Welcome back to Air Supply, the podcast from J.O. Collective for ambitious professionals seeking a deeper understanding of leadership and their careers. In this episode, your host, Joshua O'Connor, sits down with Giles Desforges, a veteran commercial leader and the current CEO of Energy Park, a dynamic private equity-backed EV infrastructure business.Giles brings a wealth of experience, having helmed roles across large PLCs, founder-led entrepreneurial ventures, and successful private equity-backed companies. If you've ever wondered what it's truly like to lead a business under the intense, yet uniquely aligned, pressures of private equity, this episode is for you.Join us as Giles shares invaluable insights on:The distinct roles of CEO and Chief Commercial Officer in driving value creation within a PE framework.The unique alignment between management teams and investors in private equity, and why it can be a powerful force for growth.Coping with pressure: Practical techniques for managing ambitious financial targets and the "always-on" nature of leadership.The power of "why": How explaining the rationale behind decisions fuels team performance and enables effective pushback with investors.Decision-making under scrutiny: Balancing data-driven analysis with gut instinct, and fostering healthy disagreement for better outcomes.Learning from mistakes: Giles candidly discusses past failures, including a £10 million deal collapse, and the transformative power of reflection.The unexpected qualities of top hires: Why attitude and resilience, particularly born from past failures, are more important than a "gilded path."Crucial advice for aspiring PE executives: Why pursuing private equity "is not about the money," and the vital role of mentors in your career journey.Whether you're an aspiring CEO, a seasoned leader, or simply curious about the world of high-growth businesses, this episode of Air Supply offers a refreshing and honest look at what it takes to succeed at the highest levels.Tune in to learn how to navigate the demands of leadership with integrity, resilience, and a clear vision. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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