This episode is packed with pragmatic advice and “growth hacks for operators” – get your pen ready. ⏱️ Episode Highlights & Timestamps: 00:03 – Introduction Meet Matthew Kearney: 35 years in private equity, from 3i to operating partner and PE-backed CEO. 01:07 – From 3i to New York CEO Matthew’s early career, moving from UK PE investments into operational leadership in media and technology. 02:31 – Common PE Mistakes Why thinking “buying right” is outdated and why zombie portfolios exist. The importance of adding value post-investment. 04:56 – Speed Matters Why hitting the ground running with a viable plan is critical – and where many PE firms still fail. 05:23 – The Need for Differentiation You can’t differentiate on capital anymore. Matthew explains the need for pre-planned specialization and strategy. 07:21 – The Case for Specialism Why generic approaches fail in auction processes. Success lies in preparedness and knowing your niche. 09:27 – Private Equity’s Evolution From generalists to specialists, and from deal teams to fully professionalized operations functions. 11:24 – Pick Your Spots The strategic importance of check size, deal type, and industry vertical – especially for smaller funds. 12:47 – Talent Strategy When to insource, when to outsource. The balance between internal teams and external experts. 13:42 – Reducing Direct Reports Why Matthew cut down his direct reports from double digits to five – and how he structured high-performance teams. 18:38 – NASA-Level Team Building Using High-Performance Team models (inspired by NASA) to fast-track team effectiveness and reduce storming time. 20:06 – Grata Partnership Promo 20:35 – Lessons from Three Exits Matthew shares what made his billion-dollar exits successful, from growth-first mentality to choosing the right M&A advisor. 23:27 – Beware of Price Promises Red flag: advisors promising high valuations without understanding your business. Chemistry and early engagement are key. 24:31 – Staying the Course Through Uncertainty Avoiding plan deviation in volatile markets. Why good governance, transparency, and dialogue are essential. 26:46 – The Decision to Pause a Sale How Matthew and his board paused a 2021 sale due to geopolitical headwinds, only to exit successfully in 2025. 28:07 – Balancing Shareholder vs. Management Perspectives Navigating differing time horizons and objectives post-sale delay. The role of a good Chair in alignment. 29:59 – What Matthew Reads Matthew’s go-to content: Wall Street Journal , Financial Times , The Economist (begrudgingly!), BBC, and even Daily Mail for well-researched stories. 31:55 – How to Connect with Matthew 📧 Email:
[email protected] 🔤 Name spelling: Matthew (with two T’s) Kearney (K-E-A-R-N-E-Y) Raw Selection partners with Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies to secure exceptional executive talent. We focus on de-risking executive recruitment through meticulous search and selection processes, ensuring top-tier performance and long-term success. 🔗 Connect with Alex Rawlings on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexrawlings/ 🌐 Visit Raw Selection: www.raw-selection.com Looking to grow your team? Check out our Hiring Guides for proven strategies, templates, and best practices to make smarter hires.
