From Turnarounds to Growth: Ben Gaw on Building High-Performing Teams in Private Equity
From Turnarounds to Growth: Ben Gaw on Building High-Performing Teams in Private Equity  
Podcast: Private Equity Podcast: Karma School of Business
Published On: Wed Jul 16 2025
Description: In this episode of Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney speaks with Ben Gaw, Partner and Head of Portfolio Operations at Cross Rapids Capital. Ben shares stories from his journey as a first-generation immigrant to becoming a sought-after private equity leader, highlighting lessons learned from turnarounds, rapid decision-making, and building successful companies.   Episode Highlights: 1:03 - Ben’s background: From chemical engineering to corporate turnarounds, restructuring, and private equity. 10:03 - What makes a good company great: Identifying defensible markets, customer relationships, and opportunities hidden in mismanagement. 12:20 - The Cross Rapids playbook: Leveraging pattern recognition, providing resources, and empowering management teams to execute. 18:13 - Advice for uncertain times: The importance of assembling the right team, moving quickly, and focusing on growth from day one. 22:27 - Soft skills and leadership: How servant leadership and bedside manner help operating partners and executives thrive.   For more information on Cross Rapids Capital, go to https://www.crossrapids.com/ For more information on Ben Gaw, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamingawjr For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts