Private Equity Power Talks: Map of the Maze

In this episode of Private Equity Power Talks: Map of the Maze, we talk to Lars Pedersen, CEO of Questionmark. We discuss the difference between being a PE backed CEO in the UK and US, if and how you should internationalise and how to lead your team through an exit.

In this episode of Map of the Maze we talk to Mark Fowle, former CEO and Co-Founder of technology and services provider Attenda. We discuss how to scale technology businesses and the importance of leading with a purpose led ethos. Mark is currently Chairman at CTS and Datum Datacentres.

In this episode of Map of the Maze we talk to Ian Filby, Former CEO of DFS. We discuss what is required in the preparation, execution and aftermath of a successful IPO and how to find the right successor when you leave a business.

In this episode of Map of the Maze we talk to Richard Cotter, Former CEO of Snow + Rock. Richard has built a reputation for the rapid turnaround, transformation and growth of consumer businesses. We discuss some of the insights from Richard's book, "The Zebra Reality" such as fixing misalignment within your business, making the correct strategic choices and how to build a high performance team and culture. 

In this episode of Map of the Maze we talk to Peter Liney, CEO of Great Rail Journey’s. We discuss the best approach to US expansion, the importance of operating with transparency with your investors and the positive influence of a good Chair.

In this episode of Map of the Maze we talk to Brian Stringer who was CEO of Survitec about his experience of taking the business through multiple private equity transactions. We discuss the importance of timing, understanding your future PE buyers, the critical role of advisors and the importance of maintaining business performance through the sale process.

In this special edition of Map of the Maze we talk to industry expert Chris Paton who, after having a decorated career as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Royal Marines, went on to found and manage Quirk Solutions, a management consultancy specialising in business resilience and execution success. Chris bridges the gap between military and commercial life and talks to us about leading with vulnerability, stress testing the strategic planning process and closed-loop communication.

In this episode of Map of the Maze we talk to Jim Graham who has sat on both sides of the private equity fence as an Investor / Portfolio Director and as Executive Director. Jim gives us a unique perspective on the mechanics of raising and deploying a private equity fund as well as how the teams within the funds are incentivised.

In this episode of Map of the Maze we talk to Humphrey Cobbold, CEO of Pure Gym who has spent time on all sides of Private Equity as a deal consultant, a seller and a CEO. We discuss Humphrey’s ‘PE CEO Toolkit’ and what it takes to be a good leader, manage investor relationships and sell your business.

In this episode of Map of the Maze we talk to Steve Byrne, CEO of Travel Counsellors. Our topics of discussion include how to transition from an entrepreneurial, founder led business into one backed by PE, building and maintaining employee and customer relationships and the ever-changing tech landscape and potential impact of Artificial Intelligence.