For this episode of the PepTalks Podcast, we are joined by culture, talent and HR expert David Bowes… David is a highly successful and high-growth Chief People Officer under PE ownership, having held the position at WDS, A Xerox Company, Phlexglobal and Xalient. We discuss the role of the chief people officer, including what a good people strategy looks like, building your top team and how to hire, retain and develop talent throughout your organisation.

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.

This episode of the PepTalks Podcast is all about operating models and how they can be successfully implemented into a PE-backed business to drive value, culture, innovation and set you up for a successful exit. Our expert guest is Forge Holiday Group & Sykes Holiday Cottages CEO, Graham Donoghue, who has successfully implemented OKRs into the business resulting in a 9x return for Livingbridge and enterprise value of £400m upon their last exit in 2019. Graham attributes a large amount of his success to the successful implementation of OKRs. Listen to hear his full story.

For this episode of the PepTalks Podcast, we are joined by regular guest, Richard Madden, for an update on the state of the private equity deals market. Richard is CEO of DC Advisory UK a leading international investment bank who provide buy and sell-side advice during PE transactions and other M&A activity. We discuss how the economic climate has affected the market over the course of this year and what we can expect over the next 6 to 12 months.

For this episode of the PepTalks Podcast, we welcome David Brennan, Executive Chair of Nexus Vehicle Rentals for the second time to discuss his continuing journey with the business. David was CEO of Nexus for 9 years and steered the company through 3 PE transactions before recently transitioning to Exec Chair. We discuss how to drive organic growth through effective sales and marketing, developing your management team and succession planning for the CEO role.

For this episode of The PepTalks Podcast, we are joined by Andrew Dyckhoff, Founder and CEO of Strengths Unleashed, who are experts in assessment, development and advisory, helping energise individual leaders, their teams and organisations to release untapped potential, transform performance and deliver outstanding results. Our main area of discussion is around personal and organisational energy and why it is so important when delivering the growth required under private equity ownership.

For this episode of The PepTalks Podcast, we are joined by Neil Rodford, Executive Director of Voly Music and Former CEO of YMU, a market-leading talent agency. Neil led YMU through 3 successful buyouts, delivering a 500% increase in enterprise value and a turnover in excess of £140m. During this time Neil executed over 40 acquisitions which are our key topic of conversation for this podcast. We also discuss team development and how your relationship with PE changes through an investment cycle.

For this episode of The PepTalks Podcast, we are joined by Lois Heywood, CEO of Retail & Asset Solutions who are at the forefront of the audit and stocktaking industry. In 2018 Lois became CEO of Retail & Asset Solutions upon leading a Carve Out from ODS group with the support of LDC. Lois draws on this experience and describes how to transition from corporate to PE-backed leadership. We also discuss how Lois and her team became the business's majority shareholders, having completed a debt-funded management buyout in 2022.

For this episode of the PepTalks Podcast, we are joined by Elona Mortimer-Zhika, CEO of Iris Software Group, who help organisations to make better business decisions by developing integrated software solutions.  In 2016 Elona joined Iris as CFO, transitioned to COO in 2018, and finally to CEO in 2019. During her tenure, Iris has seen incredible amounts of growth. Their most recent exit in 2018 was worth £1.3 billion and since then the value of the business has grown to over £3 billion. In this podcast, we discuss Elona’s approach to M&A, expansion into the US, how to successfully transition from an Exec into the CEO role, and her approach to hiring. 

For this episode of the PepTalks Podcast, we are joined by Clare Roberts OBE, Founder and CEO of Kids Planet Day Nurseries, an award-winning group of 137 nurseries across the UK. Clare founded the business in 2008 and has since completed two private equity transactions. Clare shares how she successfully transitioned from an entrepreneur to a PE-backed business leader, and how this path to success affects your mindset towards growth, investors, M&A and the culture of your business.

How can Commercial Due Diligence be used to make your business more attractive to prospective buyers in an extremely competitive deals market in 2023? To discuss this, we are joined by Simon Hemsley, Partner of Armstrong, who offer CDD and value creation consulting to private equity backed businesses in the UK mid-market.

In this special edition of the Private Equity Power Talks Podcast we are joined by David Laws, former Education Minister & Chief Secretary to the Treasury and Robin Grainger, Exec Chair and Founder of GK Strategy. We will be discussing the impact of Truss’ resignation. Who will be the next Tory Leader? What will their effect be on inflation and a potential recession? And ultimately what effect will it have on private equity?

In this episode of the PepTalks Podcast we are joined by Chris Merry, CEO of Stonehage Fleming, an independent advisor to some of the world’s leading family and wealth creators. Prior to this Chris has held CEO positions at 4 other businesses, both in the public and private sector. Chris looks back at his career and shares the lessons he learnt along the way to becoming a high growth PE CEO and shares his current experiences in building a comprehensive and efficient M&A strategy.

In this episode of the PepTalks Podcast we are joined by Richard Madden, CEO of leading international investment bank and PepTalks Advisory Partner, DC Advisory UK. DC provide buy and sell-side advice during PE transactions and other M&A activity. Richard will be drawing on this expertise and current state of the market to make predictions for the future. This podcast is a vital piece of listening for any PE backed leader looking to prepare for the potentially turbulent times ahead and stay on track to exit.

In this episode of the Private Equity Power Talks Podcast, we are joined by Andrew Howe, Founder and former CEO or Bridge Leisure. We discuss Andrews Exit journey with Bridge, including taking a business you have started from scratch into PE ownership, orchestrating a successful off market PE deal and the complexities of completing a PE backed Trade Sale. We also discover Andrew’s key learnings from his career and how he will be taking them into his new role as Exec Chair at Largo Leisure.

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.

For this episode of the Private Equity Power Talks Podcast, we are joined by Adrian Gardner to discuss the role of CFO under PE ownership. Adrian is currently COO at Stonehage Fleming and has held several positions as a PE backed CFO. He draws on these experiences to discuss the transition from FD to CFO, the importance of building a strong partnership with the CEO and how to professionalise the finance function under PE ownership.

In this special edition of the Private Equity Power Talks Podcast we are reflect on an episode we recorded last year with Former CHS Healthcare CEO, Dr Gaby Silver. During this podcast we asked Gaby her thoughts on what can be done to encourage and promote women into senior leadership roles in PE. Now, whenever we get challenged on this at a PEPTalks event, Gaby’s response is something we always refer back to. So, if you are a PE professional, interested in helping resolve the gender gap present in PE leadership positions, then the following insights can truly help set you on the path to meaningful change. 

For this episode of the Private Equity Power Talks Podcast, we are joined by Reward Gateway COO, Rob Boland. Rob explains how he laid the operational foundations that allowed Reward Gateway to grow rapidly, culminating in the sale of the business to Abry Partners and Castik Capital in 2021. Rob also discusses the importance of operational hygiene, diligent tech implementation, employee mindset and how to remain resilient through the exit process.

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.

In this episode of Private Equity Power Talks: Map of the Maze, we are joined by Don Henshall, Former CEO of Farrow & Ball and Chair at Bruce’s Doggy Day Care, an award-winning UK market leader in dog day care. Don discusses his journey as a retail CEO and how leading with an entrepreneurial spirit and owner’s mindset can help you succeed and grow under PE ownership. Don also discusses life after the CEO role and gives his advice to how to start and nurture a successful plural career.

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.  

In this episode of Private Equity Power Talks: Map of the Maze, we are joined by Tim Ham, CEO of Pearson Ham. Pearson Ham work collaboratively with PE backed businesses to help them create value through better pricing. Tim reveals the benefits of updating your pricing model and how PE backed leaders can take control of their own pricing strategies.

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.

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…

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.

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.

In this episode Private Equity Power Talks: Map of the Maze, we have our first returning guest to the Podcast, as we once again talk to Richard Madden, CEO of DC Advisory. For this discussion our focus is on the future and how PE backed CEOs can prepare for and execute the Exit process. Richard explains each step a CEO must take and shares his insights on how to run a competitive and ethical bidding process across the various exit routes.

In this episode of Private Equity Power Talks: Map of the Maze, we talk to Ellie Romer-Lee, former Strategic People Manager and Chief of Staff at Onfido. Ellie joined Onfido as employee number 12 in 2014 and ran the people team through to 2020, when the business had a headcount of more than 400. Ellie explains how she developed talent and culture at Onfido by promoting diversity of thought, open discussion and innovation within the business.

After a short break in production to record some new content, The Private Equity Power Talks Podcast will be returning for season 2! This season we will be bringing you some fresh perspectives as we look to diversify the podcast, both in terms of guests and subject matter areas. We will also continue to interview some of the UKs most successful PE backed CEOs. The first episode will be released next week so be sure to subscribe and stay notified. 

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

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.

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.

In this episode Private Equity Power Talks: Map of the Maze, we talk to Mark Farrer-Brown, initially a private equity investor, Mark now uses his expertise as a Coach & Mentor at Fit To Lead. We discuss Mark’s journey and what led him into coaching, what the coaching process looks like and how it can be implemented to help business leaders preform at their peak.  

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.

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.

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.

In this episode Private Equity Power Talks: Map of the Maze, we talk to Neil Thackray, founder and former CEO of AgriBriefing. We discuss how to identify good quality M&A targets and successfully integrate them into your businesses as well as how to adjust your pricing strategy.

In this special edition of Private Equity Power Talks: Map of the Maze, we talk to Bob Ellis, one of the county’s leading turnaround professionals, about the effect of Covid-19 and how to bounce back from adversity. We discuss cash management best practice, how to maximise government lending support, working with your PE partner and preparing your business for a fast restart.

In this episode of Private Equity Power Talks: Map of the Maze, we talk to Steve Groves, Chairman of Key Group. We discuss the changes that come with rapid growth both for your business and you personally as a leader. We also explore the intricacies of the IPO book building process.