Executive Summary

John, a seasoned executive with a background in consumer goods, wanted to transition into private equity. Despite his extensive industry experience, he struggled to secure a seat on a PE-backed company board. His initial approach was typical of many executives: focusing on perfecting his resume and waiting for the “right moment.” However, this mindset delayed his entry into the private equity world. It wasn’t until John engaged in BlackmoreConnects’ conferences and built strong relationships that he broke into the PE sector and secured a valuable board position. This case study explores how John’s journey transformed through networking, actionable steps, and leveraging conference opportunities.

The Problem: Lack of Focused Networking and Engagement

John was highly qualified, with over 20 years of experience leading a $50M consumer goods company. However, like many executives, he believed that simply submitting applications to PE firms would eventually land him a board role. This approach was not producing results, as John wasn’t engaging directly with the decision-makers in PE firms. His key mistake was staying in the “spectator” role instead of getting on the “court” by actively networking, attending PE-focused conferences, and engaging with firm owners directly.

John’s key pain points were:

The Solution: Engaging with BlackmoreConnects and Building Relationships

John attended a BlackmoreConnects full conference after realizing that waiting for the “right moment” was costing him opportunities. At the conference, he learned the critical value of networking with owners, PE firm partners, and fellow executives. BlackmoreConnects introduced him to over 50 relevant connections within a short period.

Key steps John took:

The Results: Securing a Board Seat and Building Momentum

After 12 months of networking and consistently attending conferences, John landed his first PE board seat with a $25M consumer goods company backed by a lower middle-market PE firm. His connections with the firm’s partners, built over months of engagement, played a critical role in securing the position.

The impact:

Conclusion

John’s case highlights the importance of moving beyond traditional job-hunting methods and engaging directly with the private equity world through focused networking and conference participation. BlackmoreConnects’ repeatable, measurable process was crucial in helping John shift from being a spectator to a player, ultimately landing a highly sought-after board role.

Key Takeaways:

This case study underscores the value of BlackmoreConnects and its process in helping executives transition to board-level roles in private equity.