Private Equity Podcast: Karma School of Business

Geoff Faux, Partner at Clearview Capital, shares the principles that shape his approach to private equity investing, from evaluating management teams and industry dynamics to navigating adversity when deals go sideways. He reflects on lessons forged through competitive athletics, a career built inside one firm, and a defining portfolio company crisis that tested every assumption about value creation. Geoff also explains Clearview's first-in institutional playbook and how focus, prioritization, and people decisions drive durable outcomes. This is a grounded, hard-earned perspective on what it really takes to build winning businesses—hit play. Episode Highlights 1:01 – How elite swimming shaped Geoff's discipline, focus, and investing mindset 4:17 – Growing up around lower middle market deals and choosing private equity early 13:02 – The four variables that matter most in private equity investment decisions 19:55 – Why industry stability and baseline management strength are non-negotiables 24:21 – A first deal gone wrong—and the crisis that nearly broke the investment 28:35 – Rebuilding through COVID and turning a near-zero into a top portfolio performer 47:29 – Advice to Geoff's 22-year-old self on teams, people judgment, and resilience For more information on Clearview Capital  go to https://www.clearviewcap.com/ For more information on Geoffrey Faux, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoff-faux-27826518/

Sean Mooney curates the 2025 reading list recommended by private equity investors, operating partners, and portfolio company CEOs featured on Karma School of Business this year. The episode spans business strategy, capital allocation, leadership, happiness, mindset, and life design—through the lens of people actively building and scaling companies. From The Outsiders to Traction to unexpected personal favorites, the list reflects what serious operators are actually reading and rereading. If you're building for the long term, this one earns a spot in your queue. Episode Highlights 1:12 – Casey Myers on shifting from achievement to fulfillment with From Strength to Strength 2:53 – Steve Hunter reframes money, time, and health through Die With Zero 4:04 – Jonathan Metrick on compounding time, skills, and careers via The Algebra of Wealth 7:35 – Ran Ding explains why great CEOs are elite capital allocators in The Outsiders 11:11 – Chris Scullin on dynamic competition and adaptation from The Innovator's Dilemma 14:01 – Micah Dawson on focus, ambition, and escaping the hedonic treadmill with The One Thing 18:20 – Dan Gaspar on operational discipline and change using Traction and Who Moved My Cheese?

Rob Turano, Operating Partner at Bloom Equity Partners, breaks down the playbook he uses to transform lower middle-market software companies—from sharpening product focus to elevating talent and building repeatable go-to-market engines. He shares how Bloom integrates operating partners early in diligence, accelerates transformation in the first 12–18 months, and instills a performance culture rooted in data, speed, and ownership. Rob also gets personal, from his love of cooking to the practices he uses to think more clearly as a leader. It's a sharp, candid look at what real value creation in private equity demands today—hit play and take notes. Episode Highlights 1:31 – Growing up in New Jersey, Villanova roots, and the consulting-to-private-equity path 5:56 – Why food matters in Rob's life and how he became Bloom's unofficial in-house chef 9:22 – The three traits Bloom looks for: focus, management strength, and GTM maturity 14:38 – Selling value vs. selling features—and why every salesperson must think like a CFO 20:49 – How Bloom's deal, BD, and operating teams collaborate from diligence through execution 27:45 – The urgency of the first 6–12 months and the sequencing of transformation in PE 36:18 – Rob's top advice to PortCos today: talent first, disciplined KPIs, and repeatable GTM engines 40:25 – The book shift that made Rob more creative—and the life hack that helps him think clearly For more information on Bloom Equity Partners, go to https://www.bloomequitypartners.com/ For more information on Robert Turano, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-turano

Eliot Kerlin, Founder and Managing Partner of Broadwing Capital, shares the unconventional path that took him from pre-med to private equity and the principles that now guide his firm's approach to building durable, high-performing companies. He unpacks Broadwing's value-creation playbook, the importance of forecasting NTM cash flow, and why culture, people analytics, and in-person leadership sit at the center of long-term success. Eliot also reflects on the tenacity required to launch a firm—and the clarity needed to focus on what truly matters. It's a grounded, thoughtful conversation that sharpens anyone building or leading in today's private equity landscape. Episode Highlights: 1:04 – Growing up in Texas, early influences, and the winding path from pre-med to finance 3:44 – Breaking into Wall Street from a non-target school and the power of persistence 10:51 – Lessons from hands-on jobs and how service work shapes leadership instincts 17:54 – What makes a "good business" vs. a "good investment" and why NTM cash flow matters most 26:55 – The tenacity and structure behind launching Broadwing Capital in a tough fundraising market 33:42 – How Broadwing builds culture, trust, and alignment inside portfolio companies 48:35 – Eliot's most influential books and the thinking frameworks he uses to lead and invest For more information on Broadwing Capital, go to https://broadwingcap.com/ For more information on Eliot Kerlin, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliot-kerlin-89432b/

Renn Iaboni, Managing Director at Monomoy Capital Partners, joins Sean to discuss how disciplined sourcing, cultural alignment, and a 15-year proprietary data engine shape Monomoy's approach to private equity. He shares how engineering training, relationship-driven BD, and resilience forged through career adversity inform the way he builds high-trust deal pipelines. Renn also details how Monomoy's Beacon platform connects BD, investment, and credit teams to operate as one cohesive firm. It's a candid look at what modern private equity excellence really requires — and why Monomoy's model stands apart. Episode Highlights 1:19 – Growing up in New York, engineering ambitions, and the winding path into private equity 3:04 – How engineering training equips professionals for ambiguity and problem-solving in PE 9:40 – Renn's pivotal career setback at Macquarie and how building a new practice became an inflection point 14:46 – Why Monomoy's integrated model works and how cross-functional collaboration is reinforced 17:53 – Inside "Beacon," Monomoy's proprietary CRM and sourcing engine 20:58 – A real case study: tracking Wapac for years and how long-term data compounds sourcing advantages 23:54 – Renn's advice to his 22-year-old self and how energy, not passion alone, should guide career choices

In this episode of Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney interviews Drew Meyers, Partner at Seaport Capital. Drew shares how his unconventional path—from off-track betting to M&A integration—shaped his approach to lower middle-market private equity. He breaks down Seaport's focused strategy on founder-led businesses, where they invest early in professionalization across strategy, sales, and finance. The conversation covers everything from the importance of relationships and never burning bridges to how BluWave helps Seaport access cost-effective resources tailored to smaller portfolio companies. Episode Highlights: 2:00 - Drew's winding path into PE, including bartending and selling industrial insulation 6:00 - Why M&A integration experience is valuable training for private equity 13:00 - Working with founder-led businesses and understanding the founder mindset 19:00 - Seaport's three-part value creation playbook: strategy, sales, and finance 29:00 - How to professionalize early-stage companies without overspending 32:00 - Finding cost-compatible resources for $3M EBITDA businesses 35:00 - Career advice: never burn bridges and do things the right way For more information on Seaport Capital, go to https://www.seaportcapital.com/ For more information on Drew Meyers, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-j-meyers/

In this special edition of the Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney, Founder and CEO of BluWave, breaks down key findings from BluWave's Q3 2025 Private Equity Insights Report. Drawing parallels between his son's fencing lessons and today's economic climate, Sean explains how the best investors are shifting from a defensive stance to an offensive one. Seeing through the noise, leaning forward, and playing to win. He shares fresh data showing that deal activity, due diligence spending, and AI investment are all surging—signs of an industry on the offense. From the manufacturing renaissance to the rise of flatter, AI-enabled organizations, Sean offers a grounded, data-backed view of where private equity and the broader economy are heading next. Episode Highlights 1:07 – The Sport of Fencing and PE: what private equity can learn from shifting from defense to offense 4:40 – Why the U.S. economy is "good enough" and accelerating despite the noise 11:45 – Deal data shows confidence returning: due diligence projects up 43% year-over-year 14:33 – PE firms' AI and analytics demand surges 300% and 1,600% for AI/ML advisory 18:39 – Manufacturing reshoring, venture collaboration, and the next wave of innovation 21:06 – The coming of flatter, AI-enabled organizations and what it means for talent 25:39 – Sticky inflation, rate cuts, and why the next economic cycle is already underway   For more on BluWave, visit: https://www.bluwave.net/ To request the full Q3 2025 Insights Report, visit: https://www.bluwave.net/insights-report/

In this episode of Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney interviews Laurens Goff, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Stone Goff Partners. Laurens shares insights from his path to private equity, the founding story of his firm, and how leveraging focus and visibility transforms lower-middle-market companies. Key points include: 1:05 - Laurens' journey: From early life in Providence to successfully navigating investment banking and private equity. 9:52 - Stone Goff's evolution: Lessons learned as an independent sponsor and the foundation of a committed capital fund. 19:41 - The scorecard for success: Why visibility, recurring revenue, and vertical ecosystem focus create winning business models. 25:57 - Enabling value creation: The TEOS framework (Talent, Experts, Outsourced Resources, Support) and collaborative growth strategies. 34:52 - Supporting portfolio companies: Stone Goff's management summits and thought leadership tools to foster executive collaboration. For more information on Stone Goff, go to https://www.stonegoff.com/ For more information on Laurens Goff, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurens-goff-ba47714 For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts

Jared Stein, Co-founder and Partner at Monogram Capital Partners, shares his expert approach to scaling consumer businesses, fostering customer loyalty, and driving sustainable growth. From partnering with family-owned companies to identifying sectors with lasting demand, Jared provides actionable insights for excelling in fragmented markets and navigating today's rapid disruption cycles. A must-listen for private equity professionals and business builders looking to sharpen their playbook. Episode Highlights: 00:33 - Jared's family business origins and lessons learned from hard jobs 06:04 - Why "growth mindset" and passion are critical for business builders 13:23 - Scaling consumer brands: leadership, customer focus, and profitability 19:46 - Identifying winning brands: consumer loyalty and market potential 24:37 - Partnering with family businesses: trust, talent, and transformation 27:27 - Inside the Western Smokehouse case study: 5x EBITDA growth 30:51 - Building anti-fragility: Preparing businesses for rapid disruptions For more on Jared Stein's firm, visit: www.monogramcapital.com Connect with Jared Stein on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-stein-5a347820 Explore more episodes: www.bluwave.net/podcasts

Sean Mooney speaks with Bob Morse, Co-Founder & Managing Partner at Strattam Capital, about the changing playbook in private equity, especially in tech. Morse traces his path from Morgan Stanley and Oak Hill to founding Strattam, then lays out a no-surprises model: turn cards face-up pre-signing, align on a founder-written five-point plan, and opt-in support with real accountability. He explains why AI threatens seat-based SaaS economics, where outcome pricing wins, and how PE firms should push portfolios to experiment while keeping the founder's innovative spark alive. Clear-eyed and practical, this conversation arms business builders with a framework to act now. Episode highlights 1:26 – An engineer's path into private equity 7:15 – Why tech needed a dedicated, specialized PE fund and the genesis of Strattam 13:03 – Solving the "first board-meeting surprise"  19:45 – The founder persona Strattam backs: industry operators with proven product-market fit 27:15 – AI as invention vs. innovation and the early business models that actually work 32:27 – The SaaS shake-up: from seat licenses to outcome-based pricing and financing impact 41:54 – "Aliens landed": a mantra for leading through uncertainty and running smart experiments For more on Bob Morse's firm, visit: https://strattam.com/  Connect with Bob Morse on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-morse-3567595/  Explore more episodes: www.bluwave.net/podcasts

Dan Gaspar, Partner at TZP Group, shares how private equity investors drive growth through focus, actionable insights, and strong partnerships. Hear Dan's approach to evaluating businesses, aligning on key priorities, and leveraging innovations like AI. With decades of experience, Dan breaks down what it takes to create value in today's dynamic market. A must-listen for private equity professionals and business builders alike. Episode Highlights: 1:12 - Dan Gaspar's pathway to private equity: A straightforward yet insightful start 12:14 - What "specialness" means when evaluating businesses for investment 19:33 - How TZP Group aligns with management teams to focus on 2–3 key growth priorities 26:19 - The role of AI in modern private equity: Dan's take on experimentation and adaptability 35:54 - Navigating uncertainty in today's market: Lessons on maintaining margins and flexibility 39:21 - Book recommendations for business builders: Traction, Good to Great, and Who Moved My Cheese 41:35 - Practical advice for private equity professionals and the value of collaborative partnerships For more on Dan Gaspar's firm, visit: www.tzpgroup.com Connect with Dan Gaspar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dangaspar/ Explore more episodes: www.bluwave.net/podcasts

The second quarter of 2025 showcased one of the most compelling periods for private equity, revealing how firms responded to disruption through strategic action and decisive adaptation.   Join BluWave Founder and CEO Sean Mooney as he unpacks the insights from BluWave's Q2 Private Equity Insights Report, including data showing rolling recovery trends, reshoring efforts in manufacturing, and technology investments.   This episode dives into the unique frameworks private equity applies to thrive amid uncertainty, setting the stage for long-term growth. Confidently engage with insights that matter to your business.   Episode Highlights 1:21 – Navigating stop-and-go economic disruptions: Key Q2 observations 5:45 – How private equity firms utilize OODA loops for decision-making 12:30 – April 2nd tariffs: A black swan reshaping manufacturing and trade 18:20 – Technology investments surge: AI and data projects skyrocket 27:05 – Resilience returns: PMI and consumer sentiment rebound in June 34:50 – The deal economy ramps up for mid- and long-term growth cycles 41:30 – Why private equity firms remain focused on growth investments   For more on BluWave, visit: https://www.bluwave.net/ To request the full Q2 2025 Insights Report, visit: https://www.bluwave.net/insights-report/

In this episode of Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney speaks with Ben Gaw, Partner and Head of Portfolio Operations at Cross Rapids Capital. Ben shares stories from his journey as a first-generation immigrant to becoming a sought-after private equity leader, highlighting lessons learned from turnarounds, rapid decision-making, and building successful companies.   Episode Highlights: 1:03 - Ben's background: From chemical engineering to corporate turnarounds, restructuring, and private equity. 10:03 - What makes a good company great: Identifying defensible markets, customer relationships, and opportunities hidden in mismanagement. 12:20 - The Cross Rapids playbook: Leveraging pattern recognition, providing resources, and empowering management teams to execute. 18:13 - Advice for uncertain times: The importance of assembling the right team, moving quickly, and focusing on growth from day one. 22:27 - Soft skills and leadership: How servant leadership and bedside manner help operating partners and executives thrive.   For more information on Cross Rapids Capital, go to https://www.crossrapids.com/ For more information on Ben Gaw, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamingawjr For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts

In this episode of Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney sits down with Dave Shephard, Director of Portfolio Operations at Rainier Partners. Dave shares how his military experience, consulting background at Bain, and hands-on leadership approach shape his work in private equity today. Key topics include: 1:30 - Dave's journey from West Point to portfolio operations, and how problem-solving shaped his career. 6:14 - Lessons from the military: Developing grit, resilience, and the ability to lead without authority. 13:48 - How Rainier Partners drives value creation through a defined, repeatable process: strategy alignment, tactical execution, and operational improvements. 30:31 - The foundational role of data and systems in applying AI to portfolio companies—and why starting small can make the difference. 40:14 - Dave's advice to his younger self and the value of curiosity, continuous learning, and thinking beyond immediate tasks. For more information on Rainier Partners, go to https://www.rainierpartners.com/ For more information on Dave Shephard, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-shephard-auxga/ For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts  

This Karma School of Business feed drop from our sister podcast, Best But Never Final, explores the private equity approach to board meetings. Sean Mooney sits down with Lloyd Metz of ICV Partners and Doug McCormick of HCI Equity Partners to unpack how to turn board meetings into strategic powerhouses that drive real outcomes.   Episode Highlights: 02:24 - Why private equity board meetings focus on strategic impact over routine reporting. 10:33 - The structure of PE boards: Who's on them, the role of independent directors, and the value of concentrated ownership. 15:25 - How independent board members are chosen to address specific business needs and enhance executive decision-making. 35:55 - Avoiding tactical readouts: Making board meetings a forum for actionable strategy and meaningful discussions. 42:37 - Tactical details: Frequency, in-person vs. virtual meetings, committee structures, and agenda planning. To listen to more Best But Never Final episodes, go to https://bestbutneverfinal.buzzsprout.com/2247932 For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts

In this episode of Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney continues the Elements of Value series, exploring what private equity professionals focus on when evaluating businesses that have the potential to thrive. You'll hear from: 0:49 - Vinay Kashyap of MainSail Partners on identifying bootstrap B2B software companies with strong growth potential, durable customer value propositions, and resourceful entrepreneurs. 6:19 - Kristin Johnson of Altamont Capital Partners on how her firm assesses market opportunities, team capabilities, alignment with founders, and introduces the concept of a "red team" to bring rigor to investment processes. 12:19 - Trent Hickman of VSS on partnering with founder-led businesses, the importance of management integrity, shared vision, and identifying "multiple ways to win." 20:50 - Misha Logvinov of MGX on the critical role of leadership quality, adaptability during change, and building a robust technology infrastructure that supports scalability and innovation. To listen to Vinay, Kristin, Trent or Misha's full podcast episode, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts. To get connected to a world-class, perfect-fit service provider from our curated network, go to https://www.bluwave.net/start-a-project.

Richard Fitzgerald, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at CapitalSpring, joins Sean Mooney to share the story behind one of the most enduring sector-focused firms in private equity. In a conversation that moves well beyond deal mechanics, Richard reflects on the early days of CapitalSpring, the value of sticking with a niche, and what it takes to build trust and alignment — across teams, LPs, and portfolio partners — over the long haul. Episode Highlights: 1:07 – Richard's path to private equity 7:53 – Building a sector-specialist investment firm with true competitive advantage 11:06 – We'd know Richard better if we knew this about him 18:27 – Working through hard things – navigating the pandemic 26:45 – The art of private equity in the franchise/multi-location sector – best practices 35:48 – Benefits of having a sector specialist franchisee investors for sponsors investing in franchisors 40:42 – Flexibility to provide both debt and equity solutions for growing businesses is a competitive advantage 43:05 – Richard's advice for his 22 year-old-self For more on CapitalSpring: https://www.capitalspring.com To connect with Richard Fitzgerald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fitzgeraldrichard For more on Challenge Aspen: https://challengeaspen.org/ For more on the Michael J. Fox Foundation: https://www.michaeljfox.org/ Explore more episodes of Karma School of Business: https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts

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. 🔑 Key Topics Covered: [00:01:09] How a psychology major and distressed investor found his way into private equity [00:10:22] What distressed investing teaches you about cash flow, value, and conflict [00:19:27] Fort Point's investment criteria: value proposition, management excellence, and fit [00:24:48] How to create value with strategic add-ons, board governance, and growth alignment [00:29:09] Using data analytics and utilization tracking to uncover hidden margin [00:32:34] Advice for management teams: think proactively, act decisively, use your data [00:40:24] Why private equity careers (and outcomes) are marathons, not sprints For more information on Fort Point Capital, go to: https://www.fortpointcapital.com For more information on Brooke Ablon, go to: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-ablon-5168514 For more information on the Karma School of Business podcast, go to: https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts

Brian Neider, Managing Partner at Lead Edge Capital, joins BluWave CEO Sean Mooney to break down what great private equity investing really looks like — from systematic sourcing to building one of the most engaged LP networks in the industry. This episode is packed with real-world lessons from 20 years of disciplined execution and growth equity innovation. Episode Highlights: [1:09] Brian's early lessons in entrepreneurship from running a vending business to building top-of-funnel strategy at Bessemer [6:09] How 20,000 cold calls built the foundation for Lead Edge Capital's thesis-driven sourcing [17:06] The 8-point "strike zone" framework Lead Edge uses to evaluate private equity opportunities [27:06] How Lead Edge's LP network drives differentiated value creation and portfolio company support [34:30] The role of instrumentation and data discipline in unlocking portfolio performance [39:57] Advice to early-career professionals: treat your time, relationships, and decisions like investments [45:25] Life hacks from an investor: walking pads, airline points intel, and email follow-up tools For more information on Lead Edge Capital, go to: https://www.leadedge.com For more information on Brian Neider, go to: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-neider-7774041/ For more information on the Karma School of Business podcast, go to: https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts  

In this episode of Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney speaks with Don McDonough, Managing Director at GTCR, about his career in private equity and his role in building GTCR's business development function. Episode Highlights: 1:24 - Path to Private Equity: Don's journey from investment banking to private equity and his early career experiences. 4:56 - Leadership Lessons: How sports and teamwork shaped Don's approach to leadership and problem-solving. 10:09 - Building a New Role: Challenges and strategies in developing GTCR's business development function. 27:04 - Value Creation Themes: GTCR's focus on technology, AI, and proactive risk management strategies to drive portfolio growth. 33:02 - Advice to Younger Self: Don's insights on identifying strengths, following passions, and seeking mentorship. For more information on GTCR, go to https://www.gtcr.com/ For more information on Don McDonough, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-mcdonough-a6a3611 For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/