Bigger. Stronger. Faster.

Hosted by Shore Capital Partners

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Jun 2026

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A podcast that explores the ways Shore Capital Partners brings billion-dollar resources to the microcap space. With this series, we highlight the array of resources Shore provides as well as their real-world impact, best-practices, and case studies.

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June 4, 202632 min

The Builder Mindset: Ryan Resch on First Principles and AI

In this episode, Anderson talks with Ryan Resch, Principal of Operations at Shore Capital Partners. Ryan spent over a decade in basketball, from student manager at Baylor to Chief of Staff with the Phoenix Suns, before joining Shore nine months ago. He shares how first-principle problem-solving became the common thread across every career he has built, why the shift from the zero-sum world of professional sports to private equity changes how teams operate, and how that same builder mindset now drives Shore's internal AI enablement efforts. Ryan also discusses why AI is a platform-level shift, not just an operational initiative, and what it takes to build something transformational from the ground up. Key Takeaways: First-principle problem-solving makes skills transferable across industries. Break any challenge into its parts, and the path forward becomes clear. AI is not a tool. It is a platform-level shift, and the organizations building AI capability now are building a durable advantage. Talent wins games. Coordination wins championships. The real challenge is aligning people, roles, and resources toward a shared mission. Focus is a discipline, not a default. In an unbounded environment, saying no to good ideas is what protects your ability to execute on the right ones. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 02:09 - From Baylor to the NBA 06:22 - What Brought Ryan to Shore 10:47 - Building AI Enablement at Shore 18:01 - Operating Systems, Scouting, and Focus 25:17 - What's Ahead Listen to our podcasts at: https://www.shorecp.university/podcasts You’ll also find other Bigger. Stronger. Faster. episodes, alongside our Microcap Moments and Everyday Heroes series—highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique. Other ways to connect: Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog Shore University: https://www.shorecp.university/ Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-university This podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.

May 21, 202629 min

Human Capital as a Value Multiplier: Cynthia Hiskes on Building HR for Growth

In this episode, Anderson Williams talks with Cynthia Hiskes, Head of the Human Capital Center of Excellence at Shore Capital Partners. Cynthia brings deep experience building and scaling HR functions across companies of every size, and she shares why aligning your HR investment to the stage and scale of your business is one of the most important decisions a founder or CEO can make. They discuss what human capital looks like in microcap and highly acquisitive companies, why HR belongs at the strategy table from day one, and how the Center of Excellence facilitates learning across the portfolio so leaders don't have to figure it out alone. Cynthia also walks through how to think about talent assessment, organizational design, and culture during rapid growth and acquisition integration, and why the metrics that matter at exit need to be built into the planting phase. Key Takeaways: Match your HR investment to your stage because over-engineered systems early on waste resources, while under-investing later puts growth at risk Bring HR in early as a strategic partner, not a downstream handoff, because the best integration and growth decisions happen when human capital is part of the original conversation Treat human capital as a value multiplier, not a cost center, especially in microcap businesses where every key role disproportionately drives the outcome Build the metrics that tell your exit story (turnover, engagement, time to fill, wage sustainability) during the planting and growing phases, not at the end Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 01:31 – Stage-Relevant HR 06:36 – Org Design and Acquisitions 11:37 – HR as a Strategic Partner 18:14 – Talent and the Exit Story 26:02 – HR Misconceptions Listen to our podcasts at: https://www.shorecp.university/podcasts You’ll also find other Bigger. Stronger. Faster. episodes, alongside our Microcap Moments and Everyday Heroes series—highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique. Other ways to connect: Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog Shore University: https://www.shorecp.university/ Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-university This podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.

May 6, 202624 min

AI and the Data Foundation: Ross Koenig on Why Data Matters

In this episode, I follow up with Ross Koenig, Chief Data Officer at Shore Capital Partners and one of our earliest podcast guests. Ross reflects on how his role has evolved over the past three years, from leading the Data Center of Excellence supporting portfolio companies to focusing on Shore's own investment process data and cross-portfolio insights. He shares why Shore's longstanding commitment to process and documentation has become a powerful foundation in the age of AI, and how nearly 1,000 codified executive hires now enable pattern recognition that few firms can match. Ross also discusses why "garbage in, garbage out" matters more than ever, how AI is breaking down walls between executives and data, and why business owners who ignore AI risk being left behind. Key Takeaways: Build the data foundation first because AI only works as well as the process, documentation, and discipline behind it Codify what you know across people, processes, and decisions so you can spot patterns, learn from past outcomes, and make smarter choices going forward Recognize that AI's biggest unlock is accessibility, putting information and analysis directly in the hands of executives who used to be blocked by technical walls Engage with AI now regardless of size or industry because the cost barriers have fallen and the businesses that ignore it will quickly fall behind Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 01:36 – Building the Data Foundation 06:36 – Codifying Knowledge at Scale 12:15 – Accessibility and the Power of AI 15:31 – Why Every Business Owner Should Engage with AI Now Listen to our podcasts at: https://www.shorecp.university/podcasts You’ll also find other Bigger. Stronger. Faster. episodes, alongside our Microcap Moments and Everyday Heroes series—highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique. Other ways to connect: Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog Shore University: https://www.shorecp.university/ Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-university This podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.

February 26, 202614 min

What Makes a Great Board Member: Part IV | Bill Clendenen, Charlie Talbot & Michael Burcham on Coaching N-1s and Building Scalable Leadership Teams

In this episode, Bill Clendenen, Charlie Talbot, and Michael Burcham focus on the critical role N-1 leaders play in building scalable companies and how great boards evaluate and develop that talent. They discuss why N-1 engagement in the boardroom strengthens succession planning, sharpens strategic alignment, and prepares leaders for larger roles. The conversation explores how CEOs can coach and position their teams for success, when to elevate value-creation roles versus hygienic functions, and how boards assess whether executives can scale with the business. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize that effective boards don’t just oversee performance but actively help build the next generation of leadership. Key Takeaways: Strong boards engage N-1s directly to assess succession readiness, reinforce strategic alignment, and build depth across the leadership team. Board meetings serve as a proving ground where emerging leaders learn to think strategically, communicate clearly, and demonstrate their ability to scale with the business. Effective CEOs act as coaches, preparing N-1s for the boardroom, creating stretch opportunities, and reinforcing accountability while protecting confidence. High-performing boards don’t just evaluate current results; they actively help shape, develop, and elevate the next generation of leadership to sustain long-term value creation. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 01:17 – Why N-1 Engagement Matters 04:33 – When N-1s Should Lead 08:05 – Coaching N-1s for the Boardroom Listen to our podcasts at: https://www.shorecp.university/podcasts You’ll also find other Bigger. Stronger. Faster. episodes, alongside our Microcap Moments and Everyday Heroes series—highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique. Other ways to connect: Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog Shore University: https://www.shorecp.university/ Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-university This podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.

February 11, 202625 min

What Makes a Great Board Member: Part III | Bill Clendenen, Charlie Talbot & Michael Burcham on Turning Boards into Strategic Assets

In this episode, Bill Clendenen, Charlie Talbot, and Michael Burcham explore how CEOs can turn their boards into true strategic assets. They share practical guidance on building trust through transparency, setting realistic goals, and engaging board members outside the boardroom. The conversation focuses on how effective CEOs pressure test strategy, avoid surprises, and translate strategic plans into clear operational execution. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize that strong CEO board relationships are built on consistency, preparation, and open dialogue, enabling boards to support leadership, execution, and long-term value creation actively. Key Takeaways: CEOs maximize impact by using the board as a strategic partner through transparency, preparation, and consistent engagement. Trust with the board is built through realistic goal-setting, open discussion of challenges, and a disciplined, no-surprises approach. Keeping the strategic plan front and center aligns discussion, sharpens decisions, and connects strategy directly to execution. Strong board engagement happens outside the boardroom, where prewiring and one-on-one conversations reduce friction and improve outcomes. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 03:48 – Using the Board Strategically 06:28 – Keeping Strategy Front and Center 10:02 – Building Trust and Avoiding Surprises 15:25 – Pre-Wiring Decisions and Board Dynamics Listen to our podcasts at: https://www.shorecp.university/podcasts You’ll also find other Bigger. Stronger. Faster. episodes, alongside our Microcap Moments and Everyday Heroes series—highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique. Other ways to connect: Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog Shore University: https://www.shorecp.university/ Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-university This podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.

January 22, 202622 min

What Makes a Great Board Member: Part II | Bill Clendenen, Charlie Talbot & Michael Burcham on Boardroom Behaviors That Drive Results

In this episode, Bill Clendenen, Charlie Talbot, and Michael Burcham build on the foundation of great board design by focusing on how effective board members show up in practice. They explore the mindset, behaviors, and preparation that separate high-impact directors, emphasizing curiosity over judgment, role clarity, and alignment with the strategic plan. The conversation examines what strong board preparation looks like, how directors add value inside and outside the boardroom, and why understanding the CEO’s perspective is critical. Throughout, they highlight how great board members help translate strategy into results, support talent development, and proactively engage to accelerate value creation. Key Takeaways: Great board members lead with curiosity over judgment and clear role awareness, creating trust and stronger outcomes with management. The most effective boards translate strategy into execution by aligning directors, investors, and CEOs around direction, pace, and results. Preparation anchored in the strategic plan allows boards to stay forward-looking, ask better questions, and focus on what matters most. High-impact directors extend their influence beyond meetings through proactive engagement, talent development, and targeted support for CEOs and teams. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 01:12 – How Great Board Members Show Up 03:11 – Turning Strategy Into Results 09:37 – How Great Boards Prepare 17:03 – Impact Beyond the Boardroom Listen to our podcasts at: https://www.shorecp.university/podcasts You’ll also find other Bigger. Stronger. Faster. episodes, alongside our Microcap Moments and Everyday Heroes series—highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique. Other ways to connect: Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog Shore University: https://www.shorecp.university/ Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-university This podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.

January 14, 202629 min

What Makes a Great Board Member: Part I | Bill Clendenen, Charlie Talbot & Michael Burcham on Designing High-Impact Boards

In this episode, Bill Clendenen, Charlie Talbot, and Michael Burcham explore what makes a great board member and how Shore Capital Partners designs boards to drive value creation. They discuss the purpose of the board, the importance of diverse and relevant operating experience, and why board composition matters as much as strategy. The conversation highlights the role of the Lead Independent Director in supporting CEOs, de-risking execution, and translating between management, the board, and investors. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize that effective boards ask the right questions, stay aligned with the strategic plan, and actively help management build and scale the business. Key Takeaways: Great boards accelerate value creation by pairing clear strategy with real operating experience to help management grow and reduce risk. Diverse, complementary board composition turns governance into a competitive advantage beyond financial oversight. The Lead Independent Director plays a vital role in aligning management, the board, and investors through trust, context, and ongoing engagement. Effective boards stay aligned with strategy, ask better questions, and actively support the company’s evolution from growth to exit. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 01:20 – The Purpose of a Great Board 09:16 – The Role of the Lead Independent Director 13:11 – How CEOs Should Use Their Board 18:51 – How Boards Evolve Over the Hold Period Listen to our podcasts at: https://www.shorecp.university/podcasts You’ll also find other Bigger. Stronger. Faster. episodes, alongside our Microcap Moments and Everyday Heroes series—highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique. Other ways to connect: Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog Shore University: https://www.shorecp.university/ Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-university This podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.

September 11, 202523 min

Behind the CXO Title: Alison Shekman on Going Slow to Go Fast

In this episode, I talk with Alison Shekman, Chief of Staff at PhaseWell Research and a member of the CXO Fellows Program. Alison shares her journey from consulting into operations and what it has meant to step into an early-stage, acquisition-driven business. She reflects on slowing down to go fast, listening to frontline experts, and creating systems for prioritization. Alison also discusses lessons from the Shore Resource Team and why embracing iteration over perfection has shaped her approach as a CXO. Key Takeaways: Go slow to go fast by taking the time to understand what motivates people and plan for change so it can be implemented more effectively Listen first and spend time in the field with the people who know the work best to close knowledge gaps and build credibility Create a system for relentless prioritization to bring clarity to the noise and stay aligned with leadership on what matters most Call it version one, move forward, and keep iterating rather than waiting for perfection Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 02:57 - Go Slow to Go Fast 05:01 - Closing the Knowledge Gap 09:35 - The Value of Networks 13:03 - Prioritization and Integration 19:47 - Lessons for Young Leaders Listen to our podcasts at: https://www.shorecp.university/podcasts You’ll also find other Bigger. Stronger. Faster. episodes, alongside our Microcap Moments and Everyday Heroes series—highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique. Other ways to connect: Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog Shore University: https://www.shorecp.university/ Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-university This podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.

September 9, 202531 min

Behind the CXO Title: Driving Value Through Progress with Preethi Menon

In this episode, we sit down with Preethi Menon, Senior Vice President of Integrations and Partnerships at Empower Aesthetics. After nearly a decade in consulting, Preethi joined the CXO Fellows Program and stepped into the challenge of building Empower from the ground up. She reflects on lessons from scaling the company, including overcoming perfectionism, embracing accountability, and moving fast to create value. Preethi also underscores the importance of humility, strong relationships, and the CXO peer network in her growth as a leader. Key Takeaways: Learning to value progress over perfection helps leaders in young companies move with speed, capture opportunities, and create meaningful value before the moment passes Taking full ownership means recognizing that every choice and relationship matters, and leaders are directly accountable for the outcomes that shape the business Earning trust with founders and partners comes from humility and being willing to roll up your sleeves, especially when transitions bring uncertainty and change Leaning on a network of peers gives young leaders the perspective and encouragement they need to navigate the challenges of building a company from the ground up Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 07:42 - The Early-Stage 11:16 - Operational Learning Curves 18:15 - Building Great Companies 23:24 - Lessons Learned Listen to our podcasts at: https://www.shorecp.university/podcasts You’ll also find other Bigger. Stronger. Faster. episodes, alongside our Microcap Moments and Everyday Heroes series—highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique. Other ways to connect: Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog Shore University: https://www.shorecp.university/ Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-university This podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.

August 28, 202523 min

Behind the CXO Title: Prioritizing What Matters Most with Will Cook

In this episode, we sit down with Will Cook, Chief of Staff at Skycrest Roof Co. Will shares his unique path from consulting to serving as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army before joining the CXO program. He reflects on his first year helping to launch Skycrest, where the role meant doing everything from marketing to operations while learning the business from the ground up. Will highlights the importance of humility, listening, and building relationships with founders and frontline teams, especially in a people-driven industry. He also discusses evaluating talent in fast-moving environments, practicing relentless prioritization, and leaning on the CXO peer network to navigate the inevitable highs and lows of growing a young company. Key Takeaways: Learning the business from the ground up builds credibility, deepens relationships, and ensures leaders make informed decisions that create lasting value Relentless prioritization helps executives focus on the highest-impact initiatives, avoid distractions, and drive meaningful results in fast-moving environments People are at the center of every decision, and knowing your team’s strengths, weaknesses, and motivations is key to building trust and driving performance Steadiness through highs and lows is sustained by leaning on peers and mentors, creating a support system that strengthens resilience and perspective Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 07:56 - What Makes a Good CXO 12:05 - Building Relationships with Founders 14:36 - Advice for New Leaders 17:24 - Best Advice Ever Received Listen to our podcasts at: https://www.shorecp.university/podcasts You’ll also find other Bigger. Stronger. Faster. episodes, alongside our Microcap Moments and Everyday Heroes series—highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique. Other ways to connect: Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog Shore University: https://www.shorecp.university/ Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-university This podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.