[Private Equity Series] Building Success and Diverse Leadership With Vivian Gonzalez

Vivian Gonzalez is the President of Park Capital Search, a global finance and accounting executive search firm that helps organizations — from private equity-backed companies to public corporations — build senior leadership teams in areas like finance, accounting, data science, and business analytics. With a focus on retained, C-suite and functional leadership assignments, Vivian spearheads senior-level placements that shape the operational health and strategic direction of client organizations. Vivian is a recognized member of CHIEF and contributes thought leadership on efficient and transformative hiring practices for today’s rapidly evolving economy. In this episode… Executives stepping into private equity roles often face overwhelming expectations, vague performance goals, and high-pressure environments. Many leaders don’t receive clear guidance on negotiating equity or navigating the cultural shift that comes with PE-backed companies. At the same time, firms risk costly mis-hires by failing to define tactical needs during the hiring process. How can both sides align to build strong leadership teams that scale effectively? According to Vivian Gonzalez, a seasoned executive recruiter, success begins with clarity, communication, and advocacy on both ends of the hiring table. Firms must set expectations early and look beyond credentials to assess mindset, humility, and grit. Candidates, meanwhile, benefit from partners who help them package their experience, position their value, and negotiate for long-term upside, including equity. With the right match and support, executives can step into transformative roles that accelerate both personal and business growth. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Vivian Gonzalez, President of Park Capital Search, to explore how executive search drives successful outcomes in private equity-backed companies. They discuss what sponsors really want in C-suite talent, how candidates can break through career ceilings, and why humility and grit are often stronger indicators of success than titles. Vivian also shares stories of executives who turned career stagnation into seven-figure exits — and how her immigrant upbringing and background as a competitive gymnast shaped her leadership journey.

Andy Ruben is the Founder and Executive Chairman of Trove, a re-commerce technology company that powers branded resale programs for major labels like Patagonia, Lululemon, REI, and Levi’s. Before Trove, he spent a decade at Walmart as the company’s first Chief Sustainability Officer, where he launched global sustainability efforts, led omnichannel and private-brand strategies, and integrated e‑commerce — including the rollout of grocery delivery.  Ruben founded Trove (originally Yerdle) in 2012 and introduced the first branded resale platform with Patagonia’s Worn Wear in 2017, helping advance the circular economy across more than 150 global brands. He advises BCG and Earthshot Ventures, serves as Lead Independent Director and ESG Committee Chair at Zevia, and has been featured on NPR, TED, and testified before Congress on sustainable business practices. In this episode… Most brands sell products once and lose the customer until their next full-price purchase — often years later. In today’s economy, that leaves businesses vulnerable to rising acquisition costs, volatile supply chains, and growing consumer demand for sustainability. So, how can companies reclaim the value of their products, strengthen customer relationships, and stay competitive in the circular economy? Andy Ruben, a sustainability expert and retail pioneer, shares how brands can tap into the hidden inventory in customers’ closets by implementing buy-back and resale systems. He explains how branded resale builds loyalty and trust, reduces acquisition costs, and attracts new customers. He emphasizes the importance of starting small, using technology to streamline trade-ins, and designing programs that reinforce the brand's core values. Andy also reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, including hard-earned lessons about building a startup, pivoting business models, and executing founder-led sales in the early stages. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Andy Ruben, Founder and Executive Chairman of Trove, about transforming retail through branded resale and the circular economy. Andy shares his startup origin story, the evolution from peer-to-peer to B2B, and insights on customer retention. He also discusses business development missteps, his leadership experience at Walmart, and why speed and focus matter most when launching a new venture.

Mike Agugliaro is the Founder and CEO of FuDog Group, a training and coaching company specializing in personal growth and development. He blends ancient wisdom, neuroscience, and modern performance strategies to help entrepreneurs and individuals design lives rich in health, wealth, relationships, and impact. Mike is a self-made entrepreneur and martial arts expert who began his career as an electrician and scaled a home services company to $32 million in annual revenue before selling it to private equity in 2017. He then founded CEO Warrior, the largest coaching organization for home‑service businesses globally, helping clients generate over half a billion dollars in additional revenue in six countries. A sought‑after speaker, author of more than 20 books, and multi‑black‑belt martial artist, he’s on a mission to transform one million lives across 100 countries within 10 years. In this episode… Many entrepreneurs pour themselves into their business success while silently sacrificing their health, relationships, and personal fulfillment. When success comes at the cost of disconnection or burnout, the real question becomes, can you build wealth and live a deeply fulfilling life? Mike Agugliaro, business strategist and mindset expert, shares how to break this cycle by focusing on holistic growth — across life, business, and legacy. He emphasizes the importance of growing together in relationships, mastering one’s mindset, and designing a movement rather than just a business. Mike offers tactical advice around breaking through limiting beliefs, healing sales trauma, and reshaping habits that sabotage success. His framework, the Parthenon, integrates leadership, marketing, business, health, wealth, and relationships into one life-by-design blueprint. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Mike Agugliaro, Founder and CEO of FuDog Group, about building a purpose-driven life and business. Mike explores the power of immersive learning, why curiosity strengthens relationships, and the importance of mastering your inner dialogue. He also discusses what happens after exiting a business, creating movement-based companies, and rewiring your mindset for lasting success.

Phil Randazzo is the Founder of American Dream U, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping military service members transition into successful civilian careers or launch their businesses. Since its founding in 2003, American Dream U has provided educational programs and mentorship to over 16,000 veterans and their families, featuring guidance from top entrepreneurs and business leaders.  Beyond his nonprofit work, Phil has authored several books, including Mission Next, Funding Your Bigger Future, and Shark Talk. As an entrepreneur, he maintains business interests across healthcare, compliance, and franchising industries. He has been recognized for his service with honors like the key to the City of Las Vegas and a commission on Nevada’s Veterans Services Commission. In this episode… Many veterans struggle with transitioning from military to civilian life, facing uncertainty, emotional upheaval, and misaligned career paths. Standard programs often push veterans into roles that mirror their service jobs without exploring their passions or personal growth. But what if the transition could be a transformative opportunity to rediscover purpose and design a life that truly fits? Social impact entrepreneur and leadership mentor Phil Randazzo shares how identity challenges, suppressed emotions, and outdated belief systems can hinder veterans from fully integrating personal growth. He offers insights into shifting from seeking external relief to practicing internal integration — through tools like meditation, storytelling, journaling, and self-reflection. Phil emphasizes the importance of releasing inherited emotional patterns, cultivating awareness, and building community for sustained change. His journey of emotional awakening, marriage transformation, and helping over 19,000 service members provides a roadmap for creating lasting impact and self-discovery. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Phil Randazzo, Founder of American Dream U, about empowering veterans through personal transformation and entrepreneurship. Phil discusses his turning point, strategies for sustainable change, and the power of community. He also explores childhood belief systems, how transition impacts family dynamics, and the importance of integrating lessons rather than chasing relief.

Tyler Lane is the Founder and CEO of Session Interactive, a Denver-based digital marketing consultancy specializing in SEO, analytics, paid search, and content strategy for mid-market and enterprise brands. With over 13 years of experience in digital marketing, he has successfully created, launched, and evaluated SEO, content marketing, analytics, and social strategies, bringing his expertise to Session Interactive. Tyler leads a team of seasoned professionals who deliver data-driven solutions to help clients achieve measurable growth. In this episode… Many companies struggle to turn their digital marketing investments into measurable outcomes, often due to blind spots in data tracking, ineffective SEO strategies, or lackluster paid media performance. Businesses waste money and miss growth opportunities without understanding user behavior or proper attribution. So, how can organizations build more intelligent, results-driven marketing systems? Tyler Lane, an expert in SEO, paid media, and analytics, shares how a deeply analytical approach can transform marketing effectiveness. He emphasizes the importance of a clean analytics setup to ensure accurate attribution and performance tracking. He recommends auditing conversion events and tailoring data dashboards to support strategic decisions without overwhelming teams. By focusing on user intent, leveraging both organic and paid strategies, and staying ahead of AI's role in search behavior, Tyler provides a framework for sustainable digital success. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Tyler Lane, Founder and CEO of Session Interactive, about building results-focused marketing campaigns. Tyler explores actionable SEO strategies, the power of clean analytics, and the impact of customer journeys on conversion. He also discusses agency culture, the role of AI in search, and his path from IBM to launching his own business.

Chadd Olesen is the CEO and Co-founder of AVRL, an Austin-based automation company specializing in logistics and supply chain technology. Since launching AVRL in 2017, he has led its transformation from a natural language processing startup into a freight tech powerhouse, now automating over 60 million shipments annually. Under Chadd's leadership, AVRL has become one of the fastest-growing companies in the US, earning recognition on the Inc. 5000 list. He is known for his consultative approach to automation, empowering brokers and carriers to integrate technology without sacrificing human expertise. In this episode… Breaking into a saturated and highly competitive industry like freight and logistics is no small feat — especially when innovation is rare and copycats abound. Startups in this space face challenges like differentiating their offering, managing growth without overexposure, and surviving tight margins. So, how do you build a technology-driven solution, scale it, and protect your edge in a legacy industry? Chadd Olesen, a seasoned entrepreneur with a background in voice and automation technology, shares how he strategically navigated these hurdles by focusing on deep integrations, word-of-mouth growth, and selective client onboarding. He emphasizes the importance of starting with a clear problem — such as inefficient freight pricing — and solving it with adaptable, robust tech. He warns against the allure of big corporate logos, advocating instead for smaller, agile client relationships and value-based pricing. Through lessons learned the hard way, Chadd recommends hiring scrappy engineers over corporate veterans and using automation to minimize human error and maximize scalability. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Chadd Olesen, CEO of AVRL, about disrupting the freight industry through automation. Chadd discusses entering a legacy space without industry experience, how his team landed enterprise clients like Walmart and JB Hunt, and the strategic decision to operate in stealth. He also explores product-market fit, the funding process, and how his leadership evolved after becoming a parent.

Gabe Karp is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and conflict management expert known for his book Don't Get Mad at Penguins: And Other Ways to Detox the Conflict in Your Life and Business. He began his career as a trial lawyer, later becoming Executive Vice President and General Counsel at ePrize (now Merkle), where he helped grow the company into a global leader in digital promotions. Currently, Gabe serves as an Operating Partner at Detroit Venture Partners and a Venture Partner at Lightbank, advising early-stage tech companies and serving on multiple boards. His work focuses on transforming conflict from a liability into a strategic asset, drawing from over 30 years of experience in law, business, and venture capital. In this episode… Navigating conflict is one of the biggest challenges in both personal and professional relationships. Whether dealing with strong personalities, avoiding uncomfortable conversations, or managing unspoken resentment, unresolved conflict can slow progress, damage culture, and erode trust. So, how can leaders turn conflict into a tool for growth instead of a source of frustration? Gabe Karp, conflict management expert and author of Don't Get Mad at Penguins, shares a framework for transforming toxic conflict into a productive force. Drawing on his experiences as a former trial lawyer, executive, and venture capitalist, he explains how leaders can shift team dynamics by normalizing direct communication, embracing discomfort, and identifying common conflict traps such as ego, the need to win, and misaligned expectations. Gabe introduces strategies like the debrief/pre-brief meeting format, ego-neutral negotiation, and fostering cultures of candor and accountability, all of which help teams surface issues before they escalate. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Gabe Karp, Operating Partner at Detroit Venture Partners, about building healthier team dynamics through conflict. Gabe discusses how to dismantle ego-driven tension, the power of cultural feedback loops, and why expectations shape most of our frustrations. He also explores lessons from litigation, handling difficult terminations, and creating space for honest team dialogue.

Noah Rosenfarb is a third-generation CPA and the Founder of Wealthrive, which empowers high-achieving entrepreneurs to leverage tax strategies and generational wealth. He has sold eight companies and completed over 50 real estate investments valued at almost $1 billion. Noah is also an author, podcast host, and thought leader in exit planning. In this episode… For entrepreneurs approaching a business exit or seeking lifestyle freedom, the stakes are high and the path can be uncertain. Many struggle with designing a fulfilling post-exit life, navigating complex tax strategies, and making confident, values-aligned decisions. So, how can business owners exit on their terms, reduce financial friction, and build a life they don’t need a vacation from? Noah Rosenfarb, a seasoned CPA, investor, and exit strategist, shares a powerful framework for turning these challenges into opportunities. Drawing from his Lotto Method, he encourages entrepreneurs to envision life as if they’d already won the lottery, then take deliberate steps to live that reality. Noah outlines how to structure tax-efficient investments, use retirement plans creatively, and prepare for a meaningful transition before selling a business. His insights stress clarity, courage, and purpose as critical tools for lasting success. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Noah Rosenfarb, Founder of Wealthrive, about living intentionally before and after selling a business. Noah explains how the Lotto Method shapes life decisions and financial planning. He also discusses innovative tax strategies, the value of real estate investing, and how to travel the world while homeschooling.

Craig Dunham is the CEO of Voltron Data, a company specializing in GPU-accelerated data infrastructure for large-scale analytics, AI, and machine learning workloads. Before joining Voltron Data, he served as CEO of Lumar, a SaaS technical SEO platform, and held executive roles at Guild Education and Seismic, where he led the integration of Seismic's acquisition of The Savo Group and drove go-to-market strategies in the financial services sector. Craig began his career in investment banking with Citi and Lehman Brothers before transitioning into technology leadership roles. He holds a MBA from Northwestern University and a BS from Hampton University. In this episode… In a world where efficiency and speed are paramount, how can companies quickly process massive amounts of data without breaking the bank on infrastructure and energy costs? With the rise of AI and increasing data volumes from everyday activities, organizations face a daunting challenge: achieving fast and cost-effective data processing. Is there a solution that can transform how businesses handle data and unlock new possibilities? Craig Dunham, a B2B SaaS leader with expertise in go-to-market strategy and enterprise data systems, tackles these challenges head-on by leveraging GPU-accelerated computing. Unlike traditional CPU-based systems, Voltron Data's technology uses GPUs to greatly enhance data processing speed and efficiency. Craig shares how their solution helps enterprises reduce processing times from hours to minutes, enabling organizations to run complex analytics faster and more cost-effectively. He emphasizes that Voltron Data’s approach doesn’t require a complete overhaul of existing systems, making it a more accessible option for businesses seeking to enhance their computing capabilities. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Craig Dunham, CEO at Voltron Data, about building high-performance data systems. Craig delves into the challenges and solutions in today’s data-driven business landscape, how Voltron Data’s innovative solutions are revolutionizing data analytics, and the advantages of using GPU over CPU for data processing. He also shares valuable lessons on leading high-performing teams and adapting to market demands.

Jake Karls is Co-founder and Chief Rainmaker of Mid-Day Squares, a Montreal-based functional chocolate company known for its bold transparency and viral storytelling. After early ventures in fitness and fashion, he found his niche in brand building and community engagement. Since launching Mid-Day Squares with his sister and brother-in-law, Jake has helped scale the company to produce over 90,000 bars daily and achieve multimillion-dollar revenues. Recognized on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list, he champions authenticity and emotional connection as the keys to modern entrepreneurship. In this episode… Launching a new food product is already a challenge, but doing so in a saturated market like snacks, with refrigerated items that require special handling, makes it even more difficult. Entrepreneurs often encounter skepticism, limited shelf space, and high operational costs, particularly when trying to differentiate themselves with bold branding and unconventional strategies. So, how can you grow a disruptive food brand without compromising product integrity, consumer trust, or scalability? Jake Karls, an expert in community-driven brand building and marketing, outlines how he and his co-founders tackled these challenges through relentless storytelling, unfiltered transparency, and unapologetic self-belief. He emphasizes the importance of building a fan base rather than just a customer base, capturing early momentum by personally delivering samples and gathering feedback. He also shares actionable strategies like leveraging content for trust-building, securing unconventional financing, investing in manufacturing infrastructure, and leaning into therapy to strengthen co-founder dynamics and leadership. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Jake Karls, Co-founder of Mid-Day Squares, about building a disruptive snack brand from scratch. Jake dives into creating brand loyalty through storytelling, taking risks like owning manufacturing, and dealing with crises like a potential recall. He also discusses mental health in entrepreneurship, redefining success, and how dancing with a boombox helped land investors.