Apple Podcasts

AUG 7

The Private Equity Deals Market - Richard Madden, European Exec Chair, DC Advisory

It’s our annual Podcast episode with Richard Madden, European Executive Chairman of DC Advisory to discuss the state of the Private Equity deals market. We review the deals market so far this year, what we can expect over the next 6 – 12 months, including the impact of likely changes to tax policy, and ultimately what this means for PE-backed business leaders.

50 min

05/17/2022

Andrea Pattico, Chief People Officer, MVF

For this episode of the Private Equity Power Talks Podcast, we are joined by Chief People Officer at MVF, Andrea Pattico. Over the past 6 years Andrea has been responsible for creating and implementing a strategy that makes MVF a great place to work, resulting in the business coming first in the Sunday Times Best Companies to Work For in 2020. In this pod, Andrea reveals how she nurtured a high performance and learning driven culture that empowered MVF employees to reach their potential and exceed expectations.

46 min

11/29/2023

Paul Stanley, CEO, Achilles - Strategic Repositioning

In this episode of the PepTalks Podcast, we are talking all about strategy and how to build a winning value creation plan under PE ownership with Achilles CEO, Paul Stanley. Paul has held 7 PE backed CEO roles, the last 4 of which he took on when the business was underperforming so he could implement a successful strategic repositioning. Paul shares his approach to building a strategy by focusing on the business's purpose, culture and key customers. He then shows us how you can translate this into an effective value creation plan.

45 min

MAY 20

Matt Parker, CEO, Babble – Effective M&A (Part 1)

This episode of the PepTalks podcast is all about running an effective M&A process under PE ownership. We are joined by Babble CEO and M&A expert, Matt Parker. Having joined Babble in 2015 Matt has taken the business through 2 PE transactions and grown the headcount from 15 to 500 people, all whilst completing 34 acquisitions. In this first of 2 episodes, we focus on the acquisition process right up to the point of sale, specifically how you define your criteria, how to source potential deals, how you fund those deals and the DD process.

49 min

APR 22

Craig Smith, Group CEO, EMED Group

In this episode of the PepTalks Podcast, we are joined by experienced Healthcare CEO, Craig Smith… Craig joined healthcare and specialist transport providers E-zec Medical as CEO in 2021 following an MBO by Cairngorm Capital. In 2023 he oversaw a significant merger with ERS Medical resulting in a rebrand to EMED Group where Craig remains as CEO. We discuss how Craig organised and executed this merger as well as how he has driven significant growth as CEO of both E-Zec & EMED through a heavy focus on culture, restructuring programmes, product diversity & innovation and building a winning senior leadership team.

49 min

06/21/2021

Susie Hillier, Partner & Head of Wealth Planning, Stonehage Fleming: Private Equity Power Talks

In this episode of Private Equity Power Talks: Map of the Maze, we are joined by Susie Hillier, Partner & Head of Wealth Planning at Stonehage Fleming. Stonehage is an independent adviser to the world’s leading families and wealth creators. Susie explains how PE backed CEOs and their management teams can be affected by the sudden increase in wealth when a business is sold and how Stonehage Fleming coaches them through this process, both in their professional and personal lives.

30 min

08/18/2021

The Power of Language: Private Equity Power Talks Bite-sized

In this special bite-sized episode of Private Equity Power Talks: Map of the Maze, we revisit our interview with Ellie Romer-Lee, former Strategic People Manager and Chief of Staff at Onfido. In this never heard before segment, we discuss the power of language in culture building and how Ellie used the personification of animals to represent the key values and behaviours of the business.

12 min

07/31/2019

Chris Paton, Former Royal Marine and Quirk Solutions CEO: Private Equity Power Talks

In this special edition of Map of the Maze we talk to industry expert Chris Paton who, after having a decorated career as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Royal Marines, went on to found and manage Quirk Solutions, a management consultancy specialising in business resilience and execution success. Chris bridges the gap between military and commercial life and talks to us about leading with vulnerability, stress testing the strategic planning process and closed-loop communication.

21 min

07/21/2021

Dr Gabrielle Silver, Former CEO, CHS Healthcare: Private Equity Power Talks

In this episode of Private Equity Power Talks: Map of the Maze, we talk to Dr Gabrielle Silver, Former CEO of CHS Healthcare who partner with the NHS to deliver vital care to patients from the point they are discharged from hospital and beyond. Gaby discusses her response to the Covid pandemic and how she delivered care to thousands of patients whilst simultaneously growing the business, culminating in a Trade Sale. Gaby’s insights on crisis management, client relationships, remote working and deal execution are indispensable for any growth focused CEO or Executive…

44 min

02/10/2020

Lars Pedersen, CEO, Questionmark: Private Equity Power Talks

In this episode of Private Equity Power Talks: Map of the Maze, we talk to Lars Pedersen, CEO of Questionmark. We discuss the difference between being a PE backed CEO in the UK and US, if and how you should internationalise and how to lead your team through an exit.

28 min

12/28/2020

Richard Madden, CEO, DC Advisory: Private Equity Power Talks

In this episode Private Equity Power Talks: Map of the Maze, we talk to Richard Madden, CEO of DC Advisory. Richard draws in his industry expertise to discuss the PE market conditions and trends from the past year and how they have been effected by the Covid Crisis. Richard also gives his predictions for the future focusing on M&A, the role of debt in future investments and the impact of changes to Capital Gains Tax.

33 min

06/02/2021

Justin Stead, CEO, Radley Handbags & Accessories: Private Equity Power Talks

In this episode of Private Equity Power Talks: Map of the Maze, we are joined by Justin Stead, CEO of Radley and Founder of the Aurelius Foundation. Justin describes his adoption of stoicism and how he uses its teachings to lead a calmer more productive life. Justin also explains how he applies stoicism to his role as CEO of Radley when approaching ESG, Resilience, Culture and Transformation.

37 min

08/05/2020

Paul Stanley, CEO, CNG: Private Equity Power Talks

In this episode Private Equity Power Talks: Map of the Maze, we talk to Paul Stanley, CEO of CNG. Paul talks about replacing CEOs mid investment, along with the circumstances that led to these situations. He also advises on how to respond to changes in your industry, technological advancement and merging businesses of varying operational standards and cultures.

45 min

12/03/2019

Richard Cotter, Former CEO, Snow + Rock: Private Equity Power Talks

In this episode of Map of the Maze we talk to Richard Cotter, Former CEO of Snow + Rock. Richard has built a reputation for the rapid turnaround, transformation and growth of consumer businesses. We discuss some of the insights from Richard's book, "The Zebra Reality" such as fixing misalignment within your business, making the correct strategic choices and how to build a high performance team and culture.

24 min

06/10/2019

Humphrey Cobbold, CEO, Pure Gym: Private Equity Power Talks

In this episode of Map of the Maze we talk to Humphrey Cobbold, CEO of Pure Gym who has spent time on all sides of Private Equity as a deal consultant, a seller and a CEO. We discuss Humphrey’s ‘PE CEO Toolkit’ and what it takes to be a good leader, manage investor relationships and sell your business.

25 min

07/01/2020

Graham Donoghue, CEO, Sykes Cottages: Private Equity Power Talks

In this episode Private Equity Power Talks: Map of the Maze, we talk to Graham Donoghue, CEO of Sykes Cottages. We discuss how to write an investment memorandum that sets you up for a stellar exit, running an M&A process and managing a company wide incentive scheme.

33 min

10/27/2021

Andrew Hodgson, Executive Chairman, Recycling Lives Ltd: Private Equity Power Talks

In this episode of Private Equity Power Talks: Map of the Maze, we talk to Andrew Hodgson, Former CEO of SMD and Exec Chairman of Recycling Lives, an award-winning recycling and waste management services provider, and a champion of UK communities. Recycling Lives unique social programmes are game-changing in offender rehabilitation and ending food poverty & homelessness. Andrew discusses how building a business that is as focused on social value as it is EBITDA can create growth, make you more attractive to your potential buyers and help solidify your culture.

53 min

01/11/2022

Mike Jones, CIO, loveholidays: Private Equity Power Talks:

For our first episode of 2022 we are joined by loveholidays CIO, Mike Jones. This is the first in a series of episodes where we dive into the world of a PE executive outside of the CEO role. Mike explains how he implemented tech transformation programmes at uSwitch and loveholidays in order to help them scale effectively under private equity ownership. He also discusses the importance of authenticity and incremental improvements in his approach to innovation, value creation, hiring talent and the exit process.

42 min

01/28/2021

Keryn James, Former CEO, ERM: Private Equity Power Talks

In this episode Private Equity Power Talks: Map of the Maze, we talk to Keryn James, CEO of ERM: Environmental Resources Management. Keryn discusses the future of sustainability and ESG, showing how it will shape planning, value creation and culture within your business. Keryn also highlights how environmental and social resilience is viewed by Private Equity and the likely impact it will have on their existing and potential portfolio companies. Useful Links from ERM: Delivering your Company's Net Zero Ambition Building Business Resilience for the Decade of Action Private Equity firms that are ‘ESG strong’ are likely to be winners

41 min

12/01/2020

Chris Matthews, CEO, Buzz Bingo: Private Equity Power Talks

In this episode Private Equity Power Talks: Map of the Maze, we talk to Chris Matthews, CEO of Buzz Bingo. Chris discusses his experience of joining a business as CEO mid investment and what it takes to reinvigorate growth and culture through times of adversity, with a key focus on financial and operational turnaround.

26 min

09/09/2020

Chris Merry, CEO, Stonehage Fleming: Private Equity Power Talks

In this episode Private Equity Power Talks: Map of the Maze, we talk to Chris Merry, CEO of Stonehage Fleming. Chris discuses what he learnt from his time as Ipes CEO, who provide back office services to PE houses and their funds. We also talk about how to successfully run a trade sale and managing your employees understanding of the private equity process.

48 min

01/20/2020

Mark Fowle, Former CEO and Co-Founder, Attenda: Private Equity Power Talks

In this episode of Map of the Maze we talk to Mark Fowle, former CEO and Co-Founder of technology and services provider Attenda. We discuss how to scale technology businesses and the importance of leading with a purpose led ethos. Mark is currently Chairman at CTS and Datum Datacentres.

21 min

09/04/2019

Brian Stringer, Former CEO, Survitec: Private Equity Power Talks

In this episode of Map of the Maze we talk to Brian Stringer who was CEO of Survitec about his experience of taking the business through multiple private equity transactions. We discuss the importance of timing, understanding your future PE buyers, the critical role of advisors and the importance of maintaining business performance through the sale process.

16 min

10/02/2019

Peter Liney, CEO, Great Rail Journey’s: Private Equity Power Talks

In this episode of Map of the Maze we talk to Peter Liney, CEO of Great Rail Journey’s. We discuss the best approach to US expansion, the importance of operating with transparency with your investors and the positive influence of a good Chair.