How can a CEO Advisor help PE portfolio companies?

A CEO Advisor helps PE portfolio company executives install the operating cadence and KPI dashboards needed to provide clear visibility to the board and drive measurable results. This includes establishing weekly operating rhythms, building CEO dashboards with 5-7 key metrics, and creating P&L clarity that enables faster, smarter decisions aligned with the value creation plan.

What is the difference between an Operating Partner and a consultant?

An Operating Partner works as a hands-on executive within the portfolio company, implementing systems and driving accountability alongside the management team. A consultant typically advises from the outside and delivers recommendations. Operating Partners are invested in execution and results, not just strategy documents.

How quickly can Operating Clarity show results?

Many clients see meaningful improvements within 60-90 days. For example, one $75M manufacturing company went from 'flying blind' to having a weekly operating cadence and a CEO dashboard that told the truth in just 60 days. The speed depends on the company's readiness and the complexity of their operations.

Private Equity|Portfolio Operations|Value Creation

Your Value Creation Plan Is Only as Good as Your Operating Visibility

I help PE portfolio companies install the operating cadence, KPIs, and P&L clarity needed to hit aggressive targets—and give the board confidence that execution is on track.

Discuss an Engagement

The Deal Thesis Was Sound.
So Why Is Execution Stalling?

You did the diligence. The investment thesis was clear. The value creation plan looked achievable on paper.

But now, 6 months in, something isn't right. This isn't a strategy problem. The thesis is fine. This is an operating system problem—and it's fixable.

The CEO says things are 'on track,' but your gut says otherwise

There's no shared reality—three executives give three different answers

The dashboard exists, but it doesn't tell the truth

Board meetings feel like theater, not problem-solving sessions

Execution is slower than expected and no one can explain why

The Risk to Your Multiple

Drifting Timeline

Every quarter of missed execution pushes the exit horizon further out.

EBITDA Leakage

Operational inefficiencies are silently eating into your valuation.

Management Fatigue

The CEO is burnt out trying to manage the board instead of the business.

I Install the Operating Rigor Your Portfolio Company Is Missing

I work with PE-backed companies to build the infrastructure that turns a value creation plan into measurable results. This isn't about adding more reports or more meetings. It's about installing the right system.

Operating Cadence

A rhythm of meetings and reporting that actually drives execution. We'll design a weekly/monthly cadence that ensures the right people are discussing the right information at the right time.

Result: Leadership alignment improves. Decisions happen faster. Nothing falls through the cracks.

KPIs That Tell the Truth

Most dashboards are filled with metrics that don't matter or arrive too late. I help identify the 5-7 leading indicators that actually predict performance—and build a dashboard the board can trust.

Result: You stop guessing. The CEO stops spinning. Everyone looks at the same reality.

P&L Clarity

I translate financial statements into operational insight. Where is margin leaking? Which levers actually move performance? I help the management team understand the P&L as a decision-making tool.

Result: Capital allocation improves. Operational decisions are grounded in financial reality.

Common Scenarios Where I Add Value

Post-Acquisition (First 100 Days)

You've closed the deal and installed new leadership. Now you need to rapidly establish operating rigor, align the team, and create board-level visibility. I help accelerate this transition.

Mid-Hold Performance Issues

The company is underperforming against plan, but it's not clear why. I diagnose where the story breaks—between the numbers, the operations, and the team dynamics—and help get execution back on track.

Pre-Exit Preparation

You're preparing for a sale and need to demonstrate operational maturity to buyers. I help install the systems and documentation that show a well-run company.

Platform Integration

You're integrating add-on acquisitions and struggling to create a unified operating model. I help design shared services, common KPIs, and a cadence that works across entities.

Leadership Transition

A key executive has departed and you need interim operational leadership while you search for a replacement. I can step in as Fractional COO to maintain stability and momentum.

I've Sat in the Seat—Not Just Advised From the Sidelines

I'm not a career consultant. I spent two decades as a senior operating executive in a $1.3B family-owned conglomerate—managing P&L responsibility across manufacturing, hospitality, and real estate, leading 4,500+ employees, and navigating everything from global financial crises to complex family governance.

I understand what it takes to execute under pressure, with a board watching. I know the difference between metrics that look good in a presentation and metrics that actually predict performance. And I know how to build systems that outlast my engagement.

Operator credibility (I've run businesses)

Cross-functional fluency (finance, ops, people)

Speed (I diagnose fast and implement faster)

Board-ready communication

Flexible Engagement Models for PE

2-4 weeks

Clarity Diagnostic

A rapid assessment of the portfolio company's operating reality. I'll identify where the story breaks and deliver a clear action plan with prioritized recommendations.

3-6 months

Operating System Build

A hands-on engagement to install cadence, KPIs, and P&L clarity. I work alongside the management team to design, build, and implement—not just recommend.

Retained

Ongoing Advisory

Retained access for continued support—joining key meetings, pressure-testing decisions, and helping maintain operating rigor as the company evolves.

Project-based

Interim COO

When you need someone in the seat, I can step in as Fractional or Interim COO to provide stability during transitions or leadership gaps.

The Fog Lifts. The Board Gets Visibility.

"For the first time, we actually trust the numbers coming out of this portfolio company."

"She diagnosed the real issue in two weeks—something we'd been circling for six months."

"The management team is finally aligned. Board meetings are productive instead of frustrating."

Frequently Asked Questions

Let's Discuss Your Portfolio Company

If you have a portfolio company that's struggling with execution, alignment, or visibility—or if you're preparing for a new acquisition and want to get operating rigor right from the start—I'd welcome a conversation.