Tools and techniques to love this February and beyond
Where would we be as solutions-focused experts without a few favorite tools and techniques we can depend on, even during the most challenging engagements and ever-shifting workplace environments? With the lightning speed of innovation these days, not to mention skill sets required to stay on course, this month I wanted to share a few ideas—in […]
The year of specialized work and continued recalibration
What better way to kick off 2021 than with some age-old wisdom from the most outstanding figure in medicine, Hippocrates: “Persons in whom a crisis takes place pass the night preceding the paroxysm (spasm) uncomfortably, but the succeeding night generally more comfortably.” In other words, if last year was the “uncomfortable paroxysm” then this year should […]
In 2021 Focus on Healthy Communication, Collaboration, and Inclusivity
Despite all the uncertainty and disruption still lingering from last year, 2021 offers ample opportunities for companies to refocus on what matters most: healthy communication and collaboration, an inclusive workplace culture, and ultimately greater productivity. While companies need to understand what will be different in the post-COVID era, they should also remember what will stay […]
How Pandemic-Era Managers Can Level Up By Using Collaboration Tools
Effective managers are capable of articulating their company’s values and a clear set of concrete goals, while also maintaining a commitment to diversity and open communication. These principles will help companies move from a rigidly hierarchical dynamic in which workers feel disconnected from their jobs to one in which they feel like stakeholders and partners […]
BluWave Insights: How the Agile Workforce is Impacting the Economy
Many hiring managers report that they face a talent shortage, which is why the agile workforce – independent professionals hired on a project-by-project basis – is only going to become more critical in the coming years. In my first article for Toolbox HR, a new platform for executives to learn about everything from cybersecurity trends to […]
Finding specialized executive search firms is an area PE funds often seek our assistance, because instead of spending countless hours trying to find the right fit we can quickly match the funds with a series of vetted candidates. So, when our PE fund client acquired a founder-owned business that provides services to the niche power […]
The COVID-19 pandemic won’t last forever, and companies need to be thinking about how to best position themselves to not only maintain their operations, but also seize upon opportunities and prepare for an uncertain future. This means they’ll have to be agile, getting the right people with the right skills at the right time. Our […]
OODA Loop Offers a Solid Framework for Agile, Fast-Moving Companies
When I left my partner position at a PE fund to start BluWave, I sought an operating framework to help us build the company in an agile and customer-centric way. I embraced a model conceived by Air Force Colonel John Boyd called the OODA Loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act). This framework has been extremely helpful as we’ve grown to serving more than 350 PE funds in a short period […]
Research Finds PE-backed Companies More Resilient Than Others During Economic Contractions
Although states and businesses are beginning to reopen amid progress in the fight against COVID-19, the economic fallout has been devastating. Over the past nine weeks, almost 40 million Americans have filed for unemployment while the unemployment rate reached almost 15 percent in April – a number that has steadily increased since then. The private […]
As Yogi Berra once said: “The future ain’t what it used to be.” Those words ring particularly true now, as everyone—from investors and business owners to teachers and healthcare workers—transition to living in a world with COVID-19. The numbers are in, and realistically this isn’t going away any time soon. The good news is that, […]
How Companies Can Leverage Interim Leadership for a World in Flux
A rapid transformation of the global workforce has been taking place, fueled by digital transformation, specialization, and an increasingly on-demand labor pool. This transformation will only accelerate in light of the Coronavirus pandemic. Your company can’t afford to be paralyzed. In fact, when the world starts rotating again, now more than ever you and global […]
Interim Controller Guide: When, Why & How PE Firms Secure Temporary Finance Leadership
An interim controller provides immediate, temporary financial leadership to stabilize accounting operations, ensure compliance, and maintain reporting continuity during transitions – delivering PE-grade expertise without the long-term commitment of a permanent hire. When portfolio companies face financial leadership gaps, private equity firms need swift, effective solutions that maintain operational continuity without compromising quality. An interim controller […]
BluWave Awards 2025: Alpine Investors is PE Innovator of the Year
We’re proud to announce Alpine Investors as Innovator of the Year in the fourth annual BluWave private equity awards*. The San Francisco-based firm was selected for its for exemplary innovation and leadership. “Innovation is at the heart of everything we do at Alpine,” said Graham Weaver, CEO and Founder of Alpine. “Building a culture of innovation […]
BluWave Awards 2025: Top Private Equity Innovators
We’re proud to announce the fourth annual Top Private Equity Innovators with the 2025 BluWave Awards*. “We’re regularly asked by market leaders about the best practices that are being embraced by the most innovative private equity firms,” said BluWave founder and CEO Sean Mooney, talking about the impetus for creating the awards. Learn more about […]
