Private Equity Spotlight: Dan Ryan on Turning Challenges into Smart Strategies

BluWave’s Karma School of Business

In this engaging episode of the Karma School of Business podcast, Sean Mooney sits down with Dan Ryan, Managing Director at MidOcean Partners, to discuss his journey in private equity, the evolving dynamics of the industry, and how MidOcean is staying ahead in a competitive market. From life-saving lessons to building critical business functions during challenging times, Dan shares invaluable insights about overcoming adversity, nurturing relationships, and leveraging data to create impactful results. Whether you're a private equity professional or a business leader, this episode offers inspiration and tactics you can apply in your career.

Episode Highlights

2:00 – Dan Ryan’s journey from investment banking to private equity and how his time at Georgetown and Division 1 soccer influenced his leadership approach.

8:00 – The life-saving story of a steak dinner gone wrong and how it echoes lessons of trust and collaboration in high-stakes situations.

14:00 – Building MidOcean’s business development function during the pandemic and utilizing data as a competitive advantage.

27:00 – How MidOcean is adapting to industry changes by integrating structured equity, leveraging AI, and forming strategic JVs like their initiative with Kroger.

38:00 – The importance of cybersecurity in private equity-backed companies and actionable advice for protecting businesses.

39:00 – Practical life hacks: From generative AI for daily use to a surprising life-saving maneuver for choking incidents.

For more information on MidOcean Partners, go to https://www.midoceanpartners.com/

For more information on Dan Ryan, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-ryan-3324512/

For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts