Aug 28, 2024
What drives a seasoned engineer to become a leader in private equity, and how can a company transform its identity to align with a new strategic vision? Join us as Rick Nagel, Managing Partner at Acorn Capital, shares his compelling journey from technology to leading a major rebranding effort in the aerospace and defense investment sector. Discover how Acorn Capital evolved from focusing on early-stage investments to middle-market buyouts, and learn about their extensive rebranding process.
Ever wondered what it's really like when private equity firms buy out companies? Rick sheds light on the realities, dispelling myths about job security and revealing the hidden opportunities that arise during such transitions. He emphasizes the importance of transparency and clear communication. He highlights the growth opportunities that can emerge for employees post-acquisition, offering a fresh perspective on the benefits of private equity involvement. Plus, you'll hear Rick's hiring criteria, which favor humility, perseverance, and learning from failure. The time for dreaming big and pushing past limitations is now! Key points throughout include:
- The why and how of Acorn Capital's strategic rebrand
- An unconventional career journey from engineer to PE executive
- Starting out in private equity and challenging the misconceptions
- Job security advice: Addressing employee concerns during acquisitions
- Safeguarding critical systems in the aerospace sector
- COVID-19's triple whammy: The devastating impact on the aerospace industry
- Navigating economic downturns: The power of readiness and long-term vision
- Essential skills and traits required for effective leadership
- The value of implementing 360-degree feedback loops
- Acorn's transparency strategy: Employee profit-sharing and financial insight
- Rick's top advice for aspiring leaders
"I have found that the formula of folks that have been successful have been tested, have failed and reinvented themselves and found success again to be a winning formula." – Rick Nagel.
Ready to transform your hiring strategy and attract top defense talent? Take our 12-question quiz to discover where your firm stands and receive a personalized report to boost your recruitment success! Take the quiz now: https://elraysearch.scoreapp.com/
Are you ready to unleash the beast in defense recruiting? Join us next time on Mission Critical Defense Recruiting, the ultimate podcast unveiling strategies to build powerhouse teams in the defense industry. Don't miss out on the inside scoop for crafting your unbeatable squad!
Get connected with Rick Nagel:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-nagel-12929611
https://acorncapitalmanagement.com/
Get connected with your host, Katherine Jerald:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherinejerald/
This podcast is proudly produced
in partnership with podlad.com