Private Equity Podcast: Karma School of Business
BluWave
Private equity insights for and with top business builders, including investors, operators, executives and industry thought leaders. The Karma School of Business Podcast goes behind the scenes of PE, talking about business best practices and real-time industry trends. You'll learn from leading professionals and visionary business executives who will help you take action and enhance your life, whether you're at a PE firm, a portco or a private or public company.
BluWave Founder & CEO Sean Mooney hosts the Private Equity Karma School of Business Podcast. BluWave is the business builders' network for private equity grade due diligence and value creation needs.
To learn more, visit: https://bit.ly/3oPBjs8
BluWave Founder & CEO Sean Mooney hosts the Private Equity Karma School of Business Podcast. BluWave is the business builders' network for private equity grade due diligence and value creation needs.
To learn more, visit: https://bit.ly/3oPBjs8
Episodes
Mentioned books
12 snips
Mar 25, 2026 • 55min
Private Equity, Alignment, and Durable Value Creation
Brett Holcomb, Partner at Prospect Partners, brings lower-middle-market PE experience and a foundation-first approach. He discusses crisis management during COVID, the “better, not just bigger” value-creation philosophy, alignment with management, pricing as an offensive tool, and using data plus focused specialists to build durable businesses.
10 snips
Mar 14, 2026 • 53min
Top Private Equity Innovator of the Year 2026: Bertram Capital with Jeff Drazan
Jeff Drazan, Managing Partner at Bertram Capital and creator of a technology-first operating model, explains how embedding software, data, and digital execution reshaped investing. He discusses building Bertram Labs, fixing problems during diligence to win deals, and the must-have investment criteria of large markets and strong margins. He argues continuous innovation is the lasting competitive edge.
21 snips
Feb 25, 2026 • 39min
Mark Langer on Grit, Judgment, and Long-Term Business Building
Mark Langer, Managing Director at CenterOak Partners and seasoned middle-market investor, reflects on grit, global capital deployment, and building long-term CEO partnerships. He discusses servant-leadership, reining in chaos without stifling momentum, on-the-ground investing in Africa, and learning from setbacks and risk-taking.
Feb 11, 2026 • 37min
Markets, Management, and Momentum with Emily Bomberger
Emily Bomberger, Vice President at Penn Spring Capital with operating and accounting roots who backs founder-led lower-middle-market companies. She discusses her nontraditional path into private equity. Topics include hands-on operating lessons, evaluating markets and founder alignment, disciplined focus to avoid scope creep, and building trust and momentum in early deals.
Jan 28, 2026 • 50min
Private Equity 2025 Insights and the 2026 Deal Cycle Outlook
Data-driven shifts from defense to offense in 2025 and what that means for deal momentum. A striking 41% diligence surge and why commercial diligence forecasts deal flow. The rapid comeback of human capital and strategic hiring trends. Practical predictions on AI moving into tactical use, software sprawl, and how dry powder and LP pressure will accelerate deals in 2026.
12 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 58min
Private Equity Judgment, Resilience, and the Art of Business Building
Geoff Faux, a partner at Clearview Capital, brings his extensive experience in private equity to the table. He shares how his background in competitive swimming instilled discipline in his investing mindset. Key insights focus on evaluating management teams and industry stability as essential investment factors. Geoff recounts a harrowing first deal setback and how he turned a struggling portfolio company into a top performer through strategic hiring and resilience. His advice centers on teamwork and valuing cultural fit in hiring, making for a grounded exploration of business-building.
12 snips
Dec 31, 2025 • 21min
Private Equity Leaders' Best Business Books of 2025
In this engaging discussion, guests Casey Myers, a former operating partner and CEO, Micah Dawson, a private equity leader, Ran Ding, an investor, and Chris Scullin, a business executive, share their must-read business books for 2025. Topics include the shift from achievement to fulfillment, the importance of focusing on experiences over money, and capital allocation strategies from top CEOs. They also explore mindset adjustments through stoicism and adapting to dynamic competition, providing invaluable insights for ambitious professionals.
9 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 43min
Private Equity Value Creation Through Focus, Talent, and Go-to-Market Discipline
Rob Turano, Operating Partner at Bloom Equity Partners, shares his journey from New Jersey to transforming lower middle-market software companies. He discusses the importance of product focus, management strength, and go-to-market discipline in creating value. Rob emphasizes the critical first 12 months of transformation and how a performance culture drives success. He also opens up about his culinary passion and the reading habits that boost his creativity. Dive into this insightful conversation about achieving impactful results in private equity!
Dec 3, 2025 • 58min
Private Equity Value Creation Through Focus, Culture, and Tenacity
Eliot Kerlin, Founder and Managing Partner of Broadwing Capital, shares his journey from pre-med to private equity. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on next-twelve-month cash flow over trailing metrics. Eliot discusses the value of building a solid company culture and leveraging people analytics for success. He also reflects on the tenacity needed to launch a firm and the importance of clarity in business priorities. With insights on cultivating high-performing companies, Eliot offers a grounded perspective for today's private equity landscape.
Nov 19, 2025 • 33min
Private Equity Sourcing, Culture, and Data Discipline at Monomoy
Renn Iaboni, Managing Director at Monomoy Capital Partners, shares insights from his diverse career in business development and investment banking. He discusses the importance of disciplined sourcing and cultural alignment in private equity. Renn highlights Monomoy's innovative Beacon platform, which integrates BD and investment teams for seamless operations. He also reflects on resilience from career setbacks, shares a compelling case study on Wapaka, and emphasizes the value of long-term data in making informed decisions. His journey is a testament to how energy can guide one's career path.
