Electrifying Growth: Recent Episodes
Edison Partners
There are moments in a company’s growth journey that are undeniably electric. We’re here to celebrate those moments and the visionaries behind them. This is Electrifying Growth–an original show from Edison Partners sharing stories to spark inspiration and accelerate growth.
In the bustling arena of growth equity and technological innovation, it takes a visionary leader to navigate the tumultuous tides of the govtech market. Enter Steve Raucher, the co-founder and CEO of Rapid Deploy, the trailblazing company reshaping the public safety landscape with its cloud-native software solutions. Steve is this episode’s guest on Electrifying Growth with host Chris Sugden.
Steve’s background defies convention ranging from trading floor prowess in London to high-stakes motorcycle adventuring and a sobering sabbatical with the National Sea Rescue Institute in South Africa. His journey epitomizes the intersection of enterprise and purpose, revealing that the path to impactful business often weaves through the fabric of personal experience.
They discuss his leadership ethos and the core principles driving Rapid Deploy's ascendancy in the govtech space. Listen in as we dive deep into the heart of entrepreneurial grit, strategic innovation, and the relentless pursuit of a mission-driven capitalist dream.
Resources:
Connect with Steve on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenraucher/
More about RepidDeploy: https://rapiddeploy.com/
Julie Moore is the Director of YSC Consulting, a leadership strategy firm that is now part of Accenture. YSC has partnered with 45% of the FTSE 100 and works with private equity firms all over the world. As an executive coach, Julie’s role is much like a family therapist for executive teams, helping companies add the value of more effective leadership among their C-suite and senior executive teams.
Host Chris Sudgen, Managing Partner at Edison Partners, spends this episode of Electrifying Growth with Julie. They cover her experience of working in HR and talent management before venturing into the realm of executive coaching and what she has in common with Wendy Rhodes, a fictional character on the hit show Billions. Find out how Julie uses data to complement intuition, implements the psychological aspects of her coaching methodology, and why she sees the post-COVID-19 shift toward a greater focus on culture and leadership as an awakening. Julie advocates the need for peer mentorship among executives and constructing a personal board of directors.
Resources:
Connect with Julie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julielindeenmoore/
More about YSC: https://www.ysc.com
Michael Weisz is the CEO and Co-Founder of Yieldstreet, a groundbreaking private market investing platform. The platform has over 450,000 members and a staggering $4B+ invested as October of last year. Michael is not only at the helm of this financial powerhouse, but is also the driving force behind its meteoric rise.
On this episode of Electrifying Growth, Michael sits down with host Chris Sudgen, Managing Partner at Edison Partners to discuss his journey to Yieldstreet, and the challenges of navigating a company in a volatile economic landscape. Discover the strategic moves behind Yieldstreet's success, including raising capital, the acquisition of Cadre, and transitioning into a powerful tech and fintech entity. Get Michael's personal perspective on leadership, communication, and the importance of focusing on what you can control, especially during unprecedented times like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Resources:
Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-weisz-7845626/
More about Yieldstreet: https://www.yieldstreet.com/
Megan Glover is the Co-Founder and CEO at 120Water where, under her leadership, the company has thrived in delivering innovative technologies and comprehensive programs that streamline water testing processes, maintain water quality, and more. Megan’s commitment has been instrumental in shaping the trajectory of 120Water, driving it to the forefront of the industry.
In this episode, Megan talks to host Chris Sudgen about how they are approaching growth. She touches on managing software and products based on their own metrics and evaluation, how outsourcing the implementation of data services is a strategic move for any company, and the importance of doing good to attract customers but also recognizing the need to build a sustainable and scalable business model.
Connect with Megan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megancglover/
Dave Baxter is the CEO of Solutions by Text (SBT), which provides customer engagement solutions through its text messaging platform. Dave is dedicated to finding innovative communication solutions and under his leadership, SBT has gained recognition for its commitment to unlocking the power of text messaging.
In this episode, Dave talks with host, Edison Partner’s Chris Sugden about how SBT’s internal culture of being allies and pioneers in pursuit of excellence has fostered Dave’s evolution into a better leader. As a first-time CEO, Dave had to navigate the solitude of leadership, the weight of decision-making, and mastering the art of board management. Throughout his journey, mentorship and coaching from valued relationships played pivotal roles. Dave shares the lessons learned when leading a small company to achieve outsized success, having candid conversations both in the boardroom and on the golf course, and embracing the power of text messaging to drive growth against the odds.
Connect with Dave on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-baxter-054b6b6/
Jack Hooper is the Founder & CEO of Take Command Health which provides small businesses and individuals with health insurance solutions through its platform. Jack is dedicated to finding innovative solutions to the insurance challenges in the healthcare industry and under his leadership, Take Command Health has gained recognition for its commitment to empowering consumers to navigate the complex healthcare landscape effectively.
In this episode, Jack talks with host Chris Sudgen about the healthcare industry and how it’s heavily skewed towards benefiting doctors and hospitals rather than the individual. Jack also discusses the importance of moving healthcare decision-making and financial responsibility to the individual level,how Take Command Health is transforming the health insurance industry, and why you should take ownership of your own career planning as an entrepreneur.
Connect with Jack on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackhooper/
Mark Brosso is the Founder & CEO of PurpleLab, LLC, a healthtech company focused on driving decisive action based on precise insights from real-world data. With a deep passion for innovation and a track record of success, Mark leads PurpleLab with strategic foresight and unwavering determination. His expertise spans from groundbreaking product development to effective business strategies, allowing PurpleLab to thrive at the forefront of its industry.
In this episode of Electrifying Growth, Mark shares his inspiring story as becoming an entrepreneur, why companies now need to prove their business models can scale, the power and potential of healthcare data, and the importance of self-reflection, adaptability, and understanding different roles within a company.
A. J. Loiacono is a visionary CEO of Capital RX, a company that has revolutionized the management and administration of prescription benefit plans in the healthcare industry. With a background in software development related to the pharmacy supply chain, A. J. has utilized his expertise and entrepreneurial spirit to create innovative solutions aimed at making healthcare more affordable and accessible. With a focus on data technology and real-time pricing, A. J. has pioneered a transparent prescription benefits platform that has exceeded expectations and garnered both financial and cultural success.
In this episode, A. J. shares his journey as a serial entrepreneur, the challenges he's faced, and the groundbreaking solutions he's brought to the healthcare industry. We'll explore his experiences with mentors, his drive to end the current state of healthcare, and his mission to make it more affordable and accessible for all. In addition, A. J. takes us behind the scenes of Capital RX while emphasizing the importance of empathy in the workplace, balancing tough decisions with care for colleagues and the overall company culture.
Steve Cornwell is the visionary CEO at Northpass. With a wealth of experience in the technology and e-learning industries, Steve has been at the forefront of driving innovation and transformation through scaling customer training and education. As the head of Northpass, a leading learning management system platform, Steve has been instrumental in revolutionizing the way organizations train and develop their employees, helping them unlock their full potential and achieve remarkable results.
In this episode, Steve shares Northpass's journey to success and growth, including their decision to take outside funding and the benefits and drawbacks of such a decision. He shares insights into the changes and focus shifts Northpass made to drive growth and attract partners like Gainsight, he delves into the origin story of Northpass, highlighting the problem it aimed to solve in customer training and its evolution into a recognized leader in digital customer education, as well as the importance of company culture, hiring the right people, and building a desirable work environment. In addition, Steve shares the challenges faced as a first-time founder, including recruiting employees and acquiring customers, and more.
Amanda Eisel is a dynamic leader serving as the Chief Executive Officer at Zelis, a prominent healthcare technology and services company. With her exceptional business acumen and extensive industry experience, she drives the strategic vision and oversees the company's operations, fostering innovation and growth.
In this special episode of Electrifying Growth, Amanda and Chris sit down in a fireside chat in front of a live audience at Edison Partner’s 37th Annual Meeting. Amanda shares her inspiring journey to Zelis and explores how her pragmatism and ability to read a room have been crucial in representing the interests of the founders as well as working effectively with the board. She emphasizes the magic of founders, their unique ability to build successful companies, and how founder-run companies thrive by leveraging the strengths of the founder, their team members, who complement those strengths, and more.
This conversation is one that will highlight the roller coaster journey of Amanda Eisel and provide valuable insights for anyone seeking electrifying growth in their lives,careers, and businesses.
Greg Lettieri, is revolutionizing the waste management and recycling industry for a more sustainable and efficient future. As Co-Founder and CEO of Recycle Track Systems (RTS), he has leveraged technology, data-driven solutions, and his extensive knowledge to turn the company into a leader in waste management across the United States and Canada. Boasting top-tier clients like New York Mets stadium and Hudson Yards, RTS is living proof of Greg's dedication and vision.
In this conversation, Greg shares his insights on operating within reality, the impact of RTS under his leadership, and the importance of cash flow management. Greg also discusses how to leverage your board and investors as strategic weapons, maintain strong culture through M&As, and incorporate gamification into your operations.
This conversation will leave you with actionable insights as an entrepreneur and demonstrate how embracing today's challenges can lead to greener tomorrows.
Melanie Stricklan is a trailblazer in every sense of the word. She served the United States Air Force for 21 years, during which she logged over 1500 flight hours on board, commanded experimental spacecraft missions, and led the development of space control technologies through the Department of Defense. Today, she is the CEO and Co-Founder of Slingshot Aerospace and was recently appointed to the National Space Council. Melanie’s technical vision and strategic expertise have revolutionized data exploitation, propelling her company to the forefront of the emerging space tech landscape.
In this conversation, Melanie discusses the challenges and rewards of being an entrepreneur. She highlights the importance of transparency, collaboration, and purpose in building a successful business. She also emphasizes the value of resilience and perseverance in entrepreneurship, and shares her experiences as a female entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry. Melanie encourages entrepreneurs to stay true to their goals even in the face of challenges and to use their experiences to help pave the way for future generations of entrepreneurs.
This conversation will leave you with valuable insights into the world of entrepreneurship and provide guidance for pursuing an innovative vision.
From sleeping under her desk as a young investment banker to becoming the CEO of Comply (formerly ComplySci), Amy Kadomatsu knows a thing or two about the importance of grit.
In this episode, she shares her journey and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Amy gives advice on mentorship, navigating the world of private equity, and leveraging the abilities of your board and executive leadership team.
As you listen, you’ll learn how to face the challenges of rapid growth with determination, while leaning on those around you for guidance and support.
It’s not every day that multimillion-dollar companies are born out of a family-run small business. But that’s exactly what Stephen Faust has done.
The CEO of Dash Solutions (formerly Prepaid Technologies), joined Electrifying Growth to reveal his lessons learned from more than 20 years in the payments industry, recent funding from Edison Partners, and drastic brand evolution.
You’ll also learn which traits executives should deploy to successfully lead a team in the hybrid work age and why the middle of the country is poised for such entrepreneurial growth.
We all need that extra kick to get us through the low points in life.
This starts with knowing the in’s and out’s of pride, poise, and the importance of a team.
Colonel Greg Gadson shares in this episode of Electrifying Growth, his life-changing experiences and how pride, poise, and teamwork are the components to success. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship and listening to others to grow. Greg is now a mentor and leader to young men, changing and inspiring lives through his story.
Listen in to learn:
- Be mindful of the habits in your life - they eventually develop into your character.
- Poise + resilience + perseverance = how to get through the low points in life
- The keys to holding your team together are the accountability of pride, the character of poise, and knowing everyone in the team is equally important.
We’re at a breaking point in culture building and leadership.
A few weeks ago, the Edison Partners team met with Steve Schloss, Founder and Principal at ListenForward, at West Point for a CEO summit. He revealed most company cultures drive employees out because they’re not willing to shift and bend with changes in their workforce.
In this episode of Electrifying Growth, you’ll learn from Steve how leaders can listen, adapt to changes in the world, and create an employee experience worth working at/
Does this sound familiar? You've been told to work harder and longer, but it's not getting you the success, trust, and control you crave. If this resonates, this episode is for you. Join Rita Gurevich and our host, Chris Sugden, to learn how to grow trust and success within your role.
"If I reacted to every external factor that can potentially hinder me, I would not be where I am today." - Rita Gurevich
This episode of Electrifying Growth focuses on turning challenges into opportunities with Rita Gurevich, founder and CEO of SPHERE Technology Solutions. Rita learned to turn challenges into opportunities through bootstrapping her company and learning to be forward-thinking and conservative with capital. She started her company at the age of 25, during the financial crisis of 2008, and has since developed an identity hygiene product that helps organizations achieve access controls across their environment. Listen in as Rita also discusses the challenges of being a woman CEO in a male-dominated field.
Perhaps no one knows about financial inclusion more than John Hope Bryant. Up from nothing, his story will leave you wanting more.
Don’t skip this episode with John Hope Bryant, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and thought leader on leadership, financial literacy, and economic empowerment. His latest book, Up from Nothing: The Untold Story of How We (All) Succeed has received rave reviews.
You’ll also learn how to leave a legacy by finding, attacking and chasing your mentors, and leveraging your resilience as your greatest asset.
Resources: Learn about John’s Operation HOPE here: https://operationhope.org/
Serial entrepreneur and CEO of Budderfly, a former Edison Partners portfolio company, Al Subbloie joins Electrifying Growth to discuss what it takes for entrepreneurs and CEOs to lead winning companies in 2022.
In this episode, you’ll learn 3 things you need to do well as a leader in order to succeed this year, and beyond.
Do it, but have boundaries.
This is the key Amanda Eisel, CEO of Zelis, has discovered when it comes to balancing work, life, and everything in between. As a successful business leader and a mom of three, she’s had to make tough choices and face her fears, but this mantra has kept her grounded.
In this episode, Amanda shares how she balances all the roles she plays, the importance of coaches and mentors, and how to communicate through challenges.
Flint Lane loves giving his board homework. Seem bold? Maybe it is–but it’s good leadership. Flint is the founder and CEO of Billtrust - a B2B order-to-cash payment software. He has been with the company for over 20 years. Under his guidance, Billtrust has gone public, maintained a 98% customer satisfaction rate, and been named one of the Best Places to Work in New Jersey for 10 years running. How has he managed this? By building a board he can rely on. In this episode, Flint and Chris discuss how to build a board that will add value to your organization and culture, how to hold your board accountable, and the importance of transparency. Key Takeaways:
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Who you raise from is more important than how much you raise
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How to enable your board to serve you and your business in the best way
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Why he errs on the side of more transparency, even as the leader of a public company
What’s most important when it comes to organizational growth? Dawn Zier, former CEO of Nutrisystem and current Board Director for multiple organizations, and Tricia Han, CEO of MyFitnessPal, join the show to share their perspective.
Listen as they discuss the importance of maintaining realistic expectations, taking advantage of your board members’ expertise, and investing in leaders.
There are moments in a company’s growth journey that are undeniably electric - this show shares those stories. Electrifying Growth is an original show from Edison Partners designed to spark inspiration and accelerate growth from start-up to scale-up.