In a recent LinkedIn post, Greg Head discusses a common pitfall for executives seeking roles in private equity (PE) firms, highlighting how a ‘corporate mindset’ can lead to rejection despite strong qualifications.
Head recounts a conversation with a PE operating partner who revealed that their firm evaluated 40 executives for a COO position in the first quarter but hired none. The issue, according to the PE partner, wasn’t a lack of candidate quality but rather the executives’ approach to the interview process.
“They hired none of them. Not because the candidates were weak. Because every conversation was the executive describing where they had been. Title history. Scope. Team size. Tenure.”
The ‘Corporate Mindset’ vs. PE Expectations
Greg Head argues that this focus on past responsibilities, often termed a ‘corporate mindset,’ fails to resonate with private equity investors. These firms are not simply looking for a summary of a candidate’s career; they are seeking evidence of a specific operational and financial approach that de-risks their investment and accelerates the exit strategy.
As Head explains, the PE partner was looking for a different kind of narrative:
“Here is the sector I operate in. Here is the company profile where I create the most value. Here is the EBITDA I produce in the first 12 months. Here is how I do it.”
This preference stems from the PE firm’s need for certainty. They want to understand how an executive can actively create value and generate returns, rather than just manage existing structures. Head emphasizes that PE is less about industry jargon and more about a ‘mindset of action that has a clear recognizable pattern.’ This pattern, he suggests, is what distinguishes successful PE executives.
Bridging the Gap: Mindset Coaching for PE Success
Head positions himself as a resource for executives aiming to transition into the PE world. He states that his role involves helping executives cultivate the right mindset and approach to align with PE expectations.
He elaborates on his process:
Preparing Executives for PE Opportunities
According to Greg Head, the key to breaking into PE lies not in having superior qualifications, but in demonstrating the correct mindset and strategic positioning. He asserts that many qualified executives remain ‘invisible’ to hiring firms simply because they haven’t adapted their communication and self-presentation to meet PE demands.
“The executives PE firms hire are not more qualified. They are better positioned with the correct mindset and approach.”
Head’s service focuses on coaching, mentoring, and training executives to adopt this value-driven, results-oriented perspective. Furthermore, he provides direct introductions to PE firms once executives are adequately prepared, helping them secure the interview opportunities that their ‘corporate mindset’ might otherwise prevent.
Avoiding Exposure in PE Interviews
The core message from Greg Head’s post is a warning against complacency and a call for strategic self-assessment. He urges executives not to let a traditional corporate approach hinder their chances in the high-stakes private equity landscape.
“DO NOT get exposed by your corporate mindset”
By understanding and adopting the PE-centric mindset, Head suggests, executives can significantly improve their prospects and successfully navigate the evaluation process, transforming their career trajectory within the private equity sector.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Greg Head on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on July 22, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →