The videos below are available to Chicago Booth students and alumni pursuing careers in private equity and venture capital. In order to view the videos, you will need to login with your CNET credentials. The Polsky Center’s Investors-in-Residence have delivered the content through workshops and information sessions.
Investing Essentials
Polsky Center Investor-in-Residence, Founder and Managing Partner, Author Capital Partners
Duane Jackson
Trends vs Fads in Private Equity | April 22, 2025 |
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This workshop delves into how to distinguish lasting investment themes from short-term fads. From veterinary and dental practices to asset-light firms like insurance and wealth management, private equity has shifted focus over time. Jackson, joined by colleague Nick Brand, compares the difference between trends and fads, explores emerging trends, and discusses buzz words in the current private equity climate.
Value Creation in Uncertain Times | February 11, 2025 |
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Jackson leads a discussion that explores how private equity can create value in uncertain times. “Draw down your revolvers and batten down the hatches!” is the advice many savvy PE investors offer portfolio companies in a downturn. Savvy PE investors, however, also go looking for opportunities. Downturns offer opportunities for accretive M&A—but for PE backed companies, they can also drive long-term value through operational best practices.
How to Build a Strong Investment Thesis | November 19, 2024 | Watch now >>
This workshop focuses on building a strong investment thesis. Topics include the foundations of an investment thesis, sources to build and refine a thesis, and actionable outputs. This workshop will also discuss how a team may approach developing a proposal and thesis as it relates to the Investment Thesis Challenge (ITC).
Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) Overview | November 8, 2021 | Watch now >>
Jackson hosts an interactive discussion around Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs). Duane explores questions on conducting due diligence and evaluating whether to buy shares through SPACs, as well as the typical stage of a company acquired by a SPAC and what is the typical minimum size company PE firms using SPACs as an exit vehicle with their portfolio companies.
Polsky Center Investor-in-Residence, Consultant
Tim Kelly, MBA ’00
Success and Failure in One’s Life and Career | April 3, 2025 | Watch now >>Kelly leads a workshop to discuss special topics related to emotional intelligence. He explains a road map to success that helps you define your own version of success with an emphasis on the importance of an individual’s character and emotional intelligence.
From Associate to Partner: The Neuroscience Behind Being an Effective Leader | January 21, 2025 | Watch now >>
Kelly holds an interactive workshop to discuss the transition from associate to partner. He delves into the importance of self and social knowledge and how these skills support career growth.
PE Due Diligence | November 14, 2024 | Watch now >>
Kelly leads a workshop on due diligence on PE funds for the merits of a partnership for employment as well as investment purposes. He walks through where to have skepticism and look for information sources and considerations.
Dissecting the PE Industry | November 5, 2024 | Watch now >>
This workshop introduces you to careers within the PE industry and the skills they require, pros and cons of different paths, and ways to pursue these opportunities.
Secrets to Building Effective Slide Decks | October 17, 2024 | Watch now >>
Kelly covers ways to build presentations that communicate ideas and inspire audiences. This workshop is particularly helpful for students participating in the Private Equity Case Competition (PECC).
On Success and Failure: Thoughts on the Business of Life| Watch now >>
Kelly leads an interactive workshop on the importance of defining what success and failure mean as one prepares for a career in business, finance, entrepreneurship, and life.
Polsky Center Investor-in-Residence, Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship, Chicago Booth, General Partner, CJM Ventures
Chris McGowan
Private Equity Interviewing for Career Changers | November 9, 2024 | Watch now >>
McGowan discusses the process of interviewing for roles in private equity as a career changer. He covers how to present your background, interests, and story when making the transition into PE—even without direct experience.
Private Equity Landscape for Career Changers | October 5, 2024 | Watch now >>
McGowan presents on the changing PE landscape and the skills necessary for career changers focused on transitioning into private equity.
Polsky Center Investor-in-Residence, Cofounder and Managing Partner, Valeo Ventures
Dipa Mehta, MBA ’12
Intro to Corporate Venture Capital | May 8, 2025 | Watch now >>Mehta provides an introduction to Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) and explores the goals of CVC organizations, how to structure, measure success, and compare CVC to traditional venture capital.Post-Transaction Management | April 14, 2025 | Watch now >>
Mehta is joined by speakers, Bo Shi, MBA ’19, vice president, Sandbox Industries, and Jyothi Vallurupalli, investor, Lightbank, to lead a panel discussion on post-transaction management. They discuss the process after closing a deal and their personal experiences.
Strategies for Due Diligence and How to Close a Deal | March 4, 2025 | Watch now >>
Mehta leads a hands-on workshop exploring key strategies for conducting thorough due diligence. This session will cover best practices for evaluating potential investments, identifying risks, and ensuring informed decision-making throughout the acquisition process. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or operator, this workshop will provide valuable insights to help you confidently assess business opportunities.
Venture Capital Interview Prep | November 7, 2024 | Watch now >>
In this workshop, Mehta covers the process of interviewing and building out your thesis and story for roles in venture capital. She explores how best to present your background, your career interests, and your narrative when applying for internships and full-time roles in venture capital.
Sourcing and Thematic Investing | March 21, 2024 | Watch now >>
Mehta moderates a discussion on sourcing and thematic investing. Dipa is joined by panelists Kelly Carlquist, vice president for Sandbox Healthcare, and Bailey Moore, cofounder & managing director of Wintrust Ventures.
Former Polsky Center Investor-in-Residence, Founder, BPOC
Ken O’Keefe, MBA ’93
Early Stage PE Investing | November 1, 2021 | Watch now >>
O’Keefe is joined by Ashley Hartman (managing partner, Bluestein Ventures) and Justin Sunshine (managing director, General Atlantic) to discuss early-stage PE investing.