Private Equity Blog

Value Creation with Repeatable Commercial Systems
Executive Takeaways
- Fragmented growth activity creates movement but not repeatable value.
- The risk isn't lack of effort. It's lack of system.
- At exit, buyers don't reward busy. They reward predictable.
- Before the next growth initiative, ask whether the infrastructure underneath it will make the results last.
The New PE Value Creation Playbook: Part Two
Value Creation with Repeatable Commercial Systems
In our last post, we made the case that PE firms are increasingly turning to commercial growth as the primary value creation lever during the hold period. The question now is whether the growth activity underway in portfolio companies is actually building toward something durable.
Most portfolio companies are not standing still.
Recent Posts

PE Value Drivers #22, Josh Schwartz, Operating Principal, Growth Factors
Jul 18, 2024 4:05:14 PM — In this episode, I’m joined by an experienced operating executive with a decade-long track record of success in the private equity world. Our discussion touched on the differences between operational and advisory roles, acclimating entrepreneurs to the PE experience, and the importance of trusted partnerships.

How Challenges Become Opportunities: A Conversation with Joe Grace
Apr 10, 2024 2:41:19 PM — I recently spoke with Joe Grace, a seasoned executive and long-time CMO and partner at Chief Outsiders to discuss the transformative engagement he recently completed with a medical device company. The company, which sells directly to consumers –specifically men over 60 – had been experiencing some significant growth challenges and Joe was brought in to get them back on track. I was excited about the opportunity to talk with Joe about the engagement. It was a great representation of the positive outcomes he provides for his clients as well as the passion Joe has for the work he does as a Chief Outsider.

Private Market Matters: The Rx for Growth at Healthcare Portcos
Apr 1, 2024 2:25:59 PM — Roll-ups may be all the rage for PE investors in healthcare, but today’s more patient-centric ecosystem argues for addressing organic growth as well. Here’s how to use sales and marketing savvy to upgrade value creation at every step of the deal cycle, according to fractional growth executive provider Chief Outsiders. There are few things more popular with PE investors right now than platform plays, with add-ons accounting for 75.9% of all buyout activity in 2023, according to data from PitchBook. And due to the highly fragmented nature of the US healthcare system, there’s no shortage of opportunities to scoop up enterprises around a theme, tune up the operations and sell the newly minted market leader.
Stay up-to-date with the latest from Chief Outsiders

Private Market Matters: Healthcare’s Power Shift
Mar 27, 2024 2:10:24 PM — Savvier patients are transforming the healthcare sector, and private equity investors would do well to invest real time, skill and effort to marketing efforts as part of their value creation plans, according to fractional growth executive provider Chief Outsiders. Healthcare has long been a sweet spot for private equity, offering plenty of opportunities for investors to do what they do best to drive returns: streamlining operations, cleaning up balance sheets, building industry platforms through M&A drives and tapping industry talent to steer companies to new heights. But as with any sector, competition for opportunities eventually drives up prices and as companies mature, value creation requires greater sophistication to deliver the massive growth that warrants fat exit multiples.