Throughout 2025, I sat down with CEOs, founders, investors, and leaders across the private equity ecosystem. In every conversation, I asked a question that I have asked since the very first episode of Private Equity Fast Pitch: What's the quote, motto, or what drives you? The answers were telling as there were no slogans or catchy buzzwords. What stood out was a shared seriousness about how success is built over time. Intention. Discipline. Mentorship. Compassion. Consistency. A deep respect for people and for the resp...
Throughout 2025, I sat down with CEOs, founders, investors, and leaders across the private equity ecosystem. In every conversation, I asked a question that I have asked since the very first episode of Private Equity Fast Pitch:
What's the quote, motto, or what drives you?
The answers were telling as there were no slogans or catchy buzzwords.
What stood out was a shared seriousness about how success is built over time. Intention. Discipline. Mentorship. Compassion. Consistency. A deep respect for people and for the responsibility that comes with leadership.
These are not quotes for social media.
They are reference points for leadership.
I'm incredibly grateful for these guests time and our impactful conversations. And grateful to be able to bring these voices to the private equity community.
The Ninth Annual Quotes and Mottos montage features perspectives from our 2025 guests:
Erik Brooks – Founder & Managing Partner, Ethos Capital
Action over analysis. Grit, discipline, and winning the next 30 minutes.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000684256262
Jeff Aiello – Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Agellus Capital
Execution over perfection. Momentum guided by principles.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000687186161
Russ Roenick – Founder & Managing Partner, Transom Capital Group
Decisiveness and self-awareness. Knowing your limits and acting accordingly.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000731004463
Michelle Noon – Founder & Managing Partner, Clearhaven Partners
Growth through discomfort. Progress comes from moving through challenge.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000733152917
Andrew Weinberg – Founder, CEO & Co-Chair, Brightstar Capital Partners
Carpe Diem. Presence, gratitude, and intention, rooted in family.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000696604131
Paul Raphael – Founder & Partner, Aurea
Quality and mentorship. Trusting people to figure it out.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000717775898
Parker Weil – Global Co-Head of Investment Banking, TD Securities
Long-term thinking. Reputation, relationships, and consistency.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000737590933
Lucy Heintz – Partner, Actis
Empathy and perspective. Understanding how others see the world.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000701104377
Chris Rozzell – Managing Partner, Cresta Fund Management
Clarity over comfort. Discipline over drama. Truth over ego.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000721947245
Tim Meyer – Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Angeles Equity Partners
Focus and simplification. Eliminate noise to intensify impact.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000735555551
Neda Vakilian – Partner, Actis
Sharp thinking and grounded execution. Trust and responsibility as leadership.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000713638680
Robert Brown – CEO, Lincoln International
Hustle and presence. Showing up and doing the blocking and tackling.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000711726279
Kristin Johnson – Managing Director, Altamont Capital Partners
Service and humility. Leading by asking, "What can I do to help?"
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000726285319
Sean MacIver – Managing Director, KeyBanc Capital Markets
Adaptability. Knowing when the familiar tool no longer fits.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000728454456
John Diggins – Partner, Platinum Equity
Risk and growth. Understanding that not taking risk can be the biggest risk.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000706853889
Matthew Sparks – Managing Director, Northleaf Capital
Proactivity. Skating to where the puck is going, not where it's been.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000723925489
Eliot Kerlin – Partner & Managing Partner, Broadwing Capital
Presence and forward thinking. Focused on what comes next.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000741835818
Scott Sperling – Co-CEO, THL
The ripple effect. Small actions compounding into meaningful impact.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000720142324
Michael Psaros – Co-Founder & Co-Managing Partner, KPS Capital Partners
Time, gratitude, and legacy. Using success in service of something larger.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000739675082
