In the world of private equity, business moves at breakneck speed, market conditions are constantly shifting and surprises are the norm. This is why PE companies must seek out talented individuals who are both naturally inclined to see the bigger picture and have the intellectual curiosity necessary to not only know which questions to ask, but also how to act on them appropriately.
Private Equity firms are looking for intellectually curious employees because they:
1. Learn faster
Successful PE leaders are always thinking. They are information seekers and knowledge hounds who listen attentively and constantly absorb new information like a sponge. Curiosity is the fuel that drives this type of person when obstacles appear. While a business professional’s educational pedigree, skill sets, hard work and ambition are all of value, it is instinctive curiosity and the perception of the success process as a challenging yet enthralling puzzle that distinguish the most successful PE portfolio company leaders.
2. Have no fear of questioning and improving
Intellectually curious leaders thrive off the process of discovering previously unchartered territories. PE firms need leaders who are eager to identify new effective business techniques and will not stop working until they are implemented. This means always asking questions and never settling for the status quo.
3. Connect the dots and fix what needs fixing
Top performers in PE are able to generate solutions to problems no one else has considered and creatively manage stressful and difficult situations. Intellectually curious people are natural problem solvers. They are able to see how an organization fits in the market and ask questions that go beyond what can be derived from marketing messaging.
The intellectually curious find out “Why” and then DO something about it
What defines a truly successful PE leader is the underlying desire to know why, but also the propensity to do something with that information when appropriate. Intellectually curious leaders are actively engaged risk-takers. They are entrepreneurial, but not rash. They know how to experiment and test the boundaries of possibilities without the fear of failure. At the same time, when something doesn’t work, they are quick to move onto the next thing. They aren’t afraid to cut through strongly-held legacy-driven points of view or ask tough questions to cut through the fog.
Curiosity killed the cat but thrives in Private Equity
Curiosity drives people to excel and curiosity = questions. Asking smart questions generates useful answers to spur new and better questions. At the heart of intellectual curiosity is the motivation to always be asking questions. If it is an easy problem, it has likely already been solved. However, ideas of true value tend to be buried or are yet to be created. Curiosity acts as both the shovel and the flashlight to keep digging and searching even when the work becomes tedious or difficult.
Identifying and recruiting intellectually curious PE talent is easier said than done, as it takes a special skillset to do so. If you are in need of intellectually curious leaders to drive transformational change for your firm, please contact me.
Brian McMerty
Managing Partner
Arris Partners
DD: 919-424-1592
bmmerty@arris.partners