Trish Spurlin: Investments Director: Babson College
Trish Spurlin: Investments Director: Babson College  
Podcast: The Investor With Joel Palathinkal
Published On: Thu Sep 25 2025
Description: How do you build a thriving career by betting on yourself? This episode, Joel Palathinkal sits down with Trish Spurlin, a seasoned capital allocator with a fascinating journey from institutional investing at Babson College to launching her own fractional CFO consulting business.Trish opens up about the mindset shifts required for major career pivots, sharing why calculated risk-taking and building unwavering trust are the bedrocks of success in both finance and entrepreneurship. We dive into the practicalities of launching and managing an investment business, the unspoken rules of breaking into the competitive worlds of private equity and venture capital, and why empathy is a superpower in client relationships.Packed with actionable advice on networking, handling tough conversations, and leveraging problem-solving skills, this conversation is a masterclass in building a career with purpose and resilience.Key Takeaways:The Career Pivot Playbook: How to successfully transition from a secure institutional role to the uncertainty and reward of entrepreneurship.The Human Side of Finance: Why empathy, relationship-building, and trust are the true currencies of a successful fractional CFO and investor.Breaking into PE & VC: The essential skills and networking strategies you need to land a role in competitive capital allocation.The Fractional CFO Blueprint: Key insights on building a consulting business centered on solving clients' biggest financial challenges.Navigating Difficult Conversations: Practical advice for managing high-stakes discussions with clients, partners, and investors with confidence.