How can private equity leaders align fast growth with long-term mission—without increasing risk?
Ross Iverson, Co-Founder of Manna Tree, joins Felicia Shakiba to share how founder–investor alignment becomes a decisive advantage in high-growth, high-stakes environments. Drawing on deep experience in private equity governance, Ross explains how trust, clarity, and shared purpose enable execution—especially during CEO transitions and periods of rapid change.
This episode explores how leadership alignment, disciplined decision making, and clear C-suite strategy drive sustainable value creation. Ross breaks down how governance practices, Gestalt protocols, and trust-building retreats reduce risk while strengthening execution. The conversation highlights how intentional leadership systems—supported by business process automation and digital transformation—turn alignment into a durable competitive edge.
Chapters
00:00 The Importance of Alignment in Private Equity
01:27 Ross Iverson's Journey into Private Equity
04:32 Leadership and Alignment in Mission-Driven Companies
07:19 Due Diligence: Assessing Leadership Potential
10:43 Building Trust Through Pre-Investment Retreats
13:35 Effective Communication and Onboarding in the C-Suite
19:30 Running Efficient Board Meetings
22:38 The Cost of Misalignment in Private Equity
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