At this year’s Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management PE/VC Conference, Alpine President and Founding Partner Mark Strauch returned to his alma mater to share insights on what PeopleFirst leadership looks like in today’s private equity landscape. Mark reflected on how humility and purpose define great leaders, and why AI will ultimately reward the firms that invest in talent as deeply as they invest in technology. Check out Mark’s post below for his full perspective.
Last week, I had the privilege of returning to my alma mater, Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management, for a conversation with Dean Francesca Cornelli at this year’s PE/VC Conference in Chicago. The setting on the shores of Lake Michigan was about as good as it gets. It was energizing to meet with so many students, alumni, and investors who are shaping the future of our industry. In my keynote, I explored how building a great culture doesn’t happen by accident - and that it matters as much in an investment firm as it does anywhere else. Great culture is a result of purposeful leadership, humility, and putting people first. The best leaders I’ve had the honor to work with combine a will to win with a low ego and a high sense of purpose. Qualities Kellogg is known for. The best leaders prioritize service, truth-telling, and the toughness to prevail under any circumstances. I also addressed the unavoidable: How AI is changing the way work gets done. At Alpine Investors, we’re focused on being willing to disrupt ourselves and taking a talent-centric approach to this change moment. AI can be a huge multiplier for high performing talent if, as leaders, we choose to act and lead from the front. That’s probably not what you’re used to hearing. Yes, technology will change workflows, but it’s the people who ladder up what they do in an AI-enabled world that will benefit and lead the way for others. Thank you to Kellogg for the invitation and to everyone who joined the conversation.
