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/
