Introducing Chris AyalaChristopher Ayala is the Managing Director of Drum Capital Management, a specialized investment management firm dedicated to deep value, lower middle market investment opportunities, including special situations, turnaround, and restructuring strategies. Chris and his team have invested over $1.3B in an array of direct equity positions, co-investments in operating businesses, and fund investments in high-quality, sector-focused private equity funds. What You Will LearnTips For Effective Communication in Private EquityThe Psychology of Exiting a BusinessBusiness Operations in Private Equity Breakdown[00:45] Getting to Know Chris Ayala[03:50] Why Chris Moved from Business Operations to Private Equity[06:20] Becoming a Better Investor and Closing More Deals[09:36] Things Chris Misses the Most About Operations[12:35] How to Become a Better Leader in PE[16:20] Opportunities in the Building Products Space[20:11] Things Chris Likes and Dislikes About Private Equity[23:46] Chris' Go-To Self-Improvement Resources[25:52] Parting Thoughts  How to Become a Better Leader in Private EquityPrivate equity leaders play a crucial role in their firms' success. According to Chris, effective communication is one of the most important skills a leader can possess in PE. It helps ensure that everyone is aligned with the firm's goals and working together to achieve them. If you're new to a role or an organization, you need to over-communicate from day one. Understand that everybody around you wants to know what's going on. So you need to have an open line of communication. This doesn't mean oversharing because too much information can be overwhelming. But they need to know the firm's performance, strategy, and goals. This will help your team feel more engaged and invested in the firm's success. How to Contact ChrisChris on LinkedInConnect with Chris via email: Ayala@Drumcapital.comDrumcapital.comCall or Text 9176562963​​Thank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.