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Private Equity

Merushka Chetty

Andy Mellor – The Truth About Fractional CFOs

In this episode, James Kennedy sits down with UK-based portfolio CFO Andy Mellor, founder of Summit17, to tackle a controversial question: what actually makes a “real” fractional CFO? Drawing on Andy’s journey from big corporate finance to PE-backed gym chains and nursery groups, through to running his own packed portfolio practice, they unpack how to separate serious CFOs from title-only pretenders, why great financial models should drive day-to-day decisions (not gather dust in Excel), and how fractional CFOs can build real equity instead of just selling hours. Along the way, Andy shares a live MBO case study where a retiring partner was bought out without private equity and how smart forecasting and cash planning made it possible.

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Merushka Chetty

Stuart Jamieson – CFO Discovers $50M Fraud

James Kennedy sits down with Stuart Jamieson, founder/partner at Unbridled Advisory, for a globe-spanning tour of “special ops” finance: Big Eight audit beginnings, 120+ acquisitions, PE carve-ups, shutting union plants the right way, sniffing out accrual games that fake EBITDA, outsourcing production to Asia, and even steering a taxi-medallion liquidation after a buyer’s shocking murder (yes – the same killer later caught after Versace). Stuart also shares lessons from a productivity-challenged Spain assignment, a hurricane-leveled BVI venture he tried to rebuild, and how he now helps founders with CFO services, M&A prep, and capital raises – without broker-dealer baggage.

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Merushka Chetty

Mike Jerman – Why PE Firms NEED Fractional CFOs

In this episode James Kennedy sits down with Mike Jerman, founder of Hollywell Partners, to dive deep into the world of financial due diligence, quality of earnings, and the real work behind private equity deals. Mike shares his unique journey from Air Force captain to PwC director and ultimately founder of a high-performing fractional CFO firm that he later sold to a PE-backed group.
They explore why private equity firms rely on fractional CFOs, the hidden risks revealed in due diligence, and what really separates accounting from financial storytelling when preparing a business for sale. Mike also opens up about how his firm discovered fraud during a routine quality of earnings check – and what business owners can learn from that.
Stick around to the end to hear Mike’s heartfelt tribute to his business mentor, and why mentorship is one of the most underrated drivers of success.

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Merushka Chetty

Salvatore Tirabassi – How to Make Your Sales Team 10X More Effective

Today, James sits down with private equity expert Salvatore Tirabassi.
They explore what makes a founder investable, how private equity firms assess opportunities, and the key elements that drive value creation post-investment. Salvatore reflects on his career in investment banking and private equity, and what it really takes to scale a business with confidence.
Packed with wisdom from years of working with founders, this episode is a must-listen for anyone considering taking on outside investment – or preparing to pitch.

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