Take the Stage

Alexis Alvarez
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Business
  • Updated Bimonthly

Take the Stage celebrates and amplifies diverse voices across the lower middle market and middle market buy-side. The deals may make the headlines, but it's the people behind them who drive success. Each episode features honest conversations, practical advice, and lessons learned from the investors, operators, founders, and industry leaders shaping private equity, private credit, venture capital, and the broader investment ecosystem. Plus, our Ladies Who Rock series shines a spotlight on the women transforming the future of the buy-side.

  1. Aug 26

    Ep 33—Ladies Who Rock Series—Special Guest Marilyn Adler from Mizzen Capital

    Marilyn Adler has spent more than three decades investing in the LMM, but the firm she ultimately built reflects lessons gathered across every stage of that career. As co-founder of Mizzen Capital, Marilyn launched her own fund in March 2020—just one week before COVID shut down the world. Rather than retreat, she and her partner relied on their track records, relationships, and persistence to raise an oversubscribed first fund. Today, Mizzen has three funds on its platform and a 25-person team. For investors, emerging leaders, and women building careers in finance, Marilyn offers a compelling example of how success can be built without adopting someone else's model of leadership. Listen for a thoughtful conversation about grit, relationships, risk, and building a firm around your values. Connect with Marilyn on LinkedIn | Mizzen Capital    Connect with Alexis on  |  LinkedIn alexis@career-rockstars.com

    Ep 33—Ladies Who Rock Series—Special Guest Marilyn Adler from Mizzen Capital

  2. Jul 16

    Ep 32—Ladies Who Rock Series—Special Guest Lorine Pendleton from 125 Ventures

    Lorine Pendleton's career has never followed a conventional path. After beginning as a media and entertainment attorney representing legendary artists including Prince, Stevie Wonder, and Chaka Khan, she transitioned into venture capital with a mission to address the funding gap facing women and underrepresented founders. Today, as the Founding Partner of 125 Ventures, Lorine invests in early-stage companies operating where sports, media, entertainment, and technology converge. She shares how her experience negotiating intellectual property and talent deals shaped her investment philosophy, why she believes sports remain one of the few truly AI-resistant forms of content, and why women's sports represent one of the most compelling investment opportunities of the decade. The conversation explores the rapid evolution of sports consumption, the rise of creator-driven business models, emerging opportunities in sports technology, and the resilience required to build a venture fund in a challenging fundraising environment. Lorine also reflects on the lessons sports taught her about leadership, teamwork, and perseverance—qualities that continue to shape her approach as an investor and entrepreneur. For anyone interested in venture capital, sports investing, innovation, or building something meaningful from an unconventional career path, this conversation offers both practical insight and an optimistic view of what's coming next. Connect with Lorine on LinkedIn 125 Ventures   | Website Connect with Alexis on  | LinkedIn alexis@career-rockstars.com

    Ep 32—Ladies Who Rock Series—Special Guest Lorine Pendleton from 125 Ventures

  3. 06/24/2025

    Ep 31—Ladies Who Rock Series—Special Guest Noramay Cadena from Supply Change Capital

    Today on Take the Stage, and our special series Ladies Who Rock, we shine the spotlight on Noramay Cadena, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Supply Change Capital, gets candid about her journey from the San Fernando Valley to MIT, from Boeing to building a venture fund—without the traditional playbook. Her story is one of grit, reinvention, and creating access for others. Episode Highlights: [02:00] That Tap-on-the-Shoulder Moment Noramay reflects on a high school guest speaker whose story helped her finally see what was possible for her—and why representation is still her guiding light today. [06:25] Rejecting the Life She Knew Raised by working-class parents and a teen mom herself, Noramay shares what fueled her drive: not knowing what she wanted, but knowing exactly what she didn’t. [08:40] The Leap to MIT—with a Baby in Tow She opens up about the leap of faith it took to leave California for Massachusetts, with no real roadmap—just a deep fear of staying the same. [11:08] Muscle Memory for Hard Things From working campus jobs to support her family to interning abroad, Noramay recounts how she powered through undergrad by staying hyper-focused on the present moment. [16:50] From Boeing to Bold Moves After a successful 12-year career in aerospace, she realized she had been following her mentor’s path—and it was time to carve her own. [22:55] Breaking into VC Cold No VC background, no network—just conviction. Noramay talks about launching her first venture firm the hard way and everything she learned from that process. [30:05] Why She Said Yes to the Risky Path She breaks down why she initially chose to co-found a firm instead of joining an established one—and how that shaped her approach to venture capital. [31:55] The Birth of Supply Change Capital Noramay and her partner came together over shared values to launch a firm focused on food, culture, and climate—and why they’re building infrastructure no one sees but everyone needs. [34:55] What Fuels Her Focus Her mom’s voice. The reality of food insecurity. And a desire to solve urgent, human-centered problems. These are the voices that drive Noramay’s investment lens. [37:10] What Kinds of Startups They're Backing She breaks down the difference between “wedge in food” and “first in food” companies—and explains why this $10T market is ripe for innovation. [41:55] Why Engineers Are Moving into Food From aerospace to agriculture, Noramay explains why STEM-trained professionals are finding new purpose in food systems and agtech. [48:35] Rethinking “Nontraditional” Noramay shares why skillset and mindset matter more than pedigree—and the very real (and perceived) risks firms take when they overlook that. [53:45] What Her 16-Year-Old Self Would Say Now If she could see her now? "F yeah." A goosebump moment about betting on yourself—even when no one else does. Connect with Noramay on LinkedIn Supply Change Capital on LinkedIn | Website Connect with Alexis on Linkedin | Website alexis@career-rockstars.com

    Ep 31—Ladies Who Rock Series—Special Guest Noramay Cadena from Supply Change Capital

  4. 06/03/2025

    Ep 30—Special Guest Charles Hudson from Precursor Ventures

    Today on Take the Stage we sit down with Charles Hudson, Founder and Managing Partner of  Precursor Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm focused on pre-seed and seed investments in the US and Canada Charles has made it his mission to find the kind of talent traditional VCs tend to overlook: first-time founders without elite credentials but with bold ideas, sharp insights, and a bias toward action. Episode Highlights [02:00] Rethinking What “Overlooked” Means Charles explains how traditional VCs over-index on pedigree—schools, employers, social proximity—and why that limits who gets funded.[03:57] Why He Created Precursor Ventures He shares his belief that plenty of founders with bold ideas just lack social access—and how Precursor aims to be their first yes.[06:04] Personal & Professional Turning Points From backing “non-central casting” founders at Encore to reflecting on his own path as a Black Stanford alum, Charles describes the dual lens that shaped his mission.[08:18] How He Fell Into Venture Charles recalls how a friend’s husband introduced him to the CIA’s venture capital arm—his first exposure to VC—and why following interesting opportunities has been a theme in his life.[12:58] What He Looks for in Founders At the pre-seed stage, Charles looks for comfort with discomfort, urgency, insight, and the ability to self-direct—rather than credentials alone.[15:18] Many Paths, Same Traits While successful founders come from all walks of life, Charles notes they consistently show drive, resourcefulness, and strong communication.[18:48] How Founders Build Resilience He shares stories to show how founders develop grit through uncomfortable growth.[21:01] Do They Really Want It… or Just Want to Want It? Charles explains how he spots candidates who are in love with the idea of being a founder vs. those truly ready for the messy work.[23:25] Motivation Matters He looks for founders with deep “why’s” that will carry them through setbacks—not just ambition or frustration with a previous employer.[25:40] The Importance of Founder Insight Charles shares how a pitch catches his attention when the founder reveals a non-obvious reason the problem exists—something you can’t guess from the outside.[28:05] Staying Calm During Chaos He recounts advising a founder to trust his customers over investors—how that calm guidance led to a major success and a more confident CEO.[30:20] Cultivating Trust-Based Influence In a non-control investment model, influence comes from trust. Charles explains how stillness, thoughtful pauses, and restraint build credibility.[34:42] Maturity vs. Age He reflects on emotional intelligence, saying he’s met extremely self-aware 20-year-olds—and surprisingly immature older founders.[36:50] Watching Founders Evolve Over Time Charles sees himself as a talent scout. The person you back at Day 1 isn’t who they’ll be in Year 7—and that’s the point.[38:10] Spotting Cultural Shifts Early Meeting thousands of founders gives Charles a macro view. When similar ideas surface repeatedly, that’s usually a signal—not a coincidence.[39:08] Being Open to “Weird” Ideas From dog ranches to freezing tech, Charles shares how great investments often don’t start on anyone’s bingo card—but come from founders with deep insight and lived experience.[41:16] How He Decides to Invest He asks himself: what would need to be true for this to be a $100M+ business—and how hard do I have to squint to see that path?[43:43] What Founders Should Know Before Fundraising Final advice: honestly assess your strengths and gaps through someone else’s eyes. Connect with Charles on LinkedIn | Precursor Ventures Follow Take the Stage for more episodes! Connect with Charles on ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ 📍 Precursor Ventures: ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ 📩 Connect with Alexis Alvarez on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠ | alexis@career-rockstars.com

    Ep 30—Special Guest Charles Hudson from Precursor Ventures

  5. 05/19/2025

    Ep 29—Ladies Who Rock Series—Special Guest Samara Mejia Hernandez from C******a Ventures

    Today on Take the Stage, and our special series Ladies Who Rock, we shine the spotlight on Samara Mejia Hernandez, Founding Partner at C******a Ventures, a Chicago-based, early-stage venture capital fund. Samara shares how she broke into venture capital, built a bold brand with C******a Ventures, and redefined success on her own terms. From raising capital while pregnant to flipping the script on pattern recognition in VC, Samara brings the kind of truth, grit, and clarity every founder and investor needs to hear. Episode Highlights: [02:02] Samara explains how the name C******a Ventures came to be, why it resonates, and how it helps the firm stand out with a brand that bites. [06:43] She reflects on not knowing if there was space for her in VC—and how she followed her interests, took risks, and leaned on mentors instead of waiting for permission. [09:05] Samara shares how she discovered early-stage investing during business school. [11:28] She opens up about giving herself a six-month timeline post-MBA to break into VC, taking on projects, and how she reframed risk to stay focused on her goal. [16:11] She walks through the final interview moment that led to her first VC job—and how she boldly made the case for herself by focusing on her sales experience. [18:32] Samara reflects on applying for jobs where she didn’t check every box, pushing past imposter feelings, and showing up with what she could bring to the table. [20:56] She talks about negotiating a “non-negotiable” job offer, how it almost backfired, and why that one move cemented her place on the team. [27:46] Samara opens up about fundraising while pregnant, how she decided to stop hiding it, and what she learned about partnership and presence through that experience. [30:11] She shares how she leaned on a community of mom investors, learned to delegate, and built boundaries that made her sharper at both work and parenting. [32:35] Samara credits her parents, husband, and flexible team setup for helping her raise kids and raise capital—making it work through collaboration and clarity. [34:54] She debunks the myth of “having it all” and shares the honest reality of being amazing at work some weeks—and at home during others—and why that balance is enough. [41:43] Samara unpacks power dynamics in investor meetings and why mutual respect, not hierarchy, leads to better long-term partnerships. [44:07] She breaks down why chasing pattern recognition in VC leads to sameness—and how C******a Ventures wins by backing founders others overlook. [48:33] Samara reflects on the pace of change in the industry, why it takes time to shift the system, and how every win builds a foundation for what’s next. [53:13] Her advice to future founders and investors? Just do it. Don’t wait for the perfect moment—start small, celebrate failure, and keep going. Follow Take the Stage for more episodes! Connect with Samara on ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ 📍 C******a Ventures: ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ 📩 Connect with Alexis Alvarez on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠ 🌐⁠⁠⁠ career-rockstars.com⁠⁠

    Ep 29—Ladies Who Rock Series—Special Guest Samara Mejia Hernandez from C******a Ventures

  6. 05/01/2025

    Ep 28—Ladies Who Rock Series—Special Guest Bukie Adebo Umeano from Anthemis

    Today on Take the Stage, and our special series Ladies Who Rock, we shine the spotlight on Bukie Adebo Umeano, Investment Principal at Anthemis, a global VC firm that backs inclusive fintech and insurtech founders.  Bukie dives into her unconventional journey into venture capital, the lessons she’s picked up along the way, and shares no-nonsense advice for anyone looking to break into VC or carve out their own path in a not-so-linear career. Episode Highlights [02:25] How Bukie’s Career Path Took Shape Bukie shares how she stumbled into consulting post-undergrad (without even knowing what VC was!) and how each career step helped her refine what she actually wanted in her professional life. [09:06] Discovering Venture Capital She walks us through the gradual “lightbulb moments” that got her thinking seriously about VC. [11:25] Building Skills Before You Get the Job Bukie breaks down the two biggest things junior VC hopefuls need to demonstrate. [16:13] How to Build a Standout Investment Thesis She shares her own experience crafting an investment thesis pre-VC and explains her method for combining deep-dive research and market analysis to build a point of view that turns heads (even if your first few ideas miss the mark!). [22:49] Avoiding the One-Size-Fits-All Trap Bukie highlights how every VC firm is different—and why it’s crucial to tailor your approach when networking or applying. [27:32] Networking Tips That Actually Work Bukie shares the real strategies that helped her build meaningful connections in the VC world. [34:39] Navigating Bias and Underestimation Bukie opens up about being underestimated in rooms where people don’t expect to see a Black woman investor—and how she prepares, shows up confidently, and handles those moments with grace and resolve. [46:02] Learning Through Deal-Making Reflecting on leading early-stage deals and the surprising personal growth that comes with negotiating investment terms. [48:22] Recognition and Staying Energized Bukie talks about being named a VCJ Rising Star for 2025, what that recognition means to her, and why moments of validation—while not the ultimate goal—help fuel the journey. Follow Take the Stage for more episodes! Connect with Bukie on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ 📍 Anthemis: ⁠Website⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠ 📩 Connect with Alexis Alvarez on ⁠LinkedIn 🌐⁠⁠ career-rockstars.com⁠⁠

    Ep 28—Ladies Who Rock Series—Special Guest Bukie Adebo Umeano from Anthemis

  7. 03/26/2025

    Ep 27—Ladies Who Rock Series—Special Guest Clara de Bienassis from Stone Soup Consulting

    Today on Take the Stage, and our special series Ladies Who Rock, we shine the spotlight on Clara de Bienassis, People & Well-being Director at Stone Soup Consulting, a global social impact consultancy rooted in empathy, diversity, and purpose-driven work.  Clara’s journey is anything but traditional—starting in investment banking and ultimately finding her calling in impact. In this episode, she shares how an early experience with microfinance in Ecuador reshaped her career, and why she believes business can—and should—be built around human connection. Episode Highlights: [02:11] Clara’s Career Journey From Finance to Impact: Clara reflects on her early years in banking, how childhood experiences shaped her values, and the pivotal moment in Paris that introduced her to the world of NGOs and microfinance. [03:24] Leaving Banking for Purpose Clara opens up about feeling unfulfilled in banking and how a microfinance internship in Paris—and a volunteer stint in rural Ecuador—helped her realign her career around impact. [06:51] Choosing Values-Aligned Work Clara explains how she evaluates organizations to ensure alignment with her values, highlighting the importance of shared language, strategy, and intuition. [07:34] Joining Stone Soup Clara shares how she built her way into a leadership role at Stone Soup through relationship-building and aligned collaboration, eventually becoming a partner.  [08:32] Diversity as a Strength—and a Commitment With a team spanning over 12 countries, Clara explains how true diversity—not just as a buzzword—drives richer problem-solving and innovative thinking at Stone Soup (even if it comes with challenges). [09:56] Making the 4-Day Workweek Work Clara walks through their trial of a 32-hour, 4-day week for core staff—same pay, same expectations—and how it’s improved well-being without sacrificing performance. [12:36] Empathy and Vulnerability in Leadership Clara connects empathy to company culture, leadership, and being woman-led—pointing out how listening, openness, and acceptance of failure drives Stone Soup’s internal success. [15:57] Rethinking Remote Work Clara reflects on the return-to-office trend and explains why flexibility is a non-negotiable for mission-driven consulting, especially when working globally. [17:12] Connection in a Global Remote Team From dedicated chat channels to “virtual coffees” to biennial retreats, Clara outlines the small-but-intentional practices that create connection across their distributed team. [19:35] Advice for Values-Driven Leaders Clara’s tip? Build strategy and values collaboratively—and make sure people join not just to work but to be part of something larger than themselves. [20:45] The Meaning Behind 'Stone Soup' Clara ends with the legend that inspired the firm’s name—a metaphor for collective contribution, shared resources, and creating something greater together. 📍 Stone Soup Capital: Website | LinkedIn Connect with Clara on LinkedIn: Follow Take the Stage for more episodes: 🌐 career-rockstars.com 📩 Connect with Alexis Alvarez on LinkedIn

    Ep 27—Ladies Who Rock Series—Special Guest Clara de Bienassis from Stone Soup Consulting

  8. 02/20/2025

    Ep 26—Ladies Who Rock Series—Special Guest Maria de Palacio from GAWA Capital

    Today on Take the Stage, and our special series Ladies Who Rock, we shine the spotlight on Maria de Palacio, Head of Finance and Operations at GAWA Capital, the largest impact fund manager in Spain that is focused on providing market-based solutions to key societal issues.  Maria shares how she transitioned into impact investing, why Europe has a unique opportunity to lead, and the power of women-led finance communities. She also unpacks the differences between ESG and impact investing and how returns and impact can work together. Episode Highlights [02:24] Maria’s Journey into Impact Investing From consulting and financial regulation to impact investing, Maria shares what led her to this space and why it felt like the right move. [04:42] What is Impact Investing? Maria explains how impact investing differs from ESG, why it’s more than just a buzzword, and how investors measure real-world impact. [07:04] The Role of Serendipity in Career Moves Making a big career shift isn’t easy, but Maria shares how unexpected moments and a strong sense of purpose helped her take the plunge. [15:30] Trends Shaping the Impact Investing Landscape –  From increased regulations to combating "impact washing," Maria breaks down the latest shifts in the space and what’s on the horizon. [17:47] Can Europe Take the Lead in Impact Investing? With global policies evolving, Maria discusses whether Europe can take the reins in impact investing, despite political and regulatory challenges. [22:41] The Power of Women in Finance & Community Building Maria highlights how women-led networks are driving change in investing and why building a strong community is key for professional growth. [29:49] Impact vs. Returns: Do You Have to Choose? A common misconception is that impact comes at the cost of returns—Maria sets the record straight on why financial performance and meaningful impact go hand in hand. [36:54] Future of Impact Investing & Final Thoughts Maria shares her vision for where the industry is headed and why younger generations are playing a crucial role in pushing impact investing forward. 📍 GAWA Capital: Website 📍 Women in Impact Investing Network: Reach out to Maria for details! Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: Follow Take the Stage for more episodes: 🌐 career-rockstars.com 📩 Connect with Alexis Alvarez on LinkedIn

    Ep 26—Ladies Who Rock Series—Special Guest Maria de Palacio from GAWA Capital
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Take the Stage celebrates and amplifies diverse voices across the lower middle market and middle market buy-side. The deals may make the headlines, but it's the people behind them who drive success. Each episode features honest conversations, practical advice, and lessons learned from the investors, operators, founders, and industry leaders shaping private equity, private credit, venture capital, and the broader investment ecosystem. Plus, our Ladies Who Rock series shines a spotlight on the women transforming the future of the buy-side.

Information

  • Creator
    Alexis Alvarez
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Alexis Alvarez
  • Show Website
    Take the Stage