Podcasts about value creation

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth What does it take to be a truly strategic CFO in today's construction industry? In this episode, Steve sits down with Brad Collins, CFO of Barrett Industries—a regional construction leader and part of global infrastructure giant Colas. They dive deep into how finance leaders can drive real business value beyond spreadsheets, why strategic alignment across teams matters, and what CFOs can do to shift from being number crunchers to strategic partners. Brad shares insights on regional autonomy, KPI execution, operational efficiency, and the true ROI of financial leadership—plus, what he wishes he knew five years ago. If you're building a finance team or leading a P&L, this one's packed with practical, hard-won advice. Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation. This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. Win a free custom KPI Dashboard for your business. Apply now before the September 10th drawing: coltivar.com/kpisLinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

In this episode of Durable Value, we dive deep into a real-world case study: the acquisition, turnaround, and rebranding of The Lofts at Stadium Square in Fresno. Join us as we break down the sourcing, negotiation, due diligence, and execution that turned a struggling student housing property into a thriving multifamily asset. Learn about the challenges, strategies, and lessons from one of our most successful investments to date.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction00:22 – The Lofts in Fresno: Background & Rebranding00:47 – Sourcing the Deal & Initial Challenges01:35 – Appraisal, Pricing, and Negotiation02:01 – Negative Cash Flow & Seller Motivation02:46 – Our Approach to Buying & Negotiating03:12 – Due Diligence: Process & Findings04:34 – Repairs, Discounts, and Final Purchase Price05:00 – Rebranding and Property Upgrades05:25 – Creating a Resort-Style Experience05:44 – Due Diligence: Uncovering Value06:28 – Insurance Hurdles & Solutions07:03 – Execution: Building the Right Team08:09 – Turning Around Occupancy & Performance09:04 – The Importance of In-House Management09:40 – Stabilizing and Repositioning the Asset09:59 – Value Creation & Broker Opinion10:27 – Results: Cash Flow, Upside, and Lessons Learned10:56 – Closing Thoughts

Description In this insightful episode, Oliver and his guest dive into the art of manifestation, distinguishing between wants and needs, and the power of serving others to create wealth. They explore how to align with your true purpose, release resistance, and visualize results to manifest your dreams. From overcoming personal challenges like Tourette's to scaling impact through value creation, this conversation unpacks the mindset and actions needed for a fulfilling life. Learn practical techniques for manifestation and the importance of taking action. 

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Most business owners say they have a strategy. But is it actually creating value? Or is it just a poster on the wall? In this episode, Steve breaks down the 3 types of companies when it comes to strategy—and how most end up stuck in the middle, grinding hard without getting ahead. You'll learn how to test whether your strategy is really working using one critical metric. Plus, he shares the one simple question to ask your team today that will instantly reveal if your strategy is clear, or just noise. If you want to grow your business and increase profit, this is the clarity you've been missing. Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation. This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

What's the fastest way to hit your goals in business? My client, Vincent Holthouse, will tell you it's not trial and error. It's not grinding away for years hoping something clicks. It's simple: find the people who already have the results you want—and model what works. In this 30-minute episode, Vincent breaks down how he applied that exact philosophy. He runs a thriving high-ticket coaching program in real estate, and once he decided to invest in mentoring instead of trying to figure it all out alone, his business scaled fast.  This conversation is for anyone who's sick of spinning their wheels, tired of “figuring it out,” and ready to shortcut years of frustration by following a proven path. Follow Vincent Holthouse: https://www.instagram.com/vincent.holthouse/ Key moments: 00:00 Get to know Vincent Holthouse 04:10 Vincent's Philosophy: Replicate, Don't Reinvent 09:15 Why Investing in Coaching is the Ultimate Shortcut 13:30 Finding a Mentor Who Can Actually Teach 17:50 The Power of a Higher Purpose in Business 22:10 Money as a Scorecard for Value Creation 26:45 Vincent's Advice for People on the Fence   Want to work together? DM me SECRET on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/russruffino DISCLAIMER: Results not typical. Individual results may vary. Success requires dedication and proper application of strategies. This content is educational only. Watch the full video version on my YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@RussRuffino  

Send us a textAn expert on Venture Capital shares why traditional VC math doesn't add up and how his team flips the model. Instead of paying inflated valuations and hoping for one breakout, they buy in early at favorable terms, use growth-hacking to add measurable value, and structure warrants for a second bite at a lower price.Key Takeaways:• Challenge the VC Norm – Paying 10× in hopes of 100× rarely works.• Early Entry Advantage – Secure low entry valuations before hype inflates prices.• Value Creation via Growth Hacking – Actively improve portfolio performance post-investment.• Use Warrants Strategically – Lock in the right to invest again at your target price.• Portfolio Mindset – Don't rely on just one “winner” to carry the fund.

On the show this week, Dr. Christopher Meyer, author of "Settle for More" and one of the Global Guru's Top 30 Thought Leaders in Negotiation for 2025, shares his expertise on the critical differences between negotiation strategy and tactics, and why a strong planning mindset is key to successful deals. Chris breaks down his unique approach to negotiation—shifting from a traditional "win-win" mindset to focusing on how everyone at the table can truly gain. He shares his favorite negotiation tactics, the importance of preparation, and how to handle those infamous hardball negotiation techniques from buyers. Additionally, Chris provides us with valuable dos and don'ts for negotiators and offers a memorable real-world example from his own high-stakes experience in the tech sector. Outline of This Episode [00:00] Consider long-term strategy and adapt tactics to each negotiation based on your relationship. [04:22] Adopt a gain-focused mindset in negotiation for mutual benefits. [07:08] Spend 80% of your time on planning to ensure smooth negotiations. [10:12] Focus on building relationships and value, not just achieving quotas. [13:22] Mutually beneficial relationships require both parties to gain. [17:29] The breakthrough moment shifted Chris's approach from adversarial to collaborative. Beyond Win-Win—Negotiation with a Mindset for Gain Negotiation lies at the heart of successful sales, but too often it conjures images of hard-nosed tactics, adversarial posturing, and zero-sum outcomes.  One of Chris's most compelling messages is about the mindset underpinning successful negotiation. Instead of getting stuck in old “win-lose” or even “win-win” mentalities, he encourages negotiators to focus on mutual gain so that everyone in the room can gain. Negotiation, at its core, should be about finding ways for all parties to walk away recognizing value, making the process constructive, not combative. This sets the stage for strong, lasting business relationships. When both sides gain, collaboration and repeat business become far more likely. Favorite Tactics: Trade Offs, Value Creation, and Contingencies With the right mindset in place, tactical execution becomes nuanced and effective. Chris shares his three preferred tactics: Trade-Offs: Look for opportunities to give the other party a gain in exchange for something valuable in return. Value Creation: Identify and offer unique, specific benefits in the negotiation that can enhance the outcome for all. Contingencies: Structure deals so that additional benefits are provided if the counterpart reciprocates—making negotiations dynamic and adaptable. These approaches move beyond bargaining chips and price discussions; they're about co-creating solutions that satisfy both parties' core interests. Planning is the Unsung Hero of Negotiation A recurring theme in the podcast is the overwhelming importance of planning. Chris advocates for an “80/20 rule,” encouraging negotiators to spend 80% of their time preparing and only 20% executing. Deep preparation isn't just about knowing your own needs, but also anticipating the objectives and potential moves of your counterpart. Thorough planning means you're never blindsided by tough questions or aggressive tactics, and you're positioned to create and communicate value confidently.  When it comes to those famously tricky buyer tactics—take-it-or-leave-it offers, extreme anchoring, and last-minute demands, Chris' advice is twofold: first, be prepared (so you spot them coming), and second, show grace. Rather than meet aggression with aggression, view these moves as products of outdated training and use the opportunity to steer negotiations toward collaborative problem-solving. Chris' Do's and Don'ts for Better Negotiations Chris offers a succinct checklist for sales professionals: Do: Ask Questions & Be Curious: Seek to understand before seeking to be understood Develop Value: Bring as much as you can to the table Ensure All Parties Benefit: Winning together encourages long-term success. Don't: Don't Lie: Honesty fuels trust Don't Obfuscate: Clear communication prevents misunderstandings Don't Threaten: Ultimatums close minds and kill creativity When both sides are focused on gain—and negotiators put in the work to prepare, ask, and listen—outcomes exceed expectations. For anyone in sales, the path forward is clear: trade old mindsets for a commitment to curiosity, collaboration, and planning, and you'll champion not just your own success, but the reputation of the entire profession. Connect with Dr. Christopher Meyer Christopher Meyer | Hankamer School of Business Meyer Negotiation   Connect With Paul Watts  LinkedIn Twitter    Subscribe to SALES REINVENTED Audio Production and Show Notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

This is day 4 of the 31 days of Value Try DripJobs: ⁠⁠https://dripjobs.com⁠⁠Free coaching session: ⁠⁠https://calendly.com/dripjobs/breakthrough⁠In this episode, I share my perspective on the journey of business and why creating value is at the heart of everything I do. I talk about how value isn't one-size-fits-all — every customer sees it differently — and how the real work in sales is figuring out what matters most to them and helping them achieve it.I dive into the importance of always improving, reflecting on past performance, and using those lessons to create better experiences. I also break down how I approach objections and concerns, not as roadblocks, but as opportunities to build trust.At the end of the day, I see sales as problem-solving. If I can help someone overcome a challenge or reach a goal they've been working toward, that's the win I'm after — and that's what this episode is all about.

In this episode of Case Studies, Casey sits down with Jeff Mendez, a builder, leader, and operator who led a 5,000-person sales force and helped generate over $2 Billion in commissions. His track record has made him one of the most respected operators in the door-to-door industry.Jeff reflects on his early life in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, sharing how his father's bold conversion story and a childhood shaped by grit and cultural pride gave him a lasting sense of identity. He walks through his corporate start at Walmart, the discovery that entrepreneurship was his true path, and the moment he chose conviction over comfort. That choice launched an 18-year run at the center of Vivint's rise.With sharp insight and zero pretense, Jeff breaks down the principles behind his success: operational excellence, relentless value creation, and why energy, not capital, is the true currency of entrepreneurship. This is a conversation for builders, leaders, and anyone ready to stop playing small and start building something real.00:00 | Introduction & Childhood in the Dominican Republic00:31 | Family Conversion Story & Early Influences03:08 | Growing Up in Puerto Rico: Lessons & Culture12:09 | Facing Danger: The Gold Chain Story19:04 | Education & BYU Experience20:08 | Early Career & Walmart MBA27:12 | Learning Operational Excellence32:59 | Entrepreneurial Spirit Awakens36:12 | Atlas Marketing & Early Business Lessons42:32 | Pivotal Decision: Choosing Apex Over Pinnacle50:22 | Struggles & Breakthroughs at Vivint54:12 | Key Lessons on Effort, Value Creation & Growth57:15 | Retirement Reflections & Identity ShiftConnect with Us:

Navigating a volatile world with a calm mindset, a collaborative spirit, and a drive for continuous reinvention—that's what true procurement leadership is all about.In this episode, host Richard McIntosh sits down with Gaël De Martelaere, Head of Direct Procurement at Dow, for a candid exploration of how procurement can thrive in times of disruption and transformation.Gaël unpacks Dow's journey as it shifts from relentless cost-out and pandemic-era capacity scrambles to a new era of collaborative, digitally enabled cost reduction. He reveals how a culture built on sustainability, innovation, and inclusion continues to endure, even when the market demands resilience above all.You'll learn:1. How agile, digital procurement adapts to margin pressure and supply volatility2. What it takes to build a resilient culture—staying true to the long-term ambition while managing the short-term realities3. How calm, transparent leadership drives focus and clarity when disruption strikes4. How true supplier collaboration creates value and resilience in an unpredictable market___________Get in touch with Gaël De Martelaere on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaeldemartelaere/Gaël's book recommendation:Shocks, Crises, and False Alarms by Philipp Carlsson-Szlezak and Paul Swartz | https://www.amazon.de/Shocks-Crises-False-Alarms-Macroeconomic/dp/1647825407Learn more about Women in Logistics, an initiative to promote gender balance in the logistics sector, on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/women-in-logistics-eu/ or visit the website https://www.essers.com/women-in-logistics-fostering-male-female-parity/ ___________About the host Richard McIntosh:Richard McIntosh, Partner at H&Z Management Consulting, has spent over 23 years helping procurement leaders succeed. Richard is an avid rugby fan, and a children's rugby coach, with a passion for helping children to become their best selves through sports. He spends his time outside of work with his wife and children. Get in touch with Richard McIntosh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcintosh-richard/ ___________The Procurement Initiative Leaders Podcast is powered by H&Z Management Consulting in collaboration with SAWOO.

In this inspiring episode, Vinney Chopra sits down with Badri Hebsur, a UK-based entrepreneur and real estate investor who built a multimillion-dollar property portfolio from scratch. Starting with rundown flats while working a full-time job, Badri steadily scaled his wealth through value-add real estate strategies. Today, he manages over £7 million in assets and has successfully expanded into the senior living sector, transforming a 33-bed nursing home into a thriving business.   Listeners will discover:

In today's episode, we will hear from Nadine Hönighaus, Global ESG Governance Lead, KPMG International and Partner, KPMG in Germany and Pilar Galán, Partner, Head of Financial Services Legal, KPMG in Spain, and Legal Lead, Global ESG, KPMG International — who will share insights about a recent report launched by KPMG International discussing incentivizing long-term value creation by linking sustainability metrics to board members' pay.

361Firm Briefing "US Still a Magnet for Capital" Meetup and 361Firm.Digital (July 29, 2025)Transcript: https://361.pub/j292025Video: https://youtu.be/B0nNMwz6ALkPodcasts on Apple (https://361.pub/podcast_apple), Spotify (https://361.pub/spotify), Simplecast (https://361.pub/pods) SUMMARY KEYWORDSDistill Intelligence, startup Summit, Steve Case, Brad Feld, venture speakers, $1 million prize, Lansdowne Resort, 361 Firm, AI platform, family offices, philanthropy, investment memos, collective intelligence, digital platform, personalized dashboard., Generative AI, memory computing, proprietary data, portfolio companies, value creation, co-investment, network leverage, feedback, interpretation, training mechanism, legal docs, engagement, roadmap, decision making, cognitive psychologist.SPEAKERSStephen Burke, Adam Blanco, Walter Benadof, Giovanni, Michael Hammer, Jason Sonner, Bill Deuchler, Depinder Grewal, Ella Huong, Andrew Fisch, Tim Gallabrant, MICHAEL CONNIFF, Jonothan Perrelli (Fortify Ventures), Austin Fowler, Lubna Dajani, Jose Kreidler, Adam Oestreich, Yasmin Shmuel, Mark Sanor, Sameer Sirdeshpande, Jonathan Clark, Shienne, Chas WalkerSUMMARYThe 361Firm Briefing and Meetup on July 29, 2025, featured updates on events of 361Firm, provided a Briefing on the US economy in focus and shared the launch of 361Firm.Digital.On events, Mark Sanor introduced Jonothan Perrelli who is hosting his Distilled Intelligence Summit October 14-16 in Virginia, with speakers like Steve Case and Brad Feld. The event aims to bring together 500 attendees, with 100 startups pitching for a $1 million prize. Mark Sanor and Jonathan Perrelli discussed the summit's focus on startups, funders, and operators.The meeting also highlighted the launch of 361Firm Digital, a new AI-powered platform designed to enhance collaboration and decision-making among members, featuring personalized AI assistants and access to relevant deals and content. The meeting discussed the implementation of a memory and governance system using generative AI to summarize and surface insights from past conversations. Yasmin Shmuel highlighted the importance of leveraging proprietary data to enhance decision-making and networking within the firm. Mark Sanor emphasized the need for user engagement and mentioned upcoming one-on-one meetings. Javier Sanchez, the co-founder and head of AI, was introduced. The team plans to refine the AI system based on user feedback to avoid subjective elements and improve accuracy. You can subscribe to various 361 events and content at https://361firm.com/subs. For reference: Web: www.361firm.com/homeOnboard as Investor: https://361.pub/shortdiagOnboard Deals 361: www.361firm.com/onbOnboard as Banker: www.361firm.com/bankersEvents: www.361firm.com/eventsContent: www.youtube.com/361firmWeekly Digests: www.361firm.com/digest

Can sustainability truly redefine the landscape of private markets and drive unprecedented financial value? In this episode of The Responsibility of Investing, Kate Webber, Chief Responsible Investment Solutions Officer at the PRI is joined by Aditya Vikram, Head of Private Equity at the PRI to explore a topic that's transforming private markets: sustainability as a driver of financial value. Discover how sustainability has shifted from a mere buzzword to an essential element of business resilience and capital formation. With insights drawn from over 400 global investors, Aditya demonstrates how sustainability's role as a key driver for financial value transcends geographical boundaries. Learn how tools like AI and data analytics are revolutionising the identification of sustainability risks and opportunities, making them a cornerstone of modern investment strategies. Hear insights into the PRI's ‘sustainability value creation framework', developed with Bain & Company and NYU Stern Centre for Sustainable Business and involving over 400 investors through a world-wide survey, one-to-one interviews, and regional workshops across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin and North America.Chapters:02:15 - The evolution of sustainability in private markets06:08 - Shifting perspectives on sustainability and value creation13:11 - The journey of sustainability value creation18:31 - Integrating sustainability into investment practices21:02 - Value creation framework in sustainability investing

In dieser Podcastfolge dreht sich alles um das spannende Thema Performance-Management und die Verbesserung der Zusammenarbeit in der IT. Robert Gläser, vom internationalen Mobilitätsanbieter Sixt, erzählt welche Rolle Performance bzw. Value Creation in seinem Unternehmen spielt. Er gibt Einblick wie sich die 95 Tech- und Produktentwicklungsteams in dieser Mission auf den Weg gemacht haben. Im Fokus steht dabei das intern entwickelte Engineering Productivity-Framework, das auf datengetriebene Entscheidungen, starken Kundenfokus und Outcome-orientiertes Arbeiten abzielt. Am Ende des Interviews teilt Robert seine Erfahrungen und Learnings auf der Reise zur erfolgreichen Umsetzung des Frameworks. Er ermutigt zum Erfahrungsaustausch und betont die Bedeutung des iterativen Vorgehens bei der Transformation von Organisationen. Hören Sie rein in diese inspirierende Podcastfolge zum Thema Performance und Wirksamkeitssteigerung. Ein Thema, das viele Führungskräfte in 2025 bewegt!

Shiv interviews Amanda Good, Partner and Head of Value Creation at Searchlight Capital Partners. In this episode, Amanda shares practical strategies to transform good companies into great ones through operational excellence, team enhancements, and a disciplined planning process. Learn how to balance quick-win initiatives with longer-term strategic plays, the importance of linking value creation plans directly to EBITDA impact, and how to overcome resource constraints through talent planning and external partnerships. Plus, find out why smaller, highly experienced value creation teams can often outperform larger ones by staying close to the investment thesis and company leadership.

As retirement plan participants transition from the accumulation phase to decumulation, the focus moves from building wealth to ensuring sustainable income—what's also known as "value creation."Danielle Kelso, Senior Institutional Solutions Consultant at Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, joins the 401(k) Specialist Pod(k)ast to shed light on the changes and innovations shaping the future of retirement security. In her role, Kelso provides research, analytics and product expertise to the Allianz sales team, and shares her expertise on what retirement plan advisors and plan sponsors need to be thinking about when it comes to supporting a retiree's lifestyle by ensuring stable income and managing risks effectively.Key Insights:Personalized Income Planning Replaces One-Size-Fits-AllThe future of retirement planning lies in personalized strategies. Custom plans that integrate all income sources and reflect individual goals and spending habits offer better outcomes than generic investment approaches.Redefining Value Creation in RetirementValue creation is evolving beyond accumulating the highest portfolio balance. In retirement, it now centers on generating reliable, sustainable income that supports lifestyle and essential needs. This shift emphasizes peace of mind and financial security over raw returns.Annuities Play a Key Role in Managing Retirement RisksModern annuities help mitigate key retirement risks such as longevity, market volatility, inflation, and personal life changes. Allianz research shows that portfolios including annuities significantly improve the probability of meeting income goals—by up to 25–40% in adverse markets.See Also:Exploring Guaranteed Income in DC Plan Trends with Allianz Life's Matt StubblefieldSolving the Portability Puzzle with Allianz Life's Ben ThomasonExploring Retirement Income Strategies with Joshua Grass and Todd Levy

What if you could transform your business by embracing cutting-edge technology and innovation? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Jay Kulkarni, CEO of Theorem, who shares his remarkable journey of adapting to the fast-paced world of digital innovation. With over two decades of experience, Jay provides a masterclass in future-proofing your business, diving into the pivotal role of automation and AI in redefining business models for long-term success. From the revolutionary solution Upward to the intricacies of video commerce, discover how technology can streamline operations and create lasting value. Explore the profound impact of AI across industries as we unravel its efficiency in transforming sectors like pharma and media. Jay articulates the significance of identifying and alleviating friction points in advertising sales through technological advancements. But the conversation doesn't stop there. We also discuss the essential skills entrepreneurs need as their ventures grow, the strategic importance of investing in team development, and the art of risk management. Through stories of resilience during economic challenges, learn about the importance of playing the long game and nurturing internal talent to thrive in an ever-evolving market. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Introduction and Welcome to Business Legacy Podcast   00:00:04 - Conversation with Jay Kulkarni, CEO of Theorem   00:00:20 - Jay's Two-Decade Career in the Digital Space   00:01:00 - Importance of Adapting Business Models with Technological Change   00:02:30 - Integration of Automation and AI in Business Operations   00:04:03 - The Transformative Impact of AI in Various Industries   00:05:00 - AI's Role in Revolutionizing Processes and Creating New Value   00:06:30 - Discussion on Robotic Process Automation and Language Models   00:07:45 - Applications of AI in Pharma and Biosciences   00:09:00 - Projects Like Upward and Video Commerce Initiatives   00:10:30 - Friction Points in Media Advertising Sales   00:11:45 - Evolving Skills Needed for Entrepreneurs   00:13:31 - Evolution and Adaptation Strategies for Long-Term Success   00:14:45 - Emphasizing the Importance of Cross-Skilling and Up-Skilling   00:16:00 - Reflections on Economic Hardships and Risk Management   00:17:15 - Importance of Attitude and Soft Skills in Hiring   00:18:30 - Fostering Resourcefulness in Teams   00:19:45 - Navigating the Challenges of Legacy Business Owners   00:21:00 - Investing in Teams and Creating New Career Opportunities   00:22:15 - Tough Decisions During Economic Downturns   00:23:30 - Leadership Style and Communication Strategies   00:24:45 - Evolution from Web 1.0 to Web 3.0   00:26:00 - The Legacy of Value Creation and Servant Leadership   00:27:15 - Stories of Former Employees and Their Successes   00:28:30 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts from Jay Kulkarni   00:29:45 - Closing Remarks and Where to Find More Information About Theorem   Episode Resources: Connect with Jay here for more information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-kulkarni-theorem/ Legacy Podcast: For more information about the Legacy Podcast and its co-hosts, visit businesslegacypodcast.com. Leave a Review: If you enjoyed the episode, leave a review and rating on your preferred podcast platform. For more information: Visit businesslegacypodcast.com to access the shownotes and additional resources on the episode.

In this episode of RevOps Champions, Brendon Dennewill sits down with Chad T. Jenkins—entrepreneur, innovator, and founder of SEEDSPARK CoLAB Partners—for a deep dive into the evolving world of business innovation, structured growth, and the Idea Economy.Chad shares insights from his journey launching over 50 ventures and helping companies across North America scale through intentional, systematized approaches. He unpacks his proprietary icVCR Growth Method—focused on Identifying, Clarifying, and Leveraging Vision, Capability, and Reach—and introduces the ISO framework (Identify, Structure, Optimize), which transforms collaboration into a sustainable competitive advantage.Throughout the conversation, Chad emphasizes how friction can signal opportunity, how technology should amplify human connection, and why unique value contributions are key to thriving in today's idea-driven economy. He also explores the opportunities and risks posed by AI, the importance of vision clarity, and how to ensure data and tech remain assets, not liabilities.Listeners will gain practical insights on how to:Identify friction as a catalyst for innovationLeverage existing capabilities to unlock new valueExpand reach through partnerships and networksUse tech to empower, not replace, human collaborationWhether you're an entrepreneur, RevOps leader, or part of a larger organization, this episode delivers a fresh perspective on turning imagination into impact—and building systems that support sustainable, exponential growth.Find more at revopschampions.com

In this conversation, Dylan Silver interviews Bryce Perez, a real estate investor and broker based in Phoenix, Arizona. Bryce shares his journey into real estate, starting from his early days as a flight attendant to becoming a successful investor and broker. The discussion covers various aspects of real estate, including the importance of social media, navigating the changing landscape of the market, and the intricacies of land investment and development. Bryce emphasizes the significance of value creation and the need for strategic thinking in real estate investments, particularly in commercial spaces. Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind:  Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply   Investor Machine Marketing Partnership:  Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true ‘white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com   Coaching with Mike Hambright:  Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike   Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a “mini-mastermind” with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming “Retreat”, either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas “Big H Ranch”? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat   Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform!  Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/   New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club   —--------------------

It's work to create and improve your value-offering. It's emotional work. It's mental work. It's physical work. And all of that demands your committed effort to see the thing through. It's a decision and choice that you must make and hold to until the work is done.

It's work to create and improve your value-offering. It's emotional work. It's mental work. It's physical work. And all of that demands your committed effort to see the thing through. It's a decision and choice that you must make and hold to until the work is done.

Welcome back to the Alt Goes Mainstream podcast.Today's episode is with someone who has successfully built a wealth solutions business tailored to her firm's unique strengths, expertise, and investment track record.Martina Sanow is a Partner and Head of Hg Wealth, where she is focused on building the firm's wealth solutions offering built out of the $85B AUM firm, Hg, that invests in enterprise software.Hg, one of the top 10 largest PE firms globally based on the PEI 300 ranking, has built an impressive investment engine focused mission-critical enterprise software companies. The firm has built a portfolio that is a “transatlantic ecosystem of software and services businesses” — representing over $180B in collective enterprise value across its 55 portfolio companies.Martina has been at the firm for almost 16 years. She has been an integral part of building the firm into what it is today, helping Hg grow from $2B in AUM to $85B in AUM, previously as Deputy COO and now building the Hg Wealth business. Hg's first wealth offering, Fusion, its flagship evergreen fund that provides access to non-US investors to Hg's private equity funds and co-investment opportunities, has exceeded $1B in NAV just 12 months after its launch.Martina is thoughtful, strategic, and long-term oriented when it comes to building a solution that amplifies Hg's strengths and resonates with the wealth channel. We had a fascinating discussion about how a scaled specialist like Hg can stand out in the wealth channel, unpacking the essence of who Hg is as a firm and how they've expressed who they are as they've built their wealth business.We covered:Hg's evolution as a firm.Why Hg focuses on mission-critical enterprise software companies and why it's a compelling investment thesis.Building a wealth business that fits the mission, ethos, and strategy of the firm.Understanding the complexity of evergreen funds.How Martina and team think about managing dealflow and investor demand in their Fusion fund.Learnings applied from HgTrust, the publicly listed UK investment trust, to figuring out how to educate and build brand in the wealth channel.Why does ownership structure matter when it comes to building a wealth business? How being privately owned informs how Hg builds their wealth business.Why Europe, why now?Thanks Martina for coming on the show to share your wisdom and expertise at the intersection of enterprise software, private equity, and private wealth.A word from AGM podcast sponsor, Ultimus Fund SolutionsThis episode of Alt Goes Mainstream is brought to you by Ultimus Fund Solutions, a leading full-service fund administrator for asset managers in private and public markets. As private markets continue to move into the mainstream, the industry requires infrastructure solutions that help funds and investors keep pace. In an increasingly sophisticated financial marketplace, investment managers must navigate a growing array of challenges: elaborate fund structures, specialized strategies, evolving compliance requirements, a growing need for sophisticated reporting, and intensifying demands for transparency.To assist with these challenging opportunities, more and more fund sponsors and asset managers are turning to Ultimus, a leading service provider that blends high tech and high touch in unique and customized fund administration and middle office solutions for a diverse and growing universe of over 450 clients and 1,800 funds, representing $500 billion assets under administration, all handled by a team of over 1,000 professionals. Ultimus offers a wide range of capabilities across registered funds, private funds and public plans, as well as outsourced middle office services. Delivering operational excellence, Ultimus helps firms manage the ever-changing regulatory environment while meeting the needs of their institutional and retail investors. Ultimus provides comprehensive operational support and fund governance services to help managers successfully launch retail alternative products.Visit www.ultimusfundsolutions.com to learn more about Ultimus' technology enhanced services and solutions or contact Ultimus Executive Vice President of Business Development Gary Harris on email at gharris@ultimusfundsolutions.com.We thank Ultimus for their support of alts going mainstream.Show Notes00:00 Introduction and Message from Ultimus, our Sponsor01:55 Welcome to the Podcast01:58 Introducing Martina Sanow04:36 Martina's Background and Experience05:10 Hg's Specialization in Software05:57 Building a Team and Culture06:54 Importance of Cognitive Diversity07:26 Building a Diverse Team09:28 Innovating in Wealth Business10:14 Hg's Strategic Mindset11:51 Hg's Entrepreneurial Journey12:00 Maintaining Entrepreneurial Culture13:10 Specialization in B2B Software14:47 Focus on DPI and Cash Back16:17 Criteria for A-Quality Businesses16:58 Investing in Mission Critical Software18:11 Visma Case Study19:23 Challenges and Opportunities in Europe33:13 Evergreen Structures: Impact on Investment Teams33:44 Balancing Capital Raising and Deal Flow34:13 Investment Strategies and Allocation34:54 Managing Subscriptions and Demand35:53 Balancing Wealth and Institutional Demand36:06 Privately Owned Firm Benefits36:37 Realization Committee and Evergreen Structures37:52 Long-Term Company Partnerships39:11 Liquidity Management Challenges39:55 Investor Strategies for Evergreen Funds41:40 Institutional Adoption of Evergreen Funds42:48 Evolution of Institutional Mindset43:26 Retail vs. Wealth Investors44:01 Listed Trust and Wealth Business Insights45:54 Building the Wealth Business47:29 Strategic Importance of Wealth Capital48:54 Innovation in Wealth Management49:28 Partnerships and Holistic Solutions50:58 Future of Wealth Management Products52:44 Brand Building and Education55:00 Software as a Core Investment56:19 Community and Founder Investments59:28 Value Creation and Network Benefits01:00:15 Portfolio Synergies and Acquisitions01:01:36 Concluding Thoughts and Favorite InvestmentsEditing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant.

Why do companies spin off parts of their business, and how does it create shareholder value?In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we explore the core strategies behind corporate restructuring, including spin-offs, carve-outs, and divestitures.

In this Trending Health series, Vynamic team members will highlight how different sectors of the health industry are evolving to meet the demands of today's ever-changing healthcare landscape through value creation and strategic transformations.In this episode, Mindy McGrath, Saurabh Raman, and Ryan Hummel dive into how payers are shifting from short-term cost cutting to long-term strategic transformation as a result of rising costs, policy upheaval, and evolving consumer demands.To learn more about how we can help your team navigate these strategic decisions, reach out to Saurabh.Raman@vynamic.com and Ryan.Hummel@vynamic.com. Podcast Tags: healthcare, health plan, healthcare strategy, health innovation, strategic transformation Source Links:Medical cost trend: Behind the numbers 2025 UnitedHealth reports highest medical costs since COVID-19 pandemic's start New Evernorth program to cap out-of-pocket costs for Wegovy, Zepbound at $200 Spending growth on GLP-1s outpaces specialty drugs: Evernorth study Elevance Health Reports First Quarter 2024 Results Panel – Mindy McGrath, Saurabh Raman, Ryan Hummel Research & Production – Julia Morrison, Saurabh Raman, Ryan Hummel, Everly PetruzzelliRecording & Editing – Mike Liberto, Rachel SkoneckiFor additional discussion, please contact us at TrendingHealth.com. 

Season 8 continues with our conversations about the new strategic direction at the David Eccles School: societal impact. Todd Zenger is the N. Eldon Tanner Chair in Strategy and Strategic Leadership and Presidential Professor at the David Eccles School of Business  and Teppo Felin is the Douglas D. Anderson Endowed Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University. Todd, and Teppo discuss their collaborative efforts to encourage a scientific approach to management and entrepreneurship. Together with host Frances Johnson, they explore how this novel methodology replaces conventional wisdom with a structured, theory-driven process for value creation, using examples like AirBnB and SpaceX. Their discussion underscores the significance of contrarian thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the potential for extensive societal impact.Eccles Business Buzz is a production of the David Eccles School of Business and is produced by University.fm.Eccles Business Buzz is proud to be selected by FeedSpot as one of the Top 70 Business School podcasts on the web. Learn more at https://podcast.feedspot.com/us_business_school_podcasts. Episode Quotes:On using a scientific approach and testing their own theory.[11:53] People, particularly entrepreneurs, are given a treatment where they're encouraged to, sort of, develop theories and then engage in experimentation that's, sort of, consistent with those theories and interpret the results of those experiments in a way that's consistent with the theories. And what they find is better outcomes for those that have been treated with this kind of theory treatment, or they also find that they're also more likely to pivot, that is, to shut down something that's really flawed because they recognize that it's actually inconsistent with [the] theory that they have. The hypotheses aren't confirmed as opposed to an alternative approach, which is sort of [to] tell them to fail fast and just keep trying things until it works. And the problem is that that isn't very resource-efficient experimentation, right? You can experiment till you're blue in the face trying to find a peak out there that's valuable, but unless you have a theory to guide you there, it's actually likely to be a long and arduous process. So we've outsourced in many ways the empirical piece of this, but we're thrilled at the current findings.Solving more than business problems: An interdisciplinary initiative[34:07] Todd and I have published, I don't know, 20 something articles over the last dozen years together but we've also collaborated with people in cognitive science. We've worked with a complexity scientist, Stuart Kauffman at the Santa Fe Institute and others. And so there's definitely, this is an interdisciplinary initiative where we're building on insights from other disciplines and then also trying to leverage it into other spaces as well. So for me, absolutely, this is an interdisciplinary initiative. and places like the University of Utah are fantastic research institutions that have the breadth and depth of all these different disciplines and areas.Todd and Teppo aim to drive a meaningful impact on society through their work.[36:30] What we're basically teaching is [that] people should be thinking about the process of value creation and creating contrarian future states in a scientific way that has application to essentially economic development; it has application to solving social problems; it has application to solving medical problems; [and] obviously, entrepreneurship. We see the potential for massive societal impact where in some sense, playing with and trying to sort of teach the architecture and try to create an intervention, an engine that helps really solve a whole set of problems that people are grappling with. And in that sense, we hope that the impact on society is enormous.Show Links:Todd Zenger | LinkedInTodd Zenger | David Eccles School of BusinessTeppo Felin | LinkedInTeppo Felin | Jon M. Huntsman School of BusinessDavid Eccles School of Business (@ubusiness) | InstagramUndergraduate Scholars ProgramsRising Business LeadersEccles Alumni Network (@ecclesalumni) | Instagram Eccles Experience Magazine

In this episode, Andreas Munk Holm and Jeppe Høier sit down with Nicole LeBlanc, Partner at Woven Capital, the $800M growth-stage CVC fund backed by Toyota. They unpack what it takes to drive real strategic and financial outcomes in corporate venture — and what founders and GPs often get wrong when working with CVCs.Nicole shares how Woven structures its global operations, works hand-in-hand with Toyota's business units, and leverages a portfolio success team to shepherd startups through complex corporate dynamics. She also breaks down Woven's investment logic, from hydrogen to lunar rovers — and why corporate alignment shouldn't come at the cost of independence.Here's what's covered:00:40 – The structure of Woven Capital & its relationship with Toyota03:00 – How Toyota Ventures (early-stage) and Woven (growth-stage) complement each other09:45 – Building internal bridges: the Portfolio Success team model13:15 – Toyota's internal incentives (and the carrot vs. stick approach)15:10 – The CVC cultural challenge: Japan, US, and Europe21:40 – How to spot a “red flag” CVC as a founder31:30 – Toyota Open Labs: a new playbook for startup-corporate collaboration34:00 – Woven's LP strategy: investing in funds for access, insight & geography39:00 – Learnings from fund investing: what CVC LPs need from GPs42:00 – Final advice for startups and corporates alike

Send us a textWelcome!  Upside/Downside is a podcast about value creation, and how finance business partners, managers and business owners like you can grow your profits and cash flow.  I'm your host, Matt Cooley.  In this episode, Tyler Zanini, Founder at Memoryboard, shares what it's like launching a physical product in today's dynamic environment and how they are navigating the value creation journey.Driven by a deep passion to help older adults experiencing memory loss stay in close touch with their families, Memoryboard is on a journey to directly improve quality of life.  We cover business models, sales channels, funding, marketing X-factors and the importance of making decisions with hard data, all in order to drive value creation and fuel the company mission.Lots to like and learn from in this episode of Upside/Downside.  Join us!Thank you for listening and please tell your friends about Upside/Downside - a podcast about growing your profits and cash flow.If your organization needs customized assistance, I may be able to help. See my host page for more details.

In this conversation, Dylan Silver interviews Thomas Rendleman, a seasoned digital nomad who shares his journey of living life on his own terms while helping real estate agents and businesses grow. Thomas discusses the importance of setting up systems for efficiency, understanding lead funnels, and providing value to clients. He emphasizes the significance of direct communication in business growth and offers insights into creating effective marketing strategies.   Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind:  Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply   Investor Machine Marketing Partnership:  Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true ‘white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com   Coaching with Mike Hambright:  Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike   Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a “mini-mastermind” with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming “Retreat”, either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas “Big H Ranch”? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat   Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform!  Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/   New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club   —--------------------

In this episode of the Lone Star Capital podcast, Craig McGrouther and I sit down with Sam Morris to discuss the significant positive shifts happening in the multifamily market after three challenging years. We reveal how our property insurance costs just dropped 32% at renewal, potentially adding millions in property value and increasing investor distributions by nearly 1%. We share exciting success stories from our portfolio, including record-breaking collections at multiple properties and Preserve at Copperleaf achieving an incredible 234 paid-up units out of 238 possible. Our conversation also explores why deal flow remains challenging in 2025 despite these improving fundamentals, with San Antonio seeing only six transactions in Q1 with an average property vintage of 1972, highlighting the persistent bid-ask spread gap in the market.Apply to attend the LSC Summit 2025:www.lscsummit.com Download our FREE Passive Investor Guide:https://www.lscre.com/content/passive-investor-guide Subscribe to our newsletter and get the FREE Underwriting Toolkit:https://www.lscre.com/resource/fof-underwriting-toolkitLearn more about Lone Star Capital:www.lscre.comFollow me on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-beardsleyRead my latest articles:https://www.lscre.com/blog

Hello, welcome to the Safety Culture Excellence podcast, hosted by Shawn Galloway, CEO of ProAct Safety.    This week's podcast reminds you to "Make Time for Strategy."  Do you have a comprehensive safety strategy? https://proactsafety.com/solutions/consulting/strategy-development-and-execution    I hope you enjoy the podcast.  Have a great week!    Shawn M. Galloway

I discuss the definition of a successful entrepreneur and what constitutes a company. I share my perspective on profitability and value creation, emphasizing that a true business should be self-sustainable. I explore the role of luck in entrepreneurship and reflect on my journey with Podsqueeze, including the challenges of replicating success. I conclude that a great entrepreneur can build multiple successful businesses or maintain one over time. I also touch on the importance of continuous learning and the potential of diversifying ventures.Timestamps by PodSqueezeIntroduction and Listener Appreciation (00:00:08)Defining a Company and Profitability (00:01:27)The Reality of Unprofitable Startups (00:02:32)Tiago's Definition of a Business (00:03:47)Value Creation and Self-Sustainability (00:05:00)What Makes a Great Business (00:06:02)Entrepreneurial Spirit vs. Entrepreneurial Success (00:07:17)The Role of Luck in Entrepreneurship (00:08:31)Podsqueeze: Luck or Skill? (00:10:44)Trying to Replicate Success (00:11:52)Redefining a Great Entrepreneur (00:12:46)The McDonald's and Amazon Example (00:13:54)Longevity and Sustaining Success (00:16:15)The Challenge of Competition (00:18:32)Continuous Learning and Growth (00:19:47)Future Goals and Diversification (00:22:00)Finding Good Advice and Building a Network (00:23:05)Delegation and Serial Entrepreneurship (00:23:45)Conclusion and Farewell (00:24:11)

Have you ever found yourself crushing it in your career — yet feeling totally empty inside? Like, you're “successful” on paper, but your soul's screaming for something more In this episode of the Happy Hustle Podcast, I'm resharing my guest appearance on the Soul Seekr Podcast hosted by my buddy Sam Kabert. We dive deep into how I went from a stressed-out tech entrepreneur chasing vanity metrics to founding The Happy Hustle, a movement that's all about harmonizing your ambition with your well-being, without sacrificing either.This episode is a must-listen if you're craving purpose, peace, and actual fulfillment (not just followers or dollar signs). Sam and I riff on everything from mindfulness and burnout to the science of creating real impact and how to use masterminds to 10X your growth — not just in business, but in life. Here's a taste of the juice we dropped:Burnout is real- Two out of every three people are disengaged at work. Companies NEED to start prioritizing their people's mental health — and I share how we're doing that through Happy Hustle Company Happiness ProgramMindset is your secret weapon. If you want to create value, you gotta start with how you think, not just what you do.S.O.U.L.M.A.P.P.I.N is the key to harmony. I walk you through my 10 Alignments of a Happy Hustler and how to self-audit your life to course-correct before you crash.Masterminds > everything else. I break down why showing up in the right room, with the right people, is the best ROI you'll ever get.Forget the fluff — bring the realness. Certifications are cool, but testimonials from people you've helped? That's where trust is built and businesses thrive.We also get into the importance of building your personal brand, adapting to this new world of work, and how to play the long game — because this life ain't about hacks… it's about harmony.So if you're done with burnout, sick of chasing fake success, and ready to create a meaningful life and business you truly love, this episode is for you.Connect with Cary!https://www.instagram.com/caryjack/https://www.facebook.com/SirCaryJackhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cary-jack-kendzior/https://twitter.com/thehappyhustlehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFDNsD59tLxv2JfEuSsNMOQ/featuredGet a free copy of his new book, The Happy Hustle, 10 Alignments to Avoid Burnout & Achieve Blissful Balance https://www.thehappyhustle.com/bookSign up for The Journey: 10 Days To Become a Happy Hustler Online Course https://thehappyhustle.com/thejourney/Apply to the Montana Mastermind Epic Camping Adventure https://thehappyhustle.com/mastermind/“It's time to Happy Hustle, a blissfully balanced life you love, full of passion, purpose, and positive impact!”Episode Sponsors:If you're feeling stressed, not sleeping great, or your energy's been kinda meh lately—let me put you on to something that's been a total game-changer for me: Magnesium Breakthrough by BiOptimizers. This ain't your average magnesium—it's got all 7 essential forms that your body actually needs to chill out, sleep deeper, and feel more balanced. I take it every night and legit notice the difference the next day. No more waking up groggy or tossing and turning all nightIf you're ready to sleep like a baby, calm your nervous system, and optimize your recovery, go grab yours now at bioptimizers.com/happy and use code HAPPY10 for 10% OFF.99 Designs- Need a killer logo, stunning website, or next-level brand design?Stop DIY-ing and start delegating like a boss with 99designs by Vista! Neurable- If you're looking to level up your focus, productivity, and mental wellbeing all at once, do yourself a favor and check out Neurable. You get a special hookup—just use the code HAPPY at checkout and get $100 off.

In this conversation, Stephen Schmidt interviews Shawn Johnson, a successful entrepreneur in the real estate sector who achieved financial independence at a young age. They discuss the importance of leveraging personal networks for deal flow, the journey of building a property management business, and the mindset barriers that often prevent asset managers from investing in real estate themselves. Shawn emphasizes the significance of creating value for clients, the heart behind property management, and the interconnectedness of personal and professional growth. He shares insights on overcoming complacency and fear of risk, and the importance of focusing on value creation to build wealth and achieve freedom.   Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind:  Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply   Investor Machine Marketing Partnership:  Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true ‘white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com   Coaching with Mike Hambright:  Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike   Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a “mini-mastermind” with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming “Retreat”, either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas “Big H Ranch”? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat   Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform!  Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/   New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club   —--------------------

Before Jimmy Holloran was leading talent strategy for a $16B private equity powerhouse, his path ran through classrooms, consultancies, portfolio companies, and boardrooms—and, in the very early days, behind the bar at his family's Irish pub in St. Louis.Today, as Talent Partner at American Industrial Partners (AIP), Jimmy is reshaping what it means to drive value through people. He built the firm's talent function from the ground up—advancing it from Talent 1.0 (better hiring, structured feedback), to Talent 2.0 (proactive leadership development, early diligence, a repeatable CEO playbook). Now, he's laying the groundwork for Talent 3.0: a full-cycle leadership engine anchored by the Alpha Lab to grow and promote the next generation of C-suite talent.

Brooke Ablon, Co-Founder and Partner at Fort Point Capital, joins Sean Mooney to share how his firm scales lower middle market companies through a precise mix of strategy, data, and partnership. From executing disciplined add-on acquisition plans to transforming founder-led businesses into institutional-grade operations, Brooke walks through a real-world private equity playbook that's built for today's competitive landscape.

Highlights from this week's conversation include:Pete's Background and Journey in Data (1:36)Evolution of Data Practices (3:02)Integration Challenges with Acquired Companies (5:13)Trust and Safety as a Service (8:12)Transition to Dagster (11:26)Value Creation in Networking (14:42)Observability in Data Pipelines (18:44)The Era of Big Complexity (21:38)Abstraction as a Tool for Complexity (24:41)Composability and Workflow Engines (28:08)The Need for Guardrails (33:13)AI in Development Tools (36:24)Internal Components Marketplace (40:14)Reimagining Data Integration (43:03)Importance of Abstraction in Data Tools (46:17)Parting Advice for Listeners and Closing Thoughts (48:01)The Data Stack Show is a weekly podcast powered by RudderStack, customer data infrastructure that enables you to deliver real-time customer event data everywhere it's needed to power smarter decisions and better customer experiences. Each week, we'll talk to data engineers, analysts, and data scientists about their experience around building and maintaining data infrastructure, delivering data and data products, and driving better outcomes across their businesses with data.RudderStack helps businesses make the most out of their customer data while ensuring data privacy and security. To learn more about RudderStack visit rudderstack.com.

Welcome back to the Alt Goes Mainstream podcast.Today's episode is with a private equity pioneer who has seen the industry evolve in the forty plus years he's spent in private markets.We sat down with Steve Klinsky, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of New Mountain Capital, which he started in 1999, and has grown to over $55B AUM with an investment platform that spans strategies across Private Equity, Credit, and Net Lease Real Estate.Steve was the Co-Founder of the Leverage Buyout Group at Goldman Sachs from 1981-1984, where he helped execute over $3B of transactions for Goldman and its clients. He then joined Forstmann Little and Co. as an Associate Partner and General Partner, helping to oversee seven private equity and debt partnerships totaling over $10B in capital.He has since built New Mountain Capital into a leading alternative asset manager that has charted a growth path. Yet the firm has remained true to its roots and mindset of its “family business background,” which has informed how New Mountain has partnered with both GPs and LPs, and it's a DNA that is central to their recent rollout of a wealth solutions business.Steve and I had a fascinating discussion about the evolution of private markets and how to build a leading alternative asset manager that helps build businesses. We covered:How private markets have changed since Steve began in the industry.What it means to build “great businesses.”How the mindset of the “family business background” has helped inform investment strategy and deepening LP relationships.How Steve and New Mountain have navigated scaling the firm while focusing on generating returns for LPs.How New Mountain has approached launching new strategies.The why and how behind launching a wealth solutions business.Thanks Steve for coming on the show to share your wisdom and expertise on private markets.A word from AGM podcast sponsor, Ultimus Fund SolutionsThis episode of Alt Goes Mainstream is brought to you by Ultimus Fund Solutions, a leading full-service fund administrator for asset managers in private and public markets. As private markets continue to move into the mainstream, the industry requires infrastructure solutions that help funds and investors keep pace. In an increasingly sophisticated financial marketplace, investment managers must navigate a growing array of challenges: elaborate fund structures, specialized strategies, evolving compliance requirements, a growing need for sophisticated reporting, and intensifying demands for transparency.To assist with these challenging opportunities, more and more fund sponsors and asset managers are turning to Ultimus, a leading service provider that blends high tech and high touch in unique and customized fund administration and middle office solutions for a diverse and growing universe of over 450 clients and 1,800 funds, representing $500 billion assets under administration, all handled by a team of over 1,000 professionals. Ultimus offers a wide range of capabilities across registered funds, private funds and public plans, as well as outsourced middle office services. Delivering operational excellence, Ultimus helps firms manage the ever-changing regulatory environment while meeting the needs of their institutional and retail investors. Ultimus provides comprehensive operational support and fund governance services to help managers successfully launch retail alternative products.Visit www.ultimusfundsolutions.com to learn more about Ultimus' technology enhanced services and solutions or contact Ultimus Executive Vice President of Business Development Gary Harris on email at gharris@ultimusfundsolutions.com.We thank Ultimus for their support of alts going mainstream.Show Notes00:00 Message from our sponsor, Ultimus Fund Solutions01:23 Podcast Theme and Opening02:03 Guest Introduction: Steve Klinsky04:00 Steve's Early Career in Private Equity05:39 The Evolution of Private Equity06:55 Forstmann Little and Co. Experience07:36 Founding New Mountain Capital08:08 New Mountain's Investment Philosophy08:25 Family Business Influences08:56 New Mountain's Cultural Values09:13 Working with Entrepreneurs and Management Teams10:15 Scaling New Mountain Capital13:35 Investment Strategies and Talent14:45 Opportunities and Challenges in Private Equity15:03 Mid-Market Focus and Growth Opportunities16:10 Impact of Industry Growth on Mid-Market Firms16:50 Product Innovation in Private Markets18:40 Synergy Between Investment Strategies20:20 Growth and Future of New Mountain Capital21:10 Engaging the Wealth Channel21:40 Building the New Mountain Brand23:07 New Mountain's Edge and Performance24:20 Engaging the Wealth Channel25:50 Customization and Differentiation in Wealth Management27:17 Strategies for Wealth Channel Engagement27:39 Productization for the Wealth Channel28:05 Industry Evolution and Consolidation28:40 Wealth Channel vs Institutional Channel29:44 Institutional Side of Private Markets29:59 Historical Perspective on Institutional Changes30:47 Challenges and Investment Strategies for the Wealth Channel32:03 Investment Lessons34:48 Common Threads in Successful Investments35:53 Leveraging AI and Technology in Investments37:56 Value Creation in Services Businesses38:42 Effective Value Creation Levers39:38 Growth and Team Building at New Mountain41:04 Starting New Mountain in 199943:00 Navigating Market Turbulence44:57 Private Markets vs Public Markets45:53 Lessons from Private Markets for Public Investors47:47 Importance of Price in Investing49:24 Building a Strong Team50:05 Global Investment Strategies50:47 Future Investment Excitement51:58 Focus on Wealth Channel52:13 Growth in Secondaries and Continuation Vehicles52:42 Industry Evolution and Firm Growth53:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts  Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant.

Send us a textIs Your Business Beating the Stock Market?In this episode of The Margin Method, Steve shares the three metrics every founder must know if they want to grow profitably and build a business that's both valuable and optional. Drawing from his experience as a CFO for a billion-dollar construction firm, he breaks down what he calls the "three efficiencies"—and how they reveal whether you're wasting money on sales, underperforming on labor, or sitting on a business that's barely outperforming an index fund.If you've ever wondered how to measure true performance, this one's for you. Steve walks you through the calculations, benchmarks, and tells you exactly where to look in your financials—without getting lost in jargon. You'll leave knowing which KPI deserves your attention... and why it might just be time to raise your standards.Disclaimer:The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information.Want to see if you're a fit for our KPI Kickoff? Check it out here: https://www.coltivar.com/boost Support the show

On this episode of The Horizon, John Chang interviews Marcelo Margain, managing partner at Eagle Property Capital (EPC), to explore how Mexican capital is fueling U.S. multifamily investments. Marcelo shares how EPC sources 85% of its capital from Mexico, leveraging investor interest in dollar-denominated assets and U.S. economic stability. He emphasizes the value of EPC's conservative investment strategy, fixed-rate financing, and their in-house management platform, which drives tenant satisfaction and high retention rates. Marcelo also highlights the firm's unique community-focused value-add approach and discusses their upcoming $300M Fund VI, targeting Sunbelt markets like Dallas, Houston, Orlando, and Tampa. Marcelo Margain Current role: Managing Partner at Eagle Property Capital Based in: Mexico Say hi to them at: LinkedIn profile or eaglepropertycapital.com Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at ⁠https://www.stamps.com/cre⁠. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE. Terms and conditions apply. Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at ⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SUCCESS PRINCIPLES | The path to growth, freedom, and fulfillment is paved by the value you create for others. In a world where outcomes — not effort — determine reward, your ability to generate meaningful value is the key that unlocks all opportunity. Learn more about this idea & access the concept resource and reflection questions in the Forge here: c21forge.com/success-principles   Join us every two weeks as Dylan & Angela discuss the success principles – ideas and concepts to help entrepreneurs build better businesses and live meaningful lives.  Subscribe to the More Than More Podcast for new weekly episodes as we discuss building meaningful and impactful businesses, careers, and lives through real estate.   Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube

In this episode of The Derivative, host Jeff Malec sits down with Suzanne Yoon, Founder and Managing Partner of Kinzie Capital Partners, for an in-depth exploration of private equity. Yoon shares her remarkable journey from the daughter of immigrant entrepreneurs in Chicago to leading a lower middle market buyout firm. Drawing from her rich background, Suzanne discusses the evolution of private equity from financial engineering to value creation, revealing how her firm identifies and transforms businesses across manufacturing and service sectors. She provides candid insights into deal sourcing, the challenges of modernizing family-owned companies, and navigating today's complex investment landscape.With perspectives shaped by experiences ranging from the Enron workout to founding her own firm, Yoon offers a compelling narrative about entrepreneurship, strategic investing, and the importance of passion in business. Join us and gain intriguing insights into the inner workings of private equity and the critical role of technology and operational improvements in driving company growth. SEND IT! Chapters:00:00-00:57=Intro00:58-06:58= Entrepreneurial Origins: Uncovering the Roots of Resilience in Suzanne Yoon's Journey06:59-22:50=From Iowa to Wall Street: Lessons for Achieving Success in Finance22:51-38:05=Private Equity's New Playbook: Evolving from Financial Engineering to Value Creation38:06-49:10= The Art of the Deal: Strategies for Sourcing and Selecting Profitable Private Equity Investments49:11-01:07:08=Tariffs, Tech, and Transformation: Navigating the Future of Private Equity Follow along with Suzanne on LinkedIn and Kinzie Capital Partners and be sure to check out their website at kinziecp.com for more information! Don't forget to subscribe to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Derivative⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, follow us on Twitter at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@rcmAlts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and our host Jeff at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AttainCap2⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ , and⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sign-up for our blog digest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Disclaimer: This podcast is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal, business, or tax advice. All opinions expressed by podcast participants are solely their own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of RCM Alternatives, their affiliates, or companies featured. Due to industry regulations, participants on this podcast are instructed not to make specific trade recommendations, nor reference past or potential profits. And listeners are reminded that managed futures, commodity trading, and other alternative investments are complex and carry a risk of substantial losses. As such, they are not suitable for all investors. For more information, visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.rcmalternatives.com/disclaimer⁠

My guests today are Rick Ruback and Royce Yudkoff. Rick and Royce are Harvard Business School professors who teach their students how to search for, acquire, and run small business directly after graduation. It has been almost a decade since our first conversation, and unlike many past interviews that have become outdated due to technology or market changes, the core principles they shared about entrepreneurship through acquisition remain remarkably relevant today. They explore fascinating developments in the search-fund ecosystem, including the bifurcation between funded searchers targeting larger companies and self-funded entrepreneurs finding success with smaller businesses. Rick and Royce share their accumulated wisdom on what makes a company worth buying, why the "magic is in the multiples," and how their students consistently achieve impressive returns through patient, value-oriented business acquisition. Please enjoy my conversation with Rick Ruback and Royce Yudkoff. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page⁠ here.⁠ ----- This episode is brought to you by⁠ Ramp⁠. Ramp's mission is to help companies manage their spend in a way that reduces expenses and frees up time for teams to work on more valuable projects. Go to⁠ Ramp.com/invest⁠ to sign up for free and get a $250 welcome bonus. –  This episode is brought to you by⁠ AlphaSense⁠. AlphaSense has completely transformed the research process with cutting-edge AI technology and a vast collection of top-tier, reliable business content. Invest Like the Best listeners can get a free trial now at⁠ Alpha-Sense.com/Invest⁠ and experience firsthand how AlphaSense and Tegus help you make smarter decisions faster. – This episode is brought to you by⁠ Ridgeline⁠. Ridgeline has built a complete, real-time, modern operating system for investment managers. It handles trading, portfolio management, compliance, customer reporting, and much more through an all-in-one real-time cloud platform. Head to⁠ ridgelineapps.com⁠ to learn more about the platform. ----- Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com⁠). Show Notes: (00:00:00) Welcome to Invest Like the Best (00:05:23) Changes in the Small Firm Acquisition Space (00:06:52) The Impact of SBA Loans on Acquisition Entrepreneurship (00:08:55) The Evolution of Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (00:10:09) Risk and Return in the Search Fund Model (00:13:38) The Role of Investors in Funded and Unfunded Searches (00:19:33) Criteria for a Good Acquisition Target (00:28:36) The Growing Popularity of Self-Funded Searches (00:43:21) Challenges and Red Flags in Small Firm Acquisitions (00:49:47) Exploring Margin Expansion and Growth (00:51:02) The Impact of Practical Teaching in Business Education (00:52:12) Keys to a Successful Business Class (00:53:30) The Role of Theory in Practical Business Education (00:55:29) Challenges and Rewards of Teaching Business (00:57:46) Capital Allocation in Small Businesses (01:00:50) Advice for Aspiring Business Searchers (01:03:45) Value Creation and Business Lifecycle (01:08:20) Deciding to Leave Private Equity (01:11:20) The Future of Higher Education in Business (01:16:06) Ongoing Relationships with Former Students (01:18:45) Favorite Business Cases to Teach (01:24:46) Encouraging More People to Pursue Business Ownership

►► Ask Graham AI your #1 business question right now: http://grahamcochrane.com/ai Here's the truth: 99% of college graduates walk across that stage with a diploma… but no real clue how to build financial freedom. And honestly, it's not their fault — nobody's teaching this stuff! Today, I'm breaking down the seven essential things you must learn if you want to escape the paycheck-to-paycheck grind, build real wealth, and live life on your terms. Stick around — because if you don't know these seven things, financial freedom will always stay just out of reach. Chapters 00:00 The Financial Education Gap 07:03 The Reality of Financial Stress 10:19 Breaking the Victim Mentality 14:35 The Seven Principles for Financial Freedom 24:35 Understanding Money and Value Creation 30:41 The Importance of Entrepreneurship 32:31 The Role of Business Owners in Wealth Creation 39:44 Shifting Mindsets: From Scarcity to Abundance 42:40 The Importance of Seeking Opportunities 43:06 Spending vs. Saving: The Path to Wealth 46:48 Investing: The Key to Financial Freedom 48:44 Focus and Diversification in Wealth Creation 52:03 The Power of Generosity in Prosperity 01:00:36 Transforming Beliefs for Financial Success Explore more on my website: https://www.grahamcochrane.com Follow me on Instagram: @thegrahamcochrane

In this episode, Chris Felderman, Sr. Managing Director and Co-Head of Consulting at Palm Tree, LLC, joins Scott Becker to discuss how private equity firms and portfolio companies can navigate tariff-related disruptions, prepare for uncertain deal markets, and unlock value through operational consulting and strategic planning.

BONUS: Software Engineers are Paid to Solve Problems, Not Write Code! With John Crickett In this BONUS episode, we explore a thought-provoking LinkedIn post by John Crickett that challenges a fundamental misconception in software engineering. John shares insights on why engineers should focus on problem-solving rather than just coding, how to develop business context understanding, and why this shift in perspective is crucial in the age of AI. Beyond Writing Code: Understanding the True Value of Software Engineering "A lot of us come to software engineering because we care about building, and missed the goal: solving a problem for a customer." John Crickett explains the fundamental disconnect many software engineers experience in their careers. While many enter the field with a passion for building and coding, they often lose sight of the ultimate purpose: solving real problems for customers. This misalignment can lead to creating technically impressive solutions that fail to address actual business needs. John emphasizes that the most valuable engineers are those who can bridge the gap between technical implementation and business value. In this section, we refer to John's Coding Challenges and Developing Skills websites. The Isolation Problem in Engineering Teams "We have insulated people from seeing and interacting with customers, perhaps because we were afraid they would create a problem with customers." One of the key issues John identifies is how engineering teams are often deliberately separated from customers and end-users. This isolation, while sometimes implemented with good intentions, prevents engineers from gaining crucial context about the problems they're trying to solve. John shares his early career experience of participating in the sales process for software projects, which gave him valuable insights into customer needs. He highlights the Extreme Programming (XP) approach, which advocates for having the customer "in the room" to provide direct and immediate feedback, creating a tighter feedback loop between problem identification and solution implementation. In this segment, we refer to the book XP Explained by Kent Beck. The AI Replacement Risk "If all you are doing is taking a ticket that is fully spec'ed out, and coding it, then an LLM could also do that. The value is in understanding the problem." In a world where Large Language Models (LLMs) are increasingly capable of generating code, John warns that engineers who define themselves solely as coders face a significant risk of obsolescence. The true differentiation and value come from understanding the business domain and problem space—abilities that current AI tools haven't mastered. John advises engineers to develop domain knowledge specific to their business or customers, as this expertise allows them to contribute uniquely valuable insights beyond mere code implementation. Cultivating Business Context Understanding "Be curious about what the goal is behind the code you need to write. When people tell you to build, you need to be curious about why you are being asked to build that particular solution." John offers practical advice for engineers looking to develop better business context understanding. The key is cultivating genuine curiosity about the "why" behind coding tasks and features. By questioning requirements and understanding the business goals driving technical decisions, engineers can transform their role from merely delivering code to providing valuable services and solutions. This approach allows engineers to contribute more meaningfully and become partners in business success rather than just implementers. Building the Right Engineering Culture "Code is always a liability, sometimes it's an asset. The process starts with hiring the CTO—the people at the top. You get the team that reflects your values." Creating an engineering culture that values problem-solving over code production starts at the leadership level. John emphasizes that the values demonstrated by technical leadership will cascade throughout the organization. He notes the counter-intuitive truth that code itself is inherently a liability (requiring maintenance, updates, and potential refactoring), only becoming an asset when it effectively solves business problems. Building a team that understands this distinction begins with leadership that demonstrates curiosity about the business domain and encourages engineers to do the same. The Power of Asking Questions "Be curious, ask more questions." For engineers looking to make the shift from coder to problem-solver, John recommends developing the skill of asking good questions. He points to Harvard Business Review's article on "The Surprising Power of Questions" as a valuable resource. The ability to ask insightful questions about business needs, user requirements, and problem definitions allows engineers to uncover the true challenges beneath surface-level requirements. This curiosity-driven approach not only leads to better solutions but also positions engineers as valuable contributors to business strategy. In this segment, we refer to the article in HBR titled The Surprising Power of Questions. About John Crickett John is a passionate software engineer and leader on a mission to empower one million engineers and managers. With extensive expertise in distributed systems, full-stack development, and evolving tech stacks from C++ to Rust, John creates innovative coding challenges, insightful articles, and newsletters to help teams level up their skills. You can link with John Crickett on LinkedIn.

Paul Miller, CEO of Questex Paul Miller joins us to share his extensive experience in M&A, having led more than 90 acquisitions throughout his career. Paul reveals how Questex uses a proactive, buyer-led approach focused on culture, strategic alignment, and integration discipline. The conversation dives into the importance of early relationship-building with potential targets, auditing post-close success, and developing internal M&A capability—even when the team has no prior deal experience. Paul also shares candid advice on international deals, when to walk away, and how to avoid the common trap of "deal fever."

In this episode of the Healthy Wealthy & Smart podcast, Dr. Karen Litzy welcomes Lee Benson, a seasoned entrepreneur and value creation expert, who shares his insights on building successful businesses by embracing struggle and developing strong business models. Lee discusses how facing adversity is essential for growth, drawing from his experience running an aerospace company where he worked 80 to 100 hour weeks and nearly faced bankruptcy multiple times. He emphasizes the importance of clearly defining and communicating the "Most Important Number" (MIN) for your business, explaining that less than 2% of leaders can effectively articulate their business model. Lee introduces his MIND methodology (Most Important Number and Drivers) and stresses the significance of involving all employees in understanding the business model, pricing strategy, and cost structure. The conversation highlights how creating a culture of transparency and education empowers employees to make better decisions that align with company goals, ultimately transforming them into proactive contributors who act as CEOs of their own roles. Time Stamps:  [00:02:47] Team matters in business success. [00:05:04] CEO role evolution in business. [00:09:08] Embracing struggle for growth. [00:12:11] Employee understanding of business finances. [00:16:25] Most important number and drivers. [00:20:06] Building a community of families. [00:23:11] Business model understanding. [00:28:29] Measuring qualitative data in business. [00:31:19] Measuring employee fulfillment at work. [00:34:20] Employee inclusion in decision making. [00:36:42] Value creation potential in workplaces. [00:40:23] Employee development and struggle. [00:45:20] Advice to 20-year-old self. More About Lee Benson: Lee Benson has spent over 30 years in the business world, focused on one thing: creating value. Today, he is the CEO of Execute to Win, where we help organizations of all sizes accelerate the value they bring to the table. His journey into value creation started way back when he was pulling weeds for just 25 cents an hour.  Since then, he has had the privilege of founding and leading eight companies, including Able Aerospace. What started with just two employees grew into a team of 500, serving 2,000 customers across 60 countries, and we eventually celebrated a 9-figure exit in 2016. It's been an incredible ride! Resources from this Episode: Lee's Website Lee on Instagram Lee on LinkedIn Free Gift: Your Most Important Number Jane Sponsorship Information: Book a one-on-one demo here Front Desk @ Jane Mention the code LITZY1MO for a free month Follow Dr. Karen Litzy on Social Media: Karen's Twitter Karen's Instagram Karen's LinkedIn Subscribe to Healthy, Wealthy & Smart: YouTube Website Apple Podcast Spotify SoundCloud Stitcher iHeart Radio