Blog | ThriveBoard

How to Know When It Is Time to Leave Your Corporate Role for Private Equity

Dec 12, 2025

Many executives feel the pull toward private equity but are unsure when to make the move. The answer often lies in recognizing key signals that suggest you will thrive in a PE-backed environment. You Want More Accountability and Ownership Private equity rewards leaders who take direct responsibility for outcomes. If you want to own the levers instead of stewarding them, this is a sign. You Are Energized by Speed and Change...

How Private Equity Differs Around the World: What Executives Should Know

Nov 16, 2025

Private equity may look uniform from the outside, but the reality is very different. The way firms operate, govern, hire, and evaluate leaders varies significantly by region. For ThriveBoard members across nineteen countries, understanding these differences is essential when exploring new opportunities. Deal Speed and Decision Making by Region • United States: Fast pace and expectation of autonomous decision-making. • United Kingdom and...

How to Build a PE-Ready LinkedIn Profile That Gets Noticed

Oct 27, 2025

Your LinkedIn profile is your storefront in today’s executive job market — and for private equity, it needs to send a clear signal: “I drive value creation.” Headline & Summary: Speak the PE Language Instead of “Chief Operating Officer at XYZ Corp,” try: “Private Equity COO | Driving EBITDA Growth, Operational Turnarounds & Strategic Exits”. Your summary should read like a boardroom pitch: concise, metrics-driven, and focused on...

Private Equity Recruiters: What Executives Must Know

Sep 21, 2025

Breaking into private equity roles isn’t just about polishing your resume. It’s about proving you can create value in high-stakes, resource-constrained environments - and recruiters have unspoken filters they use to separate contenders from pretenders. Here are the truths they rarely spell out: They Screen for Value Creation Stories (With Scale) PE firms don’t hire titles — they hire outcomes. If you claim you “grew revenue” or...

Private Equity Basics: A Beginner’s Guide for Executives

Sep 21, 2025

Stepping into private equity (PE) from the corporate world often feels like entering a new country where everyone speaks in acronyms and shorthand. Recruiters, investors, and portfolio company leaders use terms that may sound familiar yet carry specific meanings in PE. If you don’t speak the language fluently, you risk appearing unprepared - even if you have the right experience. This post provides a glossary-style overview of the most...

What PE-Backed CEOs Expect from Their Functional Leaders

Jun 01, 2025

The Playbook Has Changed In a private equity-backed environment, functional leaders aren’t just support roles — they’re growth drivers. Whether you’re in finance, sales, ops, or tech, you’re expected to deliver measurable value. Here’s what CEOs in portfolio companies are really looking for. 1. Clarity and Accountability Don’t bring problems — bring answers. Portfolio CEOs need functional leaders who take ownership, solve fast, and...

Top 10 Mistakes Executives Make When Applying to PE Roles

Jun 01, 2025

Trying to Land a PE Role? Avoid These Mistakes. Private equity roles are different—and they require a different approach. Even strong corporate leaders often sabotage their chances by falling into one of these avoidable traps. Here are the top 10 mistakes we see — and what to do instead. 1. Using a Corporate Resume You need a PE-ready resume . Skip the fluff, and show value creation (EBITDA, margin, speed). Use bullet points with...

Sample Resumes That Stand Out in PE

Jun 01, 2025

What Makes a Resume “Private Equity Ready”? It’s not just formatting. PE operating partners and hiring teams look for a resume that tells a story of measurable impact , speed , and relevance to investor priorities . Here’s what a standout resume includes — and a sample you can model. 1. Focus on Value Creation This isn’t corporate HR. Your resume should scream: P&L ownership EBITDA expansion Cost takeout...

What Private Equity Looks for in Portfolio Company Leaders

Jun 01, 2025

What Makes a Great Portfolio Company Leader? Hint: it’s not just your title. Private equity firms aren’t just looking for experienced executives — they’re looking for value creators who can lead under pressure, hit investor timelines, and make measurable impact fast. Here’s what sets standout portfolio leaders apart. 1. A Track Record of Driving EBITDA Whether you’re in finance, ops, commercial, or tech — you need to prove you’ve...

How to Sound Less Corporate and More PE

May 29, 2025

If you're a seasoned executive looking to break into private equity—or advance within a PE-backed company— how you talk about your experience matters. A lot. PE firms don’t just want experienced leaders. They want value creators who understand the investor mindset, move with urgency, and speak in terms of outcomes. Too often, strong candidates get passed over simply because they sound too “corporate.” Here’s how to shift your...

How to Transition from Corporate to Private Equity

May 29, 2025

Thinking About a Move from Corporate to Private Equity? You’re not alone. Every week, we hear from senior executives who have had stellar corporate careers and are now eyeing the fast-paced, high-impact world of private equity. But making the leap isn’t just about changing companies — it’s about changing your approach, your mindset, and even how you talk about your experience. Here’s what to know if you’re ready to transition into a...

How to Write a Resignation Letter (with Templates!)

May 29, 2025

Leaving a job can be bittersweet—but a well-written resignation letter helps you exit with professionalism and grace. Whether you’re moving on to a better fit, a new challenge, or a long-overdue break, this guide will help you craft a clear and respectful resignation letter. We’ve even included templates you can copy and customize. What to Include in Your Resignation Letter Keep it simple and professional. Your letter should include:...