Introducing Bryan GordonBryan Gordon is the Founder of Madison Property Investments, a fund that has overseen the raising and deployment of over $1.1 billion of equity capital - generating an average annual return of over 30%. Bryan boasts over 35 years of experience as a serial entrepreneur, private equity investor, and risk management consultant.  What You Will LearnFocusing on the Upsides Versus Focusing on the DownsidesTeam Culture in PE FirmsThe Value of Human Capital Breakdown[00:45] Getting to Know Bryan Gordon[01:41] Common Mistakes by PE Firms and Their Portfolio Companies[03:56] Why People Are Essential for PE Success[05:20] Important Attributes of a Top Performer[08:10] Advice for PE Firms Looking for Long-Term Investments[11:40] How Bryan and His Team Achieves Yearly 25% Returns[14:05] Things Bryan Likes and Dislikes About Private Equity[18:30] Shifting from a Fund-Based Structure[20:35] Bryan’s Go-To Self-Improvement Resources[22:45] Parting Thoughts  Why People are The Most Important Element in a PE Firm The team element is crucial when finding and closing deals. Gone are the days when machinery and other tangible assets created value in an organization. Today it’s all about teams, execution, and intellectual capital. Your people are responsible for the way organizations transform data and resources into profitable deals to invest in. They bring unique talents and perspectives that can contribute to innovation and creativity within the organization. Bryan explains that when people are engaged and committed to their work, they are more likely to go above and beyond to ensure the organization's success.Overall, people are the lifeblood of an organization. They are the ones who drive its success, bring it to life, and make it thrive. Without people, a firm cannot achieve its goals, deliver its mission, or create a positive impact on its stakeholders. How to Contact BryanMadisonventuresplus.comBryan’s email: Bgordon@madisonventuresplus.comMargin of Safety: Risk-Averse Value Investing Strategies for the Thoughtful Investor by Seth A. KlarmanThe Art Of War by Sun TzuHarold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson​​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.