Investors & Operators

Topics: 2025 US Economic Outlook Transparency in Managing Investor Money When Hesitation Costs More Than Failure ...and so much more. Top Takeaways “First loss, best loss” — why smart investors (and leaders) know when to cut bait . Know when to cut your losses and move on fast. One of Sal’s main investing principles: first loss, best loss. He never doubles down on or gets emotionally attached...

Topics: Common Challenges for CEOs How to Empower Teams to Take Ownership Having an Athlete Mindset in Business ...and so much more. Top Takeaways Adapt skills to scale. In the early days, success often comes from being hands-on and wearing multiple hats. But as the business grows, Jared points out that leaders need to evolve their skill sets and shift focus from execution to strategy. It’s not al...

Topics: Challenges for Emerging Managers Outreach & Pitch Deck Best Practices How to Develop a Competitive Edge ...and so much more. Top Takeaways Make resilience a core part of your fundraising strategy. With liquidity bottlenecks from stalled exits and fundraising timelines now stretching to 24 months, emerging managers need to manage expectations internally and externally. Liz advises setti...

Topics: Hurdles for Emerging Managers Role of Team Continuity in Fundraising How to Time Global Outreach  ...and so much more. Top Takeaways Invert the problem to build a stronger story. Ray mentions Charlie Munger’s inversion technique as a powerful tool to reveal blind spots in your storytelling. It works by flipping the question you’re trying to solve: instead of asking, "How do I raise th...

Topics: Business Growth Strategies Equity-Based Incentives to Retain Top Talent How to Delegate as a Leader ...and so much more. Top Takeaways Establish a "North Star" vision to guide your growth strategy. Instead of trying to expand in all directions at once, grow by adding services in adjacent areas that complement your core offerings. This approach positions you to serve clients more comprehens...

Topics: Transitioning Into Your First Fund  The Importance of Due Diligence Choosing the Right Partner ...and so much more. Top Takeaways  Stay resilient and purpose-driven when raising your first fund. Raising a fund is challenging, with a high rejection rate. Jim and Doug emphasize the need for persistence, confidence, and experience from deal-by-deal fundraising. Equally important is a cl...

Topics: How to Find Success in PE Revenue Streams for Independent Sponsors Strategies to Scale a Team ...and so much more. Top Takeaways Flexible and purpose-built capital is key. Investors should provide independent sponsors with flexible capital solutions that support, rather than control, their operations. Michael shares how Align Collaborate embodies this approach, building a collaborative par...

Topics: Balancing Stress in Franchising How Private Equity Influences Growth The Role of Data in Decision-Making ...and so much more. Top Takeaways Letting go of control and trusting your team. Leadership, especially during challenging moments, requires composure rather than reacting with stress or panic. Kim reflects on her experience as a first-year CEO, sharing how panicking when things go wron...

Topics: Exploring the Benefits of PE Building Your Team for Success  Insights for First-Time Franchisees  ...and so much more. Top Takeaways Advice on selling your business. Reflecting on his experience with Stretch Zone, Tony stresses the importance of seasoned advisors. Their guidance was crucial, allowing him to concentrate on daily operations. He highlights the value of investing in...

Topics: The importance of partnerships as an entrepreneur.  Core values and their impact on your business  Reimagining leadership  ...and so much more. Top Takeaways Partnerships play a vital role in entrepreneurship. Reflecting on years of experience, Pardis shares a key insight to avoid 50/50 arrangements. Instead, focus on aligning goals, respecting each other, and defining clear...

Who should listen?  Finance professionals, entrepreneurs, and investment bankers.  Topics: The rise in personal LinkedIn posts  Long-term effects of investing in teams Intentional Hiring Practices ...and so much more. Top Takeaways “People crave personal connection through posts.” Jordan and Marc discuss the importance of personal posts on LinkedIn. Marc recounts how sharing more ab...

Who should listen? Founders, Operators, and PE Firms.  Topics: The Importance of Human Capital Benefits of Difficult Conversations Understanding Founder's Goals  ...and so much more. Top Takeaways Human capital management and value creation go hand in hand. In private equity, understanding the significance of human capital is just the beginning. The ability to turn that awareness into ac...

Who Should Listen? Franchise Owners and Operators, Managing Partners, and Business Owners.  Topics: The Differences Between Private Equity Buyers  The Value Diverse Management Teams Bring The Challenges and Complexities of Turnarounds in Franchising ...and so much more. Top Takeaways “One of the common misconceptions is that they're all the same,” Alicia explains the pros and cons of the...

Who Should Listen? Credit lenders, Managing Partners, Investors, and RIA’s  Topics: Factors and Complexities Within the Current Market Challenges That RIA’s Face The Future of Private Credit ...and so much more. Top Takeaways “The market has been more dynamic over the last six months than over the last six years.” Jordan, Aaron, and Joe dive into the dynamic nature of the present market lands...

Who Should Listen?  Aspiring Investment Bankers, Young Bankers, and Investment Bankers. Topics: The Importance of Adaptability  Career Fulfillment Pros & Cons of Working Remote ...and so much more. Top Takeaways "The most successful teams are those who adapt to changes in the market and the market opportunity." Teams that are true to their mission but adapt to market shifts can beco...

Topics: The Value of Anchor Fund-of-Funds  Inside-Out Fundraising  The Importance of Storytelling ...and so much more. Top Takeaways 90% of groups fail to raise a second fund after launching their first. To overcome the difficulty in the market.  Chris emphasizes the importance of evaluating your team's experience and reputation, along with understanding economic factors to determin...

Topics: Discovering Your Purpose Lessons from His Dad Franchise or Start-Up: Which Way to Go? ...and so much more. Top Takeaways What is your “why”? As chairman and CEO of Lawn Doctor, spanning over 650 locations, Scott has the opportunity to travel the world and experience all of the different cultures of their franchisees. Connecting their narratives of life ambitions and goals with those of Sco...

Topics: Who is ready for a fund in this market? How do I build momentum during fundraising? What are the Do's and Don'ts in fundraising decks and first meetings? ...and so much more. Top Takeaways Strategies for Differentiation. There's no shortcut to experience in this space. Showing up to meetings with findings is important, but showing theories while backing them up with an explanation and stor...

Topics: Value Creation Operating Systems Trends in Healthcare & Life Sciences ...and so much more. Top Takeaways Careers aren’t always a linear journey. Staying open to unexpected opportunities, prioritizing meaningful connections, and personal fulfillment allow you to navigate life with more flexibility. Matt advises young professionals to embrace unpredictability in their career paths, recom...

Topics: Transitioning from tech to doggy daycares Partnering with Pet Resort Hospitality Group, a PE-backed pet boarding and daycare platform Taylor’s journey with sobriety ...and so much more. Top Takeaways Embracing sobriety. Taylor and Jordan’s conversation about alcohol and addiction emphasizes the importance of recognizing unhealthy habits and looking for balance in life. Transitioning from r...

It currently costs up to $500,000 per dose for stem cell therapy. Applied StemCell is going to change that. In this episode of Investors & Operators, Jordan speaks with Ruby Tsai , CEO and Co-founder at Applied StemCell, for a fascinating discussion on stem cells and how her partnership with a private equity firm - QHP - is taking ASC to the next level. Together, they discuss: How ASC is revol...

In this episode of Investors & Operators, Jordan sits down with Kim Smith , Chief Capital Formation Officer at Andalusian Credit Partners, to discuss her new role and dive deeper into her personal story. Together, they discuss: Her Dad’s Journey Kim’s Personal Health Scare Investing Time with Veterans ...and so much more. Top Takeaways Time is more valuable than money. Kim and Jordan stress th...

In this episode of Investors & Operators, Jordan sits down with Chris Antonello , Owner and Operating Partner at Plexus Capital to discuss the different aspects of deal creation, offering his insights and advice to those looking to either secure capital or structure deals. Together, they discuss: Types of Operating Partners Professionalizing a Company Value Creation After a Deal ...and so much...

In this episode of Investors & Operators, Jordan sits down with Scott Abbott , CEO of Five Star Franchising .  After launching 20 companies, selling 11, and expanding Five Star Franchising from 50 to 800 locations in less than 3 years, Scott has become an expert in all aspects of franchising. In this episode, Scott joins Jordan to discuss the different dynamics of achieving business succe...

In this episode of Investors & Operators, Jordan sits down with Jeanne Hecht , CEO & Executive Chairwoman of Lexitas .  With over 25 years of professional experience, Jeanne brings a wealth of knowledge in all things life science, pharma, and healthcare IT. In this episode, she shares the invaluable lessons she’s learned during her tenure as a board member of 17 diverse companies. Tog...