Private Equity Experience

Ed Barton, Rory Liebhart, and Emily Sander
  • 5.0 (3)
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Demystify the world of private equity with insider knowledge. Join hosts Ed Barton, Rory Liebhart, and Emily Sander - seasoned professionals who have worked from all angles as C-suite leaders, private equity managing directors, and investors. In this podcast, they break down complex private equity concepts into everyday language. You'll gain a clear understanding of the PE landscape, key players, and market dynamics. Expect practical insights on deal-making, growth strategies for founders and management teams, and exit strategies. Plus, hear real-world examples and real-time breakdowns of trending news stories. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, considering selling your company to a private equity firm, or simply curious about this lucrative world, this podcast will help you navigate the private equity landscape with confidence.

  1. 10H AGO

    Private Equity in 2026: AI, Rates & Survival Strategies

    Dive into the future of private equity with hosts Rory Liebhart, Emily Sander, and Ed Barton! In this episode, they break down the top trends shaping 2026, from AI's impact on labor to soaring interest rates and deglobalization. Learn how PE firms are adapting to these challenges, what it means for founders and investors, and hear their bold sports predictions for the year! 🔔 Subscribe for expert insights and hit the bell to stay ahead in the PE world! Key Topics Covered: -Interest Rates & Private Equity Strategies: How rising rates affect leverage, deal-making, and refinancing. -AI's Role in Labor and Operations: Will AI replace jobs or create new opportunities? -Deglobalization's Impact: Tariffs, supply chain shifts, and reshoring trends in manufacturing and services. -2026 Sports Predictions: Super Bowl, College Football, and more! ============================== 🎙 Podcast – Strategies, PE 101 & witty banter 📚 Book – On‑Ramp to Exit, full deal life cycle 🛠 Resources – Free templates, guides, tools 🔗 LinkedIn – Follow us for fresh PE insights ================================ Who Are We? Three insiders. One mic. All things private equity — explained. Hi 👋 We’re Ed, Rory, and Emily — a CEO, a CFO, and a Chief of Staff — here to demystify the world of private equity. Between us, we’ve sat in the founder’s chair, run PE‑backed companies, and worked on the deal side, so we know the wins, the pitfalls, and the jargon (and we’ll explain it). Through the Private Equity Experience Podcast, our book On‑Ramp to Exit, and a library of free tools and templates, we share real‑world stories, practical strategies, and insider insights to help you navigate every stage of the PE journey — whether you’re leading a portfolio company, joining a deal team, considering PE, or just PE‑curious. 🔗Connect with Ed 🔗Connect with Emily 🔗Connect with Rory ...

    36 min

  2. 12/25/2025

    Private Equity Unpacked: Lessons from Writing "On Ramp to Exit"

    Dive into the world of private equity with hosts Rory Liebhart, Emily Sander, and Ed Barton! In this episode of The Private Equity Experience Podcast, the trio discusses their groundbreaking book On Ramp to Exit—a no-nonsense guide to navigating PE transactions, avoiding pitfalls, and preparing for the future. Learn why they wrote the book, their personal stories from the trenches, and their predictions for AI’s impact on private equity in 2026. Whether you’re a founder, investor, or curious professional, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Don’t miss their plans for live case studies and guest interviews! 🔔 Subscribe for more PE wisdom and to stay updated! Key Topics Covered: The creation and purpose of On Ramp to Exit Why private equity can be a partner, not a predator Must-know steps for founders entering PE deals How AI is reshaping private equity in 2026 Future podcast plans: case studies, guest experts, and Q&A ============================== 🎙 Podcast – Strategies, PE 101 & witty banter 📚 Book – On‑Ramp to Exit, full deal life cycle 🛠 Resources – Free templates, guides, tools 🔗 LinkedIn – Follow us for fresh PE insights ================================ Who Are We? Three insiders. One mic. All things private equity — explained. Hi 👋 We’re Ed, Rory, and Emily — a CEO, a CFO, and a Chief of Staff — here to demystify the world of private equity. Between us, we’ve sat in the founder’s chair, run PE‑backed companies, and worked on the deal side, so we know the wins, the pitfalls, and the jargon (and we’ll explain it). Through the Private Equity Experience Podcast, our book On‑Ramp to Exit, and a library of free tools and templates, we share real‑world stories, practical strategies, and insider insights to help you navigate every stage of the PE journey — whether you’re leading a portfolio company, joining a deal team, considering PE, or just PE‑curious. 🔗Connect with Ed 🔗Connect with Emily 🔗Connect with Rory ...

    30 min

  3. 11/27/2025

    NIL on Steroids: PE is Taking Over College Athletics!

    In this trending topic episode of the Private Equity Experience Podcast, hosts dive into the explosive intersection of private equity (PE) in college sports. Fueled by NIL deals, revenue sharing, transfer portal chaos, and massive TV rights contracts, college athletics—especially college football and basketball—is on the brink of a PE revolution. Is the Big Ten "selling its soul"? Could Notre Dame sell 10 years of TV rights for $2.8B? The team unpacks how PE could transform conferences like the SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, and ACC, boost efficiencies, and reshape the "student-athlete" model. Predictions: PE investments within the next year. Perfect for fans tracking college sports changes, PE trends, and the shift from amateur to pro-like leagues. Memorable Quotes: "When one needs cash, there's places to find that cash... private equity is now being talked about as a means to grow college sports." – Rory Liebhart "A hundred dollars next year is worth about $96 today... Money today is worth more than money tomorrow." – Ed Barton on time value of money "It'll happen sooner than 24 months... bigger than the NFL." – Ed & Rory on PE timeline Private equity's push into college athletics signals a $ multi-billion-dollar new frontier. Track NIL evolution, conference realignments, and revenue-sharing lawsuits. Will it save or "fleece" programs like the Big Ten? Key Topics: private equity college sports, PE in college football, NIL private equity, college basketball investments, SEC Big Ten TV rights, transfer portal impact, college athletics revenue sharing Subscribe & Share: Never miss PE trends. Rate 5⭐ & drop a review! Follow for updates on Ep. 26. #PrivateEquity #CollegeFootball #NILDeals #BigTen #SEC ============================== 🎙 Podcast – Strategies, PE 101 & witty banter 📚 Book – On‑Ramp to Exit, full deal life cycle 🛠 Resources – Free templates, guides, tools 🔗 LinkedIn – Follow us for fresh PE insights ================================ Who Are We? Three insiders. One mic. All things private equity — explained. Hi 👋 We’re Ed, Rory, and Emily — a CEO, a CFO, and a Chief of Staff — here to demystify the world of private equity. Between us, we’ve sat in the founder’s chair, run PE‑backed companies, and worked on the deal side, so we know the wins, the pitfalls, and the jargon (and we’ll explain it). Through the Private Equity Experience Podcast, our book On‑Ramp to Exit, and a library of free tools and templates, we share real‑world stories, practical strategies, and insider insights to help you navigate every stage of the PE journey — whether you’re leading a portfolio company, joining a deal team, considering PE, or just PE‑curious. 🔗Connect with Ed 🔗Connect with Emily 🔗Connect with Rory ...

    31 min

  4. 11/13/2025

    How PE Turns Hot Founders into Giants in 18 Months

    Discover the secret sauce behind private equity (PE) growth strategies! In this episode, Emily Sander, Rory Liebhart, and Ed Barton break down why PE firms target founder-led businesses and reveal the tactical playbooks to scale them. From "buy low, sell high" foundations to aligning visions, unlocking growth through talent/capital infusion, and leveraging technology, they cover it all. You’ll learn how PE turns underperforming businesses into high-performing powerhouses in 18–72 months. Perfect for founders, business owners, and growth hackers! 🔑 Key Topics Covered: 🔑 Why founder-led companies are PE’s favorite acquisitions (spoiler: it’s all about untapped upside). 🔑 The three pillars of PE-driven growth: Capital, talent, and technology deployed smartly to hit inflection points. 🔑 The “corporate” transformation: From disheveled startups to well-oiled machines with governance, CMOs, and CFOs. 🔑 How a Chief of Staff becomes the secret weapon for aligning teams and accelerating execution. Learn how PE firms don’t just buy businesses—they engineer dynasties. Whether you’re a founder, investor, or exec, this episode gives you the framework to think like a scaling pro. Subscribe for more deep-dive episodes on PE, tech, and entrepreneurship! ============================== 🎙 Podcast – Strategies, PE 101 & witty banter 📚 Book – On‑Ramp to Exit, full deal life cycle 🛠 Resources – Free templates, guides, tools 🔗 LinkedIn – Follow us for fresh PE insights ================================ Who Are We? Three insiders. One mic. All things private equity — explained. Hi 👋 We’re Ed, Rory, and Emily — a CEO, a CFO, and a Chief of Staff — here to demystify the world of private equity. Between us, we’ve sat in the founder’s chair, run PE‑backed companies, and worked on the deal side, so we know the wins, the pitfalls, and the jargon (and we’ll explain it). Through the Private Equity Experience Podcast, our book On‑Ramp to Exit, and a library of free tools and templates, we share real‑world stories, practical strategies, and insider insights to help you navigate every stage of the PE journey — whether you’re leading a portfolio company, joining a deal team, considering PE, or just PE‑curious. 🔗Connect with Ed 🔗Connect with Emily 🔗Connect with Rory ...

    38 min

  5. 10/30/2025

    EA Sports' $55B PE Acquisition: The WORLD'S BIGGEST Gaming LBO Explained!

    Breaking news! Electronic Arts (EA) – the studio behind FIFA, Madden, and Battlefield – is being acquired in the largest-ever private equity buyout ($55B! Katie stuns at the size of the deal). In this episode, we break down: ✅ How Leverage Buyouts (LBOs) work (Rory’s $500k house analogy!) ☑️ The players: Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund + Jared Kushner’s PE firm + Silver Lake ✅ EA’s $5B revenue surge, subscription model, and eSports addiction ✅ The real question: Do investors see a $55B gaming empire or a ticking time bomb? 📜 Regulatory delays (deal closes in 2027!) 🔍 Future predictions: 7-10 year hold + IPO exit ⚠️ Red flags: Can debt kill creativity?  EA’s hook: Recurring revenue + eSports + global hits keep it debt-friendly 🚀Saudi’s strategy: Diversify from oil + dominate global sports**:SG 🏆**PE reality: "They’ll get creative fees" – but can they stomach $1.3B/year debt?Gamer sentiment: Questionable. “They’re brutal public!”👉 Subscribe for more private equity deep dives! 👉 Drop your thoughts in the comments: Will gaming be the next trillion-dollar industry? ============================== 🎙 Podcast – Strategies, PE 101 & witty banter 📚 Book – On‑Ramp to Exit, full deal life cycle 🛠 Resources – Free templates, guides, tools 🔗 LinkedIn – Follow us for fresh PE insights ================================ Who Are We? Three insiders. One mic. All things private equity — explained. Hi 👋 We’re Ed, Rory, and Emily — a CEO, a CFO, and a Chief of Staff — here to demystify the world of private equity. Between us, we’ve sat in the founder’s chair, run PE‑backed companies, and worked on the deal side, so we know the wins, the pitfalls, and the jargon (and we’ll explain it). Through the Private Equity Experience Podcast, our book On‑Ramp to Exit, and a library of free tools and templates, we share real‑world stories, practical strategies, and insider insights to help you navigate every stage of the PE journey — whether you’re leading a portfolio company, joining a deal team, considering PE, or just PE‑curious. 🔗Connect with Ed 🔗Connect with Emily 🔗Connect with Rory ...

    22 min

  6. 10/16/2025

    Five Founder Fails: Navigating Private Equity

    In this 35‑minute episode, the hosts break down the five most common pitfalls that founders face when they bring a private‑equity (PE) firm aboard. From overlooked deal structures to the emotional reality of an eventual exit, the conversation is packed with hard‑won lessons, humorous anecdotes, and actionable advice for entrepreneurs who are looking to or already in a PE partnership. “A founder’s job is to build a company. A PE partner’s job is to unlock value—so you need to know the difference.” – Ed Barton Navigating private equity is less about groundbreaking innovation and more about precision, preparation, and clarity around expectations. The best strategies collaborate by anticipating disruption, understanding the deal, and being honest with themselves and their partners.  Don’t start with a belief you’ve navigated PE. Question it. Add these notes to your cheat sheet. 🔍 Key Takeaways 1️⃣ Understanding Deal Structures Founders often underestimate the importance of knowing the deal structure.Failing to understand exit strategies can trap founders, leading to economic uncertainty post-sale.Financial modeling accuracy is critical; overly optimistic projections can hurt valuations and future compensation.2️⃣ Shifting from Founder to Employee After a PE deal, founders must shift from CEO to employee and accept decision-making authority shifts.Leadership transitions can strain relationships if not communicated clearly.3️⃣ The Trapped Money Trap Founders may end up with trapped equity due to unfavorable deal terms or rollover options.Negotiating clear payout structures upfront is non-negotiable to maximize returns.4️⃣ Ignoring PE’s Professional Rigor PE firms demand granular financial governance (KPIs, scenario analysis, forecasts).Founders who resist these changes risk losing credibility and control.5️⃣ Lack of Exit Strategy Awareness Understanding the exit timeline (ranging from 5-10 years) helps founders plan post-sale.Silicon Valley’s or similar PE firms do not mate for life—expect transitions.============================== 🎙 Podcast – Strategies, PE 101 & witty banter 📚 Book – On‑Ramp to Exit, full deal life cycle 🛠 Resources – Free templates, guides, tools 🔗 LinkedIn – Follow us for fresh PE insights ================================ Who Are We? Three insiders. One mic. All things private equity — explained. Hi 👋 We’re Ed, Rory, and Emily — a CEO, a CFO, and a Chief of Staff — here to demystify the world of private equity. Between us, we’ve sat in the founder’s chair, run PE‑backed companies, and worked on the deal side, so we know the wins, the pitfalls, and the jargon (and we’ll explain it). Through the Private Equity Experience Podcast, our book On‑Ramp to Exit, and a library of free tools and templates, we share real‑world stories, practical strategies, and insider insights to help you navigate every stage of the PE journey — whether you’re leading a portfolio company, joining a deal team, considering PE, or just PE‑curious. 🔗Connect with Ed 🔗Connect with Emily 🔗Connect with Rory ...

    34 min

  7. 10/02/2025

    The AI Revolution in Private Equity: Diligence, Operations, & Value Creation | PE + AI

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s actively reshaping the landscape of Private Equity (PE) right now. In this can’t-miss episode of The Private Equity Experience, hosts Emily Sander, Ed Barton, and Rory Liebhart dive deep into how AI is creating immediate, tangible value in the PE ecosystem. The discussion kicks off with a rapid-fire round of questions about trusting AI in our personal lives, but quickly moves to how AI is transforming core business functions. In this episode, you will learn: Operational Engineering with AI: Ed Barton shares the insight that AI is taking the ability to operationally engineer a business to another level. Learn why PE firms should hunt for "people-heavy" businesses run by "Luddites" where AI can be applied quickly for massive operational leverage and a faster jump in valuation. Diligence and Cost Savings: Rory Liebhart shares his personal experience saving "tens of thousands of dollars" on professional services and legal fees by utilizing basic AI tools like ChatGPT. The New PE Investment Thesis: Where are the smartest investments happening? The hosts break down the "picks and shovels" opportunities—investing in the infrastructure that supports AI's growth, such as data centers, power generation, and internet service providers, as a lower-risk investment strategy compared to direct AI companies. The Future of Human Reliability: Ed offers a fascinating prediction that AI's reliability will soon surpass human instinct, transforming how businesses must adapt in the next decade. Whether you are a PE investor, a portfolio company executive, or a founder considering a sale, this discussion provides actionable insights on how to leverage the AI revolution for maximum value creation. ============================== 🎙 Podcast – Strategies, PE 101 & witty banter 📚 Book – On‑Ramp to Exit, full deal life cycle 🛠 Resources – Free templates, guides, tools 🔗 LinkedIn – Follow us for fresh PE insights ================================ Who Are We? Three insiders. One mic. All things private equity — explained. Hi 👋 We’re Ed, Rory, and Emily — a CEO, a CFO, and a Chief of Staff — here to demystify the world of private equity. Between us, we’ve sat in the founder’s chair, run PE‑backed companies, and worked on the deal side, so we know the wins, the pitfalls, and the jargon (and we’ll explain it). Through the Private Equity Experience Podcast, our book On‑Ramp to Exit, and a library of free tools and templates, we share real‑world stories, practical strategies, and insider insights to help you navigate every stage of the PE journey — whether you’re leading a portfolio company, joining a deal team, considering PE, or just PE‑curious. 🔗Connect with Ed 🔗Connect with Emily 🔗Connect with Rory ...

    38 min

  8. 09/18/2025

    Why Private Equity LOVES the Flash Report (And You Should Too)

    In this episode, hosts Emily Sander, Ed Barton, and Rory Liebhart dive deep into one of the most powerful tools for leadership teams and private equity-backed companies: The Flash Report. What You’ll Learn: What a Flash Report is and why it’s a game-changer for leadership transparency and decision-making.How to structure a Flash Report using frameworks like Balanced Scorecard, OKRs, or EOS.Why Flash Reports improve communication with boards, investors, and internal teams.Real-world examples of key metrics and narrative sections that make Flash Reports effective.How to avoid common pitfalls—like overcomplication or inconsistent data—when implementing a Flash Report.The role of a Chief of Staff in driving and maintaining a Flash Report process.Key Topics Discussed: Emily kicks off with a fun trivia round, leading into the core topic: the Flash Report. Ed provides a high-level definition and shares how the Flash Report helped align teams and improve communication with private equity partners.The hosts discuss how Flash Reports foster transparency, save time in meetings, align teams with strategic goals, and help leaders make data-driven decisions quickly.Ed explains how the Balanced Scorecard methodology informed their Flash Report structure, emphasizing the importance of connecting metrics to strategic initiatives.Rory and Emily highlight how Flash Reports can be tailored to any industry—whether SaaS, lending, manufacturing, or services—by focusing on the metrics that truly drive the business.The team shares a sanitized example Flash Report, breaking down each section:Quantitative Metrics: KPIs across four perspectives (Learning & Development, Internal Process, Customer, Financial).Qualitative Updates: Brief narratives from department leaders.Strategic Initiative Updates: Quick status reports on key projects.The hosts wrap up with actionable advice:Start simple—don’t overcomplicate.Ensure data accuracy and consistency.Use the Flash Report to tell a story, not just recite numbers.Leverage the Chief of Staff or a cross-functional leader to maintain the process.Links Mentioned: Flash Report Template ============================== 🎙 Podcast – Strategies, PE 101 & witty banter 📚 Book – On‑Ramp to Exit, full deal life cycle 🛠 Resources – Free templates, guides, tools 🔗 LinkedIn – Follow us for fresh PE insights ================================ Who Are We? Three insiders. One mic. All things private equity — explained. Hi 👋 We’re Ed, Rory, and Emily — a CEO, a CFO, and a Chief of Staff — here to demystify the world of private equity. Between us, we’ve sat in the founder’s chair, run PE‑backed companies, and worked on the deal side, so we know the wins, the pitfalls, and the jargon (and we’ll explain it). Through the Private Equity Experience Podcast, our book On‑Ramp to Exit, and a library of free tools and templates, we share real‑world stories, practical strategies, and insider insights to help you navigate every stage of the PE journey — whether you’re leading a portfolio company, joining a deal team, considering PE, or just PE‑curious. 🔗Connect with Ed 🔗Connect with Emily 🔗Connect with Rory ...

    56 min
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out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Demystify the world of private equity with insider knowledge. Join hosts Ed Barton, Rory Liebhart, and Emily Sander - seasoned professionals who have worked from all angles as C-suite leaders, private equity managing directors, and investors. In this podcast, they break down complex private equity concepts into everyday language. You'll gain a clear understanding of the PE landscape, key players, and market dynamics. Expect practical insights on deal-making, growth strategies for founders and management teams, and exit strategies. Plus, hear real-world examples and real-time breakdowns of trending news stories. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, considering selling your company to a private equity firm, or simply curious about this lucrative world, this podcast will help you navigate the private equity landscape with confidence.

Information

  • Creator
    Ed Barton, Rory Liebhart, and Emily Sander
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Private Equity Experience
  • Show Website
    Private Equity Experience