In the fast-paced world of private equity (PE), talent partners are increasingly tasked with driving true impact across their portfolio. However, this responsibility often comes with the challenge of navigating different perspectives on how talent can be an enabler of value creation. A common question I hear from clients is, “What’s the best practice, and how should I approach my role, given that no two PE firms view talent the same way?”
So, how can talent partners not only drive impact but also shape their firm’s expectations of what success in their role looks like?
The key lies in leveraging your time effectively to support your portfolio. Here’s how to do it:
- Prioritize Strategic Early Wins: Focus on securing tangible early wins to establish credibility. These wins should be strategically chosen to align with the broader goals of the portfolio, demonstrating the value of your role from the outset.
- Decide on Direct vs. Scalable Solutions: Determine which tasks should be handled directly and which can be managed through scalable solutions or trusted external partners. This decision-making process is crucial for maximizing your impact without overextending your resources.
- Facilitate a Curated Executive Community: Build a self-sustaining enablement environment by curating a community for portfolio executives. This should include a network of experts and advisors who can offer ongoing support and guidance, ensuring long-term success across the portfolio.
We’ve seen PE investors transition from simply wanting these outcomes to actually achieving them, creating a significant shift in how talent partners contribute to the success of their firms.
