multiple businesses, particularly the love for the startup phase.[03:50] Allan shares his strategy for business growth, focusing on finding passionate people to run the businesses, enabling him to continue creating new ventures.[05:19] The importance of hiring the right people and the difficulty in letting go of control.[06:17] Allan advocates for the principle that 80% done by someone else is better than 100% done by oneself.[08:12] Challenges in hiring executives and Allan's approach to identifying leaders who share his vision and passion.[10:30] Advice for executives on leadership, highlighting transparency, vulnerability, and the importance of taking care of employees.[11:27] Allan's insights on igniting passion and drive within an organization, emphasizing accountability, autonomy, and recognition.[14:18] Allan recounts the journey of scaling Proof Pest Control, from its challenges to achieving significant growth.[17:12] Discussion on the role of acquisitions in scaling the business and the strategic choice between organic growth and acquisitions.[18:39] Building a strong brand and the importance of consistency and faith in business success.[20:34] Allan addresses the biggest challenges faced, including business partnerships and hiring the right personnel.[22:59] Allan's perspective on motivations at work.[27:20] Advice for chief executives on how to exude passion and engage like a business founder.[29:48] Allan shares insights on engaging with PE firms and the importance of personalized and informed approaches.[32:13] The effective strategy forPE firms when approaching potential acquisitions, focusing on understanding and aligning with the seller's vision.[35:58] The significance of ensuring continuity of service and customer care in acquisitions.[37:26] Allan recommends influential books and resources for entrepreneurs and business leaders, including his own content platforms.[39:22] Closing remarks, with Allan extending an offer for free consultations with entrepreneurs and expressing his passion for business mentorship.You can connect with Allan Draper on LinkedIn by visiting his LinkedIn Page: Allan Draper LinkedInThank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.

Welcome to The Private Equity Podcast! In this episode, Alex Rawlings has an insightful conversation with Maria Pacella, Managing Partner of Pender Ventures. Maria tells us about the critical mistakes made by investors in Private Equity and Venture Capital, the essence of investor discipline, and valuable learnings from her extensive experience in the investment world.Breakdown: [00:00] Introduction to the episode's theme on investor discipline and key mistakes made by investors.[00:51] Maria Pacella's introduction and background, detailing her journey from growing up on Vancouver Island to becoming a managing partner at Pender Ventures.[01:47] Maria discusses her career path from investment banking to venture capital, emphasizing her focus on technology businesses and her role in founding Pender Ventures.[02:45] Discussion on common mistakes by private equity firms and venture capitals, focusing on the lack of discipline in investment decisions.[03:41] Maria elaborates on how lack of discipline can impact fund and portfolio returns, including getting caught up in tech trends and issues with portfolio construction.[04:41] Insight into maintaining discipline in investment decisions, including starting with a strong investment thesis and framework.[05:40] The importance of a team with diverse backgrounds for challenging decisions and maintaining discipline.[06:34] Mistakes observed on the portfolio side, particularly poor capital allocation during the high fundraising period of 2020-2021.[07:23] The consequences of poor capital allocation, including high expectations for business growth and the current challenges faced by startups.[08:22] Mention of Grata partnership and its role in improving proprietary deal flow and data access.[09:22] Differences in investment evaluation between private equity and venture capital, focusing on unit economics and strategic multiples.[10:17] Maria shares insights on identifying revolutionary technologies and markets, and the importance of future-looking scenarios in investment decisions.[11:46] Attributes of successful portfolios, including founders' unfair knowledge and strategic capital allocation.[13:16] Maria reflects on her 23 years of investing experience, highlighting lessons learned and the importance of looking for outliers.[15:40] Discussion on humility, open-mindedness, and the necessity to challenge conventional patterns to find winning investments.[17:07] Maria talks about the discipline required in investment, different backgrounds of successful VCs, and the significance of understanding tech trends.[19:30] Attributes that make a good investor, including discipline, judgment of character, and humility.[21:53] Balancing involvement and support in portfolio companies, emphasizing the role of individual relationships and guidance.[24:15] Maria's influences and recommendations, including the Buffett Munger School of Investing and listening to various podcasts.[26:03] Closing remarks, thanking Maria for her insights, and a reminder to listeners to subscribe to the podcast.To connect with Maria Pacella, you can visit her LinkedIn page.Thank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.

Welcome to The Private Equity Podcast! In this insightful episode, host Alex Rawlings engages with Gregory Shepard, a distinguished entrepreneur, co-founder of BOSS Capital Partners, and a Forbes Books author. Shepard shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings, growing up in a tent and facing challenges due to his neuro divergences, to becoming a serial entrepreneur with 14 liquidity events and multiple awards under his belt.Breakdown:[00:03] Gregory Shepard's Background: Gregory opens up about his challenging upbringing, living in a tent while building their house, and dealing with autism, dyslexia, synesthesia, and savant syndrome. Despite these obstacles, he went on to build and sell 12 companies, winning four Private Equity awards for transactions between $250 million and a billion.[02:05] Entrepreneurial Journey and Achievements: Gregory discusses his role in significant transactions, including the consolidation of eBay enterprise companies, and his efforts to promote diversity in politics. He also highlights his work on Startup Science, a platform based on his research on why start-ups fail, and his upcoming book, "The Startup Lifecycle."[03:32] Investment Philosophy and Private Equity Insights: Gregory shares his unique perspective on investment, emphasizing the importance of understanding both the founder's and the investor's viewpoints. He discusses common mistakes he sees in Private Equity, such as overvaluation and the failure to focus on real business fundamentals.[09:47] BOSS Operating Support System: Shepard explains how his proprietary system and the StartupScience.io platform help educate founders and investors, improving the success rate of start-ups and investment returns.[19:43] Dealing with Neurodivergence: Shepard speaks candidly about the challenges and advantages of his neurodivergence. He views his condition not as a hindrance but as a set of superpowers that have enabled him to see the world differently and achieve success.[27:25] Altruistic Capitalism: Shepard introduces the concept of using capitalism for altruistic outcomes, such as environmental sustainability and inclusion, highlighting the potential for significant impact and profit.[36:18] Closing: Contact information for Gregory and an invitation to engage further with the discussed topics.To connect with Gregory Shepard, you can visit his LinkedIn Page: Gregory Shepard on LinkedIn.Thank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.

Introducing Josh KoplewiczJosh Koplewicz is the founder and managing partner at Thayer Street Partners, a boutique private equity firm providing flexible growth capital to recurring revenue businesses in the financial services, real estate services, and business services sectors. Before founding Thayer Street, Josh was an investor at Goldman Sachs, where he invested across the capital structure in financial services and business services assets and companies. What You Will LearnPartnering with portfolio companiesStructured equity investmentsStrategic investing and management Breakdown:[00:00] - Introduction to the podcast and today's topic.[00:45] - Alex Rawlings introduces the guest, Josh Koplewicz, and outlines his background in finance, particularly his experience with Goldman Sachs and in the Private Equity sector.[02:10] - Josh shares his journey from joining Goldman Sachs to venturing into Private Equity, emphasizing the skills and insights he gained.[04:30] - Discussion on the transition from investment banking to Private Equity, including the challenges and opportunities Josh encountered.[07:15] - Josh delves into the nuances of investing in the services sector, highlighting key considerations for Private Equity investments.[10:00] - The role of market analysis and due diligence in making successful investments, with Josh providing examples from his experience.[12:20] - Strategies for value creation in Private Equity investments, according to Josh's approach and philosophy.[15:40] - The impact of technology and innovation on the services sector and how it influences Private Equity investment strategies.[18:25] - Josh offers advice for individuals looking to enter the Private Equity space, including essential skills and mindset.[20:30] - Closing thoughts from Josh on the future of Private Equity investments in the services sector and potential growth areas.[22:45] - Alex thanks Josh for his insights and wraps up the podcast, inviting listeners to engage with further discussions on social media and podcast platforms.Partnering With Portfolio Management TeamsHow do you partner with portfolio management teams? According to Josh, Partnering with portfolio management teams is not a one-size-fits-all approach. For them, they do a range of engagements with a portfolio company based on the level of ownership. If a company is a minority investor, they are helpful on both a periodic and situational basis. In many cases, they provide standard advice and stewardship and get involved in special projects around business development initiatives, key hires in finance and data analytics, strategic acquisitions, and financing.  Josh shares that in cases where a company has more material ownership, is engaged in a build-up or roll-up strategy, requires many smaller assets, or has customers who are subscribers, their teams are very hands-on. They partner with the company to engage in diligence and structuring and, in some cases, execute strategic MNA on their behalf. The partnership is entirely based on the needs and objectives of the company.How to Contact JoshJosh on LinkedInThayerstreet.com​​Thank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out t

In this episode of The Private Equity Podcast, host Alex Rawlings, treats listeners to a deep dive into the realm of artificial intelligence within the Private Equity sphere. Joining Alex as this week's guest is Glenn Hopper, an expert in digital transformation with extensive experience in deploying AI solutions in Private Equity contexts.Throughout the episode, Alex and Glenn explore how AI is reshaping the landscape of Private Equity, offering new avenues for growth, decision-making, and operational efficiency. Glenn shares his insights into the practical applications of AI, emphasizing the importance of understanding the intricacies behind digital transformation.From leveraging AI algorithms to analyze vast datasets for investment opportunities to optimizing portfolio performance through predictive analytics, Glenn sheds light on the tangible benefits that AI brings to Private Equity firms. He also discusses the challenges and considerations involved in integrating AI technologies into existing workflows, offering valuable advice for firms looking to embark on their digital transformation journey.Listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of how AI is revolutionizing the Private Equity industry, empowering firms to make more informed decisions, mitigate risks, and unlock new sources of value. Whether it's enhancing due diligence processes or identifying emerging market trends, Glenn demonstrates how AI can drive sustainable growth and competitive advantage in today's fast-paced environment.Breakdown:[00:00] - Introduction to the podcast and today's innovative topic, focusing on the intersection of Private Equity, AI, and digital transformation.[00:45] - Alex Rawlings introduces guest Glenn Hopper, detailing his expertise in finance, technology, and his significant contributions to digital transformation within the Private Equity sector.[02:00] - Glenn shares his journey into the world of finance and technology, highlighting the pivotal moments and the expertise he's developed in AI and digital transformation.[04:30] - Exploring the integration of AI in Private Equity, Glenn discusses the initial challenges and the transformative opportunities that AI presents for the industry.[07:15] - Glenn delves into specific examples of digital transformation in Private Equity, emphasizing the importance and impact of AI in analyzing and making investment decisions.[10:00] - The role of data analytics and AI in due diligence processes, with Glenn providing insights from his extensive experience.[12:20] - Strategies for leveraging technology to create value in Private Equity investments, through Glenn's analytical perspective and innovative approaches.[15:40] - Discussion on the broader implications of technological advancements on the services sector and their significance for Private Equity investors.[18:25] - Glenn offers practical advice for professionals aiming to integrate AI and digital transformation strategies within their investment practices.[20:30] - Glenn's forward-looking views on the evolution of AI in Private Equity and the emerging trends that investors should be aware of.[22:45] - Alex Rawlings concludes the podcast by thanking Glenn Hopper for his invaluable insights and encourages listeners to engage with the topic on social media and various podcast platforms.To connect with Glenn Hopper and delve deeper into his expertise in digital transformation and AI in Private Equity, you can visit his LinkedIn profile: Glenn Hopper on LinkedIn

In a compelling episode of The Private Equity Podcast, host Alex Rawlings engages in a insightful conversation with industry veteran Brian Cassady. The focus of this episode is on Brian's exceptional achievement of organically increasing revenue by $50 million and creating an impressive $500 million in EBITDA.Throughout the episode, Brian shares the strategic insights and transformative decisions that fueled this substantial growth. From innovative operational tactics to identifying and capitalizing on market trends, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the nuanced approaches that drove this remarkable success story within the Private Equity landscape.Join host Alex Rawlings as he navigates through Brian Cassady's experiences, offering listeners a firsthand account of the challenges, triumphs, and strategic maneuvers that led to such substantial financial gains. This episode serves as a valuable resource for professionals and enthusiasts alike, providing actionable insights and inspiration for those looking to drive organic growth within the Private Equity sector.Connect with Brian Cassady on LinkedIn to stay updated on his industry perspectives: Brian Cassady LinkedIn. For a deep dive into the world of Private Equity and a masterclass on driving organic revenue growth, tune in to this illuminating episode on The Private Equity Podcast.

Prof. Jennifer Hunter has a wealth of clinical and academic experience. Her long and eventful career has given her a rightful place as a leading figure in Anaesthesiology. She was the first woman to become Editor-in-Chief of the British Journal of Anaesthesia and Chair of the European Society of Anaesthesiology Scientific Programme Committee. She was also a member of the ESA Nominations Committee.In this episode, our Host, Mr. Alex Rawlings discusses with Prof. Jennifer Hunter the highlights of her career in Anaesthesiology, along with her inspirations, motivations, and much more. Join them and discover more about this fascinating career.

Morty Singer joins Alex Rawlings on The Private Equity Podcast to discuss the importance of culture in private equity, investing in the consumer industry, and more. Alex Rawlings is the Founder & Managing partner of Raw Selection, an executive search firm that specializes in working with Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies across Europe and North America. On his podcast, Alex interviews the leading experts in the Private Equity industry to unlock their secrets of success.

It's been over 30 years since “To Err is Human” highlighted the scale of preventable harm in healthcare and so far change has been slow but it has been happening even though there is still a long way to go. What are the greatest obstacles to change? What dogma has been the most difficult to overcome? What have been the most notable advancements in the field? Join our host Alex Rawlings in an in depth discussion with Prof. Doris Østergaard and find out more.

Episode 14: Lewis Byford and Alex Rawlings The Recruitment Network provides a platform for successful recruitment leaders to share their stories, experiences and perspectives on what it takes to get to the next level. In this episode, we present an engaging conversation between two great business leaders: Lewis Byford, Founder of Anthony George and Alex Rawlings, Founder of Raw Selections Sneak Peak: Lewis Byford: Anthony George revolutionises how the financial sector does recruitment, but not compromising on quality or service. Alex Rawlings: As the founder and managing partner of Raw Selection, a leading specialist in executive recruitment for private equity firms and their portfolio companies, Alex understand the critical role that top-performing talent plays in driving business success. Tune in below!

How important is grammar in language learning? Alex Rawlings shows a new way to look at learning, different from the language learning you did at school. Alex gives his top tips to stop stressing about grammar. If you want to take your learning to the next level, we have a special offer here to start your language learning journey: https://www.rosettastone.co.uk/lp/s3/?cmp=mtw&utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=sm&utm_campaign=mtw8&utm_content=sl See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What to avoid when travelling to a new country? Language learning tips before travelling! Polyglot Alex Rawlings takes you through the jump to immersive language learning. Alex covers his preparation to do before travelling and testing out your new language stills. If you want to take your learning to the next level, we have a special offer here to start your language learning journey: https://www.rosettastone.co.uk/lp/s3/?cmp=mtw&utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=sm&utm_campaign=mtw7&utm_content=slSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What to avoid when travelling to a new country? Language learning tips before travelling! Polyglot Alex Rawlings takes you through the jump to immersive language learning. Alex covers his preparation to do before travelling and testing out your new language stills. If you want to take your learning to the next level, we have a special offer here to start your language learning journey: https://www.rosettastone.co.uk/lp/s3/?cmp=mtw&utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=sm&utm_campaign=mtw7&utm_content=sl  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you learn Greek? Do they speak English in Greece? Things have changed since the Ancient Greek of Plato and Aristotle, but the Greek language can still be overwhelming for language learners. Alex Rawlings takes you through his top tips for learning Greek. Alex covers the Greek alphabet, spelling and Greek linguistic genders. Learning a bit of Greek is a sure way to make yourself very popular with the locals! If you want to take your learning to the next level, we have a special offer here to start your language learning journey: See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What are the most important French Verbs to learn? Which are the French irregular verbs? Alex Rawlings, British Polyglot, gives his 10 most important verbs for French learners. Alex takes you step by step through common French verbs and how to use them. If you want to take your French to the next level, we have a special offer here to start your language learning journey: https://www.rosettastone.co.uk/lp/s3/?cmp=mtw&utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=sm&utm_campaign=mtw4&utm_content=sl See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Which TV and films can you watch to help you learn Spanish? Which Netflix series is best for learning languages? Alex gives his favourite Spanish shows to help you, from how best to use subtitles, train your listening skills, and develop your vocabulary, all whilst enjoying fantastic TV! If you want to take your learning to the next level, we have a special offer here to start your language learning journey: https://www.rosettastone.co.uk/lp/s3/?cmp=mtw&utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=sm&utm_campaign=mtw3&utm_content=slSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Want to know the best way to learn French? British polyglot Alex Rawlings offers his top tips for learning the language. He covers which French to learn, how to pronounce French letters and words, learning French phrases instead of purely grammar, training your ear and how to practise your French listening. If you want to take your learning to the next level, we have a special offer here to start your language learning journey: https://www.rosettastone.co.uk/lp/s3/?cmp=mtw&utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=sm&utm_campaign=mtw4&utm_content=sl See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Want to know the best way to learn Spanish? British polyglot Alex Rawlings offers his top tips for learning the language. He covers which Spanish to learn, how to pronounce Spanish letters and words, learning Spanish phrases instead of purely grammar, training your ear and how to practise your Spanish listening. If you want to take your learning to the next level, we have a special offer here to start your language learning journey: https://www.rosettastone.co.uk/lp/s3/?cmp=mtw&utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=sm&utm_campaign1=mtw&utm_content=sl See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex Rawlings, president and founder of Raw Selection, joins the podcast to talk about his experience with starting his own firm and the appeal of focusing on a niche market. He talks about the importance of documentation when it comes to creating your own training programs, and also shares his thoughts on why occasionally working from an office can be incredibly beneficial to professional development.

Although PE-backed company CEOs and other CEOs share the same role, a PE-backed CEO is tasked with unique challenges. Many of them accept the role but come underprepared for what lies ahead. I have been recently invited to share my thoughts about the subject on the “The Private Equity Podcast”, where I have been interviewed by Alex Rawlings. Here is what I shared: The common mistakes made by Private Equity Firms How to assess the current leadership team Two best skills of CEOs The leadership challenges of acquisitions How PEs can help CEOs and their teams The three best attributes of successful CEOs My suggested books for CEOs Share your thoughts or comments at: andrea@andreapetrone.com or send a message on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/ More about Alex's podcast: https://lnkd.in/d_3SdiF Want to get a score on your leadership level? Take the free assessment today at: https://www.andreapetrone.com/assessment/ If you don't want to miss any episode and receive the full article in your inbox, subscribe today to our blog here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/blog Need more? Book a 30min call here: https://calendly.com/andreapetrone/strategy Read the article related to this podcast: https://www.andreapetrone.com/what-makes-ceos-of-private-equity-backed-companies-successful-article/   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our final episode of the series, Susie Dent and Alex Rawlings answer the top 10 language learning questions submitted by you, our More Than Words listeners! We’ve covered a range of topics and this has sparked discussion from our guests, many of which have made it to this discussion. We are also joined by very special guest, BBC Breakfast presenter Dan Walker, who has started on his own language learning journey recently. We’ll hear how he is getting on and whether he has a few questions of his own! All listeners can also go to https://www.rosettastone.co.uk/podcast/ to receive special offers and start your own language learning journey today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Benny and Shannon discuss dual identities, language learning, and strategies for reviving a language with Alex Rawlings, who was once named Britain’s most multilingual student.Featured Resources How to Speak Any Language Fluently Assimil Teach Yourself Routledge Mentioned in this Episode Third Year Abroad, now Global Graduates How to Speak Any Language Fluently Assimil Teach Yourself Routledge Alex Rawlings Alex’s Twitter Alex’s Instagram More Than Words Podcast Episode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are: How Alex became Britain’s most Multilingual Student How a polyglot keeps their languages active and prioritizes what to work on Dealing with dual identities as someone who’s bicultural Taking language learning from hobby to career Living in South Africa and learning Afrikaans Extensive reading as a language learning strategy Strategies for reviving a language you’ve studied in the past Using courses at the beginner stage of learning Why you should adopt the philosophy of a “non-perfectionist” Learning strategies for advanced language learners Finding your voice in another language Discovering stories in other languages Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

Last episode our guests recommended vocabulary as the first thing to concentrate on when you start your language learning, and in this episode we do just that. Re-joining Alex is the UK’s most renowned lexicographer Susie Dent, who talks about why vocab is so important and how best to pick up more of it. We also have U.S. Memory Champion Chester Santos, who provides us with some principals on improving our memory and how to apply it to learning new words. You can also join Alex and Susie in a fun, immersive exercise where they try to memorise 15 random words in a row! Good luck! All listeners can also go to https://www.rosettastone.co.uk/podcast/ to receive special offers and start your own language learning journey today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the first episode of More Than Words series 2, we address the most frequently asked language question: ‘What is the best way to learn a language?’, particularly as adults with busy lives. Joining our host Alex Rawlings to help answer this are three guests that have been doing it for many years.  Thomas Bak is a reader in human cognitive neuroscience from Edinburgh University, Lindie Botes is a polyglot who shares her language learning tips with over 250,000 followers on her Youtube channel, and Talli Menchion is a German language tutor for Rosetta Stone.  They tuned in from 3 different continents and with over 25 languages between them, you’ll have plenty of knowledge to apply to your own language learning journey, which is summarised at the end. Enjoy! All listeners can also go to https://www.rosettastone.co.uk/podcast/ to receive special offers and start your own language learning journey today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The More Than Words podcast, brought to you by Rosetta Stone UK, is back for series two, where we meet fascinating people and experts in the field of language and linguistics, answering your most pressing questions about learning another language.  Our host, polyglot and writer Alex Rawlings, speaks to a range of guests. From neuroscientists like Thomas Bak on the best way to learn a language, to Susie Dent speaking about vocabulary, and US Memory champion Chester Santos on how to remember it all.  We also have the UK’s favourite German comedian Henning Wehn talking about slang and where to find it, and 2 phonetic fanatics discussing accents and how to improve your pronunciation. In our final episode Alex and special guest Susie Dent will be answering YOUR questions on language learning. So if there’s something you’d like to know, please tweet @RosettaStoneUK for a chance to be selected.  Subscribe to ‘More Than Words’ on your favourite podcast channel, so you don’t miss an episode. All listeners can also go to rosettastone.co.uk/podcast to receive special offers and start your own language learning journey today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Hora Lomana con Cristina y Carmen Lomana. Alex Rawlings, políglota que habla 15 idiomas. Fernando López Mirones, biólogo y divulgadorEscucha ahora 'Fin de Semana'. "Fin de Semana" es un programa presentado por Cristina López Schlichting, prestigiosa comunicadora de radio y articulista en prensa, es un magazine que se emite en COPE, los sábados y domingos, de 10.00 a 14.00 horas. A lo largo de sus cuatro horas de duración, Fin de Semana ofrece otra visión, más humana y reposada, de la actualidad reciente, a la vez que reserva espacio para historias novedosas y sorprendentes; para reportajes y entrevistas en profundidad; para propuestas de ocio que invitan a disfrutar de los días de descanso con el mejor humor y garantías de éxito.Siempre, de la mano y la voz de Cristina López Schlichting, en cuyo dilatado currículum vitae se incluyen sus labores de articulista y reportera en los principales periódicos de España (ABC, El Mundo o La Razón o su papel de tertuliana de televisión. Asimismo, la periodista madrileña es conocida y reconocida por la claridad y valentía de sus posicionamientos editoriales, inspirados en la defensa de los valores cristianos o los derechos de las personas.Entre los colaboradores habituales de Fin de semana, sobresalen nombres como los de Carmen Lomana, que nos sumerge en su prisma de la realidad con "La...

Alex Rawlings recruits top performing executives for fast growth, venture capital & private equity backed companies. To a great extent we disagree about the merits of the VC/PE but his approach to recruitment is exceptionally sound and reliable. Bad hires are the single highest hidden cost in any business. When you consider that 2 in 5 executive hires usually fail within the first year and Alex's model has a 100% success rate, it makes sense to listen to what he has to say.   We discuss good and bad practices in recruitment, candidate design, onboarding.   A good executive hire can deliver £millions to the value of your business. The right executive team usually means the difference between success and failure.    linkedin.com/in/alexrawlings Website: raw-selection.com  (Company Website)Email: Alex.Rawlings@Raw-Selection.comTwitter: ARawlingsRec   --   To book a 1 to 1 with me or check out my 250+ podcast interviews with some of the best salespeople, sales leaders, sales psychologists, founders and entrepreneurs, trainers, coaches and authors click here - https://linktr.ee/marcuscauchi

Introducing The Private Equity Podcast, hosted by Alex Rawlings.Over the coming episodes Alex will be interviewing the leading experts working in the Private Equity industry, unlocking their secrets of success to share with you. Discover how some of the top private equity professionals got into Private Equity, how they rose to success and learn about some of the mistakes they made along the way. Alex has strong connections to the Private Equity industry through his executive search firm, Raw Selection, which specialises in working with Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies across Europe and North America. Alex is straight talking and to the point and aims to unlock real gold you can build into your firm or portfolio companies.

Have you heard the term ‘dying languages’? In our third episode we discuss what this means and how important it is to protect them. We also question how crucial the spoken word is to our cultural identity with the fabulous Susie Dent and linguist and journalist Alex Rawlings. Assumptions, lazy travelling and our resistance to embrace other cultures, we look at what this means for us and what we can do to stop it. To watch the video, find out more and try Rosetta Stone for free, please click the following link: www.rosettastone.co.uk/podcast/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support the Breakfast Leadership Network! Contribute on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bfastleadershipOr PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/bfastleadershipBreakfast Leadership Network Merchandise: https://teespring.com/stores/breakfast-leadership-network------Alex is the founder and managing partner of Raw Selection, an executive search and selection firm which works exclusively with Private Equity firms securing talent for both the firm themselves and their executives in their portfolio companies. Alex has plenty of experience in building and leading teams of driven, passionate people, and has a particular interest in how leadership in the workplace can make or break a company. Alex studies management and leadership and always has a book usually 2 on the go. Because of this, Alex focuses on curating a culture of openness and honesty at Raw Selection, which sees all employees as equally valued and included in the company. His studies of Google, Microsoft and other large and small companies have enabled him to build a solid platform of which to grow his knowledge and Raw Selection. As a passionate individual Alex always welcomes a discussion on anything management, leadership or business in general, please feel free to reach out to him at Alex.Rawlings@Raw-Selection.com or connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexrawlings/

This week’s podcast episode is all about linguistics: a jaunt into the fertile, fascinating and frequently funny world of languages, how they affect and indeed define the world we live in. To get a proper view on this, we went for Un Tallat Amb… Alex Rawlings, a British language education ambassador and twice published author (How To Speak Any Language Fluently and From Amourette to Żal: Bizarre and Beautiful Words from around Europe) who was crowned the UK’s most multilingual student in 2012. He won that accolade by being able to speak a remarkable 15 languages: yes, putting those of us struggling to pick up just Spanish alone to shame. It was a pleasure chatting with Alex and learning some new things about language, and we hope that you enjoy it too. You can read Alex’s blog and buy his books through the links on his website (https://alexrawlings.co.uk/). The music on this episode is “No Frills Cumbia” by Kevin MacLeod from https://filmmusic.io License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

LINKEDIN:  Are you a looking for the industries leading specialist in A-Player talent for the Private Equity, Venture Capital and Portfolio companies globally? Looking to identify talent to increase EBITDA of your portfolio and drive Exit Multiples? FACT: Portfolio talent is becoming increasingly hard to secure FACT: Investment talent with a positive track record are like Hens Teeth! QUESTION: Are you are a Venture Capital, Private Equity or Portfolio company, looking to identify the very best talent? - Are you frustrated by being let down by underperformance? Do you want to gain the edge and build the team your firm deserves? Download the free guide here. https://www.rawselection.co.uk/e-book  Raw Selection works with Private Equity, Venture Capital and their portfolio companies to maximise their return on investment. Our expertise allows us to help you make the right talent decisions at both the senior management of the portfolios and the investment, operations, and finance at your firm.  Proven client benefits: - Significant access to a huge network of candidates Vice President, Principal, Director Partner and portfolio based CEO, COO, CFO, CTO, Vice President and other critical appointments. - A huge number of examples of senior appointments being made within 2 weeks of mandate approval. - 100% success on all retained assignments Contact me at Alex.R@RawSelection.co.uk | +44 7860 803 558 | www.RawSelection.co.uk

Many Americans have no idea what’s going on with Brexit. But fortunately, Amanda Sloat of the Brookings Institution in Washington DC is not one of them. She is an expert on US-EU relations and just published the paper Divided Kingdom: How Brexit is remaking the UK's constitutional order.Is it still possible that the UK will stay in the European Union after all? Can Article 50 be cancelled at will? Or is Brexit a done deal? Parisian lawyer and expert in European law Elini Moraïtou will give us the answer, but a note to Remainers: don’t get your hopes too high.And we’re going to speak in tongues. Alex Rawlings is fluent in fifteen languages and wrote the entertaining book How to Speak Any Language Fluently. He was born and raised in the UK but is now becoming a Brefugee.On Twitter: @channelfog

Our theme for today's show is language learning friendship and having buddies who truly love language learning. We are recording this week in Ljubljana from the Polyglot Conference, so in the show you'll also hear from a few of the many language loving people visiting the city this weekend. The polyglots you heard in interviews from the Polyglot Conference were Katie Harris, Ruslan Kokorin, Irena Dahl, and Gabriel Gelman. Congratulations to Alex Rawlings and Richard Simcott for a great event. Only A Few Days Left Tickets for Women in Language (http://www.womeninlanguage.com) are open until 3 November 2018, but make sure you join by 31 October if you want to participate in our special Language BF for the Day programme. Special Guests: Gabriel Gelman and Katie Harris.

Hiring the right tech executives to run your portfolio companies is a serious challenge. Alex Rawlings, of UK-based Raw Selection, dials in from across the pond with strategies and tips on how to find what you're looking for.

On this episode I review Alex's book about learning languages. You can read more about him on his personal site http://rawlangs.com .

In this week's episode of the ‘Renegade Recruiter Unleashed' Podcast, I interview Alex Rawlings Managing Director of a UK based search Firm. I've known Alex for around six months now, and although he runs a fairly new business, he's impressed me with some of the results he's been able to get using NEW marketing techniques and steering away from the OLD methods most Recruitment and Search Firm Owners are using.    In this interview, he shares with us whats been working well in his business and how you can use it too. There is something in here every Recruitment or Search Firm Owners can learn from....   Here's just some of what you'll get   One strategy Alex used to add £65K in business revenue within just a few weeks of using it (97% of my most successful students use this strategy too and it never fails) Why “lack of change” is ruining the industry and destroying the businesses of Recruitment and Search Firm owners who fail to adapt Why Alex thinks you should be walking away for bad clients and the difference it made to his business Alex thinks “everything that's free is shit” (apart from this podcast) and he talks about how this has an impact your Recruitment or Search Business Retainers vs contingency – Alex gives his view The phycology of selling retained recruitment and why most Recruiters don't do it properly How to get the best results for the clients you're working with so they buy from you again and again (this is obvious, but most Recruitment and Search Firm owners ignore it) The one LinkedIn strategy that Alex used to win a retainer in 3 weeks Taking the clients off the pedestal and how doing so will increase the profits of your Recruitment or Search Firm Find out how The Recruiters Arms is changing the face of the industry for the better The truth about Recruitment Award ceremonies and why the Recruiters Arms is different   And more

In this episode, I speak with Alex Rawlings about his new book: How To Speak Any Language Fluently. Episode Summary: Alex's upbringing with languages Did he learn languages quickly because he was a kid? How an 11-language test was administered to Alex in 2012 The process of writing a book Advice to bloggers wanting to write a book Working at Memrise.com Is it really possible to improve the way people learn languages? Alex's favourite advice from the book Resources Mentioned In Today's Episode:   How To Speak Any Language Fluently - Alex Rawlings AlexRawlings.co.uk - Alex's Website ReadLang - tool for reading online Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, visit: http://iwillteachyoualanguage.com/italkishownotes Do you have a question? Ask me your language learning questions by clicking here, and I’ll do my best to feature it on the show! Also, please subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. Thanks so much for listening to this episode of the podcast! If you’ve got any comments about the show then please leave them in the “comments” section below! If you’d like to help me out, then I’d love it if you could… Share the episode using the social media buttons around you Leave an honest review and rating of the podcast on iTunes (click here to do that) iTunes reviews in particular really help the rankings of the podcast and help me to reach other aspiring language learners out there! See you in the next episode of the I Will Teach You A Language podcast! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/iwillteachyoualanguage/message

This weekend, I was in Montreal for LangFest 2017. Since then, many friends have been asking me how it was. So, in this episode, I answer that question publicly. Episode Summary: Many people from the Community traveled from far and wide to attend the conference It's great to take a few days to step away and think about language and language learning with calm... it's inspiring My talk on memory Stephen Krashen, Steve Kaufmann and comprehensible input Does comprehensible input or conscious learning result in skill building? Story and graded readers The theme emerging from speakers that stuck with me was that of "compelling input" and "passion" ... nothing new, but the extent of the emphasis was a good reminder of what matters italki I personally found this a great boost for my work with graded readers Montreal is a great, cosmopolitan city, despite taxes, tips and crazy weather Alex Rawlings gave a great talk in which he parodied language learning methods I had some great meetings with Stephen Krashen and Teach Yourself Caught up with Richard and Alex, had good time to chat with Benny and Steve Kaufmann Organising a conference is a LOT of work Resources mentioned in today's episode: LangFest 2017 - conference website Stephen D Krashen - website with articles, books and more Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, visit: http://iwillteachyoualanguage.com/italkishownotes Do you have a question? Ask me your language learning questions by clicking here, and I’ll do my best to feature it on the show! Also, please subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. Thanks so much for listening to this episode of the podcast! If you’ve got any comments about the show then please leave them in the “comments” section below! If you’d like to help me out, then I’d love it if you could… Share the episode using the social media buttons around you Leave an honest review and rating of the podcast on iTunes (click here to do that) iTunes reviews in particular really help the rankings of the podcast and help me to reach other aspiring language learners out there! See you in the next episode of the I Will Teach You A Language podcast! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/iwillteachyoualanguage/message

Alex Rawlings is a polyglot and language teacher who runs the blog Rawlangs as well as a series of Polyglot Workshops and Conferences all over the world. In 2012 Alex was named Britain’s most multilingual student after winning a nationwide competition, where he was tested for fluency in eleven languages. One of the most common language learning myths is that you have to live in a country to learn a language. But this simply isn't true if you're approaching the process properly and Alex is proof of that, having lived in the UK most of his life. As well as being an exceptional learner Alex is also great at communicating his knowledge and helping others on their language learning journeys, which is why I reached out to him for a conversation. In this episode you’ll learn Alex’s tips and tricks for: - Picking the right language teacher - Refreshing languages you haven’t used for years - Using technology intelligently in your language learning So whether you're just getting started on a new language, or want to refresh your high school French or Spanish, this episode will give you actionable strategies that you can apply right away.

More than half the world speaks more than one language. New research is showing that being multilingual has some surprising advantages – it can help us keep healthier longer. Gaia Vince finds out how knowing many languages can protect our brains over our lifespan, and even stave off the appearance of some diseases, including dementia. Gaia attempts the Flanker Task at Lancaster University and then talks to Professor Panos Athanopolous about why bilinguals do better at it than monolinguals. She hears from Professor Ellen Bialystock from York University in Toronto and Dr Thomas Bak from University of Edinburgh who have discovered that being bilingual can slow down the appearance of Alzheimer’s disease. Professor Jubin Abutalebi, from the Universita Vita -Saluta San Raffaele in Milan explains how speaking more than one language increases the grey matter in the brain. And Gaia asks Alex Rawlings, who speaks 15 languages, how we can persuade monolinguals to learn another tongue. Morag Donaldson talks to Thomas Bak of her experience of taking part in his experiment that showed just 5 days of learning Gaelic improved her cognitive reserve. The latest research suggests the bilingualism also gives protection against other conditions, such as some stroke and memory loss, as Dr Thomas Bak and Professor Viorica Marian of Northwestern University explain. (Photo: Welcome to Scotland sign. Credit Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Episode 35 of the Creative Language Learning Podcast is brought to you with support from HelloTalk. Go visit them now, because you're totally missing out.Do you remember when you first heard the word "polyglot"?And what does this word mean to you? ##Show Topic: What Is a "Polyglot" and Should You Be One?In this episode, Lindsay and I went deeper into what's changed in the emerging community of internet polyglots. A few years ago, the YouTube landscape in particular was a nasty place. But things are looking up!What does the word mean, and is being polyglot desirable?Far from being entirely opposed to polyglots as a barrage of braggards and internet trolls, we are able to bring you many positive thoughts and perspectives.##Polyglot Guest: Alex RawlingsIn this episode, we have a special guest who is a famous fancy polyglot and known for winning the prestigious Harper-Collins award of being [Britain's Most Multilingual Student]. It's Alex Rawlings, co-founder of the [Polyglot Conference] and "full-time language guru dude". Polyglots have existed a lot longer than YouTube. Alex did an amazing job of describing how the polyglot community has changed and also why it wasn't a great place to start out in. It's fascinating how much YouTube comes up in this discussion. He shares the story of bringing a bit of offline magic into the online world, and we agree that the internet is now a nicer place for language learners, and thank God for that.##Takeaway of the Week "It is what you make it." There is still a personal challenge to readers, but also a real sense of permission to make the word mean what it means to you. Polyglots might be online, offline, nice, nasty, multilingual or just really curious.For me, the biggest update to the polyglot label was the idea of it being all about the intention of learning languages, and the interest, and the passion. I love that! ##Links and Tips from This Episode Alex Rawlings writes at Rawlangs Lindsay on Youtube: What's a Polyglot? Kerstin speaks (reads!!!!) 25 European languages - the best part of making this video was finding native speakers of 25 languages in one week. I even rang the Icelandic and Luxembourgish tourist offices. ^__^ My Blog Article from May 2014, summing up all the polyglot negatives Polyglot Conference - this year in Greece and the Polyglot Workshops or just search for any of these things on Facebook Polyglot Gathering in Berlin HelloTalk Are you going to claim the polyglot title this year? Or still not convinced? Special Guest: Alex Rawlings.

I catch up with legendary Alex Rawlings to talk about where to live in the world, the expat problem and his latest a-ha moments in language learning. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/actualfluency/message

Last weekend saw the Polyglot Conference 2015 take place in NYC. In this episode I sit down with two of the organisers, Richard Simcott and Alex Rawlings to reflect on the event. In this episode: The Polyglot Conference 2015 NYC Come to next year's conference in Greece! Join the Facebook group for information about the 2016 conference: http://facebook.com/polyglotconference Start speaking today I’d like to thank iTalki for supporting the show. iTalki is the best place online to connect with affordable and effective native speakers teachers and tutors. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, simply visit:http://iwillteac --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/iwillteachyoualanguage/message

Ellen Jovin is a grammar freak, the creator of the website "Words & Worlds of New York," and a founder and principal of Syntaxis, a communication skills training firm based in New York City. She has a B.A. in German from Harvard and an M.A. in comparative literature from UCLA. Ellen can often be found walking or running around the city doing language lessons on her phone, a long-term habit that ultimately led to her joining the accomplished English polyglots Richard Simcott and Alex Rawlings to organize the first Polyglot Conference ever in North America.On October 10 and 11, hundreds of sometimes shockingly multilingual people will descend on the SVA Theatre in Manhattan for two days of language talks and linguistic camaraderie. This event is open to anyone who loves language; all you have to do is register (preferably ahead of time or you pay extra) and bring your linguistic affections with you. For more about Ellen Jovin:  Words & Worlds of New York http://ellenjovin.com Learn more about the Polyglot Conference NYC 2015:  http://polyglotconference.com

Terry asks: "What's the best way to study in-between lessons in order to consolidate what you've learnt?" In this episode: What's the main purpose of a language lesson? How lessons, for me, are the place to practise, not to "study" How to use your time in-between lessons to consolidate what you've learnt Resources mentioned in todays episode: Are you wasting your money on language classes? - This one is self-explanatory! Polyglot Workshops. Join myself, Richard Simcott and Alex Rawlings for a live training day in New York City (October) and London (November) Start speaking today I’d like to thank

Alex Rawlings was voted the most linguistic youth in England in 2012 having been tested in 11 languages being under 20 years old. Now he teaches Polyglot Workshops which helps people interested in learning lots of languages do this more effectively.  In this episode we talk about the language learning process and how he got started with this addiction. After realizing that other languages existed when he was young, he saw how useful they were while growing up in London around many different languages. He thought he was strange until being showcased in a BBC video about his abilities and that is how he found the polyglot community. Now he no longer thinks he is strange. We then talk about what it actually means to speak a language and the differences between 'functional' and 'fluency.' We then talk about how travel makes you reexamine your cultural assumptions. 

Linda asks: "What do you think of using the Laddering technique to use one second language to learn another?" In this episode: The laddering technique When does it make sense to use one language to learn another? Similar languages, such as Macedonian and Albanian Crafty ways to meet native speakers of one language... using another language! Resources featured in this episode: Richard Simcott is today's special guest, and runs the following sites: Speaking Fluently blog - Richard's language blog Speaking Fluently Facebook page - a vibrant Facebook community where you can connect with Richard and other language learners Today's featured resource: Polyglot Workshops - Richard runs workshops for aspiring language learners all over the world, together with fellow polyglot Alex Rawlings, who was featured in Episode 7. Upcoming workshops will be held in: Budapest London Belo Horizonte Do you have a question? Ask me your language learning questions by clicking here, and I'll do my best to feature it on the show! Also, please subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. Thanks for listening Thanks so much for listening to this episode of the podcast! If you've got any comments about the show then please leave them in the "comments" section below! If you'd like to help me out, then I'd love it if you could... Share the episode using the social media buttons around you Leave an honest review and rating of the podcast on iTunes (click here to do that) iTunes reviews in particular really help the rankings of the podcast and help me to reach other aspiring language learners out there! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated, and I read every single one. :) See you in the next episode of the I Will Teach You A Language podcast! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/iwillteachyoualanguage/message

Today's episode features a question from Tom: "I'm not getting anywhere with Russian cases. Can you help me make progress with this?" With special guest: Alex Rawlings. In this episode: What are Russian cases? How do they work? How to learn Russian cases Links and resources for Russian cases:   Today's featured resource Private Russian coaching with Alex - Zero to intermediate in four months. Do you have a question? Ask me your language learning questions by clicking here, and I'll do my best to feature it on the show! Also, please subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. Win a copy of my course! To celebrate the launch of the podcast, I'm giving away 3 free copies of my Language Learning Foundations video course, worth $97 each! To be in with a chance of winning, simply head over to iTunes, search for the "I Will Teach You A Language Podcast" in the store, and leave me an honest review and rating for the show! After episode 10 of the podcast, I'll choose 3 lucky winners from around the world! Thanks for listening Thanks so much for listening to this episode of the podcast! If you've got any comments about the show then please leave them in the "comments" section below! If you'd like to help me out, then I'd love it if you could... Share the episode using the social media buttons around you Leave an honest review and rating of the podcast on iTunes. iTunes reviews in particular really help the rankings of the podcast and help me to reach other aspiring language learners out there! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated, and I read every single one. :) See you in the next episode of the I Will Teach You A Language podcast! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/iwillteachyoualanguage/message

Alex Rawlings comes on to the show to share his journey to 12+ languages. We talk about general language learning, natural learning and much more. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/actualfluency/message