On this episode of the AEI Idea Makers Podcast, we sit down with Dick Boyce, a private investor who has held executive positions with J. Crew, Texas Pacific Group, PepsiCo, Burger King, and Bain & Company. In this conversation, Mr. Boyce talks about the biggest mistake he made in an otherwise successful career. Later, he explains why an important part of your job search should entail seeking out organizations that are competitive, results-driven, and constantly evolving. Subscribe on...

On this episode of the AEI Idea Makers Podcast, we sit down with David Coulter, a private equity partner at Warburg Pincus and former executive at J.P. Morgan Chase and BankAmerica Corporation. Reflecting on various parts of his career, Mr. Coulter describes the differences between small and large corporations—and what it is like working at each. He also offers some big picture advice—arguing that you need to do what you like in your career. If you do, you will be happier and more...

On this episode of the AEI Idea Makers Podcast we sit down with Geoffrey Rehnert, the co-founder and co-CEO of the Audax Group. Previously, he served as managing director of Bain Capital, which he helped start with Mitt Romney in 1984. Among other words of advice in this conversation, Mr. Rehnert echoes Ben Franklin in reminding young professionals that “you’re known by the company you keep.” Later describing the company that he has kept in his own career, Mr. Rehnert shares about working at...

In this episode of the AEI Idea Makers Podcast, we sit down with Floyd Kvamme, a venture capitalist, partner emeritus at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, and former executive at Apple Computer. In this conversation, Mr. Kvamme describes the importance of technology and why he chose to study engineering in school. He also shares stories from his time at Apple, including the decision to approve and a controversial Super Bowl advertisement in 1984. We end the conversation by discussing why...

On this episode of the AEI Idea Makers podcast, we sit down with Phil Lebherz, an entrepreneur and founder of several companies, including LISI, a wholesale distributor of group health insurance. In this conversation, Mr. Lebherz explains why every successful person is a good salesperson, discussing his career, policy, the Affordable Care Act, and more. Subscribe on iTunes.

On this episode of AEI’s Idea Makers podcast, our guest is Tom Stephenson, a long-time partner of Sequoia Capital, a Silicon Valley based venture capital firm. He also spent 22 years at Fidelity Investments in Boston and served as U.S. Ambassador to Portugal. In the conversation, Ambassador Stephenson describes his professional journey from the farm system of the Philadelphia Phillies to a venture capital firm. He also shares insight, from first-hand experience, on how public policy impacts...

On this episode of AEI’s Idea Makers podcast, our guest is Ed Conard, a visiting scholar at AEI, long time partner with Bain Capital, and author of “Unintended Consequences: Why Everything You’ve Been Told About the Economy is Wrong.” In the conversation, Mr. Conard provides an inside look at careers in investment banking, consulting, and private equity. He argues that the main value of early jobs is training and experience, rather than salary—and explains why in the middle of his career he...

On this episode of AEI’s Idea Makers podcast, our guest is Sean Fieler, president of the hedge fund Equinox Partners, and chairman of the American Principles Project. In our conversation, Mr. Fieler explains why he has chosen to spend 20 years at the same organization—a rare career path in today’s economy. Based on those years of experience, he also offers advice about what characteristics make for a good investor. Later in the interview, he describes why it’s better to get deeply involved...

On this episode of AEI’s Idea Makers podcast, our guest is Ken Mehlman, Global Head of Public Affairs at KKR. He has also served as chairman of the RNC and campaign manager of the Bush-Cheney 2004 campaign. In the conversation, Mr. Mehlman describes his time working for George W. Bush, providing a look into President Bush’s style of leadership. He also offers a number of pieces of advice for young people at the start of their careers: offer something distinctive… happiness makes success, not...

On this episode of AEI’s Idea Makers podcast, our guest is Jim Carreker, who is the former CEO of Wyndham Hotels, and has had a long career of leadership in the hotel and retail industries. In the conversation, Mr. Carreker explains how he sought mentorship in the early days of his career, and discusses why “learning how to learn” is the most important thing a student can get out of college. He also urges young people not to kid themselves about who they are. Being able to understand what...

AEI Idea Makers Podcast #9 – Rick Lenny On this episode of AEI’s Idea Makers podcast, our guest is Rick Lenny, chairman of the board of Information Resources Incorporated and senior advisor for Friedman Fleischer & Lowe. Idea Makers Podcast #9 – Rick Lenny Tyler Castle

AEI Idea Makers Podcast #8 – Joe Craft On this episode of AEI's Idea Makers podcast, our guest is Joe Craft, president and CEO of Alliance Resource Management Group, the third largest coal producer in the eastern United States. Idea Makers Podcast #8 – Joe Craft Tyler Castle

AEI Idea Makers Podcast #7 – L.E. Simmons On this episode of AEI's Idea Makers podcast, our guest is L.E. Simmons, chairman of SCF Partners, where he has guided the investment of over 2.5 billion dollars in private equity capital used to build energy service and equipment companies. Idea Makers Podcast #7 – L.E. Simmons Tyler Castle

AEI Idea Makers Podcast #6 – Armeane Choksi On this episode of AEI's Idea Makers podcast, our guest is Armeane Choksi, former vice president of the World Bank, who is currently director of Copia Global. Idea Makers Podcast #6 – Armeane Choksi Tyler Castle

AEI Idea Makers Podcast #5 – Andy Puzder On this episode of AEI's Idea Makers podcast our guest is Andy Puzder, the president and CEO of CKE Restaurants, which is the parent company of Carl’s Jr., Hardee’s, and other restaurant chains. Idea Makers Podcast #5 – Andy Puzder Tyler Castle

AEI Idea Makers Podcast #4 – Matt Rose On this episode of AEI's Idea Makers Podcast our guest is Matt Rose, the Executive Chairman of BNSF Railway. He is also a member of the National Executive Board of the Boy Scouts, a director of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, and a member of AEI’s Board of Trustees. Idea Makers Podcast #4 – Matt Rose Tyler Castle

AEI Idea Makers Podcast #3 – Allen Questrom On this episode of AEI's Idea Makers Podcast, our guest is Allen Questrom, a senior advisor of Lee Equity Partners, who formerly served as CEO for several retail companies, including J. C. Penney, Barneys New York, Macy's, and Neiman Marcus. Idea Makers Podcast #3 – Allen Questrom Tyler Castle

AEI Idea Makers Podcast #2 – Harry Sloan On this episode of AEI's Idea Makers Podcast, our guest is Harry Sloan, Chairman and CEO of Silver Eagle Acquisition Corp., and the former CEO of MGM Studios. Idea Makers Podcast #2 – Harry Sloan Tyler Castle

AEI Idea Makers Podcast #1 – Bob Eckert On this episode of AEI's Idea Makers Podcast, our guest is Bob Eckert, the former CEO of Kraft Foods and current Chairman Emeritus at Mattel toy company, where he also served as CEO. Idea Makers Podcast #1 – Bob Eckert Tyler Castle