Consistent with all programs delivered by Northstar, "Private Equity Fast Pitch" podcasts are meaningful, insightful and provide actionable information from leaders in the Private Equity community that will help you connect with the speaker in an efficient way. Each Tuesday, Jeff Henningsen from Lockton will spend time talking with his friends in the private equity community while they share insight into their world. Similar to an introductory meeting, Private Equity and Investment Banking guests will talk about their firms, recent activities, target industries, desired acquisition profile or companies they are prepping for sale, advice to aspiring professionals and their "closing pitch". If you would like to be considered for a Private Equity Fast Pitch interview please email jhenningsen@lockton.com
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June 11, 2026Episode 20239 min
Marcos Rodriguez - Palladium Equity Partners
Marcos A. Rodriguez Founder, Chief Executive Officer & Partner Mr. Rodriguez founded Palladium in 1997 and serves as Chairman and CEO. Prior to forming Palladium, Mr. Rodriguez was a partner of Joseph Littlejohn & Levy, a buyout firm that he joined in 1989. Before launching his private equity career, he worked in operations for General Electric Company in the U.S., Mexico and France, and graduated from GE's Manufacturing Management Program. Mr. Rodriguez has served on the Board of Directors of Palladium portfolio companies ABRA, Castro Cheese, Daniel's Jewelers, Jordan Health Services, Second Nature Brands, Teasdale, Taco Bueno, Trachte, TransForce and Wise Foods, among others. Mr. Rodriguez serves on the Board of Trustees of New York-Presbyterian, the University Hospital of Columbia and Cornell. He also serves on the Boards of the Robert Toigo Foundation and the Alfred E. Smith Foundation. He earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Columbia University, an M.B.A. from The Wharton School and an M.A. in International Studies from the Lauder Institute of the University of Pennsylvania.
May 28, 2026Episode 20140 min
Tom Shapiro - GTIS Partners
Tom Shapiro is the President and Founder of GTIS. In addition, Mr. Shapiro is the Chief Investment Officer responsible for overseeing all investment activity and strategy of the firm. Mr. Shapiro is also Chairman of the General Partner's Investment Committee and is a member of the Board of Directors of Brazil Hospitality Group, one of the largest owners and managers of hotels in Brazil. Mr. Shapiro's experience in the real estate industry began in 1988. Prior to starting GTIS, Mr. Shapiro was a Senior Managing Director at Tishman Speyer and a member of the firm's Investment and Management Committees. Most recently, Mr. Shapiro was responsible for Tishman Speyer's global equity capital markets and dispositions groups. Previously, Mr. Shapiro ran GTS Properties, an acquisitions joint venture between Tishman Speyer and Goldman Sachs. Mr. Shapiro serves on the Undergraduate Executive Board and the Carol and Lawrence Zicklin Center for Business Ethics Review's Private Sector Advisory Board for The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania from which Mr. Shapiro received a B.S. and graduated magna cum laude.
May 14, 2026Episode 2001 hr 0 min
Advice to Young Professionals and College Students
ADVICE THAT LASTS DECADES Every May since 2018, I've released an annual montage focused on advice for college students and young professionals interested in private equity, investment banking, and the investing world This year's version marks Episode 200 of Private Equity Fast Pitch! Over the last 12 months I asked founders, CEOs and managing partners from Private Equity firms, Investment Banks and LPs the same question: What advice would you give to young professionals trying to build a meaningful career in this business? What makes this episode special is not just the milestone, it's how often the same themes continue to surface... Different firms Different backgrounds Different paths But the themes are remarkably consistent ⚾️ Find work that gives you energy ⚾️ Build real relationships ⚾️ Do the hard things early ⚾️ Learn from people who are better than you ⚾️ Stay curious ⚾️ Understand that careers are built over decades, not quarters What stands out after 200 episodes is this... The foundational elements of long-term success are timeless And while this episode is designed for young professionals and graduating students, I think the advice applies at every stage of a career I'm incredibly grateful for all of my guests who have shared their sage advice over the years! Featured Guests: Michael Psaros - KPS Capital Partners https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000739675082 Omar Jaffrey - Palistar Capital https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000758837812 Rob Brown - Lincoln International https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000711726279 Tim Meyer - Angeles Equity Partners https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000735555551 Chris Rozzell - Cresta Fund Management https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000721947245 Parker Weil - TD Securities https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000737590933 Sean MacIver - KeyBanc Capital Markets https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000728454456 Matthew Sparks - Northleaf Capital Partners https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000723925489 Suzanne Yoon - Kinzie Capital Partners https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000753377248 Eric Wiklendt - Speyside Equity https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000748373295 Michelle Noon - Clearhaven Partners https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000733152917 Paul Raphael - Auréa Group https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000717775898 Daphne Dufresne - Awani Capital https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000756128214 Russ Roenick - Transom Capital Group https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000731004463 Neda Vakilian - Actis https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000713638680 Sam Gaynor - Altamont Capital Partners https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000746205883 Eliot Kerlin - Broadwing Capital https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000741835818 Andy Unanue - AUA Private Equity Partners https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000750484838 Kristin Johnson - Altamont Capital Partners https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000726285319 Scott Sperling - THL Partners https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000720142324
April 30, 2026Episode 1991 hr 9 min
Harvard Alumni on Private Equity Fast Pitch® - Career Advice For Private Equity & Investment Banking
THE ADVICE THAT ACTUALLY HOLDS UP There is no shortage of advice in this industry Most of it sounds good... Not all of it lasts With graduation season here, I wanted to do something a little different on Private Equity Fast Pitch. These clips come from guests who share a common university. What they don't share is how they got there: Different paths Different careers Different firms What stood out to me was not where they went. It was how consistent the advice was ⚾️ Play the long game Careers are built over decades, not quarters ⚾️ Protect your reputation Your word and how you show up compound over time ⚾️ Do the hard things early That's where real confidence and capability are built ⚾️ Be intentional Who you work for and what you learn matters more than title These are not theories. They are patterns from people who have built across multiple cycles and environments. The fundamentals are simple. They're just not easy. And they don't change. If you're early in your career or even if you're not, this is a valuable episode to listen too. Featured Harvard Graduate Guests: Adam Blumenthal - Blue Wolf Capital Partners https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000419683769 Bob Grady - Summit Partners https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000466305412 Nik Shah - Cohere Capital https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000492548668 Brandon Bethea - Aterian Investment Partners https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000512756706 Steve Lebowitz - Brand Velocity Group https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000544474759 Alex Western - Terminus Capital Partners https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000588352120 Arthur Hollingsworth - Lone Star Investment Advisors https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000606603038 Clay Hunter - Broadview Group https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000407597189 David Iverson - Iverson Consulting Services https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000409078405 Ralph Manning - Coltala Holdings https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000434156484 Jerry Johnson - Ariel Alternatives https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000455717611 Victor Vescovo - Caladan Capital https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000424858176 Brett Hickey - Star Mountain Capital https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000467637362 Brad Brennerman - Breck Partners https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000490948771 Brent Humphries - AB Private Credit Investors https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000506913145 Dr. Chris Kersey - Havencrest Capital Management https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000531859885 Scott Kolbrenner - GISI https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000533229587 Doug McCormick - Oridian Capital Partners https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000575024701 Tom O'Rourke - BayPine https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000590284296 Mark Sotir - Equity Group Investments https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000618757742 Pardis Nasseri - Palm Tree https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000630324818 Devon Kirk - Portage Capital Solutions https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000658066071 Bogdan Gogulan - NewSpace Capital https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000681019854 Erik Brooks - Ethos Capital https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000684256262
April 16, 2026Episode 19839 min
Ignacio Jayanti - Corsair Capital
Ignacio Jayanti is the Chief Executive Officer of Corsair and serves as Chairman of the Buyouts Investment Committee and as a member of the Infrastructure Investment Committee. He joined Corsair in 1993 when the first Corsair fund was launched and is based in New York. Ignacio is a director of Corsair portfolio companies IDnow and ZEDRA. Prior to spinning off Corsair as an independent business from J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. in 2006, Ignacio played a key role as a senior member of the investment team of the predecessor Corsair funds and also was responsible for managing the operations of the Corsair business from 1994 onwards. From 1994 to 1999, Ignacio was also a senior member of the Investment Banking Department of J.P. Morgan, where he headed the Emerging Markets Financial Institutions group. Prior to J.P. Morgan, Ignacio worked at Credit Suisse First Boston in the Financial Institutions group both in New York and London. His investment banking experience includes complex advisory assignments in the United States, Europe, Asia and Latin America. Ignacio holds both a B.A. and an M.A. in Economics from Queens' College, Cambridge University. He is a Fellow of the inaugural class of the Finance Leaders Fellowship Program and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network. Ignacio is also a member of the Board of Trustees of the Hotchkiss School, a member of the RAND Global and Emerging Risks Advisory Board, and a member of the International Advisory Board of British American Business.
April 2, 2026Episode 19745 min
Omar Jaffrey - Palistar Capital
Omar Jaffrey has been involved in technology, media and telecommunications ("TMT") investments, mergers and acquisitions, strategic partnerships, public and private capital raises, restructuring and bankruptcies for over 30 years. Mr. Jaffrey founded Palistar Capital (formerly, Melody Investment Advisers, "Palistar") in 2019 as a specialist digital infrastructure investor as his go-forward investment platform and created Symphony Wireless, an affiliated easements origination platform ("Symphony"). The team successfully raised a $2 billion dedicated digital infrastructure fund at the end of 2021, has built out a specialist team with deep investment and operating expertise and has invested in a number of macro tower investments including Harmoni Towers, Parallel Infrastructure, CTI Towers, and an easements and tower portfolio originated by Symphony. Prior to Palistar, Mr. Jaffrey co-founded Melody Capital Partners ("Melody") in 2012 where he was also a Managing Partner. The team at Melody raised two fund families – a Structured Credit platform with $1 billion assets under management ("AUM") and a digital infrastructure platform with $700 million AUM ("Melody Wireless Infrastructure"). Mr. Jaffrey crafted the strategy, built Melody Wireless Infrastructure as its CEO and successfully exited Melody Wireless Infrastructure in 2021. Melody is now actively harvesting its remaining investments and is no longer making new investments or fundraising. Prior to Melody, Mr. Jaffrey was a Managing Director of UBS Investment Bank, most recently serving as Americas Co-head of the Special Situations Group. Mr. Jaffrey was an advisor to some of the leading telecommunications and technology companies globally covering over 50 global clients in the TMT space for their strategic and financing needs. Mr. Jaffrey also helped build UBS's Telecommunications Media and Technology Investment Banking practice and was Global Head of Satellite Investment Banking while specializing in the convergence of TMT sectors between 2003 and 2009. Prior to joining UBS, Mr. Jaffrey was a Managing Director at Merrill Lynch where he built the Global Satellite Investment Banking practice. In the early 1990s, Mr. Jaffrey helped build Bear Stearns' Investment Bank in Asia, and was a founding member of Bear Stearns' Telecommunications sector Investment Banking practice. Mr. Jaffrey holds a BS magna cum laude in Electrical Engineering from Columbia University and an MBA from Stanford University, and is a member of Tau Beta Pi and Eta Kappa Nu honor societies.
March 19, 2026Episode 19638 min
Daphne Dufresne - Awani Capital
Daphne Dufresne is the Founder and Managing Partner of Awani Capital. She leads the firm's strategic direction, investment decisions, and value creation initiatives across the portfolio. With over 25 years of private equity experience, Daphne has a long-standing track record of building scalable businesses in the business and industrial services sectors. She plays an active role in all phases of the investment process—from deal sourcing and thesis development to portfolio company growth and exit strategy. Before founding Awani, Daphne was a Managing Partner at GenNx360, a $2.2 billion middle-market private equity firm based in New York. She served on the investment, valuation, and exit committees, and led direct investments in GenServe, Precision Aviation Group, Aero 3, and Whitsons Culinary Group, completing 31 add-on acquisitions across these platforms. Daphne was also a founding Managing Director at RLJ Equity Partners. Earlier in her career, she also held senior roles at Parish Capital Advisors, Weston Presidio, and the Bank of Scotland's Structured Finance group, and began her career at Accenture. Daphne is on the board of directors of NYSE (UNFI) where she chairs the Compensation Committee. Daphne earned a B.S. in Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.
March 12, 2026Episode 19539 min
Advice to Young Professionals and College Students from Female Private Equity Professionals
In recognition of International Women's Month, I'm releasing a montage of advice from some of the most accomplished women in our industry. These remarkable leaders have navigated one of the most demanding and historically male-dominated corners of business and have done it with conviction, resilience, and extraordinary leadership. If you're a young professional, a student considering this industry, or a leader developing the next generation of talent, this episode is worth your time. Sunaina Sinha - Global Head, Private Capital Advisory, and Senior Managing Director, Raymond James https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000667167867 Shannon Zoller - Founder, Tephra Advisors https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000552841977 Neha Markle - Managing Director, Morgan Stanley https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000633494095 Caroline Stevens - Investor, MPK Equity Partners https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000597747344 Chrisanne Corbett - Managing Director, KPMG https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000432826264 Deborah Smith - Co-Founder and CEO, The CenterCap Group https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000557619821 Devon Kirk - General Partner, Portage Capital Solutions https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000658066071 Franny Jones - Partner, Investor Relations, The Sterling Group https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000452341799 Gina Luna - Partner, GP Capital https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000555838972 Gretchen Perkins - Partner(Origination), Avance Investment Management https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000453890941 Kristin Johnson - Managing Director, Altamont Capital Partners https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000726285319 Lauren Moohalland - Waypoint Ridge Capital https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000468986627 Lucy Heintz - Partner, Head of Energy Infrastructure, Actis https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000701104377 Michelle Noon - Founder and Managing Partner, Clearhaven Partners https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000733152917 Neda Vakilian - Partner, Actis https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-equity-fast-pitch/id1359329939?i=1000713638680
March 5, 2026Episode 19446 min
Suzanne Yoon - Kinzie Capital
Suzanne Yoon is the Founder and Managing Partner of Kinzie Capital Partners, a Chicago- based private equity firm redefining the lower middle market. With over 25 years of experience, Suzanne founded Kinzie on the conviction that sustainable value is unlocked by integrating people and operational innovation with technology. Under her leadership, Kinzie specializes in founder transitions across the manufacturing, business services, and consumer sectors. Suzanne and her team move beyond traditional oversight to serve as hands-on partners, utilizing tech-driven efficiencies to scale established businesses while honoring their heritage. A recognized industry trailblazer, Suzanne has been honored by The Wall Street Journal as a Top Female Deal Maker and by Mergers & Acquisitions as a leading voice in Mid-Market M&A. Beyond the firm, she serves on the board of NYSE-listed ADT and the Chicago Bears Women's Advisory Board. An avid outdoorswoman and proud University of Iowa alumna, Suzanne enjoys golfing and fishing with her husband and three children.
February 19, 2026Episode 19342 min
Andy Unanue - AUA Private Equity Partners
Andy Unanue is the founder and Managing Partner of AUA Private Equity Partners, an operationally-focused, lower middle market investment firm with expertise in supporting and growing family-owned and demographic-driven businesses. Andy is a member of AUA Private Equity's Investment Committee, and under his leadership, AUA has deployed over $800 million of capital to date. AUA's business model is driven by Andy's own family background – he is a member of the Unanue family, which owns and runs Goya Foods, the largest producer of Spanish- and Latin-American foods in the United States. Andy's grandfather, Prudencio, founded the company in 1936, and Andy's father, Joe, was a legendary CEO of the company himself. Andy was a leader of Goya for many years, ultimately serving as its Chief Operating Officer before founding AUA. Andy currently serves on the boards of Tropical Cheese Industries and Westminster Pet Products, and previously served on the board of Goya Foods. Additionally, he serves on several not-for-profit boards including his family's charitable foundation, The C&J Unanue Foundation. Andy is a member of the University of Miami's Dean's Advisory Committee, the New America Alliance and is on the Columbia University Medical Center's Board of Advisors. Andy received his M.B.A from the Thunderbird School of Global Management and his B.B.A. from the University of Miami.
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