Neda Vakilian - Actis
Private Equity Fast Pitch
Neda Vakilian, Partner, Investor Solutions Group at Actis Neda is a partner of the firm having joined Actis in January 2022 where she was responsible for the coordination and management of strategic investor initiatives, fundraising project management, and product development. In March 2023, Neda was promoted to Global Head of Actis’ Investor Solutions Group. Neda has 20 years of industry experience, working across private capital markets, business development, and fundraising. Before joining Actis, she was Co-Head of Capital Solutions and Investor Relations for Amber Infrastructure. In this...
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Robert Brown - Lincoln International
Private Equity Fast Pitch
As Lincoln’s Chief Executive Officer and a key driver of the firm’s growth from its beginnings, Rob has been instrumental in building its global footprint and a highly desirable culture that prioritizes attracting, retaining and engaging top talent at all levels. As a connected leader within the firm, Rob works closely with Lincoln’s investment banking professionals to help them achieve success. He continues to focus on building long-term relationships with clients and prospects, achieving optimal results through his thoughtful, interpersonal and collaborative approach. Rob has nearly 30...
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Advice to Young Professionals and College Students
Private Equity Fast Pitch
Advice to College Students Montage — Episode Overview For this special segment, we compiled standout moments from our guests’ responses to one of our favorite questions: “What advice would you give to college students or young professionals just starting out?” This recurring question has become a listener favorite on the podcast, and in this episode, we’re bringing those insights together into a powerful montage. From timeless career wisdom to honest reflections on failure and resilience, each soundbite delivers real-world guidance for the next generation of leaders. Featured Guests:...
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John Diggins - Platinum Equity
Private Equity Fast Pitch
John Diggins is responsible for senior level business development activities focused on identifying new acquisition opportunities and has been involved in sourcing many multi-billion dollar deals during his time at Platinum. Mr. Diggins joined Platinum Equity in 1996. Prior to joining Platinum, he was the co-founder of Ventec Systems with Platinum Equity Chairman and CEO Tom Gores. Mr. Gores brought Mr. Diggins to Platinum Equity to drive deal sourcing and help shape the firm in its early days of growth. In this capacity Mr. Diggins served as CEO at Platinum Equity portfolio...
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Wharton Graduates - Advice to Young Professionals
Private Equity Fast Pitch
As graduation season kicks off, many students and young professionals are stepping into an exciting new chapter — one filled with opportunity, growth, and a few unknowns. To mark this milestone, we’ve curated a special montage episode featuring timeless advice from nine distinguished Wharton alumni. These leaders have successfully navigated the path from campus to boardroom, and they’re sharing candid insights on mindset, momentum, and making your mark in Private Equity and Investment Banking. In this episode, you’ll hear from: Dave Tayeh – Investcorp Marc Leder – Sun Capital...
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Branch Out Podcast with Jeff Henningsen
Private Equity Fast Pitch
We’re excited to share a special episode of the Branch Out Podcast featuring Jeff Henningsen! Jeff has always been curious, creative, and committed to his goals—traits that have fueled his success across a variety of industries. Jeff’s entrepreneurial journey began early, mowing lawns as a student to earn extra cash. That side hustle eventually grew into a full-fledged business, which he sold at just 22 years old. From there, he moved into the world of private equity and ultimately became the President of Lockton Companies in Texas, a role he’s held for the past 26 years. In addition...
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Lucy Heintz - Actis
Private Equity Fast Pitch
The description of Actis' process in evaluating investments reflects the opinions of Actis and of the typical investment process (or intended investment process) as of March 2025, but this investment process can vary for particular investments and is subject to change at Actis' discretion and without prior notice. References to 'mitigating risk' does not guarantee against risk and does not protect against losses. General discussions contained in this document regarding the Indian or South East Asian market or market conditions represent the view of either the source cited or Actis. Such...
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Quotes & Motto's from Female Private Equity Professionals
Private Equity Fast Pitch
Powerhouse Women in Private Equity & Investment Banking Our Female Quotes & Montage spotlights an extraordinary lineup of women who are shaping the future of private equity and investment banking. From driving strategic investments to leading top firms, these industry trailblazers embody leadership, innovation, and impact. Featuring insights from Sunaina Sinha of Raymond James, Neha Markle of Morgan Stanley, Deborah Smith of The CenterCap Group, Blythe Jack of TSG Consumer, Franny Jones of The Sterling Group, Meahgan O’Grady of Palladium Equity Partners, Shannon Zoller of Tephra...
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Andrew Weinberg - Brightstar Capital Partners
Private Equity Fast Pitch
Andrew Weinberg is Founder and CEO of Brightstar Capital Partners. Andrew serves as Chair of Brightstar’s Investment Committee. Prior to founding Brightstar, Andrew was a Partner at Lindsay Goldberg, a New York-based private equity firm. Andrew served on the Boards of 13 portfolio companies during his tenure at Lindsay Goldberg. In addition, from 2008-2011 Andrew served as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Strategy Officer of Likewize. Prior to joining Lindsay Goldberg, Andrew worked at Goldman Sachs in their Principal Investment Area (PIA). Andrew started his career at Morgan Stanley...
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Marshall Adkins - Raymond James
Private Equity Fast Pitch
Marshall Adkins joined Raymond James in 1995 and serves as the head of the firm’s Energy Investment Banking practice. Prior to this role, Mr. Adkins served as the director of Energy Research and focused on oilfield services and products. Prior to Raymond James, he spent 10 years in the oilfield services industry as a project manager, corporate financial analyst, sales manager, and engineer. He holds a B.S. degree in petroleum engineering and an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin.
info_outlineErik has spent his entire career in the investment industry and prior to founding Ethos was a Managing Partner leading Abry Partners. During his 20-year tenure at Abry he originated, supervised, and sold companies in information services, digital infrastructure, enterprise systems, healthcare IT, financial services and media, representing an aggregate enterprise value of approximately $11 billion. Additionally, as a Managing Partner at Abry Partners, he served on investment committees, and oversaw recruiting of all investment professionals, research, and information technology. He also managed relationships with limited partners, headed its Heritage Fund and was a key partner in raising $17 billion across 15 funds. Prior to joining Abry Partners, Erik was an investment professional at New Century Holdings, the Baupost Group, and Apax Partners.
In addition to Erik’s professional activities he serves on the Board of Advisors of the International Council of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard University, and the Advisory Board of Think:Kids at Massachusetts General Hospital. As an active alumni advisor for Harvard Business School and Brown University, he spends time with students helping them think about life after academia and how their contributions can make a difference in the world. Previously he served on the boards of the Citi Performing Arts Center in Boston and the Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy at Harvard University, and the President’s Advisory Council on Internships at Brown University.