Deal Us In

Building a Lower Middle-Market Credit Powerhouse, with Marilyn Adler and Liddy Karter

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Marilyn Adler and Liddy Karter identified a gap where credit fund managers were getting larger and the lower middle market was getting ignored. They combined forces to “really go after the market,” forming Mizzen Capital. “We'll start with a company when it's two to five million of EBITDA and then help them with add-on acquisitions to get to their target EBITDA,” Marilyn says. Liddy adds: ”The steady returns come from diversification. We can pivot from one of several sectors.” In this conversation with host Ann Dorsett, the co-founders and managing partners describe their complementary backgrounds and their approach. Tune in as they reveal how they keep leverage low with their portfolio companies, why diverse teams price risk better, and when a warm referral from an aerospace CEO turned into a three-year relationship.

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☑️ Liddy Karter | LinkedIn

☑️ Marilyn Adler | LinkedIn

☑️ Mizzen Capital | LinkedIn

☑️ Ann Dorsett | LinkedIn

☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X

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This podcast was recorded and is being made available by McGuireWoods for informational purposes only. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that McGuireWoods makes no warranty, guarantee or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in the podcast. The views, information or opinions expressed during this podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of McGuireWoods. This podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state and should not be construed as an offer to make or consider any investment or course of action.

Opening Doors for Emerging Managers, with Raudline Etienne

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Raudline Etienne remembers seeing a Knight Foundation report that said the percentage of assets that minority and women-owned firms manage in aggregate was less than 2% of a multi-trillion dollar industry. “I found it to be offensive,” she recalls in this conversation with host Ann Terrell Dorsett. “I realized that there was so much talent out there that wasn't getting the opportunity and the fact that I was willing to be first was something that would help move the ball forward.” Raudline’s solution was to create Daraja Capital, a seeding platform that lowers the barriers of entry for aspiring fund managers. Tune in for her practical wisdom about building institutional relationships, creating wealth through diversity, and mentoring underrepresented talent.

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☑️ Raudline Etienne | LinkedIn

☑️ Daraja Capital | LinkedIn

☑️ Ann Dorsett | LinkedIn

☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X

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Keeping Business Resource Groups Useful and Fun, with Kristine Parker and Chrystal Pozin

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Kristine Parker and Chrystal Pozin reveal how they transformed the Women's Business Resource Group at Fifth Third Bank during the pandemic. It started with an introspective look at what the group wanted, they explain to host Casey Nelson. Then, they restructured the group around four key themes: personal connections, advancement and advocacy, philanthropy, and self-care. Tune in for their insights about creating inclusive communities, overcoming budget constraints, and building networks that truly serve their members.

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☑️ Chrystal Pozin

☑️ Kristine Parker

☑️ Casey Nelson | LinkedIn

☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X

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How Women’s World Banking Unlocks Billions in Hidden Revenue, with Mary Ellen Iskenderian

Thu, 15 May 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Mary Ellen Iskenderian of Women's World Banking shares her journey from traditional finance to leading global women's financial inclusion efforts. Drawing on 18 years as president and CEO, Mary Ellen explains how Women's World Banking evolved from its founding at the first UN women's conference to become both an NGO and an impact-focused asset manager.

With hosts Penny Zacharias and Casey Nelson, Mary Ellen discusses how digital technology transformed financial inclusion during the pandemic, helping reach 86 million women with vital financial services. She reveals the $700 billion opportunity that financial institutions miss by not serving women as viable customers and shares insights on how gender-focused investment drives both social impact and strong business returns.

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☑️ Mary Ellen Iskenderian | LinkedIn

☑️ Penny Zacharias | LinkedIn

☑️ Casey Nelson | LinkedIn

☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X

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Investing in Emerging Markets: Challenges and Payoffs, with Hannah Schiff

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Hannah Schiff of Developing World Markets navigates the delicate balance between meaningful impact and competitive financial returns in emerging markets investing. Drawing on her decade of experience in impact investing, Hannah shares how DWM directs capital through local entrepreneurs who understand their communities' needs.

With host Penny Zacharias, Hannah addresses investor skepticism by highlighting how impact is embedded in successful business models. She also reflects on inspiration from female leaders like Jacqueline Novogratz and discusses trends, including innovative approaches to help vulnerable populations build resilience against climate change through technology and targeted financing.

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☑️ Hannah Schiff | LinkedIn

☑️ Developing World Markets | LinkedIn

☑️ Penny Zacharias | LinkedIn

☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X

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Things Nobody Told Women in Finance about Self-Advocacy

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Hosts Casey Nelson and Kelly Wray invite three guests for their insights about how women in finance and law can advocate for themselves.

Linda Filardi of Flagstar Bank, Jess Yovich at BMO Commercial Bank, and McGuireWoods’ colleague Gretchen Townshend recall their own journeys to guide others. Among their suggested strategies: documenting accomplishments throughout the year, cultivating mentors, and getting the data that shows why people were promoted. They also remind women not to fall into the trap of thinking that self-advocacy is “bragging.”

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☑️ Linda Filardi | LinkedIn

☑️ Flagstar Bank | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X

☑️ Jess Yovich | LinkedIn

☑️ BMO Commercial Bank | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube | X

☑️ Gretchen Townshend | LinkedIn

☑️ Casey Nelson | LinkedIn

☑️ Kelly Wray | LinkedIn

☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X

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Grabbing the Bull by the Horns as an Independent Sponsor, with Chelsea Celistan

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 03:00:00 -0400

To underrepresented independent sponsors, Chelsea Celistan has a simple message: “There is a large market that you can do really well in. Full stop.”

The head of Independent Sponsor and Company Direct Investment Strategy at Avante Capital Partners, Chelsea shares her encouraging vision in this conversation with host

Phyllis Young. She also details challenges and strategies, emphasizing the need for discipline in finding the right deal, choosing the right partner, and creating value. Ultimately, “it's really just the people who are going to come in and grab the bull by its horns and kind of drive to make it happen. I think that's going to be who tends to win in this space,” she says.

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☑️ Chelsea Celistan | LinkedIn

☑️ Avante Capital Partners | LinkedIn

☑️ Phyllis Young

☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X

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Take Your Seat at the Table, with Kenna Craver

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 03:00:00 -0400

The two parties in the deal had different priorities, but Kenna Craver managed conflict by leveraging a superpower unique to women in private equity: fostering collaboration and trust.

The founder and managing partner of private investment firm Kamel Capital, Kenna encourages women in finance to recognize those strengths and more, including being “queens of multitasking.” In this conversation with host Phyllis Young, she also advises women not to wait for permission to take their seat at the table. “Build your skills and network strategically and be relentless in pursuing your goals,” she suggests.

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☑️ Kenna Craver | LinkedIn

☑️ Kamel Capital

☑️ Phyllis Young

☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X

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Women in Finance Can Overcome Challenges at Work; Here’s How

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 03:00:00 -0400

From mentors to hybrid work schedules to checking biases at the door, strategies for navigating workplace challenges are accessible but often require buy-in from colleagues and management.

Five McGuireWoods women attorneys at various stages of their careers offer these insights and more in this episode of Deal Us In. New hosts Kelly Wray and Casey Nelson join frequent hosts Ann Terrell Dorsett, Phyllis Young, and Kelsey Hitchcock for a conversation about lifestyle choices and career trajectories of women in private equity and finance. Sharing personal and professional anecdotes, the hosts cover topics ranging from taking care of children and aging parents to leveraging technology for on-the-job flexibility.

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☑️ Ann Terrell Dorsett

☑️ Phyllis Young

☑️ Kelly Wray

☑️ Casey Nelson

☑️ Kelsey Hitchcock

☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X

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Growing Businesses in Underserved Communities with Sheila Emami of St. Cloud Capital

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 03:00:00 -0400

An entrepreneur’s business is like their first-born child, says Sheila Emami. Her mission is to help them grow.

The vice president of St. Cloud Capital, Sheila explains the relationship-driven approach that St. Cloud leverages on behalf of small businesses and underserved communities nationwide. In this conversation with host Penny Zacharias, Sheila also discusses the importance of impact investing, promoting job creation, economic growth, and good corporate governance. For women seeking success in private equity, she stresses preparation and paying it forward so that representation in this arena continues on the upswing.

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☑️ Sheila Emami | LinkedIn

☑️ St. Cloud Capital

☑️ Penny Zacharias

☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X

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Private Markets, Diversity, and Impact Investing with Beata Kirr of The Copia Group, LLC

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Purpose. Private Markets. Impact. To some, those are mere concepts. But to The Copia Group’s Beata Kirr, those words are an investment strategy.

In this episode of Deal Us In, Beata Kirr joins host Phyllis Young to discuss impact investing, particularly in private markets. Tune in as Beata discusses how impact investing can lead to higher financial returns, the importance of diversity in the world of investing, and how women can continue to influence the finance industry.

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☑️ Beata Kirr | LinkedIn

☑️ The Copia Group, LLC on LinkedIn

☑️ Phyllis Young

☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter/X

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Scaling Success: How SC Moatti & Mighty Capital Defy Traditional Venture Capital Norms

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 03:00:00 -0400

What do you get when you cross an electrical engineering degree with an MBA? An innovative and successful fund manager.

In this episode of Deal Us In, one-of-a-kind venture capital firm manager SC Moatti of Mighty Capital joins host Kelsey Hitchcock to discuss how she carefully selects her investment opportunities, analyzes emerging challenges and issues in artificial technology, and shares her insights on the challenges women face in private equity and finance.

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☑️ SC Moatti | LinkedIn

☑️ Mighty Capital on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter/X, & Instagram

☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter/X

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Empowerment Through Maternal Guidance: Nurturing Confidence, Building Networks, and Mentorship with Amy Weisman and Julia Weisman

Fri, 10 May 2024 10:00:00 -0400

Don’t be deferential when you should be more confident. “Technical skills give you the confidence to speak up and take a seat at the table,” says Amy Weisman.

On this episode of Deal Us In, host Penny Zacharias, Partner at McGuireWoods, is joined by mother-daughter duo, Amy Weisman, Managing Director of Business Development at Sterling Investment Partners, and Julia Weisman, Account Manager at Bloomberg LP.

In a candid conversation, Amy, an accomplished private equity professional, and Julia, a rising star in finance, delve into their experiences in the finance sector. They offer insights into overcoming imposter syndrome, the power of networking, and the importance of striking a balance between work and personal life. Amy underscores the value of networking for career growth, highlighting Exponent Women, the organization she founded for women in private equity, while Julia emphasizes the value of mentorship and the role it has played in her career at Bloomberg. This episode provides essential guidance for women professionals navigating their careers in private equity and finance.

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☑️ Amy Weisman | LinkedIn

☑️ Julia Weisman | LinkedIn

☑️ Penny Zacharias | LinkedIn

☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter/X

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Balancing Work and Family and the Lessons Learned Along the Way with Laura Redinger

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 03:00:00 -0400

The workplace has changed considerably in recent years, making arrangements such as working from home more common. However, navigating a career path while simultaneously raising a family can still be challenging, especially in the high-powered financial industry.

On this episode of Deal Us In, host Kelsey Hitchcock, partner at McGuideWoods, welcomes guest Laura Redinger, Principal and Business Development Leader at Foundation Investment Partners, a private equity firm focused on acquiring niche manufacturers, high value added distributors, outsourced business service providers, and niche software developers.

Tune in to hear Laura share how she made the transition from commercial banking to private equity, and how she balanced being a working mom in a primarily male-dominated field, as well as the lessons she learned along the way. Laura also imparts advice for other women aspiring to leadership roles in private equity, particularly those facing gender-related obstacles in their career advancement.

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☑️ Laura Redinger | LinkedIn

☑️ Foundation Investment Partners | LinkedIn

☑️ Kelsey Hitchcock | LinkedIn

☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter/X

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Be Prepared to Pivot and Jump with Meredith Carter

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 03:00:00 -0400

If you could look ahead and see the future, and that future doesn’t appeal to you, then you might want to pivot your strategy or your career aspirations.

On this episode of Deal Us In, host Ann Dorsett, counsel at McGuireWoods, welcomes guest Meredith Carter, President and CEO of Edge Capital, a family office-backed specialty finance company outside of Philadelphia focused on providing asset-based loans to lower middle market companies.

Tune in to hear how Meredith got started in asset-based lending and how she successfully transitioned from a career in corporate law to niche specialty finance. Meredith also shares strategies for helping women advance in their organizations and advice for women who aspire to have a leadership role.

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☑️ Meredith Carter | LinkedIn

☑️ Edge Capital | LinkedIn

☑️ Ann Dorsett | LinkedIn

☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter/X

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Working Hard, Finding Balance, and Letting Go of ‘Mom Guilt’ with Kristin Gunther

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 03:00:00 -0400

We see people succeed and wonder how they got there. But it’s just as important to look at what they didn’t do, as it is to look at what they did.

On this episode of Deal Us In, host Xaviera Webb, an associate at McGuireWoods, is joined by guest Kristin Gunther, partner at Revolution Growth, a venture firm based in Washington, D.C. With over 15 years of experience in private equity, finance, and operations, Kristin shares her journey, her struggles, and her advice for women seeking to achieve success in the finance industry.

Tune in to hear Xaviera and Kristin discuss juggling work and family commitments, the trade-offs of being a working mom, and ‘mom guilt’. They also talk about the character traits that have enabled Kristin to succeed in the high-intensity worlds of both private equity and venture capital, the strategies Kristin finds most effective in managing competing priorities, and the specific challenges unique to women in a competitive workplace.

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☑️ Kristin Gunther | LinkedIn

☑️ Revolution Growth | Twitter/X | Instagram | LinkedIn

☑️ Xaviera Webb | LinkedIn

☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter/X

☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music

Promoting Female Leadership: Be the Difference You Want to See with Hannah Jordana

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Depending on where you work, financial institutions can have a churn-and-burn atmosphere. How does this affect work-life balance, particularly for aspiring female business leaders? Although previous generations did a lot of the heavy lifting in terms of overcoming barriers to female leadership, there's always work to be done.

On this episode of Deal Us In, host Phyllis Young, a partner at McGuireWoods, is joined by guest Hannah Jordana, Senior Vice President of Commercial and Industrial Lending at Cadence Bank, to discuss women in the finance industry.

Tune in to hear Hannah’s journey and experience in private equity and finance and how she got involved in deal-making. Hannah and Phyllis also discuss some of the obstacles women face in business, how to address those challenges, and ways in which organizations can actively support and empower women to take on leadership roles in deal execution and decision making.

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☑️ Hannah Jordana | LinkedIn

☑️ Phyllis Young | LinkedIn

☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter/X

☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music

Start Strong in a Private Equity Career, With Alyssa Daniel of PNC Mezzanine Capital

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Most of us have experienced imposter syndrome. But when you’re the only woman of color in a predominantly white, male-dominated field, it can feel like you’re shooting above your weight.

On this episode of Deal Us In, McGuireWoods associate Xaviera Webb talks to Alyssa Daniel, a private equity associate with PNC Mezzanine Capital, about Alyssa’s journey into private equity, including some of the challenges she faced and how she overcame them. They discuss the role of mentorship, the need to advocate for yourself and the importance of making connections. Alyssa also shares some advice for aspiring private equity professionals.

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☑️ Alyssa Daniel | LinkedIn | TikTok

☑️ PNC Mezzanine Capital

☑️ Xaviera Webb | LinkedIn

☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter/X

☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music

Investing in Black Women: How Tamika Tyson and TGC Are Bridging the Gap

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 03:00:00 -0400

For Tamika Tyson, problem solving has not only always been her greatest strength, but also the driving force behind her co-founding her own private equity firm, TGC Impact.

With more than 25 years of experience in risk management and structure, Tamika has worked in banking, energy, industrial, and international markets and through five different economic cycles. What she heard and witnessed over and over were talks of a capital issue. She decided to take matters into her own hands.

On this episode of Deal Us In, host Xaviera Webb, an associate at McGuireWoods, is joined by Tamika Tyson, co-founder of TGC Impact, to discuss the access to capital growth, booming business opportunities in the American South, and how other Black women and women of color can break into the private equity sector — and stay there!

💡 Featured Guest 💡

Name: Tamika Tyson

What she does: Tamika is a co-founder of TGC Impact, which invests growth capital in diverse and women-led or managed companies. As an industry thought leader and executive partner, Tamika has supported highly strategic business initiatives across the globe.

Company: TGC Impact

Where to find Tamika: LinkedIn

🗝️ Key Points 🗝️

Top takeaways from this episode

Harness strong characteristics. Tamika advises women and people of color who want to get into private equity to be problem solvers, take calculated risks, be authentic, and be resilient.

Remain focused on your goals. Sometimes getting in isn’t the hard part but staying there is. Tamika believes sharp focus and determination are keys to success.

Challenges are opportunities in disguise waiting to be conquered. Always rise to the challenge. Take the chance. Bet on yourself.

🎙️ About Deal Us In 🎙️

✔️ Thank you for joining us at the table for this episode of Deal Us In. We invite you to join the conversation by using our #Dealusinpodcast on Twitter or LinkedIn.

✔️ Don’t miss another episode! Subscribe in your preferred podcast app.

✔️ If you have a recommendation for an inspiring interviewee, a question you'd like us to ask, or a topic you would like to hear covered, or if you'd like to tell us about women-focused initiatives in the field, please go to our website. We look forward to hearing from you.

Empathy, Persistence, and Patience In Private Equity with Aneesha Raghunathan

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 03:00:00 -0400

On this episode of Deal Us In, host Rebecca Rheney, an associate at McGuireWoods, is joined by Aneesha Raghunatha, Vice President at Susquehanna Growth Equity. Aneesha has industry expertise across fintech and healthcare and currently focuses on data and enterprise software. Her current companies include Sievo, ZenQMS, LiveBarn, MediSpend, and more.

As a woman of color, Aneesha talks candidly about the value of diversity in the private equity sector and what advantages it brings to companies and their potential deals. From beating imposter syndrome and thriving in the private equity sector to learning the “non-glamorous” basics and speaking up in meetings, Aneesha offers an inspiring mix of valuable insights and practical advice to listeners.

💡 Featured Guest 💡

Name: Aneesha Raghunathan

What she does: Aneesha is the current Vice President at Susquehanna Growth Equity, an entrepreneur-centric growth equity firm. She has spent the last eight years of her career investing in technology data and software companies across venture capital, private equity, and growth equity stages.

Company: Susquehanna Growth Equity

Where to find Aneesha: LinkedIn

🗝️ Key Points 🗝️

Top takeaways from this episode

Diversity is worth the investment. Inclusion and diversity ensures that more perspectives and varying voices are brought to the conversations.

Women can lean on women. In a predominantly male sector like private equity, Aneesha sees women supporting women, forming circles of trust.

Finding your voice is key. Aneesha’s greatest piece of advice for other aspiring young women in private equity is to not be afraid to speak up.

🎙️ About Deal Us In 🎙️

✔️ Thank you for joining us at the table for this episode of Deal Us In. We invite you to join the conversation by using our #Dealusinpodcast on Twitter or LinkedIn.

✔️ Don’t miss another episode! Subscribe in your preferred podcast app.

Reflections on the Past, Present and Future of Women in Private Equity and Finance

Thu, 18 May 2023 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Deal Us In, hosts Phyllis Young, Ann Terrell Dorsett, and Kelsey Hitchcock welcome guests Xaviera Webb and Rebecca Rheney to the podcast. As newer, younger members of the McGuireWoods team, Xaviera and Rebecca bring a fresh perspective to this series.

In their first episode, the two McGuireWoods associates flip the script a little, asking the hosts themselves about their own careers, trajectories, and experiences as women in the private equity and finance space.

From industry changes over the course of the last decade to building lasting relationships between women in this sector, Phyllis, Ann, and Kelsey dive deep into the industry secrets they feel have helped them find lasting success.

This episode is teeming with advice for young professionals like Xaviera and Rebecca, who share openly about their own experiences in private equity and finance, and reflect on what it means for their budding careers.

💡 Featured Guests 💡

Name: Xaviera Webb

What she does: Xaviera is a Corporate & Private Equity associate at McGuireWoods in Charlotte, NC, where she focuses on capital markets, venture capital, and emerging companies.

Company: McGuireWoods

Where to find Xaviera: LinkedIn

Name: Rebecca Rheney

What she does: Rebecca is an associate at McGuireWoods in Raleigh, NC, where she primarily focuses on private equity and other financing transactions, as well as mergers and acquisitions.

Company: McGuireWoods

Where to find Rebecca: LinkedIn

🗝️ Key Points 🗝️

Top takeaways from this episode

Women supporting women through sponsorship is beneficial to everyone involved. Women in leadership roles help other women climb up the mountain.

There is still room to improve. Even with more women securing partner and leadership roles in firms, Phyllis, Ann, and Kelsey each agree that there is still room for women in private equity and finance to see more improvements in equality.

A strong sense of character will get you far. Each of these women has a strong sense of their own character.

🎙️ About Deal Us In 🎙️

✔️ Thank you for joining us at the table for this episode of Deal Us In. We invite you to join the conversation by using our #Dealusinpodcast on Twitter or LinkedIn.

✔️ Don’t miss another episode! Subscribe in your preferred podcast app.

Building Your Leadership Toolkit: How To Lead With Influence

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Disruptions in the marketplace challenge even the most seasoned of leaders. Those who can pause and ask the difficult questions when the market is shifting will find they don’t just have an organization that survives, but one that sustains and thrives.

Deal Us In host Phyllis Young welcomes LaDawn Townsend, Founder and CEO of VOS Group, to discuss how to help leaders lead. LaDawn has spent over nine years coaching CEOs and Boards on how to build the next generation of leaders to become influential and authentic leaders.

VOS Group is a boutique leadership advisory and strategic agency that helps leaders lead through tough situations. The vision for the company came together after LaDawn personally experienced a layoff that left her vowing to help recalibrate and drive a purpose-driven strategy for organizations.

“Here's where the leadership lesson is: As a leader, you don't always need a PowerPoint or data, you need to trust your professional gut, your gut that your CV is built on your MBA,” LaDawn says, describing how she coaches clients and herself. “You smell smoke before a fire and that is the moment you need to just lean in and listen.”

Throughout the episode, LaDawn shares real-life examples and situations that have shaped how she approaches leadership training to nurture organizations and develop strong leaders.

💡 Featured Guest 💡

Name: LaDawn Townsend

What she does: LaDawn is the CEO of the VOS Group, a leadership development and strategic advisory firm, and the creator of the Recalibrate Leadership methodology. She has taught leaders in the public and private sector over the past nine years how to lead effectively through times of crisis, disruption, and change. She believes that business can be a force for good and that begins with the leadership at the helm.

Company: VOS Group

Where to find LaDawn: Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram | Website

🗝️ Key Points 🗝️

Top takeaways from this episode

Bring both sides of the aisle together — Strong leaders can bring different opinions and viewpoints to the table and unite both sides toward the common goal of moving the organization forward. Leaders of influence can bring unity to the table so the organization, shareholders, and employees can all win together.

Yes is yes and no is no — Being an authentic leader means setting standards and accountability in how you coach your team. Your team must trust you to be a person of your word while still allowing room for a ‘Tom Cruise Moment’ inspired by the Mission Impossible movies, which LaDawn describes as having your team know that when you say you’re working on it you’ll get back to them with a yes or a no when you can.

A character trait starts with character — Regardless of the situation, how we choose to show up and respond makes all the difference. Leaders need to have boundaries and character around what they want to communicate. Being clear on this allows leaders to put the company first and move the organization forward.

🎙️ About Deal Us In 🎙️

✔️ Thank you for joining us at the table for this episode of Deal Us In. We invite you to join the conversation by using our #Dealusinpodcast on Twitter or LinkedIn.

✔️ Don’t miss another episode! Subscribe in your preferred podcast app.

Deal Resolutions for the New Year

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Are you making deal resolutions for the New Year? In this episode of Deal Us In, we welcome back McGuireWoods partners Jodie Herrmann Lawson and Susan Rodriguez to share their deal resolutions for 2023 with host Kelsey Hitchcock.

Kelsey, Jodie and Susan explore what people should be thinking through as they approach deals this year. This includes more upfront scrutiny of I9s, when to consider indemnification provisions, and what you should do if your seller has an ongoing audit.

Before you walk into a deal this year, it’s important to understand what you should be prepared for, including how to navigate due diligence and any issues that may arise from it.

Both Jodie and Susan agree that there's no substitute for good counsel that you trust. Having a trusted advisor in your corner who can look at potential roadblocks in advance may help you avoid a phone call to the litigator.

💡 Featured Guest 💡

Name: Jodie Herrmann Lawson

What she does: Jodie is a high-stakes litigator who represents clients in federal and state court and arbitrations. She defends Fortune 100 companies and other businesses in cases involving torts, contract disputes, property disputes, class actions, and fiduciary, energy, and financial services litigation.

Company: McGuireWoods

Where to find Jodie: LinkedIn

Name: Susan Rodriguez

What she does: Susan, co-leader of the firm’s financial institutions industry team, primarily focuses on government investigations and complex civil litigation. She has defended clients in numerous government enforcement actions by the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), among others

Company: McGuireWoods

Where to find Susan: LinkedIn

🗝️ Key Points 🗝️

Top takeaways from this episode

Make I9s part of standard due diligence. Instead of adding a review of I9s to the back of a deal, it is now common to make auditing the paperwork part of upfront diligence.

Don’t let I9 issues kill a deal. In the event that you discover a serious non-compliance issue with I9s, such as government penalties, you can consider indemnification provisions to protect the deal.

Approach with caution if an audit is underway. It’s not uncommon to encounter a company still undergoing an audit, especially as the pandemic caused some audits to drag across several years.

🎙️ About Deal Us In 🎙️

✔️ Thank you for joining us at the table for this episode of Deal Us In. We invite you to join the conversation by using our #Dealusinpodcast on Twitter or LinkedIn.

✔️ Don’t miss another episode! Subscribe in your preferred podcast app.

✔️ If you have a recommendation for an inspiring interviewee, a question you'd like us to ask, or a topic you would like to hear covered, or if you'd like to tell us about women-focused initiatives in the field, please email us at wpef@mcguirewoods.com. We look forward to hearing from you.

A Pivot From Professional Pianist to Successful Acquisition Management with Boyne Capital’s Renny Sie

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Deal Us In, we welcome Renny Sie as she joins host Kelsey Hitchcock to discuss her role as Vice President of Business Development and investor Relations at Boyne Capital and her non-traditional track that brought her there.

Renny Sie brings a unique perspective to business acquisition: her formative years were spent as a professional pianist. After following a path orchestrated by her parents, Renny realized her career as a professional musician was no longer sustainable and wasn't sure what tools she could bring into her next professional pursuit.

Highlighting her dedication, laser focus, and passion for relationships, Renny began the transition and returned to school. She now recognizes her unorthodox introduction is one of her biggest assets. "The leadership (at Boyne Capital) understands that diverse backgrounds can bring diverse perspectives, and providing diverse value adds to any deal."

Kelsey and Renny talk about why representation, discipline, and emotional intelligence are so important and why acquisitions are a relationship business over a financial industry.

"There's the overall learning of a new piece that you're in each day of practice. But there's the melody itself and how you play different parts of it. In any deal process, there's new things that come up or new things or parts of the process that are more critical on a certain deal than in others — how you ‘soft play’ or ‘soft pedal’ certain aspects of communications."

In this episode, Renny also shares advice she would give to her younger self and encourages everyone to celebrate the small wins.

💡 Featured Guest 💡

Name: Renny Sie

What she does: Renny is the Vice President of Business Development and Investor Relations at Boyne. She connects with potential acquisition targets or potential partners, and nurtures relationships with Boyne Capital investors.

Company: Boyne Capital

Where to find Rennie: Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube

🗝️ Key Points 🗝️

Top takeaways from this episode

Why it's essential for women to be in private equity — Renny gives three reasons why women need to be in private equity.

It's not just about making friends — One of Renny's early mentors said, "Your job is to make friends."

What would you say to your past self at the beginning of this journey? — The most significant lesson Renny has learned since entering private equity is to be kind to herself and others.

🎙️ About Deal Us In 🎙️

✔️ Thank you for joining us at the table for this episode of Deal Us In. We invite you to join the conversation by using our #Dealusinpodcast on Twitter or LinkedIn.

✔️ Don’t miss another episode! Subscribe in your preferred podcast app.

✔️ If you have a recommendation for an inspiring interviewee, a question you'd like us to ask, or a topic you would like to hear covered, or if you'd like to tell us about women-focused initiatives in the field, please email us at wpef@mcguirewoods.com. We look forward to hearing from you.

Why Diversity is Critical to the Future of Investing with Avante Capital’s Amanda Kim

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 00:15:00 -0400

We all have that voice in our head: the one telling us we’re imposters, we’re not cut out for this, we’ll never be able to catch up to the men in our industry.

As a woman in investing, you might not ever have the same opportunities as the men out there, especially if you take time off for maternity leave or have a family at home to provide for. So it’s no surprise that those voices in our heads can nag us into feeling incapable.

Avante Capital Partners' Principal* Amanda Kim knows these voices well. She started her career in a finance role at Goldman Sachs before applying for a position as associate at Avante Capital, a role far different from what she was used to.

“Even earlier this week, I said, Why am I doing this podcast? […] I don't know if I'm qualified to be on this podcast,” Amanda says. “However, you can work smartly, differently, and add value. Bring[ing] your genius to the table such that you are a force of nature [and] your company is never gonna want to let go.”

Tune in to this episode of Deal Us In as host Ann Terrell Dorsett chats with Amanda about what it’s like to work in a 100-percent women-led company and what it means to foster a diverse and welcoming workplace. Amanda also tells us why diversity is so important, and shares her biggest tips for making deals.

*At the time of this recording, Amanda Kim held the position of Vice President at Avante Capital Partners.

💡 Featured Guest 💡

Name: Amanda Kim

What she does: As Principal at Avante Capital Partners — a women-owned private capital fund in Los Angeles — Amanda is responsible for identifying, underwriting, executing, and managing investment opportunities.

Company: Avante Capital Partners

Where to find Amanda: LinkedIn

🗝️ Key Points 🗝️

Top takeaways from this episode

Diversity makes a difference — A workplace that prioritizes diversity in both hiring and investing opportunities tends to be more collaborative and empathetic compared with environments that are white and male-dominated, Amanda says.

Relationships are key to success — Knowing the anatomy of a sale is valuable in dealmaking, but relationship building is just as, if not more, important. A strong relationship shows that you’re committed and helps build trust between you and your client.

A diverse workplace is about more than just hiring — Once you’ve made your workplace more diverse, there’s more work to be done to get them to stay a while, especially in an industry that is male-dominated. A few effective ways to retain your employees are by fostering support networks and making sure your company invests in professional development and childcare.

🎙️ About Deal Us In 🎙️

✔️ Thank you for joining us at the table for this episode of Deal Us In. We invite you to join the conversation by using our #Dealusinpodcast on Twitter or LinkedIn.

✔️ Don’t miss another episode! Subscribe in your preferred podcast app.

Learning the Importance of Adaptability and Building Relationships as Investment Bankers

Tue, 31 May 2022 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Deal Us In, Amanda Verner Thompson and Vasanta Pundarika join host Kelsey Hitchcock to discuss their now sixteen-year-long career together in investment banking. After working at the same healthcare investment banking group through several acquisitions, the pair eventually went to work for Matrix Capital Markets Group where they built a brand new healthcare group: Healthcare Investment Banking.

From financial crises to the COVID pandemic, Amanda and Vasanta are no strangers to an unpredictable, unsteady environment. In fact, the two have grown to thrive on that, accepting challenge after challenge, adapting, and finding creative ways to still make deals for their clients.

The two talk about strategies for successful deals, as well as advice specifically for women trying to break into investment banking or simply trying to advance in their organizations.

Together, Amanda and Vasanta have navigated the ups and downs of investment banking and have come out on top. They offer insights into the power of both having mentors and being mentors, finding camaraderie amongst a team, and growing those relationships.

💡 Featured Guests 💡

Names: Amanda Verner Thompson and Vasanta Pundarika

What they do: As co-heads of Healthcare Investment Banking at Matrix Capital Markets Group, Amanda and Vasanta develop plans for new clients and manage all aspects of client transactions. They focus on health care services and managed care.

Company: Matrix Capital Markets Group

Where to find them: Amanda's LinkedIn | Vasanta's LinkedIn

🗝️ Key Points 🗝️

Top takeaways from this episode

Women in investment banking must stay on their toes — Investment banking requires flexibility and adaptability. Being a woman in the field requires that, and much more. Women in investment banking, according to Amanda and Vasanta, need to be smarter and work harder because it is such a male-dominated field.

There are benefits to being a woman in investment banking — Amanda and Vasanta cite their inherent emotional intelligence, multitasking skills, and mental prowess as women as some of their greatest assets in the field.

Volume drives trends — At the height of the COVID pandemic, many people steered away from hospitals and nursing homes, choosing smaller healthcare options to keep safe. Amanda and Vasanta say this is still a trend they are seeing today, one that they are very interested in. They anticipate more deal flows into smaller, privatized healthcare systems.

🎙️ About Deal Us In 🎙️

✔️ Thank you for joining us at the table for this episode of Deal Us In. We invite you to join the conversation by using #Dealusinpodcast on Twitter or LinkedIn.

✔️ Don’t miss another episode! Subscribe in your preferred podcast app.

Managing Your Career Like a Sports Team – How to Succeed in Private Equity

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Deal Us In, Katie-Rose Higgins joins host Ann Dorsett to share what it’s like to be at the VP level working on deals in M&A. As Vice President at Falfurrias Capital Partners, Katie-Rose has a wealth of knowledge on what it’s like to work on the deal-execution side of the industry.

From the intensive demands of due diligence to post close-strategy sessions with CEOs and board of directors, Katie-Rose shares a holistic look at the many facets of work involved with private equity. She also shares ideas for ways to encourage diversity in the profession.

“I think it's important to be a little bit more open-minded and consider different backgrounds,” explains Katie-Rose when discussing how to encourage more women to get involved in private equity. “When we recruit, I view it as getting the raw materials right. For us, those are things like intellectual curiosity, how someone carries themselves, their maturity, their intelligence, and their ability to put the team first. These are things that don't change. They're consistent personality characteristics.”

In addition to advice on recruiting diverse candidates, Katie-Rose and Ann discuss how firms can support team members in building their networks and helping people feel included and supported throughout their careers.

For those weighing the pros and cons of returning to school to pursue an MBA, Katie-Rose shares how she approached the decision herself. She explains that when you’re employed at a firm, you no longer need to have an MBA before advancing to the VP level.

💡 Featured Guest 💡

Name: Katie-Rose Higgins

What she does: As Vice President at Falfurrias Capital Partners, Katie-Rose has had a successful career at the firm since joining in 2016 as an analyst. She previously served as an analyst at Charleston-based Sherman Financial Group, a global investment company with a dominant position in the debt-purchases and services industry.

Company: Falfurrias Capital Partners

Where to find Kaite-Rose: LinkedIn

🗝️ Key Points 🗝️

Top takeaways from this episode

Investing capital is like developing a winning sports team — When considering a capital investment, Katie-Rose takes inspiration from how her dad develops a successful football team. She explains how to identify success in investments by creating a strategic plan: put your A-team out front, cultivate the right culture, and improve operations where needed. When you have these pieces in place, you can guarantee better outcomes in three to five years.

Being the only woman in the room — It is your ability to execute and your knowledge of the field you work in that makes you successful in private equity. By doing your homework and holding yourself accountable, you ensure that no one questions why, or whether you deserve to have a seat at the table.

Taking an open-minded approach to recruitment — When hiring, it's not uncommon in private equity to have dozens of predominantly male candidates apply for one opening. Katie-Rose aspires to encourage more women to enter the space. She believes it’s important to be open-minded and consider different backgrounds, including what Katie-Rose refers to as the candidate’s “raw materials.”

🔆 Episode Highlights 🔆

[03:37] A fortuitous path into private equity: Katie-Rose explains how she landed in private equity. Falfurrias recruits analysts straight from college, and while not a typical recruitment approach, this was how she got her start.

[06:06] Finding commonalities with peers: When you work in private equity, you have to be comfortable with small talk. Katie-Rose shares how she approaches finding common ground with colleagues and uses that to build relationships, especially within the industry.

[07:41] Encouraging diversity through recruitment practices: Katie-Rose is actively involved in recruitment at her firm. In this role, she experiences first-hand the challenges of receiving 100 mostly-male applicants. Companies that rely on regimented talent pipelines struggle with diversity.

[10:20] There’s no textbook for real-world problems: Anyone considering pausing their career to return to school, Katie-Rose sees it differently. She recommends not discounting the real-world experience you will gain while doing the work, likely in the same amount of time it takes to temporarily leave the industry to get your MBA.

[12:28] Building your network: Katie-Rose shares how she has built her network by getting involved in boards and community groups, such as The Arts Empowerment Project. She is also grateful to members of her firm for the introductions they provide.

[16:05] Don’t wait until you’re an expert to participate: From Katie-Rose’s perspective, she has seen women hold back from participating in events because they don’t see themselves as an expert in their field. Her advice is to stop waiting for success to come to you: Jump in with both feet; put yourself out there and build your connections now.

🎙️ About Deal Us In 🎙️

✔️ Thank you for joining us at the table for this episode of Deal Us In. We invite you to join the conversation by using our #Dealusinpodcast on Twitter or LinkedIn.

✔️ If you have questions about today’s conversation, please feel free to reach out to Molly White at mwhite@mainstcapital.com or Ariail Barker at ariail@7mileadvisors.com.

✔️ Don’t miss another episode! Subscribe in your preferred podcast app.

What 2021 Tells Us About Finance and Private Equity Trends in 2022

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 03:00:00 -0400

With 2021 in the metaphorical rearview mirror, it’s time to think about what we learned last year, and the implications for the future.

In this episode of the Deal Us In podcast, host Ann Dorsett sits down with McGuireWoods partner Phyllis Young and associate Kelsey Hitchcock to discuss finance and private equity trends they took note of in 2021.

If there was one word to sum up 2021, it might be frenetic. It certainly kept the team on their toes.

Although it didn’t necessarily look like the busiest year, Phyllis said the debt financing space saw a lot of activity from borrowers and lenders in 2021. Borrowers in particular also benefited from more opportunities in the energy markets. And there were also a lot of acquisitions, necessitating more add-on financing.

Indeed, everyone noticed an increase in deal activity. The fluctuating state of the COVID pandemic played a role in the unpredictability of the year, as companies struggled to respond to ever-changing requirements, while also trying to keep employees on board.

The general consensus is that these staffing challenges will continue into 2022.

“It's hard to imagine the pendulum on a lot of these issues swinging seamlessly back to where we began in early 2020,” Kelsey says. “We're starting from a new normal, and that's an ever-evolving place.”

Listen in to hear more of the team’s top trends, which ones they think will have an impact in 2022, and lessons they believe should be applied this year.

💡 Featured Guests 💡

Name: Phyllis Young

What she does: Phyllis is a partner at McGuireWoods. She’s a transactional lawyer with significant experience in finance, financial restructurings, mergers and acquisitions, and other corporate matters. She routinely handles secured lending transactions, debt restructuring, and complex intercreditor arrangements.

Company: McGuireWoods

Where to find Phyllis: LinkedIn

Name: Kelsey Hitchcock

What she does: Kelsey is an associate at McGuireWoods. She focuses on corporate transactions, representing public and private companies in diverse industries in mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, commercial transactions, and corporate governance matters.

Company: McGuireWoods

Where to find Kelsey: LinkedIn

🗝️ Key Points 🗝️

Top takeaways from this episode

Debt financing trends in 2021 — Phyllis found 2021 to be a busy year in terms of debt financing. She also noticed lots of first lien deals with commercial banks, energy markets providing new opportunities to borrowers, and an increase in acquisition activity.

Representations and warranty insurance challenges — A hot deal market in 2021 coupled with labor shortages, rising costs, and an abundance of choice for underwriters made it challenging to negotiate rep and warranty insurance for deals. With many deals only receiving one bid, negotiating costs was nearly impossible. Moving into 2022, the market seems to be correcting, with a return to multiple bids per deal, and stabilizing costs.

Optimizing your work life — After a few years of working from home or hybrid, all three lawyers have advice on optimizing work environments for maximum productivity. Suggestions include creating a dedicated workspace set up with everything you need, taking breaks, and having clearly defined to-do lists.

🔆 Episode Highlights 🔆

[02:22] Energy markets opening up: Phyllis saw energy markets opening up in 2021, providing borrowers with better terms.

[03:39] New challenges in purchase agreements: Kelsey reviews some of the changes she saw when putting together purchase agreements over the course of 2021. Businesses are struggling to achieve financial continuity, and pandemic relief programs have made it harder to reach accurate valuations.

[07:24] The rep and warranty insurance squeeze: Ann describes the challenges she saw getting representation and warranties for deals in 2021, thanks to a busy market, labor shortage, and rising costs.

[10:21] Look out for these 2021 trends in 2022: Kelsey observes that the trends and challenges she saw in 2021 have continued into the new year.

[13:43] Interest in new products: Phyllis predicts that we’ll continue to see a strong interest in new markets, including fintech, ad tech, bitcoin, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG).

[24:53] Working from home efficiently: Phyllis believes that people can be just as efficient working from home as they are working in the office. All three lawyers share how they make it work for them.

🎙️ About Deal Us In 🎙️

✔️ Thank you for joining us at the table for this episode of Deal Us In. We invite you to join the conversation by using our #Dealusinpodcast on Twitter or LinkedIn.

✔️ If you have questions about today’s conversation, please feel free to reach out to Molly White at mwhite@mainstcapital.com or Ariail Barker at ariail@7mileadvisors.com.

✔️ Don’t miss another episode! Subscribe in your preferred podcast app.

Honoring your Voice and Why Mentorship Matters

Sun, 23 Jan 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Although women have made big strides in the private equity field, they are still a minority in workplaces dominated by men.

In this episode, Melissa Mounce, Managing Director of Leadership, Talent, and Diversity at GTCR, shares her perspective on the impact and experiences of women in the industry – including some of the obstacles stacked against them.

One of the most powerful ways women can drive change is by sharing their unique backgrounds and experiences with men.

“Your perspective is important, it's valuable, and it may be somebody else's blind spot,” Melissa says.

She also shares her own experience working remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic and how, surprisingly, the forced move away from in-person communications expanded her access to executives and sped up recruitment processes.

Yet, remote work has made office drop-ins and coffee chats with mentors and mentees harder to come by. Melissa provides insight into how female professionals can connect with leaders in the private equity industry virtually.

💡 Featured Guest 💡

Name: Melissa Mounce

What she does: Melissa Mounce is Managing Director of Leadership, Talent, and Diversity at GTCR, where she works to build diverse teams of investment professionals for a portfolio of companies. She is also a co-founder of the Private Equity Network of Operating Women.

Company: GTCR

Where to find Melissa: LinkedIn

🗝️ Key Points 🗝️

Top takeaways from this episode

Be a model of inclusion — Traditions in the workplace can unintentionally exclude women. Companies need to become more inclusive, but women can help bridge the gap by educating male colleagues about their experiences.

Use your voice — Don’t be afraid to speak up. Your perspective, especially as a woman, brings valuable and unique insight to a room full of men.

Lead the way — Seasoned women in leadership roles should mentor younger women to help pull them up through the ranks. Find organizations outside of work to engage in mentorship and networking.

🔆 Episode Highlights 🔆

[01:44] Chance encounter: Melissa describes how she got into private equity after a coincidental conversation with a venture capital partner on an airplane.

[04:13] Advantages and hurdles: Women bring different perspectives and even investment opportunities to the field of private equity. However, as they aren’t the majority group in these organizations, they can sometimes be unintentionally excluded from male-focused norms.

[11:15] The remote work boost: While working remotely has its advantages for everyone, Melissa describes how it’s specifically helped her gain executives and quicken recruiting processes. Remote work has also presented some challenges in the way of geographical issues and missed in-person meetings.

[16:23] Find mentors outside the office: With many people still working at home, the way we connect with mentors has shifted. Organizations such as the Private Equity Network of Operating Women can help working females build strong connections with like-minded professionals.

[18:50] If you only knew: Melissa shares the priceless advice she would now give to her younger (fresh-out-of-college) self.

🎙️ About Deal Us In 🎙️

✔️ Thank you for joining us at the table for this episode of Deal Us In. We invite you to join the conversation by using our #Dealusinpodcast on Twitter or LinkedIn.

✔️ If you have questions about today’s conversation, please feel free to reach out to Molly White at mwhite@mainstcapital.com or Ariail Barker at ariail@7mileadvisors.com.

✔️ Don’t miss another episode! Subscribe in your preferred podcast app.

Navigating Work and Family Life as a Woman During the COVID Pandemic

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 03:00:00 -0400

Women have always faced intense pressure to prove themselves and prioritize the needs of others. While it may be more latent these days, the burden is still very much alive.

“I really do think that it's worth recognizing that we still, in many ways, live in a patriarchal society,” says Blair Bishop, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. “A lot of us have internalized that we're supposed to be the perfect worker, the perfect caretaker to our aging parents, the perfect housewife, the perfect mom.”

Working mothers can get the brunt of this, but all women feel it to some extent. And the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated long-standing gender-based adversity. Nearly two years into this global event, women continue to navigate increasing demands at work and at home.

Blair joins us on this episode of Deal Us In to discuss how women can tune into their needs and learn to ask for help during this time. She shares advice for handling relationship conflict at home, accepting our imperfections, and expressing personal feelings in the workplace.

On this episode, Blair also talks about knowing when to apologize and gives tangible suggestions for embracing self-compassion.

💡 Featured Guest 💡

Name: Blair Bishop

What she does: Blair is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Los Angeles who specializes in guiding teens and twenty-somethings through the challenges of young adult life.

Company: Blairapy

Where to find Blair: LinkedIn

🗝️ Key Points 🗝️

Top takeaways from this episode

Address the problem, not the person — If your relationships have suffered as a result of pandemic-induced stresses, adopt a “me versus the problem” mindset. Whether you’re butting heads with a partner or a colleague, you’ll be more likely to reach a mutual agreement if you stay open-minded and compassionate.

Give yourself permission to mess up (and admit it) — Accepting your mistakes, and owning up to them, are important components of self-empathy. When you let go of the need to be right, you can more easily connect with others and resolve conflicts.

The world still puts extra pressure on women — Cut yourself some slack if you feel anxious about keeping all of your proverbial balls in the air. Most women have internalized the unfair societal message that says we must be perfect in all areas of our lives.

🔆 Episode Highlights 🔆

[02:31] Shift your mindset when it comes to conflict: Relationships at home and work can — and will! — result in conflict sometimes. Since parents have been experiencing extra stress during the pandemic, couples with kids may be especially prone to it right now. Blair recommends getting curious about a problem together, rather than resorting to blame.

[06:55] Rupture and repair: Look at your relationship as the balancing of three entities: you, your partner, and the relationship. Things will go off-kilter, but Blair says knowing when to apologize will help you “get it right,” instead of holding onto the need to be right.

[9:45] Prioritize self-care: During such stressful times, Blair says it’s particularly important to pay attention to your own needs. Self-care can look different for everyone, but it’s crucial to figure out what works for you.

[11:22] Try acceptance and commitment: If you’re overwhelmed — a perfectly valid feeling –– use Blair’s mental model of acceptance and commitment. Accept your stressors for what they are, then identify small commitments you can make to yourself each day.

[16:51] Your body informs your mind: Mental health professionals used to think the body and mind were completely separate entities, but it’s now clear that they couldn’t be more connected. Powerful physical techniques — like practicing deep breathing or adopting a power stance — can positively impact your mental health.

[18:05] Be human at work: In a professional setting, some women avoid addressing their feelings for fear of coming across as weak. But work relationships are human relationships, too. Even if it feels taboo, try using an “I feel” statement next time you’re having one of those days.

[22:30] Take it easy on yourself: It’s reasonable to feel overwhelmed when juggling work and family life, especially if you’re a working mother. Moreover, you might judge yourself for having that feeling. Blair reminds us to treat ourselves as we would treat another woman going through the same things. Try five- or 10-minute self-compassion meditations using an app like Insight Timer.

[25:50] The patriarchy is still real: Though strides have certainly been made for women, there’s still a patriarchal structure in the U.S. Accepting this can help you make changes in areas you can control and let go of the rest.

🎙️ About Deal Us In 🎙️

✔️ Thank you for joining us at the table for this episode of Deal Us In. We invite you to join the conversation by using our #Dealusinpodcast on Twitter or LinkedIn.

✔️ If you have questions about today’s conversation, please feel free to reach out to Molly White at mwhite@mainstcapital.com or Ariail Barker at ariail@7mileadvisors.com.

✔️ Don’t miss another episode! Subscribe in your preferred podcast app.

Skeletons in the Closet: Arbitration and Conflict Dispute

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 03:00:00 -0400

When you’re a dealmaker, there’s always a risk that you’ll find yourself stuck in a complicated arbitration if things go awry. Regulatory issues can sneak up on you, so watch out!

On this Halloween episode of Deal Us In, McGuireWoods partners and litigation specialists Jodie Lawson and Susan Rodriguez are here to guide you through the haunted maze that is dealing with business disputes.

Jodie and Susan both advise digging into the specifics of your situation before deciding whether to handle it via arbitration or litigation. They say that a lot of clients think arbitration will be the easiest and cheapest way to solve a dispute, but that’s not necessarily the case. Don’t think you’re getting a treat and stumble into a trick!

Jodie and Susan also discuss the nightmares that Form I-9s can give you. If a company you’re working with doesn’t have a workforce that is fully authorized to work in the United States — or it hasn’t made sure its employees filled out their Form I-9s correctly — you might be in for a long, conflict-filled road ahead.

“It can be a real deal-killer: We've actually seen Form I-9 issues kill a deal,” Susan says.

Tune into this spooky special to find out what skeletons may lurk in the arbitration closet, so you can be a better and safer dealmaker. With the right kind of legal support, you can unmask those legal monsters, and see that they aren’t so scary after all.

👻 Featured Ghost 👻

Name: Jodie Lawson

What she does: Jodie is a partner at McGuireWoods and a high-stakes litigator, representing clients in federal and state court, and arbitrations. She defends Fortune 100 companies and other businesses in cases involving torts, contract disputes, property disputes, and class actions, and fiduciary, energy, and financial services litigation.

Company: McGuireWoods

Where to find Jodie: LinkedIn

👻 Featured Ghost 👻

Name: Susan Rodriguez

What she does: Susan is a partner at McGuireWoods, and co-leader of the firm’s financial institutions industry team, primarily focusing on government investigations and complex civil litigation. She has defended clients in numerous government enforcement actions by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Justice (DOJ), Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), among others.

Company: McGuireWoods

Where to find Susan: LinkedIn

🗝️ Key Points 🗝️

Top takeaways from this episode

Beware of the hidden costs of arbitration — Jodie and Susan say that sometimes attorneys think arbitration will always be the cheapest way to solve a dispute. This can be true, and there are other benefits to handling a conflict this way. However, sometimes litigation is the best route, because of all the fees that come with arbitration.

Choose your state cautiously (no ouija boards) — Different states have different provisions that might impact whether you decide to go to court or get an arbitrator involved. If you can choose which state your dispute is addressed in, Jodie recommends picking the one that has substantive laws that fit with your specific agreement. But your business or dispute must be connected to the state or dispute in some way. It’s also a good idea to have legal counsel that is familiar with the specific laws in that state.

Don’t get tricked by this scary form — Dealing with Form I-9, which verifies the employment authorization of people hired to work in the United States, can be tricky. Treat it with care: Susan says making mistakes on this form can be very costly. Make sure any workforces involved in your deal are authorized to work, and have filled out Form I-9 correctly. Or it won’t be trick-or-treaters at your door, it will be USCIS!

🎃 Episode Highlights 🎃

[6:26] Think strategically about who should solve your disputes: When dealing with dispute resolution in a deal, there are pros and cons for working with arbitrators versus going to court. This will vary greatly depending on the circumstances, so make sure to look into it each time.

[10:18] Consider who should front the attorney fees: Susan says she usually recommends people follow the “American rule” with arbitration clauses in deals, which means each side pays for their own attorney fees. There are situations in which you might have some extra leverage if you foot the cost for the other party’s fees. That can work well in specific situations, but Susan says she mostly steers clear of that potential landmine.

[14:00] Every state has different requirements: When choosing which state to handle your dispute resolution in, Jodie says it’s important to consider the different substantive laws that will apply to your case. People gravitate toward Delaware because of its robust substantive law. But if you don’t have an office in Delaware, your client will have to pay extra for local legal counsel, potentially negating the benefits.

[18:00] Think about whether you want to handle an issue in federal or state court: Jodie says that most disputes over general breaches of conference will be handled in state court, unless the controversy exceeds $75,000, or involves parties from many different states. But there are times when you may want to consider moving your dispute to federal court, depending on what’s in dispute.

[21:18] The Biden administration hasn’t reduced Form I-9 enforcement: It was widely predicted that President Biden’s comparatively immigrant-friendly political policies would mean that legal actions against unauthorized workers would decline. However, Susan says this doesn’t appear to be the case. There are still many complications when dealing with companies that have workforces made up of people who aren't all authorized to work in the United States.

[22:30] Civil and criminal fines for Form I-9 mistakes are ghastly: People don’t always realize how serious the civil and criminal fines for mistakes on Form I-9 can be. If a company makes an unknowing mistake when its employees fill out these forms, it will likely face civil fines. But if leaders at the company knowingly hired unauthorized workers, the business may face criminal charges.

[34:00] Look closely at your representations and warranties insurance (RWI) policy: Jodie says that RWI policies often have exclusions that you don’t know about, and yours may not cover everything you think. It’s worth hiring someone to look at the fine print, so your insurance won’t deny you coverage.

🎙️ About Deal Us In 🎙️

✔️ Thank you for joining us at the table for this episode of Deal Us In. We invite you to join the conversation by using our #Dealusinpodcast on Twitter or LinkedIn.

✔️ If you have questions about today’s conversation, please feel free to reach out to Molly White at mwhite@mainstcapital.com or Ariail Barker at ariail@7mileadvisors.com.

✔️ Don’t miss another episode! Subscribe in your preferred podcast app.

The Evolving Role of Business Development in Private Equity - How to Carve Your Own Path

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 03:00:00 -0400

In order to fully cultivate the kinds of business relationships that result in lucrative deals, private equity firms are starting to look at designating a person or a team to source the most fruitful deals.

For Meahgan O’Grady, who joined Palladium Equity Partners as Director of Business Development earlier in 2021, private equity is exciting because of the opportunity to work with founder-owned businesses that can really make waves.

“It's such a special opportunity to speak with business owners in multiple different types of industries and talk about ways we could help them grow their business,” Meahgan says on this episode of Deal Us In.

As the leader of the firm’s business development team, Meahgan works with a range of stakeholders, developing and enriching personal connections. She believes women often have a special talent in this arena, and although private equity firms are increasingly seeking the benefits of diverse teams, there’s still a way to go when it comes to helping women achieve their full potential in private equity.

“Although it has evolved and gotten better by leaps and bounds, there's still room to grow,” she says.

Meahgan thinks that women can continue to carve out their own niche in this industry by pushing through the difficult times and always advocating for themselves and others.

Her advice: “Be the change that you want to see, and be that change from within. That's the best way to do it.”

💡 Featured Guest 💡

Name: Meahgan O’Grady

What she does: Meahgan is the Director of Business Development at Palladium Equity Partners where she sources deals primarily with founder-owner businesses for the middle-market private equity firm.

Company: Palladium Equity Partners

Where to find Meahgan: LinkedIn

🗝️ Key Points 🗝️

Top takeaways from this episode

Find the right tools to make networking easier — As a self-professed introvert, Meahgan recognizes that networking can be difficult, especially when you’re first starting your career. But eventually, she says, it’ll get easier — you just have to push through difficult moments and come up with some personalized methods that make business networking easier for you.

Don’t be too shy to advocate for yourself — Women in business can have a particularly hard time talking about their own successes and highlighting all the ways they’ve helped their team. But advocating for yourself is crucial for professional development and seizing all the opportunities you deserve, so try to conquer that fear and highlight your strengths and talents.

Change is best effectuated from within — Women who are involved in private equity leadership need to use their platforms to keep pushing for more diversity — that’s the only way real change will come.

🔆 Episode Highlights 🔆

[1:12] Path to private equity: Meaghan discusses her career path and background, which includes early years at Goldman Sachs and an MBA from Duke’s Fuqua School of Business.

[07:52] Allocating time, finding her path: When Meahgan was breaking into private equity and looking into professional organizations to join and passion projects to work on, she threw a lot of different ideas against the wall to see what stuck. Eventually, she says, you’ll find your niche, but it’s okay to try a few different ideas on for size.

[11:20] It’s okay to be an introvert in BD: Meahgan says she is an introvert by nature, so professional networking isn’t always the most comfortable space for her. You don’t have to be a super bubbly extrovert to make great connections in the business space!

[12:30] Step outside your comfort zone: While introverts definitely have a place in private equity and business development, they may have to work a little harder to forge connections. Meahgan says that you’ll probably have to work through some uncomfortable moments when building connections, but it will become easier over time.

[19:00] Diversity of thought is vital: Improving gender diversity in private equity is a passion for Meahgan — she says she sees a great increase in innovation and creative thought from a diverse team. This extends beyond gender diversity, too: ethnic, social, and professional diversity all helps a team see from different sides and avoid cohesive, bland thought.

[20:35] Look at your career like a layer cake: Meahgan says she builds her experiences on top of one another, always looking to the future but paying attention to each piece of the puzzle.

[26:15] Maintain professional relationships: Relationships and professional connections are vital in the private equity world — as well as any other industry — and it’s not worth it to ruin past relationships. Meahgan points out ways to delicately move on in your career when it’s time to leave a position, but says it’s never a good idea to completely let your past fall to the wayside when looking to your future.

[29:20] Don’t burn yourself out, but work hard: Meahgan says she was working a lot when she first started in private equity after business school, and she was sometimes scared she wouldn’t be able to push through. But that early experience is very helpful, even though it can be tough to work so hard. Don’t wear yourself completely thin, but when starting a private equity career, realize that you’ll have to put in some hard work up front — it’ll definitely pay off in the end.

🎙️ About Deal Us In 🎙️

✔️ Thank you for joining us at the table for this episode of Deal Us In. We invite you to join the conversation by using our #Dealusinpodcast on Twitter or LinkedIn.

✔️ If you have questions about today’s conversation, please feel free to reach out to Molly White at mwhite@mainstcapital.com or Ariail Barker at ariail@7mileadvisors.com.

✔️ Don’t miss another episode! Subscribe in your preferred podcast app.

Exploring Employment Law in the Age of COVID-19 (Pt. 2)

Fri, 30 Jul 2021 03:00:00 -0400

People are returning to work in person at offices — but that doesn’t mean everything is back to business as usual.

On this episode of Deal Us In, employee benefits and labor attorneys Carolyn Trenda and Dawn Cutlan Stetter continue our two-part conversation about the impacts of the pandemic on the workplace, particularly for women.

One thing that has definitely changed: People don’t want to go back to working in the office in the same way they used to.

“Very few employers are saying they’re going to make people come back to the office five days a week,” Dawn says. “If you’d told me that in January 2020, I would have laughed at you.”

This shift in attitudes means new considerations for businesses. “What are the challenges moving forward in having at least a partially remote workforce? What does that look like? How do you accommodate employees who want a little bit more flexibility?” Dawn says.

These questions are top of mind for Carolyn and Dawn, who advise employers on best practices when it comes to employee benefits and labor issues.

In this episode, they also discuss how traditional benefits packages are changing, and what women can do to continue striving for success in a workforce that is still male-dominated.

💡 Featured Guest 💡

Name: Carolyn Trenda

What she does: Carolyn is a partner at McGuireWoods who focuses her practice on advising public, private, and non-profit employers on a range of employee benefits topics.

Company: McGuireWoods

Where to find Carolyn: LinkedIn

💡 Featured Guest 💡

Name: Dawn Cutlan Stetter

What she does: Dawn is an attorney at McGuireWoods who represents and advises management in all aspects of labor and employment law.

Company: McGuireWoods

Where to find Dawn: LinkedIn

🗝️ Key Points 🗝️

Top takeaways from this episode

The impacts of the pandemic are here to stay — A lot about the way we work has changed in the past year and a half, for better or worse. When it comes to things like flexible, remote work schedules and a focus on the importance of childcare, COVID-19 brought a cultural shift that isn’t going away anytime soon.

The future of employee benefits packages is in flux — More and more companies — especially bigger ones with more employees — are looking at increasingly progressive benefits packages that incorporate things like mental healthcare, and include medical coverage for transgender people.

Women still face hurdles when it comes to leadership — One thing holding women back in the workforce has become more obvious during the pandemic: It’s very difficult to be the sole person responsible for childcare and also hold a full-time leadership role. But there are other cultural factors that are keeping women from achieving their potential, and confidence is key to changing that landscape.

🔆 Episode Highlights 🔆

[2:18] The future of work is flexible: Dawn says that since a lot of jobs went virtual due to the pandemic, many people now expect to be able to work remotely, or on a more flexible schedule. This switch won’t necessarily require legislative change, but it is definitely going to be something businesses are thinking about going forward.

[5:30] Paid family leave: Even before COVID-19, the idea of paid family leave was getting a lot of political attention. Now that the pandemic has highlighted the importance of a social safety net for childcare — and a new political administration is in office — Carolyn says we might see a seachange in this area.

[14:40] Women and benefits packages: Carolyn says that employee benefits packages have become more progressive as the workforce and leadership teams diversify. For example, as more women enter the workforce, health plans have started to reflect a more diverse range of health needs. Having representational leadership in human resources can lead to expanded benefits that address a range of needs.

[17:55] Barriers to female leadership: Even though women have seen huge strides in the business world, there are things we can do better. Carolyn and Dawn both talk about their experiences overcoming hardships in male-dominated fields.

[22:55] Know your best assets: Carolyn and Dawn say that confidence is vital when it comes to women achieving success in business. Trust your instincts!

🎙️ About Deal Us In 🎙️

✔️ Thank you for joining us at the table for this episode of Deal Us In. We invite you to join the conversation by using our #Dealusinpodcast on Twitter or LinkedIn.

✔️ If you have questions about today’s conversation, please feel free to reach out to Molly White at mwhite@mainstcapital.com or Ariail Barker at ariail@7mileadvisors.com.

✔️ Don’t miss another episode! Subscribe in your preferred podcast app.

Exploring Employment Law in the Age of COVID-19 (Pt. 1)

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 03:00:00 -0400

Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, employers have had to contend with a host of new labor issues.

For McGuireWoods lawyers Carolyn Trenda and Dawn Cutlan Stetter, who focus on employee benefits topics and general labor law respectively, the pandemic has changed the kinds of questions their clients are asking.

“COVID-19 came on like a tidal wave for employers. It challenged employers both large and small in almost every conceivable way,” Dawn says on this episode of Deal Us In, which is part one of a two-part interview with Carolyn and Dawn.

Beyond dealing with transitioning to a virtual workplace, employers had to look at how to handle giving employees time off for COVID-19-related reasons, and rethink employee benefits generally. These issues may continue even as employees start returning to in-person work.

“On the benefits side, the immediate issues were what to do with layoffs and furloughs. You had lots of employers trying to furlough employees and maintain access to benefits,” Carolyn says. “There were immediate COVID effects and challenges, but now we’re dealing with more of the issues surrounding returning to work.”

Despite the challenges, employers can navigate this new world with the help of advisors like Carolyn and Dawn, especially if they keep their employees’ needs in mind, and do the work to help them.

“As long as employers are acting in good faith and doing their best to comply with the changing regulations and statutes, there's a sense that some of this is going to pass,” Carolyn says.

💡 Featured Guest 💡

Name: Carolyn Trenda

What she does: Carolyn is a partner at McGuireWoods who focuses her practice on advising public, private, and non-profit employers on a range of employee benefits topics.

Company: McGuireWoods

Where to find Carolyn: LinkedIn

💡 Featured Guest 💡

Name: Dawn Cutlan Stetter

What she does: Dawn is an attorney at McGuireWoods who represents and advises management in all aspects of labor and employment law.

Company: McGuireWoods

Where to find Dawn: LinkedIn

🗝️ Key Points 🗝️

Top takeaways from this episode

COVID-19 really changed employment — For obvious and less-obvious reasons, all aspects of employment were thrown for a loop when the pandemic hit. This created an entirely new world for labor and employee benefits lawyers to navigate.

The pandemic’s effects on employment were not created equal — While most professions had new challenges to deal with as a result of the pandemic, some industries had a tougher time than others. Handling the concerns of employees who were required to show up in-person was one of the most urgent legal issues facing employers.

We might never get “back to normal” — For better or worse, COVID has changed certain aspects of employment forever. As we move back into a world where it’s safe to work in person, we might carry some things with us — like incorporating telehealth into employee health plans.

🔆 Episode Highlights 🔆

[3:55] The pandemic’s impact on employment: Dawn says that the COVID-19 pandemic forced employers to rethink almost everything about how they worked with their employees.

[9:00] The caregiving challenge: Dawn and Carolyn both discuss the challenge of dealing with employees who suddenly had to change their approach to childcare when schools went online. Before the pandemic, there were few states that allowed people to take time off for caregiving, but over the past year and a half, governments and employers have made strides to accommodate this situation.

[17:25] Unequal impacts: Dawn points out that essential businesses have had to contend with even more employer issues during the pandemic. While white-collar employees were generally able to transition to virtual work fairly easily, people who needed to work in person had a whole other set of rules to figure out.

[21:05] Telehealth rising: Carolyn says that the expansion of telehealth over the past year and a half has challenged some employer healthcare programs that didn’t previously account for virtual medical appointments — and she thinks this might be a lasting change.

[27:45] The ins and outs of COVID legislation: Carolyn talks about how legislation like the COBRA subsidy — which gave employers funds to maintain health benefits for employees who were involuntarily terminated or had their hours reduced — created a world of unknowns for employers.

🎙️ About Deal Us In 🎙️

✔️ Thank you for joining us at the table for this episode of Deal Us In. We invite you to join the conversation by using our #Dealusinpodcast on Twitter or LinkedIn.

✔️ If you have questions about today’s conversation, please feel free to reach out to Molly White at mwhite@mainstcapital.com or Ariail Barker at ariail@7mileadvisors.com.

✔️ Don’t miss another episode! Subscribe in your preferred podcast app.

Flying Over the Wall: Black Women in Law and Private Equity

Fri, 28 May 2021 09:40:00 -0400

Women of color face pretty intense challenges when it comes to succeeding in the white male dominated fields of law and private equity.

But Mirlande Telfort and Dami Oguntade have constantly hustled for success, and it has paid off with their successful careers at McGuireWoods. Though they have experienced challenges, they’ve both used their unique backgrounds to get a leg up in an intense industry, and now advise people in the same position to continue striving and breaking barriers.

“If there was one thing that I would say to a young lady considering whether or not to come into this industry, it would be: just do it,” Dami says on this episode of Deal Us In. “Because really, the only way we can have more women at the table is to have more women show up, and consistently keep showing up.”

Learn how Mirlande and Dami have made the most of their skills and backgrounds, utilizing the power of strong female mentors and role models and strong will powers to keep moving forward even when the path seems impossible. And if they have to be the trailblazers, they always remember that they’ll be clearing the path for women of color behind them.

“If you stay focused on the rewards and really pursue something that you want, you can be successful at it,” Mirlande says. “It's okay to be the first because you'll bring along the second, third, fourth and fifth behind you.”

💡 Featured Guests 💡

Name: Mirlande Telfort

What she does: Mirlande is a partner at McGuireWoods who focuses on representing banks, private equity funds, and other investors and helping them with complex debt financing transactions.

Company: McGuireWoods

Where to find Mirlane: LinkedIn

Name: Dami Oguntade

What she does: Dami is an associate at McGuireWoods who focuses her practice on mergers & acquisitions and private equity.

Company: McGuireWoods

Where to find Dami: LinkedIn

🗝️ Key Points 🗝️

Top takeaways from this episode

Look at your challenges from a new perspective — Mirlande discusses how growing up as the child of first-generation, working class immigrants who couldn’t afford to pay for her college education could have been a setback, but ended up serving her well in her career.

Working in customer service and constantly looking for creative ways to finance her education taught her about working hard and persevering, as well as centering client happiness and problem-solving.

If there’s a wall, fly over it — Milande and Dami both discuss the challenge of hearing about the glass ceiling, saying it can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. As a woman of color, it’s key to ignore the negativity you might experience when trying to move up in the industry, and don’t take setbacks personally. You’re equipped to handle them!

Seek opportunities to help your female colleagues — Once you’ve reached some of your goals, look out for chances to help your female colleagues whose shoes you were once in. If someone receives opportunities to achieve success, they can do it.

🔆 Episode Highlights 🔆

[05:10] Unique background: Mirlande talks about how growing up as a first-generation American with parents who immigrated from Haiti set the foundation for her hard work ethic that pushed her to finance her own education and get on a path toward the work she does today.

[09:50] Against the odds: Kelsey cites statistics showing that women and people of color both have historically been the minority in the law field, with the ratio of men to women lawyers almost 2:1, and 85% of lawyers being white.

[11:10] Women, just show up: Dami gives some advice to women interested in going into the male-dominated industries of law and finance: just do it! The only way to have more women at the table is for more women to show up.

[13:02] Focus on the reward: Mirlande says that women and people of color who see the odds of their success stacked against them in these industries should try to ignore the negativity and focus on creative ways to accomplish their goals, despite the roadblocks that might stand in their way.

[17:15] Find role models and mentors: Dami says that despite all she’s learned from her male colleagues and mentors, seeing women blaze the trail in private equity has let her know that she’s not alone, and helps her balance a tough workload.

[33:02] Try to relax sometimes: Mirlande points out the importance of sitting back to relax, even in an industry where you might feel constantly on the go. It’s okay to celebrate your successes and enjoy your journey instead of sprinting through your career.

🎙️ About Deal Us In 🎙️

✔️ Thank you for joining us at the table for this episode of Deal Us In. We invite you to join the conversation by using our #Dealusinpodcast on Twitter or LinkedIn.

✔️ If you have questions about today’s conversation, please feel free to reach out to Molly White at mwhite@mainstcapital.com or Ariail Barker at ariail@7mileadvisors.com.

✔️ Don’t miss another episode! Subscribe in your preferred podcast app.

How to Navigate Male-Dominated Networking Events: Part 1

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 14:00:00 -0400

Networking events can be challenging at the best of times, but especially so when you’re the only woman in the room. It can feel like every set of eyes is on you, watching and scrutinizing everything you do and say.

As 7 Mile Advisors’ Ariail Barker points out in this episode of Deal Us In: “I'm still not seeing myself reflected in a lot of the other banks that I am coming across at networking events. So it does add an additional ‘eek’ factor (for lack of a better word) going into some of these networking events, because it just feels that much more intimidating.”

Rather than shrinking into a corner of the room to avoid standing out, do your homework and have a plan going into the networking event.

Don’t let a lack of confidence hold you back, says podcast guest Northstar’s Managing Director Rebekah Elliot. “It's cliche, but fake it till you make it and become that person you want to talk to at a networking event,” she says.

If you’ve ever felt like you could be better at networking listen to this episode to uncover tips and tricks you can use to feel more confident at networking events.

Featured Guest

Name: Rebekah Elliott

What she does: As a Managing Director at Northstar, Rebekah is responsible for creating, implementing and measuring the success of their marketing and event strategies. She is a strong marketing professional with a MBA focused in Business Marketing, Statistics & Brand Management from University of Pittsburgh - Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business.

Company: Northstar

Where to find Rebekah: Twitter | LinkedIn

Meet Your Host

Name: Ariail Barker

What she does: As the Director, Sales & Marketing at 7 Mile Advisors, Ariail is responsible for building a centralized business development team, increasing private equity coverage, and updating the overall brand and marketing strategy.

Where to find her: LinkedIn

Key Points

Top takeaways from this episode

● Do your homework — before an event. With so much digital information available, you can gather instruments to use to build a rapport quickly and move on to what you really want to talk about.

● Put the safety blanket down. When you walk into a room and you see someone in the corner on their phone, especially women, they come across as unapproachable. Even if you’re uncomfortable, find ways of signaling to others at the event that you’re open to talking and avoid giving the impression that you don’t want to be there.

● You don’t have to be the “fun killer” or the flirt. If you’re the only woman in the room, you’re already interesting and are more closely scrutinised than anyone else. You can build really strong relationships without being the “fun killer” who doesn’t want to take a shot with the guys or playing up your sexuality.

Episode Highlights

[06:24] Don’t get hung up on building rapport: While building rapport is important, Rebekah advises not to spend too much time trying to get someone to talk about their personal life — balance that with the business topics.

[08:23] Project confidence, even if you don’t feel it: Rebekah wasn’t always a great networker, she had to fake the confidence she saw in other networkers at events until she actually felt confident. Rebekah’s advice is to get out of your head, don’t focus on your shortcomings, and think more confidently.

[14:32] Steer the conversation to where you need it to go: You have a finite amount of time to get the information you need so if the conversation is heading in a direction that isn’t beneficial to you, change the direction. Find a stepping stone in the conversation that will help you have the conversation you need to have.

[27:18] Get the ball rolling: Rebekah always asks open ended questions that start with: if, how, when or what. These aren’t simple yes or no questions and it also creates the opportunity to ask other questions off the back of their answer.

[32:40] Make a To-Do list: Informal networking events can be hard, there’s no format to follow so Rebekah suggests making a To-Do list. By creating a structure, you can see what you need to accomplish and what research you need to do beforehand.

[37:18] Alcohol not required: Networking events that stretch into dinner and after-dinner drinks can be tricky. Rebekah’s advice is to quietly ask the barman or waiter to only bring you mocktails. You're still engaged but it also helps you to navigate any minefields.

About Deal Us In

✔️ Thank you for joining us at the table for this episode of Deal Us In. We invite you to join the conversation by using our #Dealusinpodcast on Twitter or LinkedIn.

✔️ If you have questions about today’s conversation, please feel free to reach out to Molly White at mwhite@mainstcapital.com or Ariail Barker at ariail@7mileadvisors.com.

✔️ Don’t miss another episode! Subscribe in your preferred podcast app.

Women in the Workplace — How Far We've Come (Part II)

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 03:00:00 -0400

A time traveler from the 1980s would probably be shocked at how many women hold leadership positions in law firms today — and with scarcely a shoulder pad in sight, thankfully. But dig a little deeper and it’s clear that progress doesn’t equal parity.

“About one in five c-suite executives is a woman, and only one in 25 c-suite executives is a woman of color,” McGuireWoods Partner Phyllis Young summarizes. “So it's a mixed bag: We see a lot of progress, we see signs that the glass ceiling is cracking, but it's not all where we want it to be.”

It’s a similar story across the financial and legal industries. For example, there are no all-male boards in the S&P 500: but the average number of women on S&P boards is still only 2.8, up from 1.7 a decade ago.

It takes more than hiring one or two women and people of color to reach the kind of critical mass that delivers positive changes. And then law firms and other companies have to make an intentional effort to create positive work environments that meet those new employees’ specific needs.

For example, McGuireWoods Associate Kelsey Hitchcock says that mentorship programs and benefits specifically targeted to, say, women who choose to have a family show a level of support that can be the difference between someone staying or leaving.

Fair or not, women at all levels of law firms — especially leaders — have to shoulder some of the responsibility for moving all women up the career ladder, says McGuireWoods Counsel Ann Dorsett.

“Those who are in leadership need to turn the spotlight on younger women … And those in the middle need to support women leaders and help pull up the more junior women.”

💡 Meet Your Hosts 💡

Name: Ann Dorsett

Title: Counsel at McGuireWoods

Specialty: Ann counsels clients on insurance law, including coverage litigation, claims counseling and litigation management.

Where to find her: LinkedIn

Name: Kelsey Hitchcock

Title: Associate at McGuireWoods

Specialty: Kelsey specializes in corporate transactions, advising clients on topics including mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and corporate governance.

Where to find her: LinkedIn

Name: Phyllis Young

Title: Partner at McGuireWoods

Speciality: Phyllis is an expert in transactional law, handling secured lending transactions, debt restructuring and complex intercreditor arrangements.

Where to find her: LinkedIn

🗝️ Key Points 🗝️

Top takeaways from this episode

● Law firms must reshape workplaces to incentivize women to stay. Women are more likely to stay at a firm if they can see that other women have been promoted to leadership positions. And those female leaders will only stay if company culture suits them. That might include benefits that assist with childcare or other caregiving roles; recognizing achievements outside of work, such as charity work or homelife; mentorship programs from other women; and flexible working hours.

● Women in leadership positions have a responsibility to help other women. In an ideal world, everyone would want to see more equality at the top levels of law firms. But in our imperfect world, women are more likely to notice that disparity. And in the spirit of idealism, those in leadership roles should use their power to remove obstacles they had to climb over, and help make the next generation’s path to the top smoother than their own.

● Don’t accept sexism. Women still face sexist expectations at work. For example, women who want to work and have a family are still described as superwomen, but if a man wants the same thing, it’s not even considered worthy of comment. This is because women are still the default primary parent. Women are also more likely to be judged on personality rather than performance. The only way to root out this behavior is to call it out directly, especially if you’re in a leadership role.

🔆 Episode Highlights 🔆

[01:59] The stats are in: Phyllis summarizes the statistics on women in leadership positions, including management, boards, law schools, committees and in judgeships.

[05:26] The magic number: Research has found that a board needs at least three women to reach a critical mass that produces a change in company dynamics, including better financial performance and improved gender diversity.

[08:13] Staying-on power: Hiring more women and people of color is just the first step: firms also need to make intentional efforts to make the workplace a positive environment that they’ll want to stay at.

[10:37] Support systems: Examples of efforts that can help create that positive environment include mentorships, clear communication, and support for parents and other caregivers. These should be tracked to ensure change actually happens.

[13:40] Kick down the hurdles: Women in senior roles should actively remove the obstacles they had to fight to overcome — and call out sexism when they see it.

[19:34] Clark Kent vs. Superwoman: Unlike men, women are still told that balancing a career and a family requires a superhuman effort. This has been especially true during the pandemic, with women doing most childcare as well as work, and many leaving the workforce as a result.

[25:38] Remote possibilities: One silver lining to the pandemic, as Phyllis points out, is that employees have proved that it’s possible to be productive without being in your office for 12 hours a day.

[29:49] The climb continues: In summary, it’s important to acknowledge both the progress and the room for improvement. There has to be change at the policy level and in everyday interactions.

🎙️ About Deal Us In 🎙️

✔️ Thank you for joining us at the table for this episode of Deal Us In. We invite you to join the conversation by using our #Dealusinpodcast on Twitter or LinkedIn.

✔️ If you have questions about today’s conversation, please feel free to reach out to Molly White at mwhite@mainstcapital.com or Ariail Barker at ariail@7mileadvisors.com.

✔️ Don’t miss another episode! Subscribe in your preferred podcast app.

Women in the Workplace — How Far We've Come (Part I)

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 16:15:00 -0400

Looking back at the history of working women makes it clear how far we’ve come as a society — and in law specifically — but also how far there is to go.

As McGuireWoods Partner Phyllis Young puts it in this episode: “It's almost like we started with these bigger issues and it's gotten more refined as far as how we're treating women in the workplace.”

After the 19th Amendment gave some women the right to vote in 1920, it still took an uphill struggle to make the law apply in practice for women of color.

At the same time, women were fighting for equal pay.

Legislation like the 1963 Equal Pay Act, the 1964 Civil Rights Act and Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments formed a solid backbone, as did cases championed by gender discrimination attorneys like late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

However, as McGuireWoods Associate Kelsey Hitchcock notes, not only does the gender wage gap still exist, it’s even wider for women of color. Statistics also show that although more women than men are earning law degrees, more men hold senior positions in law firms.

One place where women are given more than their fair share of work is at home. In heterosexual relationships, women are still doing most of the housework and childcare — a dynamic that has been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

But that’s not to say there hasn’t been progress. McGuireWoods Counsel Ann Dorsett says that 30 years into her career, she’s finally seeing fewer women dropping out of the legal profession, and more women — and men — willing to help the next generation of female lawyers.

“It has to be intentional: involving women in client meetings, placing them in higher roles. And I do see that intentionality.”

💡 Meet Your Hosts 💡

Name: Ann Dorsett

Title: Counsel at McGuireWoods

Specialty: Ann counsels clients on insurance law, including coverage litigation, claims counseling and litigation management.

Where to find her: LinkedIn

Name: Kelsey Hitchcock

Title: Associate at McGuireWoods

Specialty: Kelsey specializes in corporate transactions, advising clients on topics including mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and corporate governance.

Where to find her: LinkedIn

Name: Phyllis Young

Title: Partner at McGuireWoods

Speciality: Phyllis is an expert in transactional law, handling secured lending transactions, debt restructuring and complex intercreditor arrangements.

Where to find her: LinkedIn

🗝️ Key Points 🗝️

Top takeaways from this episode

● COVID-19 has exacerbated existing inequities in household labor. Any advances towards equality in the office are undermined by the fact that women in heterosexual relationships are still spending more time than their male partners on household chores and childcare. And although more people — including men — are working from home thanks to COVID-19, far from leading to a more even division of labor, this has mostly seen women take on more tasks — even in households where men think they’ve stepped up.

● Looking back as recently as the ‘70s, it’s clear that women are in a better position today. We can apply for credit cards in our own names, have the legal right to earn the same pay for equal work, and the idea of a female lawyer isn’t a punchline. However, these are low bars to measure progress against. Sexism is still expressed through microaggressions and even in outright hostility towards women who reach positions of seniority male colleagues see as threatening.

● Change has to be intentional. At this point, explicitly stated sexist beliefs and behaviors are frowned upon by most legal professionals. But reaching true equality means addressing subconscious biases. In addition, people in positions of power — mostly men but also women — need to be intentional about promoting inclusive work environments for women and minorities.

🔆 Episode Highlights 🔆

[01:18] Herstory: Ann summarizes the history of women in the workplace, starting with the 19th Amendment granting some women the right to vote in 1920, through to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

[02:55] Thank you, RBG: A shout out to the late, great and some say notorious Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and her early work arguing sex discrimination cases.as an attorney with the ACLU.

[06:40] Overqualified, underpaid: Kelsey cites statistics showing that more women than men are graduating from law school, but fewer are being promoted to senior positions in law firms. Women are expected to act as admins in the office while also taking on the majority of chores at home — especially during COVID.

[12:24] Make the effort, men: Ann feels that women joining law firms today are less prepared than she was for the sexism they still face — and that people in positions of power need to be intentional about including and promoting women.

[15:32] The new sexism: Phyllis says that generally speaking, more overt kinds of sexism are no longer widely acceptable today, and that the focus is on addressing subconscious biases.

[20:19] Double-edged double duty: The remote work trend might help women in the long term, proving that people can be productive outside the office and with flexible schedules. But there’s also a risk it will further embed the assumption that childcare is “women’s work.”

[23:15] Paying it forward: Over her career, Ann has seen improvements in women’s status at work, with more men taking paternity leave and more women helping each other climb the ladder.

[25:57] Partner paradox: Phyllis believes there’s more gender and ethnic diversity in leadership today — with room for improvement. But it was when she became a partner that she first experienced aggression from male attorneys, who were threatened by her seniority.

🎙️ About Deal Us In 🎙️

✔️ Thank you for joining us at the table for this episode of Deal Us In. We invite you to join the conversation by using our #Dealusinpodcast on Twitter or LinkedIn.

✔️ If you have questions about today’s conversation, please feel free to reach out to Molly White at mwhite@mainstcapital.com or Ariail Barker at ariail@7mileadvisors.com.

✔️ Don’t miss another episode! Subscribe in your preferred podcast app.

Horror Stories - Keeping the Monsters Out of Your Deal

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 03:00:00 -0400

Halloween is a spooky season known for ghost stories and other terrifying tales. At first blush, recounting transactional law tales may not fit that bill, but this episode may just change your mind. While transactional attorneys see their share of intense and stressful scenarios, what litigators see a year or two down the road when the dust settles may just frighten you.

The Terrifying Tale of Certain State Securities Statutes That Bring Heightened Damages

Imagine this, you’ve prepared your case for months or even years, the exorbitant costs of litigation and discovery growing larger by the day, now you’re facing the grim reality that not only does your client owe 15 million dollars, the judge just trebled the damages…and ordered your client to pay the opposing party’s attorneys’ fees. Tell me that’s not enough to keep you up at night.

Jodie examines the heightened damages provisions of certain state statutes related to securities deals and how they can be used as leverage by threatening litigation related to a stock purchase agreement. Therefore, when considering a stock purchase, it’s imperative that you carefully contemplate the deal, the state you’re transacting the deal in, and whether a state securities act could be implicated.

Don’t Let a Monster Get Into Your Deal Document Definitions

Seasoned attorneys know that definitions in agreements are often fodder for litigation. One such definition is “proceedings.” Both buyers and sellers should negotiate carefully around definitions. Attorneys on both sides may end up going to the mat over what specifically constitutes a “proceeding.” Chilling stuff.

The Hair-Raising Ordeal of the Release Language

Typically, when you think about exiting an investment, you think about getting the broadest possible release. Think twice before you do that. There are times where, depending on which point and time you’re at, there are different people and entities that are associated with the corporate structure. And, if you broadly include affiliates in a release, you can end up in a terrifying situation where you’re later sued related to your participation in that potential investment. Worse, you may end up on the other side of an argument that you unwittingly, through your release language, released the other side from any and all liability.

Listen to this episode for more unnerving anecdotes involving the employment eligibility of workers, including Form I-9s, and related PPP issues. Both Susan and Jodie always recommend having an eye for detail in these kinds of situations, check strict time frames, fill out forms properly, and use experienced deal counsel to help you avoid any scary situations.

Contact Us

Thank you for joining us at the table for this episode of Deal Us In. We invite you to join the conversation by using our #Dealusinpodcast on Twitter or LinkedIn.

If you have a recommendation for an inspiring interviewee, a question you’d like us to ask, or a topic you would like to hear covered, or if you’d like to tell us about women-focused initiatives in the field, please go to our website at www.DealUsInPodcast.com. We look forward to hearing from you.

Navigating Maternity Leave Policies in the Finance Industry

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 16:00:00 -0400

The private equity and investment banking spaces of the finance industry are often perceived as a ‘boys club,’ comprised mainly of male associates. However, as more women occupy this sector, it becomes imperative for companies to strengthen policies that are unique to women who would like to start a family while pursuing a career.

In this episode of Deal Us In, 7 Mile Advisor’s Ariail Barker speaks with Main Street Capital’s Business Development and Marketing Manager, Molly White, about maternity leave policies in the finance industry. They share their personal experiences in their respective firms, as they will both be going on maternity leave soon. They stress the importance of businesses, irrespective of size, being aware of maternity regulations and examining whether their current policies are appropriately accommodating and flexible for employees. Top management should encourage a culture that supports leaves of absence and actively combats stigmas associated with taking time off.

If you’re planning to take a leave of absence, Molly shares strategies and tips to help prepare your team to operate efficiently during your time away, including creating contingency plans and performing test runs. Molly also suggests designing systems for potential scenarios that your team may encounter and ensuring that they are equipped with the tools to be productive during your absence. Ariail adds, “You obviously want to make everything as seamless [as possible] so that you can step away and then be able to step back in and know that your team didn't lose productivity during that time.” (20:26)

Further, they recommend keeping the lines of communication open during your leave, reassuring your team that you’re still there to support them. To ensure everyone is on the same page, it’s essential to communicate expectations clearly to the firm’s partners and your immediate supervisors.

They also discuss the COVID-19 pandemic and the effect it has on the finance industry. Molly talks about an escalation of more flexible scheduling and remote work, with options provided to employees. For many companies, the pandemic has led to the recognition that teams can be productive even outside the office, with growing trust that critical duties can still get accomplished in the comforts of a home office.

To cap off the episode, Molly reveals the piece of advice that she would share with her younger self – have patience. It takes time to position yourself for success, so be careful in making rash decisions and abruptly reacting to things happening in your life.

If you have questions about today’s conversation, please feel free to reach out to Molly White at mwhite@mainstcapital.com or Ariail Barker at ariail@7mileadvisors.com.

Thank you for joining us at the table for this episode of Deal Us In. We invite you to join the conversation by using our #Dealusinpodcast on Twitter or LinkedIn.

If you have a recommendation for an inspiring interviewee, a question you'd like us to ask, or a topic you would like to hear covered, or if you'd like to tell us about women-focused initiatives in the field, please go to our website at www.DealUsInPodcast.com. We look forward to hearing from you.

The Importance of Leadership Roles for Women

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 03:00:00 -0400

Seeing women in business and leadership roles is the norm, demonstrating a significant societal shift over the last decade when it comes to females in the corporate world. Many women are pursuing careers in previously male-dominated professions, including highly-specialized and niche arenas, including forensic accounting in M&A transactions. While in the past women were a rarity in this field, more female voices are joining the table and establishing themselves in leadership positions.

In this episode of Deal Us In, McGuireWoods’ Kelsey Hitchcock is joined by Christen Morand, an Ernst & Young partner handling fraud investigation and dispute services practice. The discussion examines how the culture for women has evolved over the past ten years, particularly in complex industries such as M&A. Christen shares her experience as an accounting arbitrator, positions historically filled by men.

Christen goes on to discuss moving beyond a focus on gender and encouraging more diversity and inclusion in the workforce. It’s essential to create a sense of belonging, a hospitable environment where everyone feels like a valuable member of the team. The downstream effects can also be valuable for the business, as your clients know they can rely on a team that represents a variety of unique perspectives and backgrounds.

One primary strategy that Christen employs to promote the advancement of women and diverse people in the organization is to initiate individual or group conversations. During these conversations, she challenges her peers to examine their mindset and check their own biases. While these conversations are likely to be uncomfortable, they are necessary.

While an increase in women in business is a positive development, Christen accentuates the need for women to pursue top leadership roles in their companies, modeling that it is possible to go all the way to the top. To show to women and young girls that it is possible for them to be a CEO, chairperson, or entrepreneur, to be an inspiration for the next generation of women. And, never be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone and ask for opportunities and challenges to demonstrate your talents and abilities.

Thank you for joining us at the table, for this episode of Deal Us In. We invite you to join the conversation by using our #Dealusinpodcast on Twitter or LinkedIn,

The State of Women in Finance

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 03:00:00 -0400

Modern times have shown significant changes when it comes to women in the workplace. More females are getting promotions and career advancements compared to decades ago. Companies are implementing programs that not only support women but also promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. And, while notable gaps remain, the climate for women in the workplace is consistently improving.

In this episode of Deal Us In, McGuireWoods’ Phyllis Young speaks with Yasmin Huebinger, Senior Vice President with Capital One. Yasmin discusses her personal experiences as a career woman and a leader in her institution. She shares a number of factors that have contributed to her success, including cultivating the ability to remain calm and focused even in times of high stress. When conducting deal transactions remaining focused is paramount, along with possessing emotional intelligence – a quality too frequently missing in professional settings.

Yasmin also provides pointed advice to those committed to increasing the number and visibility of women in their firms. Research has consistently established that a more diverse workforce yields higher financial returns, at times surpassing the industry average. Instead of obsessing over attracting the best candidates, companies should double down on retaining talent by providing better benefits and encouraging work-life balance.

She shares strategies that can help women advance in their organization, which she boils down to two points: being willing to ask for what you want and being more proactive. Yasmin emphasizes the importance of building relationships and being vigilant about acquiring mentors/sponsors who will speak on your behalf and advocate for you when opportunities arise. More women in leadership means more influence on critical decisions that can address issues including gender inequality and the gender pay gap.

The discussion wraps up with Yasmin providing advice to her younger self, which is to not be afraid to take more risks. And, to stop worrying about money, that part will work out in the end.

Thank you for joining us at the table, for this episode of Deal Us In. We invite you to join the conversation by using our #Dealusinpodcast on Twitter or LinkedIn.

Dealmaking Remotely

Tue, 19 May 2020 03:00:00 -0400

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we live, work, and go about our day-to-day lives. With more cities and states implementing stay-at-home policies for its citizens, law firms are crafting unique business continuity processes, particularly in the M&A space. Although the quantity of deals has decreased, buyers and sellers remain interested in conducting transactions despite the current crisis.

In this episode of Deal Us In, hosts Ann Dorsett and Ariail Barker speak with Amber Walsh, a McGuireWoods partner and co-leader of the company’s Women in Private Equity and Finance Initiative. She goes in-depth on the logistics of deal-making and reveals you can help your clients close deals from home or anywhere. She also provides valuable tips for those less accustomed to remote work, including cultivating self-discipline and making the effort to stay connected to colleagues and clients. She also discusses the practice of shifting transactions and processes to the digital and virtual space as well as utilizing online tools and technology.

When it comes to risk management, a new market is burgeoning from the pandemic. Amber discusses some new things that may be introduced, such as concepts of fairness and novel purchase agreement terms. It’s also important to consider how much risk a seller should bear in these deals and how financial relief provided to companies can affect the transaction.

Another key takeaway from the episode is Amber’s advice to her younger self, “I wish I could go back and tell [myself] to expect ups and downs in your career… to just relax. It’ll come back, work through it, power through, rely on your mentors, rely on your support system, and you’ll figure it out in the same way that you always have, and you will be back on the upswing soon.” (32:19)

Thank you for joining us at the table, for this episode of Deal Us In. We invite you to join the conversation by using our #DealUsInPodcast on Twitter or LinkedIn.

Get to Know the Women of Deal Us In

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 03:00:00 -0400

The private equity and finance industries have evolved significantly in recent the years. While the increasing availability of information has led to a faster pace, we’re also seeing more women occupying leadership roles, and being recognized for their skills and efforts – something that was far less common a decade ago.

Deal Us In is a new podcast produced by McGuireWoods and 7 Mile Advisors, which aims to promote the advancement of women as critical leaders in private equity and finance. Through relatable conversations with professional women, especially those in under-represented corporate leadership positions, this podcast will highlight the importance of inclusion and diversity in the legal practice.

On the inaugural episode of Deal Us In, hosts Kelsey Hitchcock, Ann Dorsett, and Phyllis Young from McGuireWoods, along with 7 Mile Advisors’ Ariail Barker discuss their individual backgrounds and what led them to the private equity industry. They touch on the differences between transactional work and litigation, mentioning how deals and negotiations of the former are conducted and how being a transactional lawyer is a way of life. And now, women are not only more visible, but are stepping up to higher roles in law firms.

They conclude by sharing a piece of advice they would give their 22-year old selves, advice that is applicable to any young female in the legal industry. Women’s voices matter, and you should be comfortable taking risks, speaking up, raising issues, and proposing solutions when needed. Trust yourself more and spend less time trying to please other people.

A valuable takeaway from Kelsey, Ann, Phyllis, and Ariail, is that women can be women and still get ahead, without needing to act like ‘men.’

Thank you for joining us at the table, for this episode of Deal Us In. If you have a recommendation for an inspiring interviewee, a question you'd like us to ask, or a topic you would like to hear covered, or if you'd like to tell us about women focused initiatives in the field, please go to our website at www.DealUsInPodcast.com. We look forward to hearing from you.

Deal Us In Podcast Trailer

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 03:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Deal Us In, a podcast brought to you by McGuireWoods and 7 Mile Advisors. Deal Us In promotes the advancement of women in private equity and finance through conversations with women leaders and rising stars in the private equity and finance space. These conversations provide both insights and practical takeaways to inform your deal work and enhance the culture of your organization. If you’re ready to drive the industry toward a more inclusive and diverse environment then, it’s time to come to the table.

If you have a recommendation for an inspiring interviewee, a question you’d like us to ask, or topic you would like to hear covered, or if you’d like to tell us about women-focused initiatives in the field, please go to our website at www.dealusinpodcast.com. We look forward to hearing from you.

This podcast was recorded and is being made available by McGuireWoods and 7 Mile Advisors for informational purposes only. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that McGuireWoods and 7 Mile Advisors make no warranty, guarantee or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in the podcast. The views, information or opinions expressed during this podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of McGuireWoods or 7 Mile Advisors. This podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state and should not be construed as an offer to make or consider any investment or course of action.