Best The M Factor Podcasts (2025)

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168. Lead Boldly: The Role of Hard Questions in Leadership Visibility 9:43

3d ago9:43

9:43

168. Lead Boldly: The Role of Hard Questions in Leadership Visibility This episode of the Visibility Factor podcast discusses the importance of visibility in the workplace and how to effectively challenge authority by asking hard questions. It emphasizes the need for preparation, data-driven discussions, and maintaining composure during difficult c…

1
#442: Alex McClafferty: What Happens When You Can't Outwork the Truth Anymore 1:08:27

10h ago1:08:27

1:08:27

What happens when the business you built no longer protects you from the parts of yourself you've been avoiding? Alex McClafferty co-founded and sold WP Curve to GoDaddy—but it wasn’t until after the exit that he found himself face-to-face with an identity crisis, emotional collapse, and a brutal confrontation with his shadow self. In this raw and …

1
Ep. 74: John Stewart, MiddleGround Capital | Optimizing Operations in Industrial Manufacturing Portcos 44:34

3d ago44:34

44:34

Shiv interviews John Stewart, Founder and Managing Partner at MiddleGround Capital. In this episode, John shares his expertise in investing in the industrial B2B manufacturing space — from his two decades at Toyota, to moving to the investment side of the equation. Learn about underwriting the value creation plan and creating enterprise value for i…

1
167. Build Your Brand 9:29

10d ago9:29

9:29

167. Build Your Brand This episode of the Visibility Factor podcast discusses the three pillars of building a personal brand: establishing a powerful personal brand, showcasing value and confidence, and creating clear and consistent messaging. The emphasis is on the importance of self-acceptance, understanding one's unique value, and the impact of …

1
#441: What Happens After You Sell the Business? with John Rood 1:10:08

10d ago1:10:08

1:10:08

What really happens when an entrepreneur sells their business? For John Rood, it was the start of a deeply personal reckoning with identity, purpose, risk, and time. In this episode, we go beyond the typical exit story and talk about what it actually feels like to step away from the company you built—and what comes next when you’re no longer busy, …

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Ep. 73: Alex Russ, Evercore | How to Stand Out in the Fundraising Crowd 45:35

11d ago45:35

45:35

Shiv interviews Alex Russ, Senior Managing Director & Head of North America at Evercore’s Private Funds Group. In this episode, Alex shares his experience helping private equity GPs raise funds from LPs. Learn how to approach fundraising in the current market, the characteristics that successful fundraisers have in common, and the importance of a s…

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David Webb: Webb-site shareholder activism, Hong Kong economics and corporate governance 1:02:58

13d ago1:02:58

1:02:58

David Webb, a renowned investor and activist, discusses his journey and contributions to Hong Kong's corporate governance and transparency. He talks about his background as a schoolboy investor, how he got to Hong Kong and about how he built his nonprofit platform, webb-site.com, which provides extensive databases and news analysis. Webb emphasized…

1
Laurel Chor: from Hong Kong to Ukraine, how young journalists leverage Instagram, mental health realities 24:35

17d ago24:35

24:35

Kriti Gandhi is one of the Claire Hollingworth Fellows for Foreign Correspondents' Club of Hong Kong, in this episode she sits down with Laurel Chor, an acclaimed Hong Kong-born journalist and visual storyteller known for her incisive reporting and striking photography. Laurel opens up about her dynamic career journey-from her early days at TIME OU…

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166. Mindset Shifts Needed to Play Bigger 9:52

17d ago9:52

9:52

166. Mindset Shifts Needed to Play Bigger This episode discusses the essential mindset shifts required for individuals to play bigger in their personal and professional lives. The importance of recognizing and challenging limiting beliefs, understanding the difference between fixed and growth mindsets, and the necessity of taking risks to foster se…

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#440: Cash, Risk, and the Real Reason Most Deals Fall Apart with Elliott Holland 1:45:16

17d ago1:45:16

1:45:16

This episode is fire. Elliott Holland is a straight shooter who has seen hundreds of deals from every angle—searcher, investor, operator, and QofE provider. In this conversation, we cut through the noise to talk about what’s really going on in the acquisition market, why most self-funded searchers fail, and how owners can actually position their bu…

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Ep. 72: Chris Sznewajs, Pacific Avenue Capital | Investing in Companies with “Unnatural” Owners 43:43

19d ago43:43

43:43

Shiv interviews Chris Sznewajs, Founder and Managing Partner at Pacific Avenue Capital. In this episode, Chris and Shiv discuss carve-outs, buyouts, and the non-traditional types of investment deals available for “unnatural” owners – founders and investors who are ready for a transition. Learn how to underwrite these types of deals, and what benchm…

1
AI ethics in newsrooms: video production, fighting deepfakes, policies and labelling 52:00

23d ago52:00

52:00

Generative AI is changing our newsrooms, but how do we explain to the audience when it's being used, and how? As deepfakes become ubiquitous, how are newsrooms combating faked photos and video? How do journalists and editors handle photos and video sent in by the public if their phones are now enabled with AI to adjust or remove elements of the ori…

1
165. Lead with Influence – Not Authority 8:33

24d ago8:33

8:33

165. Lead with Influence – Not Authority Today’s episode discusses the critical role of visibility in achieving career success. It debunks the myth that hard work alone will lead to recognition and emphasizes the importance of being intentional about self-promotion. The discussion offers insights on how to recognize and communicate one’s achievemen…

1
#439: How to Build a Marketing Engine That Ties to Sales, Value, and Cash Flow with Kim Clark 1:25:39

25d ago1:25:39

1:25:39

Most business owners are exhausted by marketing that feels like a black box—random tactics, disconnected agencies, and no clear ROI. Kim Clark knows that pain—and she’s built the solution. As the former head of sales and marketing at ITR Economics, Kim helped transform the business from a founder-led consulting firm into a scalable company that exi…

1
Grace Shao: covering AI in Hong Kong, beyond the US-China conflict narrative, evolving to Substack 34:21

25d ago34:21

34:21

Grace Shao is a journalist covering the AI industry from Hong Kong, focusing on China's tech companies and the commercialisation of AI. She talks about the "Deep Seek moment" over the Lunar New Year holiday in 2025, how it upended the accepted paradigm of generative AI development, and analyses how the traditional media narrative of a "race" and "c…

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Hong Kong press freedom and the 2025 FCC Journalism Conference: Lee Williamson 14:55

26d ago14:55

14:55

Lee Williamson discusses the results of the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Hong Kong 2025 Press Freedom survey and the upcoming annual journalism conference with Robin Ewing, broadcaster on RTHK3 and director of the Masters of International Journalism program at Hong Kong Baptist University. The annual press freedom survey revealed increased press…

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This is Deckworthy 1:25

26d ago1:25

1:25

Welcome to Deckworthy — the tech news and talk show that’s not here to worship the founders, polish the earnings calls, or pretend that “stepping down” was voluntary. In this preview episode, host Adam Jaques lays out what Deckworthy is, what it’s not, and why the tech world desperately needs a show that goes beyond press releases and into the real…

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Analysing global shipping crises: Trump's port fees, Panama, Ukraine and Hong Kong's role 54:22

28d ago54:22

54:22

FCC Correspondent Governor Jennifer Jett moderates a panel of Hong Kong-based shipping industry veterans to discuss the many challenges facing the global shipping industry, including the latest salvo in Trump's trade war with China, called Section 301, which states any ship built, owned or operated by China will be charged millions of dollars to do…

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Breaking News: Judge Wilkens slams Brakes on House vs NCAA Settlement - No Deal Without Grandfathered Roster Spots 13:33

1M ago13:33

13:33

In this episode, we dive into the legal reasoning behind Judge Wilken’s decision to deny the NCAA settlement, highlighting why she insists on guaranteeing roster spots for athletes. We break down the key legal arguments, the potential impact on athletes and coaches, and the broader implications for college sports. You’ll learn: • The legal preceden…

1
#438: What a Great CFO Actually Does (And Why Most Owners Have the Wrong Expectations) with Pat Hobby 1:26:13

1M ago1:26:13

1:26:13

This episode sets the bar. Pat Hobby, my former business partner, is one of the best CFOs I’ve ever worked with. He’s not just a CPA or an operator—he brings an investor mindset and decades of experience managing financials with the purpose of building long-term value. In this conversation, we break down exactly what a business owner should expect …

1
164. Consistent Visibility Creates Intentional Impact 9:46

1M ago9:46

9:46

164. Consistent Visibility Creates Intentional Impact In today’s episode, we explore the critical role that visibility plays in achieving career success. We debunk the common myth that hard work alone leads to recognition, and we emphasize the importance of being intentional about self-promotion. The discussion offers insights on how to recognize a…

1
Ep. 71: Amanda Kim, Avante Capital Partners | How Your Mission Can Be a Valuable Differentiator 38:09

1M ago38:09

38:09

On this episode of the Private Equity Value Creation podcast, Shiv speaks with Amanda Kim, Principal at Avante Capital Partners. As a majority women- and minority-owned private credit and structured equity fund, the team at Avante Capital Partners uses their unique insights and network to win deals, generate better returns and help women advance in…

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Why Judge Wilkens Did Not Approve the House Settlement on April 7, 2025 3:32

1M ago3:32

3:32

In this episode, I break down three key reasons why Judge Wilkens declined to confirm the House v NCAA settlement during the April 7 hearing: 1) Future Athlete Impact- Judge Wilkens expressed concern that the settlement could unfairly affect future student-athletes who weren't part of the case and had no opportunity to object, potentially settling …

1
163. Leading with Intention 9:48

1M ago9:48

9:48

163. Leading with Intention Today’s episode focuses on the importance of leading by intention. Sue shares her personal experiences of setting intentions for travel and life experiences, emphasizing the need for clarity and focus in achieving goals. Explores the pros and cons of being intentional, the balance between planning and flexibility, and th…

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#437: He Did What Most Business Owners Only Dream About—Rob Dube’s Story 1:14:44

1M ago1:14:44

1:14:44

Many owner-operators begin their journey driven by the vision of personal and financial independence, only to find themselves entrenched in the daily operations, unable to step away without fear of chaos. In this episode, I talk with Rob Dube, co-founder of ImageOne and visionary behind The 10 Disciplines for Managing and Maximizing Your Energy™, a…

1
162. How Can You Collaborate in a Bigger Way? 9:52

2M ago9:52

9:52

162. How Can You Collaborate in a Bigger Way? This episode is focused on the importance of collaboration in professional settings. Leaders need to show up intentionally in collaborative environments, leverage their unique experiences and perspectives. Seek out opportunities for collaboration, whether through special projects, mentoring, or networki…

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#436: Integrating Strategy, Execution, and Financial Clarity with Shannon Susko 1:12:46

2M ago1:12:46

1:12:46

Today I'm talking with Shannon Susko, a serial entrepreneur who developed the 3HAG (3-Year Highly Achievable Goal) and Metronomics frameworks. What sets Shannon's approach apart is how directly it connects your strategic plan and execution rhythms to clear, measurable financial outcomes. It's an operating system built specifically for business owne…

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"The M Factor: shredding the silence on menopause" panel discussion & audience Q&A 1:09:05

2M ago1:09:05

1:09:05

Veteran broadcast journalist and FCC correspondent member governor Karen Koh convenes a panel discussion and an in-depth, personal and revealing QandA with the audience after a screening of "The M Factor: shredding the silence on menopause" documentary. The panel includes: Christine Deschemin, a hypnotherapist and founder of the Menopause Festival;…

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Ep 70: Mason Myers, Greybull Stewardship | Building Foundational Growth in Pre-Mid-Market Portcos 39:18

2M ago39:18

39:18

Shiv interviews Mason Myers, Founder and CEO at Greybull Stewardship. In this episode, Mason explains why Greybull Stewardship focuses on pre-middle-market companies and the steps they take to set these companies up to be true middle-market companies primed for PE backing. Learn how they take companies under $5M in EBITDA and grow them organically,…

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#435: The New SBA Playbook for Acquisitions with John Thwing 1:35:53

2M ago1:35:53

1:35:53

SBA loans have always been a key tool for financing business acquisitions, but recent changes have opened up new opportunities for both buyers and sellers. If you're thinking about selling your business, acquiring one, or financing a transition, these updates could have a major impact on your strategy. Watch on YouTube In this episode, I sit down w…

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Ep. 69: Devon Kirk and Jonathan Metrick, Portage | How Investment and Ops Teams Can Work Together 41:28

2M ago41:28

41:28

Shiv interviews Devon Kirk, General Partner, and Jonathan Metrick, Chief Growth Officer at Portage. Devon and Jonathan share their perspectives from different sides of the investment table – Devon is on the investing team while Jonathan is on the internal ops team. Learn about their experiences investing in global FinTech and financial services, wh…

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161. What’s Preventing You from Being Visible? 9:54

2M ago9:54

9:54

161. What’s Preventing You from Being Visible? This episode discusses the importance of visibility in the workplace and how time management plays a crucial role in achieving it. You need to evaluate the value and impact of meetings, prioritize high-value tasks, and create a visibility action plan to ensure that time is spent effectively. By questio…

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Ep. 68: Joseph Hanna, Pivoting Model Partners | Product, Pivoting, and AI as Agents 49:50

2M ago49:50

49:50

Shiv interviews Joseph Hanna, Founding Partner at Pivoting Model Partners. In this episode, Joseph talks about differentiating between your product’s feature set and the customer’s perceived value in that feature set. Learn why companies should consider pivoting to AI to grow and sustain their business, and how companies can deploy and leverage AI …

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Episode 3 - Ryan's got the X-Factor! 1:29:42

2M ago1:29:42

1:29:42

Listeners, meet Mutant Menace Ryan! Ryan speaks with us today about his origin story (duh, it was the animated series), and we talk about why Louise Simonson should be regarded as a top-tier X-Writer (and I reveal my shameful toxic fandom, which thankfully ocurred before the age of the Internet). Tangents include Apocalypse's ancient civilization h…

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160. Becoming the Warrior (with Jenn Donahue) 35:01

2M ago35:01

35:01

160. Becoming the Warrior (with Jenn Donahue) Jenn Donahue PhD, was a US Navy Captain and Commodore for an 1,800-personnel Regiment. She is also a civil engineer who works on large-scale, high profile geotechnical projects. Over her military career, Jenn has built a bridge across the Euphrates River in the midst of the Iraq war, commanded an 800-pe…

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#434: Q1 Economic & M&A Update with ITR Economics, ButcherJosheph, & Joe Brown 2:12:57

2M ago2:12:57

2:12:57

The economy is shifting fast, and if you’re a middle-market business owner, the moves you make today will define your future—whether that’s navigating capital markets, securing financing, or making critical reinvestment decisions. Watch on YouTube In this Quarterly Economic & M&A Update, I bring together three powerhouse guests to give you real-tim…

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Ep.67: Jim Sharpe, Unity Partners | Aligning Values with Growing Portcos 33:37

2M ago33:37

33:37

Shiv interviews Jim Sharpe, Partner and Head of Propel at Unity Partners. In this episode, Jim talks about how to truly action a company’s values and incorporate them into your growth plans while ensuring alignment with founders. Learn about building a culture of ownership, how to use employee equity as a growth strategy, and why clear and transpar…

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Hong Kong art week: Enid Tsui talks Art in Hong Kong, "red lines", economic growth and the future 46:12

2M ago46:12

46:12

Hong Kong was once the poster-child of artistic freedom in Asia as well as an unparalleled leader of the region's booming contemporary art market. However, despite growing uncertainties over the "red lines" of censorship, there are more world-class art institutions in the city than ever before and the market has proved resilient, with international…

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Racial equity in Hong Kong: reality or myth? 1:27:30

2M ago1:27:30

1:27:30

Hong Kong categorises people who are not Chinese or caucasian as "ethnic minorities" and its media often portrays these people as an underclass of criminals, incapable of making contribution to mainstream society. In this panel discussion, journalist and FCC Clare Hollingworth fellow Jay Ganglani moderates a panel of two prominent trailblazers of A…

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Fair Game: Evaluating NIL Deals in the House vs. NCAA Era 29:19

2M ago29:19

29:19

This week, I’m joined by four law students from my Sports Law in Practice course at McGeorge School of Law. I challenged my students to research the House v. NCAA settlement and explore innovative ways to implement its key provisions. In this episode, Jennifer Refe, Zachary Dunkhase, Monica Azmi, Mahima Karia share their insights on The Fair Market…

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Ep. 66: The Future of General vs Vertical AI | Shiv Narayanan, How To SaaS 40:50

2M ago40:50

40:50

Shiv Narayanan, Founder and CEO of How To SaaS, explains how AI can be leveraged by the private equity world. Learn about the differences between general and verticalized (or specialized) AI and how data is the product. Listen to how PE firms can use AI in the diligence phase, and the business strategy for companies to build their own vertical AI t…

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159. Are You Underselling Yourself and the Work That You Do? 9:50

2M ago9:50

9:50

159. Are You Underselling Yourself and the Work That You Do? This episode discusses the importance of recognizing self-worth in the business world. Emphasizes that understanding one's value is essential for personal and professional growth. The conversation covers signs of underselling oneself, strategies to embrace and communicate value, and the s…

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#433: Designing Your Future Org Chart: How to Build a Scalable, Owner-Independent Business with Mike Frommelt and Rick Rittmaster 1:38:37

2M ago1:38:37

1:38:37

Scaling a business isn’t just about increasing revenue—it’s about building the right leadership team to support that growth. Too often, business owners get stuck because their team isn’t structured for the future, leaving them to fill the gaps instead of leading strategically. Watch on YouTube In this episode, I sit down with Rick Rittmaster and Mi…

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Ep. 65: Josh Schwartz, Growth Factors | Navigating Growth As An Operating Partner 38:48

2M ago38:48

38:48

Shiv interviews Josh Schwartz, Operating Principal at Growth Factors. In this episode, Josh talks about the unique operating partner model between Growth Factors and Bregal Sagemount. Learn his approach to value creation from the GTM side, how to look for growth levers during diligence, and how to navigate the political dynamics between operating p…

1
Will the House vs NCAA Settlement Impact Current NIL deals 43:46

2M ago43:46

43:46

This week, I’m joined by six law students from my Sports Law in Practice course at McGeorge School of Law. I challenged my students to research the House v. NCAA settlement and explore innovative ways to implement its key provisions. In this episode, Joe Devlin, Chris Adams, Malea Parcasio-Eshelman, Zachary Hernandez, Keith Dawson, and Eduardo Flor…

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158. Choosing Likeability Over Respect 9:47

2M ago9:47

9:47

158. Choosing Likeability Over Respect This episode discusses the critical balance leaders must strike between being liked and being respected. Explore the signs that indicate a leader may be prioritizing likeability over respect, such as avoiding tough conversations and withholding constructive criticism. The conversation delves into the challenge…

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#432: Why More Growth Won’t Set You Free (And What Will) with Nick Bradley 1:45:48

2M ago1:45:48

1:45:48

More revenue, more employees, and more complexity can actually pull you deeper into the day-to-day grind—unless your business is structured the right way. Watch on YouTube In this episode, I sit down with Nick Bradley, a business growth strategist and private equity veteran who has worked on billion-dollar deals and now helps business owners scale …

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Ep. 64: Todd Morrissey, Hidden River Strategic Capital | Alternative Avenues for Underserviced Companies 33:11

3M ago33:11

33:11

Shiv interviews Todd Morrissey, Partner at Hidden River Strategic Capital. In this episode, Todd shares alternative avenues for founders and entrepreneurs other than a growth equity buyout and private credit deals. Learn how they help companies determine how much capital they need to scale, the opportunities for combining debt and equity as an inve…

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#IWD2025: talking women in journalism, what (still) needs to change, and navigating the tech broligarchy backlash 25:37

3M ago25:37

25:37

Multiplatform broadcast journalist Laura Westbrook speaks with fellow journalists and members of the Hong Kong Foreign Correspondents Club: Zela China, journalist governor on the FCC board, broadcast journalist, president of the Asia chapter of the Asian American Journalist's Association, and Kriti Gandhi, recipient of the FCC's Claire Hollingworth…

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How to Increase Revenue in Your Athletics Department: House vs. NCAA 15:52

3M ago15:52

15:52

This week, I’m joined by six law students from my Sports Law in Practice course at McGeorge School of Law. I challenged my students to research the House v. NCAA settlement and explore innovative ways to implement its key provisions. In this episode, Jocelyn Zellhoefer, Cruzangel Nava Corro, Ashley Bliss, Hailee Rice, Pete Nino, Golnaz Norowzi shar…

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