Women’s Search Network: The Podcast.

HoldCo Strategy: Structures, M&A, and Scaling Healthcare Platforms

In this episode, Austin Settle and Claire Nesler share how they approached structuring their search, building platforms, and navigating the complexities of scaling across multiple locations. They discuss how they selected their focus areas, med spas and physiotherapy, and walk through different approaches to capital structure, including longer-duration and more flexible models. Along the way, they explore the tradeoffs between committed capital and shorter-term funds, and how these choices shape growth strategy, operations, and exit considerations.

From Search to Scale: Building De Novo Healthcare with Beixi Li

In this episode, Beixi Li shares how she is successfully executing a multi-site healthcare thesis through the search fund model, despite entering the industry with no prior healthcare experience. She offers a thoughtful exploration of what it takes to scale healthcare operations, highlighting the importance of structured processes and a repeatable playbook for de novo growth, from strategic site selection to effective staffing and patient acquisition. Beixi also emphasizes the vital role of community, board guidance, and adaptability in order to drive sustainable growth. Her journey is a compelling roadmap for aspiring searchers driven by curiosity, discipline, and a people-first approach.

Navigating Healthcare, Family, and the CEO Seat with Brittany Collins

In this episode, Brittany Collins shares her path to entrepreneurship through a search fund, highlighting her experience acquiring and operating a healthcare company, despite not having a medical background. She opens up about the realities of working alongside her spouse, the nuances of building trust in healthcare, and how she approached key challenges like compensation structures, strategic hiring, and managing key man risk in a multi-site business.     Brittany reflects on the early hurdles of running the business, the strategies that fueled its growth, and the decision to ultimately exit. She also talks about balancing entrepreneurship with family planning and her recent shift into investing. For aspiring searchers, Brittany offers honest, actionable advice on navigating today’s market with grit, adaptability, and passion.

The CEO Balancing Act: Monica Weaver on Career, Family, and Leadership

In this episode, Monica Weaver shares her journey from the corporate world to CEO of TGI Direct, offering an authentic perspective on what it takes to balance the demands of career, family, and leadership. Monica openly discusses the triumphs and challenges she faced while navigating company culture and gender dynamics in a traditionally male-dominated industry. She emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships, making decisive choices, and communicating clearly as a leader.  Drawing from personal experiences during her ETA journey, Monica provides valuable insights and practical guidance for aspiring female entrepreneurs seeking to thrive both personally and professionally.

Finding Your Voice as an Entrepreneurial Leader: A Conversation with Stacey Krauss

In this episode, we’re honored to host Stacey Krauss, CEO of Transitions Counseling and Consulting. Stacey is a search fund entrepreneur with a unique background as a board-certified psychologist and U.S. Army veteran. In this episode, Stacey shares with us the story of her entrepreneurial journey and how she has successfully leveraged her extensive background in leadership and organizational design within the setting of the armed services to successfully lead her company and drive more than 200% growth since acquisition in 2021.   Stacey goes into detail on what she learned during her ten years as a clinical psychologist in the active-duty U.S. Army, working with infantry and aviation brigades in both domestic and deployed settings. She shares the key takeaways from her time in the Army and what they taught her about effective leadership, including the importance of trusting herself to make hard decisions for the sake of the team.   We go on to discuss how Stacey has been able to drive such impressive growth at her company and the logistics of opening seven new locations in just three years. We cover her leadership style in more depth, and she offers tactical advice on the importance of culture building and team retention.   This episode is packed with insights on leadership, organization design and the importance of a team. We are grateful to Stacey for taking some time to tell us her story and to share her wisdom on these and other topics. We hope you’ll tune in and are sure you will be inspired by Stacey’s story and tips on finding your voice as an entrepreneurial leader!