Claim OwnershipLeverUp ™️ : A podcast on Private Equity and Entrepreneurship
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© Paul W. Swaney III 2025
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Welcome to LeverUp™️: Empowering Your Entrepreneurial Journey
LeverUp™️ is more than a podcast—it's a catalyst for aspiring entrepreneurs ready to redefine the American Dream. While the conventional dream might be homeownership, we believe true fulfillment comes from owning your business and mastering the art of entrepreneurship.
Diving deep into the realms of banking, consulting, and private equity finance, LeverUp® is designed to arm you with the knowledge, strategies, and insights needed to navigate the challenging yet rewarding path of entrepreneurship. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale your venture, our podcast provides actionable advice, expert interviews, and a treasure trove of resources aimed at accelerating your journey.
At the heart of LeverUp® is our commitment to disrupt the prevailing trend of overpriced and underdelivering entrepreneurship courses. Our initiative is founded on the principles of "Inorganic Entrepreneurship," a mentorship-driven approach that democratizes access to essential business knowledge and fosters a community of like-minded individuals.
By subscribing to LeverUp®, you'll unlock access to:
Exclusive interviews with industry leaders and successful entrepreneurs.
Expert financial advice tailored to the unique challenges of entrepreneurship.
Comprehensive resources designed to propel your business forward.
LeverUp® is not just a strategic partner for career advancement; it's a movement dedicated to building a new generation of American entrepreneurs. It's time to move beyond the cottage industry of entrepreneurship courses that add no value and embrace a more viable, impactful career path.
Subscribe to LeverUp® today and take the first step towards unlocking your potential as an entrepreneur. Let's embark on this journey together and transform your aspirations into reality.
25 Episodes
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Many people require the services of a financial advisor because they do not know how to spend their money in the most responsible way. Paul Swaney is joined by Richard McWhorter, Managing Partner of SRM Private Wealth and a Private Wealth Advisor for high-net worth families and artists, to share how he is putting the client first to ensure their money priorities are properly considered. Richard explains how he acts as the ultimate “consigliere” for celebrities and pro-athletes to help them navigate impulse purchases, solve the so-called “Entourage problem,” and avoid putting their trust in the wrong individuals. Find out the beauty of putting responsible stewardship over senseless showmanship when it comes to securing your money and spending it right.Follow us on Twitter @paulswaney3 @leverupRT
AI is certainly one of the hottest topics in the digital world right now, and it is not surprising that every business wants a piece of this action. However, onboarding AI carelessly and without a concrete plan could lead to more losses than wins. Paul Swaney sits down with Zulfiya Forsythe, CEO and Founder of the Omadli Group, who helps businesses integrate AI into their existing systems in the most effective and responsible ways. Zulfiya emphasizes how to prioritize practicality over “sexiness” when adopting AI-powered tools to make the most out of these highly innovative automated tools. She also warns about AI bureaucrats, why aspiring entrepreneurs should not be afraid to start small, and what we can learn from the sweeping success of OpenAI.Follow us on Twitter @privateinequity @leverupRT
AI-driven startups are reshaping what it means to build, scale, and lead in tech. Co-founder of Supplyco, Claudia Richoux, shares how she’s transforming industrial sales and marketing through AI, running an ultra-lean operation, and redefining startup leadership in a changing economy. From surviving the chaos of early ventures to learning how empathy fuels strong teams, Claudia’s story captures the grit, intellect, and creativity behind modern entrepreneurship — and why embracing AI isn’t just about efficiency, but about building smarter, more human companies.Follow us on Twitter @privateinequity @leverupRT
There has been a huge surge in interest in making small business acquisitions, especially in this exciting digital age. Janine Subgang, co-founder of Bizzed Ai, is helping aspiring entrepreneurs buy their desired businesses with less stress and hurdles along the way. Janine joins Paul Swaney in this conversation about how they empower a new generation of entrepreneurs through their AI-guided due diligence and financial modeling. She explains how their service promotes hassle-free business ownership, wealth creation, community impact, and personal freedom. Janine also shares how they monetize their business to keep their work going and deal with the many risky investments lurking out there.Follow us on Twitter @privateinequity @leverupRT
Understanding the nuances behind effective executive hires is crucial for any organization. Join Paul Swaney as he sits down with Jason Blonstein of Ex-Consultants Agency. Jason shares his unique journey from West Point graduate and military service to the world of executive recruitment. Discover the importance of stakeholder alignment, the challenges of transitioning executives from large corporations to smaller companies, and the benefits of looking outside your industry for top talent. Jason also provides valuable insights on how candidates can effectively network with executive recruiters and navigate the interview process. Get ready to transform your approach to executive talent acquisition!Follow us on Twitter @privateinequity @leverupRT
Execution speed isn't just a tactic — it's the ultimate competitive advantage. In this episode, Laurence Haughton, author of It's Not the Big That Eat the Small...It's the Fast That Eat the Slow, shares how his relentless drive for speed transformed his career — from an engineering tech to a best-selling author. We dive into why moving fast crushes inertia, ignites momentum, and pushes organizations forward, while slow, cautious decision-making keeps teams stuck. If you've ever felt frustrated by "admiring the problem" instead of solving it, this one's for you. Let’s break the speed barrier!Follow us on Twitter @privateinequity @leverupRT
Paul Swaney sits down with Ryan Heckman, who shares how he found his way and built success in the world of private equity. He talks about the valuable lessons about leadership and culture that he has gathered along the way, which contributed a lot to him becoming Co-Founder, Managing Partner, and CEO of Rallyday Partners. Paul explains why their firm embraced innovative yet quite controversial practices, from eliminating management fees to focusing on business architecture rather than governance. He also explores why he prioritizes purpose-driven leadership and cultural development more than anything else in his career.Follow us on Twitter @privateinequity @leverupRT
Business restructuring often starts with stabilizing chaos and rallying people behind a shared vision. Paul Swaney sits down with turnaround expert Lars Vaule to explore the art of fixing struggling companies and building a thriving culture. From demoralized teams to cash flow dilemmas, Lars shares actionable insights and inspiring stories about leading through tough times. He also delves into balancing urgency with strategy, the power of creative solutions, and why great leadership means creating opportunities for every team member to grow. If you have ever wondered what it takes to transform a failing business, this conversation is for you.Follow us on Twitter @privateinequity @leverupRT
Entrepreneurship thrives at the intersection of passion, purpose, and perseverance. In this engaging conversation, Paul Swaney dives deep into the entrepreneurial insights of Taylor Kenerson, an athlete-turned-business innovator redefining success on her own terms. From lessons learned on the softball field to building startups that embrace creativity and AI, Taylor shares how values like kindness, communication, and authenticity guide her journey. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or navigating your own career pivots, this episode is packed with relatable wisdom and actionable takeaways. Join us as we explore the mindset and strategies behind turning vision into impact.Follow us on Twitter @privateinequity @leverupRT
![Unlocking Private Equity Success: John Caple's Path From Bain To Hidden Harbor [S2:E7]](https://s3.castbox.fm/ad/70/15/e13cc01501c3476f846688b6b5de5fb591_scaled_v1_400.jpg "Unlocking Private Equity Success: John Caple's Path From Bain To Hidden Harbor [S2:E7]")
In this episode of LeverUp®, we sat with John Caple, the Founding Managing Partner of Hidden Harbor. With over twenty years of private equity investment and operational experience, John shares his journey from his early days at Bain & Company, where he advised Fortune 500 companies and led private equity due diligence, to his pivotal role at H.I.G. Capital and Hidden Harbor Now at Hidden Harbor, John chairs the firm’s Investment Committee and leads the strategic direction of the firm, focusing on driving complex business turnarounds and achieving top-tier investment returns. Whether you're a seasoned professional in private equity or an entrepreneur looking for guidance, this episode offers actionable strategies for success. To connect with John Caple, visit Hidden Harbor Capital at https://hh-cp.com/ or reach out via his LinkedIn profile at https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-caple-969345/.
![Making The Switch From Insurance To Entrepreneurship [Season 2: Episode 5]](https://s3.castbox.fm/ec/77/39/d28d947db0d66cac44a55bc94924f058e0_scaled_v1_400.jpg "Making The Switch From Insurance To Entrepreneurship [Season 2: Episode 5]")
Today we sit down with Skylar Romines, founder of ATW Advisors and author of So She Did. In this episode, Skylar shares her 17-year journey in commercial insurance, how she built a thriving consulting firm, and the challenges she faced transitioning from corporate America to entrepreneurship. We dive deep into career-building strategies for women, the importance of networking, personal branding tips, and how to overcome work-life balance struggles. Skylar also reveals how she cultivated her successful personal brand on social media, particularly on Twitter, which helped her land clients and grow her business. Perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs, women in business, and professionals looking to level up in their careers.To connect with Skylar Romines, follow her on Twitter at @SkylarRomines or find her on LinkedIn under Skylar Romines.Check out her book So She Did available on Amazon!
![From MLB To Millions: Ryne Ogren’s Leap Into Business [S2:E4]](https://s3.castbox.fm/01/b2/e2/566aecf65853fb0b35ad012e0ae06f9eef_scaled_v1_400.jpg "From MLB To Millions: Ryne Ogren’s Leap Into Business [S2:E4]")
In this episode of the Lever Up Podcast, we sit down with Ryne Ogren, a former professional baseball player turned private equity investor. After a successful career as a shortstop and catcher with the Seattle Mariners and Baltimore Orioles, Ryne made a bold pivot into the world of digital marketing and inorganic entrepreneurship. He shares his unique journey from the baseball field to acquiring and scaling digital marketing agencies in Tampa, Miami, and Philadelphia. We dive deep into his experiences in deal sourcing, business acquisitions, and overcoming challenges in B2B marketing, along with his strategies for building successful businesses. Listen to Ryne’s insights on transitioning from sports to entrepreneurship, the importance of consistent marketing, and how his baseball background shaped his private equity approach. Key topics include:Ryne Ogren’s journey from professional baseball to digital marketing investmentsHow Ryne sourced and acquired three digital marketing businesses in 12 monthsThe importance of sales and marketing skills in small business acquisitionsThe impact of B2B marketing, lead generation, and SEO on business successLessons from deal negotiations and client management in private equityConnect with Ryne Ogren: Follow Ryne on X at @RyneOgren and check out his website https://www.ryneogren.com
![The Science Behind Effective Marketing Strategies [S2:E3]](https://s3.castbox.fm/03/27/1b/dd2292c33e1b51ecc9bd261490133eecd3_scaled_v1_400.jpg "The Science Behind Effective Marketing Strategies [S2:E3]")
In this episode of the LeverUp® Podcast, we welcome John Maher, founder of Victoriam Group and expert in performance marketing. John breaks down the art and science of data-driven marketing and shares how he helps businesses, particularly in the financial services and lending sectors, achieve sustainable growth by optimizing their marketing efforts and reducing customer acquisition costs.With over a decade of experience, John has worked with a range of businesses, from small startups to large financial institutions, helping them run hyper-targeted marketing campaigns and significantly improve their lead generation processes. Throughout the episode, John shares his HTHG (Hyper Target Hyper Growth) strategy, explaining how it’s helped clients increase conversions, drive revenue, and scale without adding unnecessary overhead.In addition to his marketing expertise, John also opens up about his entrepreneurial journey, from starting his first business at 16 to facing personal challenges along the way. He discusses the lessons learned from overcoming adversity and how resilience played a crucial role in shaping his success.
![Secrets To Startup Success: $5 Billion Raised With Scott Kelly [S2: E2]](https://s3.castbox.fm/1c/97/e1/256091a2eb9d5fa99e918ba99597298d22_scaled_v1_400.jpg "Secrets To Startup Success: $5 Billion Raised With Scott Kelly [S2: E2]")
In this episode of Lever Up, we sit down with Scott Kelly, CEO of Black Dog Venture Partners and host of VC Fast Pitch. Scott takes us through his incredible 30-year journey, starting as a runner on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange to founding Black Dog Venture Partners, where he has helped startups raise over $5 billion and guided 30 successful exits. We discuss the value of assembling a strong team, how to prepare for raising capital, and why scaling a business at the right time can be the difference between success and failure.Scott shares his unique insights on entrepreneurship, from surviving the dot-com boom to scaling tech companies and even dabbling in the music industry. Whether you’re an early-stage entrepreneur, looking to scale your startup, or simply interested in the venture capital world, this episode offers a plenty of practical advice.Key PointsHow to build a resilient team that can scale with your business.The biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make when raising seed capital.Why scaling too fast can be just as dangerous as growing too slow.The evolving venture capital landscape and how to navigate it successfully.Get in Touch with Scott KellyWebsite: Black Dog Venture PartnersSocial Media: @BlackDogCEO on all platformsVC Fast Pitch: VC Fast Pitch
![Art, Wealth, And Cold Calls: Michael Picardi’s Path To Success [Season 2 Episode 1]](https://s3.castbox.fm/e4/1d/07/6b5701d661a8f7a6625d7ed1d198b08f9b_scaled_v1_400.jpg "Art, Wealth, And Cold Calls: Michael Picardi’s Path To Success [Season 2 Episode 1]")
In this episode of LeverUp, we sit down with Michael Picardi, a mid-career investor relations professional with a fascinating background. From starting his career in fintech with Masterworks and transitioning to private wealth at Alliance Bernstein, Michael shares valuable insights into the world of finance and investor relations.Join us as Michael discusses his experiences working in a fast-paced fintech startup, the challenges of cold calling, and the importance of building strong client relationships. He also offers advice for those interested in breaking into the finance industry, particularly in investor relations, and shares tips on networking, career growth, and managing time in a high-pressure environment.Whether you’re a finance professional, an aspiring investor relations expert, or just interested in hearing about career journeys in the financial world, this episode is packed with actionable insights and advice.Key Topics:Investor relations career pathFintech startup challengesMasterworks art investment platformTransitioning to private wealth managementBuilding a book of businessNetworking and relationship managementTips for success in finance and investor relationsConnect with Michael:https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelfpicardi
![From Special Forces To COO: Leadership Lessons From The Frontlines With Robert ‘Bo’ Plante III [Season 1: Episode 11]](https://s3.castbox.fm/e2/6f/86/30cb0a5cbb79d7dfb1e9e107d725886406_scaled_v1_400.jpg "From Special Forces To COO: Leadership Lessons From The Frontlines With Robert ‘Bo’ Plante III [Season 1: Episode 11]")
In this episode, we sit down with Swaney Group Capital's Chief Operating Officer, Robert ‘Bo’ Plante III. Bo's career spans from Virginia Tech to the State Department in Moscow, followed by distinguished service in both the Marine Corps and the Army Special Forces. Bo shares his journey from military service to private equity, highlighting how his military leadership and strategic planning skills translate to the corporate world. He discusses the challenges and rewards of leading strategic initiatives and managing people in military and civilian settings. Join us as Bo offers insights on adaptability, building high-performing teams, and overcoming challenges in transformation management. This episode is packed with actionable advice for military professionals transitioning to corporate roles and business leaders seeking to enhance their strategic planning skills. Key Topics Covered:Transitioning from military to corporate leadershipStrategic planning in military vs. civilian settingsManaging people and preventing organizational resistance Follow Robert ‘Bo’ Plante III:LinkedIn: Robert 'Bo' Plante IIIDon’t miss our weekly episodes every Wednesday. Follow and subscribe to stay updated!
![Wayback Wednesday | Getting The Best Price For Your Business: Expert Advice From Scott Larson [Season 1: Episode 10]](https://s3.castbox.fm/8e/96/52/ea98fb3b701062ec172edd777a0149563f_scaled_v1_400.jpg "Wayback Wednesday | Getting The Best Price For Your Business: Expert Advice From Scott Larson [Season 1: Episode 10]")
This episode is a re-run from when we sat spoke with Scott Larson, a financial expert with over 15 years of experience in investment banking, private equity, and hedge funds. Scott founded OutFin Group in 2023, which helps founders of $2-$20 million revenue businesses prepare for profitable exits. With a background in investment banking at JPMorgan Chase and private equity experience at GCP Capital Partners, Scott shares valuable insights from his impressive career.In this episode, Scott discusses his journey from New York City’s financial district to becoming an advisor for business owners. Learn about common pitfalls in the selling process and how to avoid them, the importance of financial infrastructure, and crucial steps to take 18-36 months before a sale. Scott also shares real-world examples of failed deals due to financial oversight and how strategic changes can lead to better outcomes.Whether you’re an entrepreneur considering a sale, a CFO optimizing business value, or simply interested in finance, this episode offers actionable advice.Key Topics Covered:Building a solid financial foundationMaximizing business value with financial infrastructureCommon mistakes during the sale processSuccessful negotiation strategiesBenefits of partnering with financial expertsFollow Scott Larson:Website: OutFin GroupTwitter: @IAmScottLarsonDon’t miss our weekly episodes every Wednesday. Follow and subscribe to stay updated!
Today we are joined by Ryan Harrington, a seasoned startup investor, advisor, and product manager specializing in financial technology. In this episode, Ryan shares his incredible journey from a private wealth analyst at JPMorgan to becoming a key player in the NYC tech scene. Learn about his extensive experience, including finding product/market fit, defining roadmap strategy, and aligning development teams to maximize output. Discover the impact of digital transformation on the financial industry, the real-life responsibilities of a product manager, and the future of FinTech.Ryan is an expert in financial technology, with years of experience in both early and late-stage tech startups. As an advisor and investor, he has helped numerous companies navigate their growth and development phases. Ryan offers insights into the challenges and triumphs of navigating tech startups and the evolving landscape of FinTech.What you’ll hear in this episode:● Ryan's transition from private wealth analyst at JPMorgan to tech product manager● The impact of digital transformation on the financial industry● The real-life day-to-day responsibilities of a product manager● Insights into effective product management strategies and planning● Lessons from Ryan's journey and his approach to early-stage investing Comment your thoughts on Ryan’s journey and insights into the future of FinTech. Follow Ryan HarringtonLinkedIn: Ryan Harrington
![The Future Of Supply Chains: Expert Insights From Jim Tompkins | LeverUp® Podcast [Season 1: Episode 8]](https://s3.castbox.fm/3e/ec/f0/25e812cefe39a6d7dbf87742a1a46ce0a6_scaled_v1_400.jpg "The Future Of Supply Chains: Expert Insights From Jim Tompkins | LeverUp® Podcast [Season 1: Episode 8]")
Today we are joined by Jim Tompkins, the chairman and founder of Tompkins Ventures, and a globally recognized authority on supply chain strategy. In this episode, Jim shares his incredible journey from industrial engineering to becoming a leading figure in supply chain management. Learn about his extensive experience, including starting 15 businesses, authoring 31 books, and driving profitable growth through innovation and thought leadership. Discover the impact of e-commerce on business, the importance of resilient and adaptable supply chains, and the future of global logistics.Jim is an expert in designing and implementing end-to-end supply chains, with decades of experience in supply chain strategy, warehousing and distribution, logistics, material handling, and industrial engineering. As a consultant, lecturer, and researcher, he has helped numerous companies enhance their profitable growth. In 2020, Jim founded Tompkins Ventures, a global solutions network, and co-founded Tompkins Leadership in 2022. He holds a Ph.D. in industrial engineering from Purdue University and has received numerous awards, including the Frank and Lillian Gilbreth Industrial Engineering Award.Key Highlights:Jim’s transition from industrial engineering to supply chain managementThe impact of e-commerce on business and supply chain solutionsThe importance of resilient and adaptable supply chains in today’s worldInsights into effective supply chain strategies and planningLessons from Jim’s entrepreneurial journey and his successful venturesComment your thoughts on Jim’s journey and insights into the future of supply chain management.Follow Jim Tompkins: LinkedIn: Jim TompkinsVisit Tompkins Ventures.
Today, we sit down with Scott Larson, a financial expert with over 15 years of experience in investment banking, private equity, and hedge funds. Scott founded OutFin Group in 2023, which helps founders of $2-$20 million revenue businesses prepare for profitable exits. With a background in investment banking at JPMorgan Chase and private equity experience at GCP Capital Partners, Scott shares valuable insights from his impressive career.In this episode, Scott discusses his journey from New York City's financial district to becoming an advisor for business owners. Learn about common pitfalls in the selling process and how to avoid them, the importance of financial infrastructure, and crucial steps to take 18-36 months before a sale. Scott also shares real-world examples of failed deals due to financial oversight and how strategic changes can lead to better outcomes.Whether you're an entrepreneur considering a sale, a CFO optimizing business value, or simply interested in finance, this episode offers actionable advice.Key Topics Covered:Building a solid financial foundationMaximizing business value with financial infrastructureCommon mistakes during the sale processSuccessful negotiation strategiesBenefits of partnering with financial expertsFollow Scott Larson:Website: outfingroup.comTwitter: @IAmScottLarsonDon’t miss our weekly episodes every Wednesday. Follow and subscribe to stay updated!
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