Shows
The LAB: Value Creation in Private EquityEpisode #23: Building Fintech Infrastructure for the Future w/ Rob Heyvaert of Motive PartnersIn this episode of #TheLAB, Scott Estill and Nick Creasey sit down with Rob Heyvaert, Founder and Managing Partner at Motive Partners.Rob shares the arc of his career, from engineering the algorithm that powered the Euro’s clearing and settlement system, to building and scaling CAPCO, to founding Motive Partners, and the philosophy behind his firm’s success: combining investors, operators, and innovators to drive alpha in fintech.They discuss:How deep operational experience differentiates investors in financial technology.Why WealthTech, particularly in private market infrastructure, is ripe for disruption.
2025-11-0627 minThe LAB: Value Creation in Private EquityEpisode #22: Lessons from the Edge: Special Situations & Value Creation w/ Ari Lefkovits from Delos CapitalAri Lefkovits from Delos Capital joins #TheLAB to unpack how his firm merges restructuring expertise with private equity investing to unlock value in complex situations.From his time at Lazard to his current role at Delos, Ari explains how early preparation, coalition-building, and cultural alignment can turn distressed assets into success stories.We cover:How and when to act when “yellow lights” start flashingWhy culture often matters more than capital structureCommon mistakes sponsors make in special situationsHow Delos balances advisory work and investment roles
2025-10-2224 minThe LAB: Value Creation in Private EquityEpisode #21: The Oxymoron of Liquid Private Equity w/ Jean-Louis Lelogeais & Randy CohenOn this episode of The LAB Podcast: Value Creation in Private Equity, we sit down with Jean-Louis and Randy; two longtime friends and industry veterans who are redefining how investors access private equity.Jean-Louis, co-founder of SVP, and Randy, a professor with deep roots in alternative investing, share how their journey led to building a business around what some call an oxymoron: liquid private equity.We cover:Why private equity has historically outperformed public marketsThe challenge of liquidity and the innovation behind “liquid PE”How CIOs, institutions, and even...
2025-10-0723 minThe LAB: Value Creation in Private EquityEpisode #20: From CEO to Operating Partner: Lessons Across 30+ Companies w/ John IoannouIn this episode of The LAB Podcast, we sit down with John Ioannou, a rare executive who has worn nearly every hat in the private equity ecosystem: CEO, chairman, operating partner, and investor.John shares how his dual perspective as both operator and partner shaped his approach to building trust with management teams, why culture and leadership are just as critical as financial diligence, and how AI is reshaping competitive moats across industries.We cover:The evolving role of operating partners in private equityLessons from leading three roll-ups across different...
2025-09-2229 minThe LAB: Value Creation in Private EquityEpisode #19: Building Onyx Canyon: A Father-Son Approach to Investing w/ Jim & Adam HirshornJim and Adam Hirshorn join The LAB Podcast to share the story behind launching Onyx Canyon Partners. Together, they bring decades of operational and investment experience—from Bain, Sealy, Potbelly, and Ares—into the lower middle market, where they see a unique opportunity to drive value.In this episode, we cover:Why operators have an edge in private equity investingHow culture and talent alignment fuel long-term growthOnyx Canyon’s investment thesis and first deal in youth sportsA conversation on bridging generations, building with values, and cr...
2025-09-0237 minThe LAB: Value Creation in Private EquityEpisode #18: Scaling Without Selling: Structured Capital w/Patrick TurnerPatrick Turner, Managing Director at VSS Capital Partners, joins Scott Estill and guest co-host Justin Wisnicki to unpack how structured capital enables founders to scale without giving up control.They discuss:VSS’s approach to minority investing with downside protectionHow operational rigor creates value post-closeWhy founders choose growth capital over a full saleLP sentiment and the shift toward the lower middle market600+ bolt-on acquisitions and what makes them workIf you're in private equity, a founder at an inflection point, or an op...
2025-08-1923 minThe LAB: Value Creation in Private EquityEpisode #17: GP Stakes & Growth Capital: Scaling the Middle Market with Ben Drylie-Perkins
In this episode of The LAB Podcast, hosts Scott Estill and Nick Creasey dive into the world of GP Stakes and flexible capital solutions with Ben Drylie-Perkins, Head of Investments at Cantilever Group. Ben provides insights into how Cantilever is uniquely positioned to support lower middle-market and middle-market private equity firms with capital and strategic guidance. The conversation covers the evolution of GP Stakes investing, the key challenges mid-market GPs face, and why a structured approach to liquidity and growth financing is crucial.
Ben also shares Cantilever’s differentiated investment strategy, emphasizing how they bring bu...
2025-02-0432 minThe LAB: Value Creation in Private EquityEpisode #16: The Power of Digital in PE: Neil Bansal on Leveraging AI for Value CreationThis episode of #TheLAB, Nick and Scott are joined by Neil Bansal, Managing Director at OMERS Private Equity. Neil shares his journey through investment banking, consulting, and leadership roles at major companies. Learn how he’s driving value creation with AI, data, and digital tools to transform portfolio companies. Perfect for finance and tech enthusiasts looking to understand the future of digital in private equity!
Disclaimer:
The remarks included in this Podcast are for information purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a recommendation, solicitation, endorsement or offering for the sale, subscription or purchase of se...
2024-09-1129 minThe LAB: Value Creation in Private EquityEpisode #15: AI-Powered Growth with Dave LeyrerIn this episode of The LAB, Scott and Nick chat with Dave Leyrer from 3L about Metropolis, a company transforming the parking industry with AI.
Discover how Metropolis uses AI to boost efficiency and customer experience, driving significant growth and strategic acquisitions like Premier Parking and SP Plus.
Dave shares insights into applying AI to traditional industries, highlighting the role of visionary leadership and strategic partnerships.
This episode offers valuable lessons on using AI to innovate and drive business success.
Disclaimer:
Any statements or references made by podcast participants regarding third...
2024-08-0636 minThe LAB: Value Creation in Private EquityEpisode #14: AI Revolution - Transforming Private Equity with Jon LemelmanIn this episode, Jon Lemelman joins us as we explore AI's transformative role in private equity.
We explore how AI is reshaping tasks like market research, replacing old-school methods with fast, data-driven insights.
Jon shares key strategies for integrating AI successfully, stressing the importance of clear problem-solving and secure data handling.
Discover the future of AI in private equity, from streamlining diligence processes to enhancing value creation.
Jon offers expert advice on navigating these changes, ensuring your firm stays ahead in today's competitive landscape.
2024-05-2934 minThe LAB: Value Creation in Private EquityEpisode #13: Innovating for Enduring Value: A Conversation with Kevin McAllisterIn this episode, The LAB hits the road! Join Scott down in Baltimore with Kevin McAllister, Founder of Access Holdings, as they discuss a wide range of topics:
Revolutionary strategies redefining entrepreneurship and partnership in the middle market
Deep market insights and cutting-edge technology utilization driving enduring value
The ACE program: Developing leaders and fostering growth
Data-driven decision-making for long-term success
2024-05-1427 minThe LAB: Value Creation in Private EquityEpisode #12: Taking the Guess-Work out of Business Transformation: A Conversation with Paul SwaneyIn this episode with Paul Swaney, Managing Partner of Swaney Group Capital, Paul shares actionable insights on value creation and business transformation. From the urgency of strategic onboarding to the establishment of a robust governance structure, Paul delves into his methodology of taking the guess-work out of business transformation. Whether you're a seasoned investor or new to the field, this podcast provides valuable strategies for driving success and maximizing returns.
2024-03-1926 minThe LAB: Value Creation in Private EquityEpisode #11: Closing Deals Unseen - Data Driven Deal Sourcing with Nadim MalikIn this episode, Nick and Scott are joined by Nadim Malik, CEO and Founder of SPS by Bain & Co, an information services firm that helps private equity firms, lenders, and M&A advisors and service providers optimize their business development effectiveness.
The discussion centers on the transformative role of data in the Private Equity world and how value creation starts at deal sourcing.
Nadim founded SPS in 2009 after six years in the business development group of American Capital, where he successfully created and managed distinctive market research tools, analytics, reporting and processes that drove the firm’s deal origination, in...
2024-02-2728 minThe LAB: Value Creation in Private EquityEpisode #10: From CEO to Operating Partner: Strategies for Success in Business Growth w/Ray CareyIn this episode, Nick and Scott are joined by Ray Carey, Operating Partner at Level Equity.
The discussion revolves around the role of an operating partner, the challenges of being a CEO, and the importance of transparency and data in achieving successful outcomes.
Ray shares insights from his experience as a CEO and an operating partner, emphasizing the need for a customized approach to each company's unique challenges.
Ray was a three-time CEO and a private equity investment partner, before joining Level Equity to be the Head of NextLevel Operations.
As...
2023-12-2024 minThe LAB: Value Creation in Private EquityEpisode #09: Technology Value Creation in Private Equity w/Steve Faas, Corey Eaves, and Rob SearsWe are excited to release our #LIVE event recording with three of the leaders in Private Equity Technology Value Creation as a podcast episode.
Steven Faas, Operating Partner - Technology at Apollo
Cory Eaves, Partner at BayPine
Robert Sears, Principal at The Carlyle Group
Our panel shared their thoughts and experience driving value creation initiatives across leading portfolios, and covered topics like:
Best practices, challenges, and lessons learned around driving portfolio adoption in technology value creation
Creating a playbook and partner ecosystem – where to start
Navigating IT talent and change management
Current trends and what to expec...
2023-12-1351 minThe LAB: Value Creation in Private EquityEpisode #08: Current and Future State of Private Equity w/Garrett BlankIn this episode, Nick and Scott interviews Garrett Blank, former Principal at Abry Partners.
Garrett shares insights for aspiring PE-backed executives and explains the strategies PE firms assess in potential investments. He emphasizes alignment of vision, qualities attractive to PE firms, and the adaptability to collaborative decision-making.
The discussion shifts to structuring PE deals and the impact of economic changes, like rising interest rates. Garrett emphasizes industry specialization and the rise of specialized teams within PE firms.
The conversation offers a comprehensive view of private equity, benefiting industry professionals and those interested in...
2023-08-2832 minThe LAB: Value Creation in Private EquityEpisode #07: The Evolution of Value Creation in PE w/Sean MooneyOur latest guest on the LAB Podcast is Sean Mooney.
We were excited to bring him on because after spending a couple decades in Private Equity as an investing professional, he thought there must be a better way to help the industry drive higher returns more quickly. (sounds easy…)
At the LAB - we agree as our models look to achieve similar outcomes in different ways.
Sean developed a way to bring in specialized consultancies to fit the precise need of PE portfolio company – every time while being better, faster, and cheaper.
We hope...
2023-07-2434 minThe LAB: Value Creation in Private EquityEpisode #06: Distressed Turnarounds w/Josh FennigJosh Fennig is currently the General Manager of a consulting business that advises companies regarding E-mobility for electric vehicles and Industry 4.0. In this episode he shares his experience and methodology when it comes to turnarounds of distressed companies.
2023-06-0530 minThe LAB: Value Creation in Private EquityEpisode #05: Paul Stansik, Operating Partner at ParkerGalePaul Stansik is an Operating Partner at ParkerGale, a small PE Firm where he serves as sales, marketing and growth advisor to their portfolio. He joins us to share his perspective on how he thinks about growth and where the opportunities exist in founder-led, profitable technology companies.
In this episode, we spend time walking through the specifics around evaluation and execution of PE investment opportunities. Paul highlights what he has learned at bulge bracket consulting firms like Bain & Company and then put into practical application with his PE sponsor.
2023-04-2641 minThe LAB: Value Creation in Private EquityEpisode #04: Don Mershon, CEO Better ProtectionAccording to Forbes, there are close to 30 million private companies in the United States. In this episode, we get some great insights from one of these owners that grew his business over the course of almost three decades, then sold to a PE firm (twice) and is doing it again with another PE firm. Don Mershon joins us and discusses he could have achieved the same level of growth in five years (not 30) and how to pick the best PE firm if you are looking to do the same thing. A great Case Study for business owners and PE...
2023-02-2124 minThe LAB: Value Creation in Private EquityEpisode #03: Mark TarchettiMark Tarchetti joins us to discuss growth as a value driver. The guys cover growth strategy, managing to full potential, activity based management, “structure follows strategy”, and the culture of growth.
(3:00) Growth as a value driver: PAI Tropicana case study
(8:23) How to work with management teams to implement growth strategy
(10:52) Diligence potential as much as performance
(14:20) Activity based management thought process
(18:53) Changing the mindset of internal team
(23:30) Cultural of growth
(27:00) Nick & Scott recap
2023-01-0329 minThe LAB: Value Creation in Private EquityEpisode #02: Chris MoyeChris Moye joins us to discuss Digital Transformation. The early days of building the RTS framework at McKinsey, the EQ/IQ/DQ methodologies for effective transformation, and ultimately what makes for a successful implementation of digital transformation.
(2:25) Chris discusses foundation of the digital transformation implementation frameworks and the performance infrastructure to drive change
(7:55) Digital transformation in the current inflationary enviornment
(10:30) Defining digital transformation; applying digital tools to fall into one or two categories: frictionless and optimize
(12:48) Aligning vision going forward, strategies for implementing digital transformation
(16:42) EQ; the importance of...
2022-10-1228 minThe LAB: Value Creation in Private EquityEpisode #01: Al MoralesWhat makes an effective Chief Transformation Officer? Al Morales is a seasoned CTO effecting change and transformation at some of the largest privately and publicly held companies.
(1:44) Where to look for a differentiated opportunity to generate growth and margin improvement and then actually go and deliver real operational value
(3:30) Defining the role of a Chief Transformation Officer
(4:25) The most critical attributes of a good transformational leader
(5:50) What are some of the things that a good transformational leader must do to be successful
(8:05) Where to start and how to begin...
2022-09-2028 minThe LAB: Value Creation in Private EquityThe LAB Podcast - IntroThe LAB takes the ethereal to the practical. Our podcast acts like a business school case study for private equity professionals, CEOs, Operating Partners, and Chief Transformation Officers. We all know transformation is the key to differentiated alpha. Here's how you actually do it. Our audience tunes in to learn from those in the field, getting their fingernails dirty and driving meaningful growth through better operations, technology and data.
We learn from going to business school, teaching at business schools and applying these lessons in the real world - that case studies actually help the insights stick...
2022-09-1500 min
The RaaP: Resourcive as a PodcastPartner Series: Scott Estill, Partner at LancorScott Estill is a partner at Lancor, a global executive search that also advises private equity on transactions and diligence. The guys talk generally about value creation during the ownership period of an asset, and why more and more firms are leaning into procurement and operations "centers of excellence".
Resourcive is the leading consulting agency advising middle-market and enterprise clients on IT service procurement. Technology topics include: UCaaS, CCaaS, Cloud, Networking, SD-WAN, Security, SASE, MSPs/MSSPs, SaaS Licensing.
2021-12-0627 min