The Business Builders’ Podcast
In this episode of the "Karma School of Business Podcast," Sean Mooney, founder and CEO of BluWave, delves into the private equity landscape of early 2024. Utilizing BluWave's comprehensive data, Sean provides an in-depth analysis of current trends, strategic shifts, and economic indicators that are influencing the private equity sector, offering insights into how firms are navigating growth amidst changing economic conditions. Episode Breakdown: 02:09 - Exploring the "Buffalo Strategy" as a metaphor for private equity's approach to economic challenges. 04:17 - Analysis of key economic metrics and their impact on private equity strategies. 07:18 - Increased activity in the manufacturing and healthcare sectors signals strategic realignment. 09:38 - Surge in technology investments, with a focus on ERP and CRM systems for an AI-driven future. 11:55 - Trends in hiring senior-level and growth-oriented executives indicate a pivot towards expansion. 13:39 - Predictions for 2024: Assessing accuracy and identifying emerging trends in private equity. 18:44 - The rising importance of data scientists in private equity for advanced data analysis. 21:19 - The growing role of marketing expertise in private equity teams for brand building and deal sourcing. To request the report, go to www.bluwave.net/insights-report
In this episode of the "Karma School of Business Podcast," Sean Mooney, founder and CEO of BluWave, engages with Curt Kahn, Investor and Head of US Operations at Livingbridge. Curt shares his unique path from consulting at Booz Allen and PricewaterhouseCoopers, through an operational leadership role at Ability Network, to spearheading Livingbridge's US market expansion, offering a glimpse into his diverse journey into private equity. Episode Highlights: 01:15 - Curt's journey from consulting and M&A advisory to private equity with Livingbridge. 03:29 - How Curt's varied background shapes his investment approach. 05:54 - Curt's personal interest in paddle tennis. 08:19 - Essential factors Curt considers in successful investments. 13:40 - Livingbridge's unique value creation strategy for portfolio companies. 17:49 - Curt's insights on identifying value creation opportunities in fluctuating economies. 21:54 - Curt's advice on embracing challenges for career growth. For more information on Livingbridge, visit www.livingbridge.com. For more information on Curt Kahn, visit www.linkedin.com/in/curt-kahn-611a3b9. For more information on BluWave and this podcast, visit www.bluwave.net/podcasts.
In the "Karma School of Business Podcast," Sean Mooney, founder and CEO of BluWave, has an engaging conversation with Grant Korman, Partner at Align Collaborate. They delve into their entrepreneurial journeys within the private equity sector, discussing the inception of new market segments and the entrepreneurial challenges and successes they've encountered. Episode Highlights: 1:36 - Grant's introduction to private equity during his time at Georgetown and his early career with Sterling Partners. 4:25 - The challenges and lessons of starting in private equity straight from college. 7:36 - Grant's unexpected path to becoming an independent sponsor and co-founding NCK Capital. 14:07 - The creation of Align Collaborate to provide structured equity solutions for independent sponsors. 19:03 - How Align Collaborate works with independent sponsors and portfolio companies to drive growth. 27:02 - Grant's reflections on the unpredictability of business and the importance of seizing opportunities. For more information on Align Collaborate, visit www.aligncollaborate.com. For more information on Grant Korman, visit www.linkedin.com/in/grant-kornman-120305. For more information on BluWave and this podcast, visit www.bluwave.net/podcasts.
In this episode of the "Karma School of Business Podcast," host Sean Mooney welcomes Kevin McAllister, Founder and Managing Partner at Access Holdings, celebrated as BluWave's 2024 Private Equity Innovator of the Year. Kevin discusses the groundbreaking strategies that have positioned Access Holdings at the forefront of the private equity industry. Episode Highlights: 01:22 - Kevin introduces the Access Acceleration Center, showcasing how technology and data analytics underpin value creation. 10:28 - The journey of Access Holdings from a fundless sponsor to a market leader, highlighting the strategic vision behind their success. 20:38 - Kevin explores Access Holdings' dedication to corporate citizenship, demonstrating how they integrate social responsibility with business objectives. 30:01 - Discussion on Access Holdings' growth strategies that bolster portfolio companies and contribute to job creation. 37:53 - The significance of cultivating a culture of learning and innovation within Access Holdings to maintain competitiveness. To learn more about Access Holdings, visit www.accessholdings.com. For details on BluWave's 2024 Top Private Equity Innovator Awards and Access Holdings' recognition, visit www.bluwave.net/awards. To discover more about Kevin McAllister, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-mcallister-5979347. For more information about BluWave and this podcast, visit www.bluwave.net/podcast.
On the "Karma School of Business Podcast," host Sean Mooney delves into the future of private equity, offering a comprehensive analysis of the industry's past year and the emerging trends set to define 2024. Utilizing BluWave's proprietary data alongside macroeconomic indicators, Sean presents a compelling case for the onset of a new expansion phase in the private equity sector. Episode Highlights: 1:42 - Sean discusses the identification of the market cycle's bottom and the anticipation of a growth phase lasting six to eight years. 3:10 - A retrospective look at 2023, focusing on value creation strategies and technological advancements within the industry. 8:00 - An evaluation of the predictions made for 2023, examining their accuracy and the resilience of the economy, the VC bubble burst, and the return to in-person work dynamics. 15:17 - Sean outlines his predictions for 2024, including an increase in M&A activity and strategic selling by private equity firms, highlighting the pivotal role of data scientists in the industry. 21:28 - The episode concludes with an exploration of potential disruptors to the 2024 economic outlook, such as geopolitical tensions, oil price volatility, and shifts in consumer behavior. To request your copy of the Q4 2023 Private Equity Insights Report, visit www.bluwave.net/insights-report.
This special episode of the Karma School of Business Podcast features a curated selection of book recommendations from private equity industry leaders. These books promise to enrich your strategic thinking and personal growth, covering topics from life lessons to technological advancements and historical insights. Episode Highlights: 1:34 - "My Teacher, My Son" by Nick Shaw: Transformative life and leadership lessons. 5:06 - Scott Estill recommends "Chip Wars" and "AI 2041" for tech insights. 9:50 - Joe DeLuca's pick: "The Making of the Atomic Bomb" for business history. 13:00 - Scott Becker on team building with "Good to Great" and health in "Outlive." 16:25 - John Kirk discusses collective success in "Us" by Terrence Real. 19:48 - Brit Yonge explores choice in "Man’s Search for Meaning." 23:35 - Doug Horn on industry future with "The End of the World is Just the Beginning" and "Americana." 26:41 - Mohit Kansal values data in "Moneyball" by Michael Lewis. 28:23 - Marshall Phelps on leadership in "Washington" and intrigue in "Conspiracy." 32:35 - Doug McCormick offers a perspective on progress with "Factfulness." For more information: My Teacher, My Son: https://www.amazon.com/My-Teacher-Son-Lessons-Life/dp/B0CH7F5MGW Chip Wars: https://www.amazon.com/Chip-War-Dominate-Critical-Technology/dp/B09TX24J5Y/ AI 2041: https://www.amazon.com/AI-2041-Ten-Visions-Future/dp/B08SFL53HL/ The Making of the Atomic Bomb: https://www.amazon.com/Making-Atomic-Bomb-Richard-Rhodes/dp/1451677618 Good to Great: https://www.amazon.com/Good-to-Great-Jim-Collins-audiobook/dp/B003VXI5MS/ Outlive: https://www.amazon.com/Outlive-Longevity-Peter-Attia-MD/dp/0593236599/ Us: https://www.amazon.com/Us-Getting-Build-Loving-Relationship/dp/B09BBN9LGW/ Man’s Search for Meaning: https://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-for-Meaning-audiobook/dp/B0006IU470/ The End of the World is Just the Beginning: https://www.amazon.com/End-World-Just-Beginning-Globalization/dp/B09CS8FRRD/ Americana: https://www.amazon.com/Americana-Bhu-Srinivasan-audiobook/dp/B075659K9K/ Moneyball: https://www.amazon.com/Moneyball-Michael-Lewis-audiobook/dp/B005FFRQYS/ Washington: https://www.amazon.com/Washington-Ron-Chernow-audiobook/dp/B0045XYQ12/ Conspiracy: https://www.amazon.com/Conspiracy-Ryan-Holiday-audiobook/dp/B0794CLD44/ Factfulness: https://www.amazon.com/Factfulness-audiobook/dp/B07BFDCWZP/
In this episode, we explore the pivotal insights from the Q3, 2023 Insights Report, highlighting the evolving dynamics of the private equity industry against a backdrop of changing market fundamentals. The discussion focuses on the industry's growing confidence, a strategic pivot towards growth, and the increasing importance of human capital. Join us as we unpack these trends, supported by compelling data, and discuss their potential impact on the future of private equity. Episode Highlights: 1:26 - Rising confidence within private equity 4:45 - Signs of improving market fundamentals 9:25 - A focus on growth investments by PE firms 10:51 - The surge in human capital activities in PE 14:28 - Advancing with caution: areas to watch 18:03 - Making a bold prediction about the industry's future For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to www.bluwave.net/podcast
We share top private equity insights from our Q1 2023 Insights Report where we evaluate proprietary data from over 500 leading private equity firms across thousands of projects. We compare year over year activity from the BluWave Activity Index to share how private equity is reacting to the current economic state. Join BluWave Founder and CEO, Sean Mooney, as he discusses: 1:07 - Comparing the economy in 2023 to 2008 2:52 - The breakdown between due diligence and value creation 6:25 - How private equity is being strategic in diligence during the unsteady economic environment 8:35 - What is fueling the increase in value creation activity 11:58 - The top three functional areas in the BluWave Activity Index 16:06 - How to get additional insights and trends Click here to get the report: http://bit.ly/3obXJXu
Host Sean Mooney tells the origin story of BluWave. Growing up in a large, entrepreneurial family in Texas, Sean followed an unquestioned path that led him to study in D.C, to then investment banking in New York, to a nearly 20-year career in private equity. Learn why Sean decided to move to Nashville, Tennessee, to start building BluWave in 2016, how he managed the highest highs and lowest lows in the early days, and why it wasn’t a straight path to Rome.
Host Sean Mooney shares what the Karma School of Business means and how he developed this philosophy over the years. He learned that if you make life simple, it becomes simpler. Sean explains why and how this approach yields the highest percentage chance of long-term success in his experience.
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