BluWave's Karma School of Business

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 shap...

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...

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 resource...

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 por...

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 to...

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...

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 teamwor...

In this episode of Karma School of Business , Sean Mooney connects with Dave Schnadig, Co-President of Cortec Group, for an inspiring conversation about private equity, leadership, and the many lessons Dave has learned through his dynamic career.   Dave shares his journey from his family's entrepreneurial roots to leading one of private equity's most successful firms. Along the way, he dives deep...

In this episode of Karma School of Business , Sean Mooney sits down with Misha Logvinov, Managing Director and New York Office Lead at MGX, to discuss the essential lessons he's learned throughout his entrepreneurial journey and private equity career. Together, they explore actionable insights on leadership, adaptability, and leveraging technology for value creation in private equity and beyond. E...

In this episode of Karma School of Business , Sean Mooney shares key insights from Q1 2025, covering private equity activity and responses to evolving economic conditions. Examining GDP, easing inflation, and rebounding deal activity, Sean discusses how private equity professionals are adapting strategies to capitalize on opportunities while managing risks such as emerging tariffs and global compl...

This episode of Karma School of Business explores how resilience, tenacity, and grit enable private equity professionals to turn risk into opportunity. Sean Mooney reflects on industry responses to the 2008 financial crisis and COVID-19, showcasing how frameworks like Colonel John Boyd's OODA Loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) drive action during times of uncertainty.   Episode Highlights: 0:34 -...

In this special episode of Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney revisits insights from previous conversations with some of private equity's most thoughtful leaders. These experts highlight the "elements of value" they prioritize when evaluating companies for investment, offering actionable frameworks and lessons learned across industries, geographies, and strategies.   Episode Highlights: 01:11 -...

In this special episode, Sean Mooney joins Doug McCormick (HCI Equity Partners) and Lloyd Metz (ICV Partners) to explore the transformative impact of AI on private equity, portfolio companies, and everyday life. From optimizing portfolio company operations to driving innovation in deal sourcing and content creation, this discussion provides actionable insights into how leading firms are leveraging...

From a non-traditional career path to transforming businesses, Micah Dawson shares his playbook for designing business success in private equity with Sean Mooney. Packed with bold career moves, hard-earned lessons, and fresh perspectives, Micah shares how grit, leadership, and a focus on people drive real impact in the lower middle market. [00:03:15] - Bold career pivots: Micah's transition from b...

What does it take to transform founder-led businesses into industry leaders? In this episode of the Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney sits down with Trent Hickman, Co-Managing Partner at VSS Capital Partners, and shares his blueprint for creating value, building trust, and fostering growth alongside visionary management teams that every business builder and private equity professional needs to...

Sean Mooney chats with John Hodge, Partner at Rubicon Technology Partners, to explore his inspiring journey from Buffalo, NY, to founding one of the premier private equity firms in enterprise software. John dives into the importance of culture, operational excellence, and aligning with portfolio companies to create value while sharing personal insights on leadership, humility, and change managemen...

In this episode of the Karma School of Business podcast, Kristin Johnson, Managing Director at Altamont Capital Partners, shares actionable advice for building stronger businesses and teams with Sean Mooney. From fostering leadership to embracing innovative practices like AI and employee ownership, Kristin offers a perspective that resonates with business builders and investors alike. Episode High...

In this episode of Private Equity Spotlight, Sean Mooney sits down with Ran Ding and Chris Scullin from Norwest to discuss why private equity is ultimately a people-driven business. With deep insights into founder-led businesses and long-term partnership strategies, Ran and Chris share their unique approach to building trust, creating value, and fostering alignment with the companies they invest i...

In this special episode, Sean Mooney examines how private equity is evolving to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. From proactive due diligence to transformative value creation, modern firm operations, and corporate citizenship, Sean explores the key trends shaping the future of the industry and highlights the firms leading the charge. Whether you're a private equity practitioner, portfoli...

In this engaging episode of the Karma School of Business podcast, Sean Mooney sits down with Dan Ryan, Managing Director at MidOcean Partners, to discuss his journey in private equity, the evolving dynamics of the industry, and how MidOcean is staying ahead in a competitive market. From life-saving lessons to building critical business functions during challenging times, Dan shares invaluable insi...

Sean Mooney welcomes Vinay Kashyap, Partner at Mainsail Partners, to explore the art and science of investing in and scaling bootstrapped software companies. With a focus on relationships, discipline, and resourcefulness, Vinay reveals how Mainsail supports entrepreneurs in building enduring businesses. Discover practical strategies for turning product-driven companies into market leaders, leverag...

In this episode of the Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney hosts Lisa Ames, an accomplished marketing operating executive at Norwest Venture Partners. Lisa shares her unique journey into private equity, the value of fostering trust as a business leader, and actionable strategies for marketing and value creation at portfolio companies. Whether you're a business builder or a marketing professional...

In this special Karma School of Business episode, Sean Mooney breaks down key lessons from 2024 and offers predictions for the private equity industry in 2025. Discover what's driving growth, the challenges firms must navigate, and strategies to leverage emerging trends like AI adoption, reshoring, and evolving M&A markets. Episode Highlights: 2:15 – Looking back at 2024: Stop-and-go momentum, ele...

  Join Sean Mooney in this engaging episode of Karma School of Business as he speaks with Jonathan Metrick, Partner and Chief Growth Officer at Sagard. Jonathan shares profound insights on growth strategies, operational excellence, and lessons learned as a former operator turned private equity growth leader. Tune in for actionable advice on accelerating revenue, leveraging data, and adapting to ne...

Sean Mooney sits down with Steve Hunter, Managing Director at TM Capital, to discuss the nuanced world of M&A, the key ingredients for creating value in a business, and what both buyers and sellers need to know for a successful deal. Steve offers practical advice for private equity professionals and business owners, sharing timeless insights from his decades-long career and a behind-the-scenes per...