Alex Rawlings speaks with Nigel Green on why private equity firms struggle with organic growth and how better hiring, faster execution, and customer focus can unlock value.

⏱️ Timestamps & Key Takeaways

00:00 – Introduction
Nigel’s background and advisory focus

00:29 – Career Highlights

Two successful exits before 30
Now advising PE-backed companies on growth

01:34 – Biggest PE Mistake

Weak commercial operators
Overvaluing experience vs. current fit

03:05 – Growth Challenges

Delayed action on underperformance
Lack of urgency from investors

05:42 – Hiring Better Leaders

Avoid “black book” hires
Focus on Character, Chemistry, Competency
Hire people with urgency and something to prove

08:35 – Go-To-Market Strategy

Get close to customers early
Avoid internal-only focus

10:29 – The Real Competitor

Most deals are lost to “doing nothing”
Solve customer inertia, not just competition

12:56 – Interviewing Sales Leaders

Conversations aren’t enough
Require candidates to demonstrate ability

14:38 – Attracting Top Talent

Best candidates aren’t applying
Sell the opportunity with honesty and realism
De-risk the move

23:06 – Driving Growth

Small tweaks > big overhauls
Retention often a bigger issue than pipeline

26:41 – Proactive Sales

Remove friction in buying
Simplify and speed up decisions

30:06 – Great Operating Partners

Must still be operators
Help leaders make tough decisions

34:29 – Final Advice

Consume less, execute more

🔑 Key Themes

Hire for drive over experience
Focus on execution and speed
Growth comes from action, not analysis

Raw Selection partners with Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies to secure exceptional executive talent. We focus on de-risking executive recruitment through meticulous search and selection processes, ensuring top-tier performance and long-term success.

🔗 Connect with Alex Rawlings on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexrawlings/

🌐 Visit Raw Selection www.raw-selection.com

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How to Drive Organic Growth in a Private Equity Backed Company