In this conversation, Ben Spacapan delves into the world of private equity, sharing insights on the decision-making process involved in investing in businesses. He emphasizes the importance of building long-term partnerships and the joy of engaging in meaningful discussions about business ownership and collaboration.Takeaways:- The essence of private equity lies in thoughtful decision-making.- Engaging in deep discussions about business ownership is crucial.- Building long-term partnerships is key to success in business.- Objective evaluations help in choosing the right companies to invest in.- The joy of the job comes from meaningful interactions and learning.- Understanding company culture is vital for successful partnerships.- Private equity offers opportunities for collaborative growth.- Investing is not just about money; it's about relationships.- Learning from businesses informs better investment decisions.- The role of private equity is to help businesses thrive.Ben Spacapan Links: * Madison Dearborn Team: https://www.mdcp.com/team/ben-spacapan* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-spacapan/

Dr. Jenny Gordon is a Harvard-trained economist and one of Australia’s most influential policy leaders.In this episode, we go inside the real work of reform—from aged care and early childhood policy to rebuilding Indonesia’s debt system after a financial crisis.Jenny shares what it actually takes to make big changes happen: how evidence meets politics, how to build coalitions, and how to keep going when the incentives aren’t aligned. If you’re curious about impact, public service, economics, or just how the world really works behind the scenes—this one’s for you.In this episode, we cover:- What it’s like being a chief economist inside government- How major reforms (like aged care + early childhood) get designed and passed- The behind-the-scenes reality of crisis response and rebuilding financial systems- How to influence decision-makers when “good ideas” aren’t enough- Career lessons from a life spanning academia, government, and policy leadershipGuest: Dr. Jenny Gordon: https://www.lowyinstitute.org/jenny-gordon

Carlos Cabrera, EVP @ Wild Alaskan Company, swapped breaking news for building tech that ships wild-caught seafood to U.S. doorsteps.

Carlos's Career Journey:

• Passed on a safe consulting offer to chase documentary journalism.

• Cold-emailed a fellow Northwestern Wildcat, joined a media startup Storyhunter (now called Glimmer), and fell into product management.

• Quit a comfy PM role, went contractor-mode, and helped launch Wild Alaskan Company.

Show Links:

Carlos' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%90%9F%F0%9F%91%8D-carlos-cabrera-9b40b813/

Wild Alaskan Company: https://wildalaskancompany.com/