X-Factor

Hosted by PrivateEquityCXO

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Latest episode

Jan 2025

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EN-US

About the show

X-Factor casts a spotlight on proven private equity-backed executives and the tools and tactics they leverage to create enterprise value within their portfolio companies. This podcast is brought to you by PrivateEquityCXO , the world’s largest digital community of PE-backed executives. Start your free membership today and unlock exclusive content and insights that help PE-backed executives drive performance.

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33 recent

January 9, 202512 min

Leadership Levers — Turning Culture into Cash Flow

Lindsay Guzowski, CEO and founder of The Crucible, recently joined Will Gladhart on Leadership Levers, a podcast presented by The Culture Think Tank. Lindsay and Will discuss how proactive, balanced culture-building can drive organizational performance and financial success in a competitive landscape. Unlock your full potential in private equity with The Crucible! Now available on PrivateEquityCXO at a special discounted price. Invest in yourself and take the next big step in your career journey today! X-Factor is presented by PrivateEquityCXO, the world’s largest digital community of PE-backed executives. Start your free membership today and unlock exclusive content and insights that help PE-backed executives drive performance.

December 19, 202445 min

Driving PortCo Value Creation Through Technology

Join us for a panel discussion on driving portfolio company value creation through technology. Christy Smith, VP of Search at FALCON, guest hosts a robust panel of technology leaders - Jeremy Smith, Chief Technology Officer at Suralink, Jay Webster, Board Advisor and Founder of ActiveLab, and Kurt Stein, President of DCT Strategy Inc. Tune in and discover how to harness the potential of technology to propel growth in your portfolio company with this expert panel.X-Factor is presented by PrivateEquityCXO, the world’s largest digital community of PE-backed executives. Start your free membership today and unlock exclusive content and insights that help PE-backed executives drive performance.

December 5, 202429 min

The Digital Shift — Navigating Technology in Private Equity

In this episode, we sit down with Matt Thomas, a seasoned executive who has held CEO, CIO, and COO roles across multiple PE-backed companies in the technology, software, energy, and industrial sectors. Matt offers valuable insights on optimizing your business through technology, no matter the industry. X-Factor is presented by PrivateEquityCXO, the world’s largest digital community of PE-backed executives. Start your free membership today and unlock exclusive content and insights that help PE-backed executives drive performance. This episode is hosted by FALCON Partner, Rob Huxtable. FALCON is a retained executive search firm exclusively recruiting C-level leaders in the PE-backed, middle market.

November 21, 202430 min

The CEO Playbook — Proven Strategies for Success in PE-Backed Companies

In this episode, we sit down with Bill Wosilius, an experienced private equity CEO and board member, to unpack the realities of leading in a PE-backed environment. Bill shares insights on navigating initial challenges, adapting to cultural differences, and balancing operational needs with investor expectations. We also explore what it takes to prove yourself as a first-time CEO, from tackling imposter syndrome to making tough decisions under pressure. Finally, Bill shares lessons learned from early mistakes, evolving his leadership style and aligning personal and company goals for long-term success. X-Factor is presented by PrivateEquityCXO, the world’s largest digital community of PE-backed executives. Start your free membership today and unlock exclusive content and insights that help PE-backed executives drive performance. This episode is hosted by FALCON Partner, Rob Huxtable. FALCON is a retained executive search firm exclusively recruiting C-level leaders in the PE-backed, middle market.

November 7, 202455 min

The Emergence of the GTM Operating Partner in Private Equity

Join us for a panel discussion on the evolution of the GTM (Go-to-Market) Operating Partner role in private equity, and why it’s becoming essential in today’s market. Joe Gravino, Principal, GTM Search Practice Lead at FALCON, guest hosts a robust panel of GTM-focused operating partners - Sherri Sklar, CEO of GrowthTera and GTM Advisor at Edison Partners, Kevin McShane, GTM Operating Advisor, Five Elms, and Dan Perry, Resource Partner, Sales Excellence at Court Square Capital Partners. X-Factor is presented by PrivateEquityCXO, the world’s largest digital community of PE-backed executives. Start your free membership today and unlock exclusive content and insights that help PE-backed executives drive performance. This episode is sponsored by Centrae, the revenue growth platform for private equity.

October 24, 202432 min

Culture as a Catalyst — Driving Business Transformation Through Teams

We recently sat down with Jon Sonnenschein, who has experience as both a multi-exited PE-backed CEO and an Operating Partner, to discuss getting the most out of an underutilized value creation lever: culture. X-Factor is presented by PrivateEquityCXO, the world’s largest digital community of PE-backed executives. Start your free membership today and unlock exclusive content and insights that help PE-backed executives drive performance. This episode is hosted by FALCON Partner, Rob Huxtable. FALCON is a retained executive search firm exclusively recruiting C-level leaders in the PE-backed, middle market.

October 10, 202435 min

Strengthening Your M&A Muscle in Private Equity

David Fleming, a multi-exited CFO with over 25 successful buy-side transactions, joins us to discuss how management teams can drive M&A activity and become stronger partners in deal origination and integration with their private equity sponsors. X-Factor is presented by PrivateEquityCXO, the world’s largest digital community of PE-backed executives. Start your free membership today and unlock exclusive content and insights that help PE-backed executives drive performance. This episode is hosted by FALCON Partner, Rob Huxtable. FALCON is a retained executive search firm exclusively recruiting C-level leaders in the PE-backed, middle market.

September 26, 202450 min

Building High-Performance Teams: Talent Strategies for Private Equity

Welcome back to the PrivateEquityCXO Webinar Series! Sarah DeMarco, Vice President of Search at FALCON, takes the reins as guest host of X-Factor. Sarah is joined by Amanda Fleig, Vice President of Human Resources at Chronicle Heritage and Maddy Hopsicker, Operating Partner of Talent at Summit Park. Together, they dive into winning strategies for spearheading talent efforts and driving value creation through HR excellence. X-Factor is presented by PrivateEquityCXO, the world’s largest digital community of PE-backed executives. Start your free membership today and unlock exclusive content and insights that help PE-backed executives drive performance. This episode is sponsored by Centrae, the revenue growth platform for private equity.

September 16, 202442 min

The PE-Backed Executive’s Guide to Achieving Sponsor Alignment

In this episode, we sit down with Bob Craycraft, a multi-exited, PE-backed CEO, to discuss navigating alignment with a PE firm, from the interview stage to the first 100 days and beyond. Want to join Bob in sharing insights on governance fit? Take 5 to 8 minutes to fill out the PE-CXO 2024 Private Equity Firm Performance Survey and help identify the firms that truly align with and support their executives. Your voice matters! X-Factor is presented by PrivateEquityCXO, the world’s largest digital community of PE-backed executives. Start your free membership today and unlock exclusive content and insights that help PE-backed executives drive performance. This episode is hosted by FALCON Partner, Rob Huxtable. FALCON is a retained executive search firm exclusively recruiting C-level leaders in the PE-backed, middle market.

August 29, 202435 min

Unlocking Revenue: Strategic Pricing in a Private Equity

In this episode, we sit down with Brian Lanier, Chief Financial Officer of Fishbowl, an inventory management software company backed by Diversis Capital. Brian shares his insights on strategic pricing within a private equity-backed environment. He breaks down his three essential rules for pricing: leverage your value proposition, determine the “credible no-brainer,” and keep it simple. This straightforward yet powerful approach has been crucial in driving enterprise value. Whether you're a CFO, business leader, or entrepreneur, Brian's actionable advice on pricing strategy will give you the tools to maximize value and set your company up for success. X-Factor is presented by PrivateEquityCXO, the world’s largest digital community of PE-backed executives. Start your free membership today and unlock exclusive content and insights that help PE-backed executives drive performance. This episode is hosted by FALCON Partner, Rob Huxtable. FALCON is a retained executive search firm exclusively recruiting C-level leaders in the PE-backed, middle market.