“Deal Us In” is brought to you by McGuireWoods. “Deal Us In” promotes the advancement of women in private equity and finance through conversations with women leaders and rising stars in the private equity and finance space. These conversations provide both insights and practical takeaways to inform your deal work and enhance the culture of your organization. To submit topics for discussion, please email [email protected].
Hosts: Ann Terrell Dorsett, Kelsey Hitchcock, Amber McGraw Walsh, Phyllis Young, Penny Zacharias, Casey J. Nelson and Kelly N. Wray.
Videos are posted on YouTube and social media channels. Podcasts also are available on iTunes and Spotify.
Episode 37: December 23, 2024
Two parties in a deal may have different priorities, but Kenna Craver manages conflict by leveraging a superpower unique to women in private equity: the ability to foster collaboration and trust.
The founder and managing partner of private investment firm Kamel Capital, Kenna encourages women in finance to recognize those strengths, including being “queens of multitasking.”
In this conversation with McGuireWoods partner and host Phyllis Young, she also advises women not to wait for permission to take their seat at the table. “Build your skills, network strategically and be relentless in pursuing your goals,” she suggests.
Episode 36: October 2, 2024
From mentors and hybrid work schedules to checking biases at the door, strategies for navigating workplace challenges are accessible but often require buy-in from colleagues and management. Five McGuireWoods women attorneys at various stages of their careers offer these insights and more in this episode of Deal Us In.
New hosts Kelly Wray and Casey Nelson join Ann Terrell Dorsett, Phyllis Young and Kelsey Hitchcock for a conversation about lifestyle choices and career trajectories of women in private equity and finance. Sharing personal and professional anecdotes, the hosts cover topics ranging from taking care of children and aging parents to leveraging technology for on-the-job flexibility.
Episode 35: August 26, 2024
An entrepreneur’s business is like her first-born child, says Sheila Emami. Her mission is to help it grow. The vice president of St. Cloud Capital, Sheila explains the relationship-driven approach that St. Cloud leverages on behalf of small businesses and underserved communities nationwide.
In this conversation with host Penny Zacharias, Sheila also discusses the importance of impact investing, promoting job creation, economic growth and good corporate governance. For women seeking success in private equity, she stresses paying it forward so that representation in this arena continues to be on the upswing.
Episode 34: July 29, 2024
Purpose, private markets, impact. To some, those are mere concepts. But to The Copia Group’s Beata Kirr, those words are an investment strategy.
In this episode of Deal Us In, Beata joins host and McGuireWoods partner Phyllis Young to talk about impact investing, particularly in private markets. Tune in as Beata discusses how impact investing can lead to higher financial returns, the importance of diversity in the world of investing and how women can continue to influence the finance industry.
Episode 33: July 9, 2024
What do you get when you cross an electrical engineering degree with an MBA? An innovative and successful fund manager.
In this episode of Deal Us In, one-of-a-kind venture capital firm manager SC Moatti of Mighty Capital joins McGuireWoods partner and host Kelsey Hitchcock to discuss how SC carefully selects her investment opportunities and analyzes emerging challenges and issues in AI technology. They also talk about challenges women face in private equity and finance.
Episode 32: May 10, 2024
Don’t be deferential when you should be more confident. “Technical skills give you the confidence to speak up and take a seat at the table,” says Amy Weisman.
On this episode of Deal Us In, host and McGuireWoods partner Penny Zacharias is joined by mother-daughter duo Amy Weisman, managing director of business development at Sterling Investment Partners, and Julia Weisman, account manager at Bloomberg LP.
In a candid conversation, Amy, an accomplished private equity professional, and Julia, a rising star in finance, delve into their experiences in the finance sector. They offer insights into overcoming imposter syndrome, the power of networking and the importance of striking a balance between work and personal life. Amy underscores the value of networking for career growth, highlighting Exponent Women, the organization she founded for women in private equity, while Julia emphasizes the value of mentorship and the role it has played in her career at Bloomberg. This episode provides essential guidance for women professionals navigating their careers in private equity and finance.
Episode 31: April 29, 2024
The workplace has changed in recent years, making arrangements such as working from home more common. However, navigating a career path while raising a family can still be challenging, especially in the high-powered financial industry.
On this episode of Deal Us In, McGuireWoods partner and host Kelsey Hitchcock welcomes guest Laura Redinger, principal and business development leader at Foundation Investment Partners, a private equity firm focused on acquiring niche manufacturers, high-value added distributors, outsourced business service providers and software developers.
Tune in to hear Laura share how she made the transition from commercial banking to private equity and balanced being a working mom in a male-dominated field. Laura also discusses lessons she learned along the way and offers advice to women aspiring to leadership roles in PE, particularly those facing career advancement obstacles.
Episode 30: March 25, 2024
If the projected professional future doesn’t appeal, consider pivoting your strategy or career aspirations. On this episode of Deal Us In, McGuireWoods counsel Ann Dorsett welcomes guest Meredith Carter, president and CEO of Edge Capital, a family office-backed specialty finance company outside of Philadelphia focused on providing asset-based loans to lower-middle-market companies.
Learn how Meredith got started in asset-based lending and how she successfully transitioned from a career in corporate law to niche specialty finance. Meredith also shares strategies for helping women advance in their organizations and advice for women who aspire to have a leadership role.
Episode 29: March 11, 2024
To understand how and why people succeed, it’s just as important to look at what they didn’t do, as it is to look at what they did.
On this episode of Deal Us In, McGuireWoods associate Xaviera Webb is joined by guest Kristin Gunther, partner at Revolution Growth, a venture firm based in Washington, D.C. With more than 15 years of experience in private equity, finance and operations, Kristin shares her journey, her struggles and her advice for women seeking to achieve success in the finance industry.
Tune in to hear Xaviera and Kristin discuss juggling work and family commitments, the trade-offs of being a working mom, and dealing with “mom guilt.” They also talk about the character traits that have enabled Kristin to succeed in the high-intensity worlds of private equity and venture capital, the strategies Kristin finds most effective in managing competing priorities, and the specific challenges unique to women in a competitive workplace.
Episode 28: February 23, 2024
Depending on where you work, financial institutions can have a churn-and-burn atmosphere. How does this affect work-life balance, particularly for aspiring women business leaders? Although previous generations overcame barriers to women in leadership, there’s always work to be done.
On this episode of Deal Us In, host and McGuireWoods partner Phyllis Young is joined by guest Hannah Jordana, senior vice president of commercial and industrial lending at Cadence Bank, to discuss women in the finance industry. Tune in to hear Hannah’s journey and experience in private equity and finance and how she got involved in deal-making. Hannah and Phyllis also discuss obstacles women face in business, how to address those challenges, and ways organizations can support and empower women to take leadership roles in deal execution and decision-making.
Episode 27: February 6, 2024
Most of us have experienced imposter syndrome. But when you’re the only woman of color in a predominantly white, male-dominated field, it can feel like you’re shooting above your weight.
On this episode of Deal Us In, McGuireWoods associate Xaviera Webb talks to Alyssa Daniel, a private equity associate with PNC Mezzanine Capital, about Alyssa’s journey into private equity, including some of the challenges she faced and how she overcame them. They discuss the role of mentorship, the need to advocate for yourself and the importance of making connections. Alyssa also shares some advice for aspiring private equity professionals.
Episode 26: October 18, 2023
On this episode of Deal Us In, host Xaviera Webb, an associate at McGuireWoods, is joined by Tamika Tyson, co-founder of TGC Impact. They discuss access to capital growth, booming business opportunities in the American South, and how other Black women and women of color can break into the private equity sector — and stay there.
For Tamika Tyson, problem-solving is not just her greatest strength, but also the force that drove her to co-found her own private equity firm, TGC Impact. During her more than 25 years of experience in risk management and structure, what Tamika heard repeatedly were talks of a capital issue. She decided to take matters into her own hands.
“Really we said, ‘Hey, why don’t we solve that problem by actually putting capital to work?’ So TGC was founded to address the access to capital gap for women and people of color,” explains Tamika.
Episode 25: June 22, 2023
On this episode of Deal Us In, host Rebecca Rheney, an associate at McGuireWoods, talks to Aneesha Raghunathan, vice president at Susquehanna Growth Equity. Aneesha has industry expertise across fintech and healthcare and currently focuses on data and enterprise software. Her current companies include Sievo, ZenQMS, LiveBarn, MediSpend, and more.
As a woman of color, Aneesha talks candidly about the value of diversity in the private equity sector and the advantages it brings to companies and their potential deals. She also offers listeners an inspiring mix of valuable insights and practical advice on beating imposter syndrome, thriving in the private equity sector, learning the “nonglamorous” basics and speaking up in meetings.
Episode 24: May 18, 2023
In this episode of Deal Us In, hosts Phyllis Young, Ann Dorsett and Kelsey Hitchcock welcome Xaviera Webb and Rebecca Rheney to the podcast. In their first episode, Xaviera and Rebecca flip the script, asking the three hosts about their own careers and experiences as women in the private equity and finance space. Phyllis, Ann and Kelsey also discuss why diversity in law is vital and how to ensure women succeed in the legal profession.
Episode 23: March 16, 2023
Deal Us In host Phyllis Young welcomes LaDawn Townsend, founder and CEO of VOS Group, to discuss leadership skills. LaDawn has spent more than nine years coaching CEOs and boards on how to build the next generation of influential and authentic leaders. Throughout the episode, LaDawn shares real-life examples and situations that have shaped how she approaches leadership training to nurture organizations and develop strong leaders.
Episode 22: January 31, 2023
Are you making deal resolutions for the New Year? In this episode of Deal Us In, we welcome back McGuireWoods partners Jodie Herrmann Lawson and Susan Rodriguez to share their deal resolutions for 2023 with host Kelsey Hitchcock. Kelsey, Jodie and Susan explore key points businesses should consider as they approach deals this year, including more upfront scrutiny of I-9s, when to consider indemnification provisions and what to do if the seller has an ongoing audit.
Episode 21: October 28, 2022
In this episode of Deal Us In, we welcome Renny Sie as she joins host Kelsey Hitchcock to discuss her role as vice president of business development and investor relations at Boyne Capital and the nontraditional track that brought her there. Kelsey and Renny explore why representation, discipline and emotional intelligence are so important and why working in acquisitions is a relationship business over a financial industry.
Episode 20: August 31, 2022
So many of us have that inner voice in our heads — the one telling us we’re imposters, that we’re not cut out for this, that we’ll never be able to catch up to the men in our industry. That voice is no stranger to women in investing, including Avante Capital Partners principal* Amanda Kim. She started her career in a finance role at Goldman Sachs before applying for a position as associate at Avante.
Tune in with host Ann Terrell Dorsett as Amanda shares what it’s like to work in a completely women-led company and what it means to foster a diverse and welcoming workplace. Amanda also tells us why diversity is important, and offers her best tips for ensuring successful deals.
*At the time of this recording, Amanda Kim held the position of vice president at Avante Capital Partners.
Episode 19: May 31, 2022
In this episode of Deal Us In, Amanda Verner Thompson and Vasanta Pundarika join McGuireWoods’ Kelsey Hitchcock to discuss their now 16-year-long career together in investment banking. After working at the same healthcare investment banking firm through several acquisitions, the pair joined Matrix Capital Markets Group where they co-lead its Healthcare Investment Banking Group.
Join Kelsey, Amanda and Vasanta as they discuss adaptation, strategies for successful deals and what aspiring women should know about the investment banking space.
Episode 18: April 28, 2022
In this episode of Deal Us In, Falfurrias Capital Partners vice president Katie-Rose Higgins joins host Ann Terrell Dorsett to share what it’s like to be at the vice president level working on deals in M&A. From the intensive demands of due diligence to post-close strategy sessions with CEOs and boards of directors, Katie-Rose offers a holistic view of the many facets of work involved with private equity.
Katie-Rose and Ann also gave advice on recruiting diverse candidates and discussed how firms can help team members build their networks and feel included and supported throughout their careers.
Episode 17: February 28, 2022
With 2021 in the metaphorical rearview mirror, hosts Ann Dorsett, Kelsey Hitchcock and Phyllis Young reflect on top trends and the implications for the future. Tune in as they discuss debt financing developments, interest in new products, the RWI squeeze and challenges in purchase agreements. Learn which trends they think will have an impact in 2022, and the lessons they believe should be applied this year.
Episode 16: January 23, 2022
Although women have made strides in the private equity industry, they are still a minority in workplaces dominated by men. In this episode, Melissa Mounce Mithal, GTCR’s managing director of leadership, talent and diversity, joins host Ann Terrell Dorsett to share her perspective on the impact and experience of women in the industry, including some of the obstacles standing against them. Later in the episode, Melissa shares how working remotely expanded her access to executives yet created challenges for mentorship. Hear how women professionals can connect virtually with leaders in the private equity industry.
Episode 15: December 20, 2021
Join host Ariail Barker and licensed marriage and family therapist Blair Bishop in a special episode on how women can tune in to their needs and learn to ask for help as they navigate increasing demands at work and at home. Hear about giving yourself permission to “mess up and admit it,” what it is to be human at work, and how accepting a patriarchal structure can help you make changes in areas you can control while letting go of the rest.
Episode 14: October 27, 2021
When you’re a dealmaker, there’s always a risk of getting stuck in a complicated arbitration if things go awry. Issues can sneak up on you. On this Halloween episode of Deal Us In, join host Kelsey Hitchcock and McGuireWoods partners Jodie Herrmann Lawson and Susan Rodriguez as they guide you through the haunted maze of business disputes, arbitrations and Form I-9 nightmares.
Tune in to this spooky special to find out what skeletons may lurk in the closet. With the right kind of legal support, you can unmask the boogeyman, confront the ghosts and find it isn’t so scary after all
Episode 13: October 20, 2021
To fully cultivate the kinds of business relationships that produce lucrative transactions, private equity firms turn to talent to help source the most fruitful deals. Join host Ariail Barker and and one such talent, Palladium Equity Partners’ director of business development Meahgan O’Grady, as they discuss finding the right tools for networking, advocating for yourself and effectuating change from within. Hear about Meaghan’s path to private equity, viewing career like a layer cake, and how everyone, even introverts, can make connections.
Episode 12: July 30, 2021
People don’t want to go back to working in the office the same way they used to, and this shift in attitudes means new considerations for businesses. On this episode of Deal Us In, McGuireWoods lawyers Carolyn Trenda and Dawn Cutlan Stetter, who focus on employee benefits and general employment law, respectively, join host Kelsey Hitchcock to continue their two-part conversation about the impacts of the pandemic on the workplace, particularly for women.
They discuss the challenges presented by a partially remote workforce and how to accommodate employees who may want flexibility. They also talk about how traditional benefits packages are changing to address a range of needs. They conclude their discussion by sharing their personal experiences and thoughts on what women can do to achieve professional success.
Episode 11: June 30, 2021
In the past year, employers have had to contend with a multitude of new labor and employment issues. In part one of a two-part interview, host Kelsey Hitchcock is joined by McGuireWoods lawyers Carolyn Trenda and Dawn Cutlan Stetter, who focus on employee benefits and general employment law, respectively, to discuss the types of questions their clients are asking.
They explore the pandemic’s impact on employment benefits, the challenges caregivers face, and the ins and outs of COVID-19 legislation. They also address the effects on industries that required employees to work in person.
Episode 10: May 28, 2021
Women of color face challenges in the male-dominated fields of law and private equity, but if you strive and remain focused, you can be successful. In this episode, hosts Phyllis Young and Kelsey Hitchcock are joined by McGuireWoods lawyers, Mirlande Telfort and Dami Oguntade. Mirlande and Dami share how they’ve made the most of their skills and backgrounds utilizing the power of strong women mentors and role models to keep moving forward. They offer perspective and encouragement concluding with the importance of sometimes sitting back to relax and appreciate the journey.
Episode 9: March 17, 2021
Networking events can be challenging at the best of times, but especially when you’re the only woman in the room. In part I of this series, host Ariail Barker is joined by Northstar Managing Director Rebekah Elliott. They discuss what it takes to develop your presence rather than shrink into a corner to avoid standing out at networking events comprising mostly men. They offer tips on building rapport, projecting confidence and steering the conversation. Learn how to navigate an event to accomplish your goals and remain engaged while avoiding landmines.
Episode 8: February 24, 2021
In part II of our installment inspired by the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, hosts Ann Terrell Dorsett, Kelsey Hitchcock and Phyllis Young continue their conversation on the gains made by women in the legal industry and the hurdles they face. They highlight the importance of women leadership roles, improved gender diversity and the value of supporting efforts that help create a constructive environment to balance career and family. They recognize the statistics showing progress has been made, but statistics also show the climb for women continues.
Episode 7: January 28, 2021
In an episode inspired by the recent 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment, hosts Ann Terrell Dorsett, Kelsey Hitchcock and Phyllis Young step through history and summarize key legislation in the national movement for women’s rights. They share statistics on gender wage gap, bias and the impact of COVID-19, among other topics. They explore the gains made by women in the legal industry and address the barriers for women in law acknowledging that while women in the workplace have come a long way, there is still a long way to go.
Episode 6: October 29, 2020
Join host Kelsey Hitchcock and McGuireWoods partners Susan Rodriguez and Jodie Herrmann Lawson for a special Halloween episode of tales and takeaways on state law considerations for buy/sell transactions, monster definitions creeping into your deal documents and some hair-raising spectres arising from overly broad release language. You’ll experience unnerving accounts of Form I-9 and related Paycheck Protection Program issues. Heed these terrifying tales from attorneys who saw the aftermath firsthand to avoid similar horrors in your deals.
Episode 5: August 19, 2020
As more women occupy the private equity and investment banking spaces of the finance industry, it becomes imperative for companies to strengthen policies that are unique to women who would like to start a family while pursuing a career.
In episode 5 of Deal Us In, host Ariail Barker speaks with Main Street Capital Business Development and Marketing Manager Molly White about maternity leave policies in the finance industry. They stress the importance of businesses, irrespective of size, being aware of maternity regulations and examining whether their current policies are appropriately accommodating and flexible for employees.
Episode 4: July 15, 2020
Many women are pursuing careers in previously male-dominated professions, including highly specialized arenas like forensic accounting in M&A transactions. More female voices are joining the table and establishing themselves in leadership positions. In this episode of Deal Us In, host Kelsey Hitchcock is joined by Christen Morand, a partner and certified public accountant in Ernst & Young’s Forensic & Integrity Services practice. The discussion examines how the culture for women has evolved over the past 10 years, particularly in complex industries such as M&A. Christen shares her experience as an accounting arbitrator, a position historically held by men.
Episode 3: June 8, 2020
While notable gaps remain, the climate for women in the workplace is consistently improving. In Episode 3, McGuireWoods’ Phyllis Young speaks with Yasmin Huebinger, Senior Vice President with Capital One. Yasmin discusses her personal experiences as a career woman and a leader in her institution. She shares a number of factors that have contributed to her success, including cultivating the ability to remain calm and focused even in times of high stress. Yasmin also provides pointed advice to those committed to increasing the number and visibility of women in their firms.
Episode 2: May 19, 2020
Amber Walsh, a McGuireWoods partner and co-leader of its WPEF initiative, discusses dealmaking remotely including valuable tips for those less accustomed to remote work, cultivating self-discipline and staying connected to colleagues and clients. Amber also discusses risk management, an expanding market as result of the pandemic.
Episode 1: Apr 28, 2020
Inaugural episode featuring hosts Ann Terrell Dorsett, Kelsey Hitchcock, Phyllis Young and Ariail Barker discussing what brought them to private equity and finance; what it is to be a transactional lawyer and the critical roles women are occupying in the industry. Episode 1 concludes with advice they would give their younger selves including taking risks, raising issues and self-trust.
The Women in Private Equity & Finance Initiative was founded by McGuireWoods and promotes the advancement of women in private equity and lending through a series of industry-focused events that provide substantive educational and networking opportunities. By leveraging our longtime focus on diversity issues within the law firm setting and extending it to investment funds, banks and other lenders, we provide a networking platform for women to raise their profiles, share thought leadership, expand business opportunities and, most importantly, help the industry continue to make progress.
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