
The secrets behind top PE-backed CEO’s achieving 6.2X MOIC
📍 Episode Overview:
Alex Rawlings welcomes Taavo Godtfredsen and Sam Allison, co-founders of Advantage CEO, to discuss insights from their two-year research study of over 50 private equity-backed CEOs who averaged 6.2x MOIC. They break down the habits, systems, and mindset that separate high-performing CEOs from the rest—and introduce their proven 5X CEO Model.
⏱️ Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introductions
Taavo and Sam share their backgrounds and transition into executive coaching for PE-backed CEOs.
01:50 – Common CEO Mistakes
- Strategy gets stuck at the top
- Trying to do too much
- Holding onto average talent too long
04:30 – How Top CEOs Handle Talent
- Identify A-players for mission-critical roles
- Use litmus test: “Would I rehire this person today?”
- Design roles to be winnable, not overwhelming
09:00 – Quarterly Talent Reviews
- Simple red/yellow/green assessments
- Use of the Nine Box model for performance and potential
- Succession planning: Who’s ready now vs. in 1-2 years?
12:56 – Research Behind the 5X CEO Model
- 50+ CEOs and 25 PE leaders interviewed
- Focused on repeatable, values-based leadership
- 900+ years of combined PE experience
17:03 – The 5X CEO Model
- Strategic Clarity – Clear, compelling vision beyond EBITDA
- Scalable Talent – A-players in critical roles
- Relentless Focus – Prioritize top value drivers
- Disciplined Execution – Systems to track, adapt, and perform
- Energized Culture – Engage employees to drive growth
25:38 – Practical Tools from Top CEOs
- Reverse Executive Session for feedback
- Blank Sheet Strategy to identify disruption risks
- Using AI to detect performance issues faster
29:47 – CEOs as System Designers
- Build systems that scale, not just solve problems
- Use tech and tools to extend leadership capacity
32:14 – Recommended Resources
- The 5X CEO (Taavo & Sam)
- Five Dysfunctions of a Team – Patrick Lencioni
- MOVE – Sandy Ogg
- The Private Equity Playbook – Adam Coffey
33:09 – How to Connect with Taavo & Sam
🌐 advantageceo.com
📧 [email protected]
| [email protected]
Raw Selection partners with Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies to secure exceptional executive talent. We focus on de-risking executive recruitment through meticulous search and selection processes, ensuring top-tier performance and long-term success.
🔗 Connect with Alex Rawlings on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexrawlings/
🌐 Visit Raw Selection: www.raw-selection.com
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