Human Capital in PE-Backed Companies: Strategies for Leadership and Talent Management

Today’s episode centers on the pivotal role of human capital in PE-backed companies, emphasizing how strategic leadership and effective talent management can significantly enhance value creation. We explore the critical strategies needed to assess and optimize human capital from the pre-acquisition phase through to the crucial first 100 days post-acquisition. This discussion is designed to equip private equity professionals with the insights and tools necessary to maximize their investment outcomes through robust human capital strategies. Listen in as we unpack the art of merging leadership excellence with talent optimization to drive sustained growth and success in PE-backed enterprises.

Dan Cremons

Founder, Accelera Partners Former PE Investor & CEO // Current PE Advisor // Author // -

Dan Cremons is a seasoned Private Equity professional with over 13 years of experience at a top-performing mid-market PE firm. As a former PE investor and CEO, Dan has a profound understanding of the dynamics that drive value in PE-backed companies. He is deeply committed to helping ambitious PE-backed companies accelerate value creation through his expertise in organizational due diligence, leadership alignment, and effective talent management.

In 2021, Dan founded Accelera Partners to expand his impact, offering targeted solutions like organizational due diligence pre-acquisition, talent assessment and training post-acquisition, and strategic pl...

ERP Organizational Change: Technology Strategy and Keys to Success

In general, at the highest level of categorization, there seems to be consensus on the importance of people and culture, informational technology, and project management for successful ERP implementation. However, these are broad categories. Furthermore, extant research has not reached consensus as to which specific factors are most significant and critical towards ERP organizational change success. In this episode, we would like to focus on IT and technology management and offer some tactical tips, provide some practical guidance, and discuss IT and ERP strategy.

Please join us as we examine technology strategy. This episode will discuss the definition of IT success, implementation success rates in general, politics and information, the value of IT vision, the power of belief during IT implementations, the most critical components of building an effective IT Strategic Business & Technology Roadmap, and the value of proper systems selection.

Russ Finney

Director of MIS Undergraduate Programs | Assistant Professor of Instruction | UT Austin McCombs School of Business | Advisor & Speaker

Mr. Finney serves both as a lecturer and as the director of MIS undergraduate programs in the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas in Austin teaching technology & business strategy. He is also a senior partner the itmWEB Group where he assists with research projects and the Stratamation Network where he provides advisory services. Mr. Finney has also served as an Interim C...

AI and Private Equity Synergy: Fueling Business Transformation

In this episode, we explore how AI and Private Equity synergies are fueling business transformations and reshaping investment strategies and operational efficiencies. We talk about how leveraging AI can not only enhance due diligence and decision-making processes but also create substantial value across portfolio companies. Join us as we unpack the innovative approaches that are setting the stage for the future of PE investments, and how these technological advancements can be integrated to ensure robust, scalable growth in Private Equity.

George Stelling

CEO & Board Member | Driving SaaS & AI Innovation and Business Transformation | Transformation Practitioner & Thought Leader

George Stelling is a seasoned CEO, Board Member, and transformation practitioner known for driving SaaS and AI innovation, business transformation, and maximizing profits. With deep expertise in AI, SaaS, technology leadership, private equity, and management consulting, George excels in delivering innovative solutions and value-creation strategies. He has a proven track record in building high-caliber teams, leading transformative initiatives, and crafting digital solutions. His experience spans C-level leadership, consulting, PE operating roles, and board positions, with a focus on digital innovation, AI adoption, strategy execution, and lean manufacturing. George has worked globally, demonstrating a unique ability to deliver strategic and hands-on leadership.

AI-Driven Digital Transformations

In this episode, we’re focusing on AI-driven digital transformation and its pivotal role in AI in ERP integration, as well as its influence on organizational culture. In an era where AI is indispensable, we’ll explore how this revolution not only transforms business processes but also fundamentally alters how organizations function at their core.

David Shapiro

YouTube creator and AI researcher.

We’re thrilled to welcome back David Shapiro to the show, an expert in AI and digital transformation.

David returns with fresh perspectives on leveraging AI in the business environment. His work continues to influence the way we think about ERP systems, leadership, and organizational evolution in the digital age. With a proven track record of driving ethical and impactful AI integration into business strategies, David’s insights are invaluable.

• Patreon https://www.patreon.com/daveshap/
• Substack (Free) https://daveshap.substack.com/
• GitHub (Open Source) https://github.com/daveshap
• YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@DaveShap

Effective ERP Communication Strategies for Business-IT Alignment

In this episode, we dive into “Effective ERP Communication Strategies for Business-IT Alignment.” We explore the essential tactics and strategies to bridge the gap between IT and business teams, ensuring successful ERP implementations and organizational change. Our discussion will benefit IT professionals, business leaders, and anyone involved in ERP projects seeking to enhance collaboration and drive project success. Whether you’re navigating the complexities of ERP integration or aiming to foster a more cohesive working environment, this episode is packed with insights to guide you. https://episodes.castos.com/5fc108e0462768-18027408/1693421/c1e-3251t5xq95b6x6n4-qxnzod4kcpj3-2xtoee.mp3

Chris Fenning

Author | Advisor | On a mission to help IT and business teams communicate better.

Chris is an award-winning author, sought-after speaker, and university guest lecturer based in Limburg, Netherlands. With over 15 years of experience, he has mastered the art of making IT and business communication less painful across various industries and countries.

Chris’s mission to help technical and business teams communicate clearly has transformed the way organizations operate, making him the perfect guest to discuss today’s topic.

• Linked...

Strategic ERP Transformation: Change Management, PMO, and M&A Insights

In this episode, we explore the vital intersections of PMO, IT governance, and the dynamic world of mergers and acquisitions. This episode is loaded with value for investment firm leaders, strategic planners, and anyone keen on understanding the nuances of driving successful organizational change in a competitive environment.

You’ll gain insights into the best practices of PMO implementation, the role of IT in transformative mergers, and how to navigate the complexities of corporate change. Whether you’re an executive, a project manager, or a stakeholder in the investment community, this episode is designed to provide you with valuable knowledge to enhance your approach to strategic ERP Transformation.

Jen L. Skrabak, PfMP, PMP, MBA

Vice President NSA SoCal

I have over 18 years of corporate experience as an Executive for F500 companies leading strategic planning, portfolio/program management, organizational change management, and operational excellence. I currently serve as Vice President at NSA SoCal, a leading professional speakers association. I hold the PfMP, PMP, and Prosci certifications, as well as the PMI Distinguished Contribution Award.

As an international keynote speaker, author, and award-winning expert, I share my insights and best practices on how to lead and manage complex digital transformation programs across various industries, such as HealthTech, SaaS, and Cloud/Data/Analytics. I have created, designed, and led...

PE Digital Strategies: Digital Transformation and Organizational Change

In this episode, we dive into PE Digital Strategies and mechanisms that drive success in private equity firms. We’ll explore cutting-edge strategies for sustainable growth, how to effectively lead through transformational changes and the critical role of Private Equity Technology Integration.

This episode is a must-listen for C-level executives, private equity professionals, and anyone involved in the PE ecosystem looking to sharpen their strategic edge and lead their organizations toward a prosperous future. Whether you’re navigating complex mergers and acquisitions, dealing with the nuances of IT governance, or steering your firm through the waters of digital transformation, the insights shared today will be invaluable.

Kit Lisle

Founder, TheOperators.pe, a peer community for the Private Equity Ecosystem: Career Resource Council and Strategic Growth Council for Operators, plus the Independent Sponsors Council and Trusted Advisors Council.

I am committed to being a Net Giver. Professionally, I am a resource for strategic growth planning and decision-making, More specifically, I am dedicated to creating safe spaces for PE-backed executives to collaborate with one another, for one another. This includes:

1. An online community forum for Q&A, feedback, advice, brainstorming, and solving dilemmas (anonymously or openly).
2. A Peer Advisory Councils,...

Transforming Organizational Culture ERP Leadership Training: Virtual Meetings

In this episode, we will discuss some ERP leadership training insight. We’ll explore the nuances of virtual team building for executives and how it’s shaping the future of decision-making and team dynamics in the high-stakes world of Private Equity. We’ll delve into the art of cultivating collaborative skills essential for driving organizational change. This discussion is especially valuable for PE executives, team leaders, and change agents navigating the complexities of virtual ERP meetings and online leadership development and seeking to enhance their leadership impact in this digital era.

Evan Unger

Managing Partner - Schwartz and Associates

Evan Unger has 25 years’ experience driving organizational change initiatives, both as an executive in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries and as an external consultant. Since 1988 he has consulted with clients in small organizations, school systems and in Fortune 100 companies domestically and across Europe, the Pacific Rim and South America.

He served in several key leadership positions for Merck, a global pharmaceutical manufacturer, and as Vice President of Leadership, Change & Development for Centura Health, Colorado’s largest healthcare provider. He has trained thousands of people in the art of collaborative leadership, and specializes in building teams, change management and complex meeting facilitation. Evan received his BS in Psychology and Economics from Duke University and MBA from the Univ...