BluWave's Karma School of Business Podcast

Episode Rewind ? In episode 83, Sean Mooney sits down with Christian Bullitt, Managing Director at Raymond James | Private Capital Advisory, for a conversation on the evolving private equity fundraising landscape. From his early days in PR to his role in private equity, Christian shares unique insights on: ?? The critical role of operational excellence in today's market ?? What Limited Partners are really looking for ?? Why growth doesn’t always mean 20–30% year-over-year? ?? and more! Listen to the full episode on your favorite streaming platform.

This week, Trent Hickman, Co-Managing Partner at VSS Capital Partners , joins Sean Mooney at the Karma School of Business. Trent shares what he looks for in high-performing leadership teams — and why?intangibles?often determine success. Episode Highlights: ?? The one trait that matters more than anything else: integrity ?? Why investors want to see a shared vision — not just a stated one ??Spotting the “fire in the belly” — how to tell if founders are still hungry for growth Listen now on your favorite podcast platform or click the link in the comments to tune in.

New Episode! This week, we're joined by Trent Hickman, Co-Managing Partner at VSS Capital Partners who shares his blueprint for creating value, building trust, and fostering growth alongside visionary management teams. Episode Highlights: ?? What makes a great investment? The three key attributes Trent looks for in founder-led businesses ?? Building strong partnerships with management teams ?? Using third-party expertise and ensuring multiple ways to win ?? The importance of embracing change and leveraging external resources to accelerate business success ?? Advice to the next generation Listen to the brand new episode on any podcast platform or click the link in the comments below!

On episode 106, Sean Mooney sits down with Kristin Johnson of Altamont Capital Partners—and the conversation is packed with insight, leadership wisdom, and a few unexpected stories. Kristin shares how adaptability, grit, and curiosity have shaped her journey in private equity. They cover: ? How Altamont assesses opportunities through market dynamics, team capability, and long-term potential ? The power of Altamont’s “Red Team” approach to due diligence and decision-making ? Why people-first value creation—including AI innovation, safety programs, and broad-based ownership—is the key to sustainable success Listen to the full episode on your favorite streaming platform.

John Hodge, Partner at Rubicon Technology Partners, sat down with Sean Mooney on the Karma School of Business podcast—and shared three simple habits that have stuck with him throughout his career. 1?? Get up early. 2?? Don’t take yourself too seriously. 3?? Keep a positive attitude. Want more insights like this? Tune in to the full episode of the Karma School of Business Podcast on your favorite streaming platform today!

Episode Rewind ? Back in episode 32, Ed Hine joined Sean Mooney on the podcast to discuss the keys to building successful companies in private equity. Episode Highlights: ? Early alignment on vision sets the tone for success. ? Leadership is about contribution, not control. ? Joining a company means joining a mission—collaboration over ego. Listen to the full episode on your favorite streaming platform!

Is AI a risk or an opportunity? John Hodge?of?Rubicon Technology Partners?recently shared his perspective with the Karma School of Business?on how AI is evolving—and why enterprise software remains one of the most critical yet least understood drivers of the global economy. Key Takeaways: ??AI is accelerating—but its long-term risks and rewards are still unfolding. ??Enterprise software investment drives growth, with a proven correlation between software spending and economic expansion over the past 30 years. ??Productivity gains are inevitable, as AI and advanced technologies reshape how businesses operate. ??One thing won’t change—enterprise software remains essential to the modern economy, even as technology evolves. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform!?

NEW Episode featuring John Hodge, Partner at Rubicon Technology Partners! Sean Mooney chats with John to explore his journey from Buffalo, NY, to founding one of the premier private equity firms in enterprise software. John dives into the importance of culture, operational excellence, and aligning with portfolio companies to create value while sharing personal insights on leadership, humility, and change management. Listen to this brand new episode on any podcast platform or click the link in the comments to learn more! Start listening to the episode below to learn more about AI in enterprise software ??

On last week's episode of?Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney sat down with Ran Ding and Chris S. of Norwest to discuss their people-driven approach to private equity. Key Takeaways: ???Building Trust: The foundation of long-term success in founder-led businesses (8:45). ???Scaling with Culture: How to grow founder-driven companies while preserving what makes them unique (17:30). ???People-First Mindset: A core principle that sets Norwest apart in creating value and alignment (26:15). ???Real-World Examples: Supporting founders through thoughtful capital allocation (36:50). Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform!

?? Investing in People = Stronger Companies ?? On the latest Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney speaks with Kristin Johnson, Managing Director at Altamont Capital Partners, on how private equity firms drive real value through human capital—from HR and sales to marketing and FP&A. Kristin touches on one example in the clip below ?? improving workplace safety. By sharing best practices, Altamont has materially reduced accidents, creating a safer, more efficient workplace while saving costs. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform!