Brilliant People Podcast

• Tory Ramaker: Vistria PRG's Co-Head on Redefining Value Creation and the Future of Operating Talent

  What does it take to build a value-creation engine that scales across portfolios, empowers CEOs, and blends purpose with performance?In this episode, host Linnea Jungnelius sits down with Tory Ramaker, Senior Partner and Co-Head of Vistria PRG, LLC ("Portfolio Resources Group") at The Vistria Group, one of the private-equity industry’s most forward-thinking operating leaders.From founding the PRG from the ground up to re-engineering how portfolio teams drive transformation, Tory shares what it really means to create impact in essential industries — where financial returns and societal outcomes go hand in hand.For Operating Partners, CEOs, and investors alike, this conversation breaks down the next generation of value creation, grounded in partnership, empathy, and disciplined execution.What You’ll Learn:• How to architect a portfolio operations model that bridges strategy and execution• Why management ownership, not investor direction, determines success• The playbook for aligning boards, sponsors, and CEOs around one value-creation plan• Why the best portfolio leaders blend consulting rigor with real operating experience• The leadership balance between autonomy and accountability that builds lasting trustTimecodes00:00 Intro00:15 Guest Introduction: Tory Ramaker, The Vistria Group00:54 Early Lessons in Resilience and Adaptability02:26 Learning to Influence: From Data and Logic to Empathy07:13 Building the PRG: Founding Vision and Early Model08:04 Evolving the Model: From Generalists to Functional Specialists09:51 Portfolio Priorities: Technology, Talent, and Finance11:06 Hiring Strategy: Product-Minded Tech Leaders and PE-Proven CFOs11:45 Next-Gen Operating Talent: Consulting Rigor Meets Operating Experience13:00 Operating Model Shift: Fewer Companies, Deeper Engagement14:33 Value Creation Planning: It Must Be Management’s Plan15:14 Execution and Measurement: Defining Success Metrics17:03 Integrating Impact: Embedding Purpose into Value Creation19:00 Partnering with CEOs: Building Trust and Candid Collaboration21:03 Leadership Alignment: Autonomy with Accountability22:35 Co-Investment Collaboration: Clarity and Over-Communication23:46 Change Leadership: Applying AI and Data to Transformation26:42 Capacity Discipline: Forced Scarcity and Strategic Resourcing29:15 Leadership Standard: Autonomy with Accountability31:39 Human Capital Playbook: Assessments, Coaching, and CEO Readiness36:20 Leadership Evolution: EQ Over IQ38:19 Lightning Round: Personal Reflections Resources:Tory Ramaker:LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/tory-ramaker-a077141/ Linnea Jungnelius:LinkedIn: https://⁠www.linkedin.com/in/linneajungnelius ⁠X: ⁠https://x.com/itslinnea⁠Explore the Podcast:Spotify: ⁠https://acertitu.de/tory-ramaker-spotify-podcastApple Podcasts: ⁠https://acertitu.de/tory-ramaker-apple-podcast⁠Blog: ⁠https://acertitu.de/tory-ramaker-blog⁠Found Value?👍Tap Like. And Subscribe: ⁠https://acertitu.de/rate-brilliant-people-podcast⁠Stay Updated on Acertitude:LinkedIn: https://⁠www.linkedin.com/company/AcertitudeX: ⁠https://www.x.com/acertitude⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/acertitude ⁠TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/brilliantpeoplepodWebsite: ⁠https://www.acertitude.com ⁠

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• Jeff Price: PGA of America Chief Commercial Officer on Reinventing Legacy Brands and Driving Growth in Sport

  What does it take to modernize a legacy sport, inspire global fans, and build commercial engines that stand the test of time?In this episode, Linnea Jungnelius sits down with Jeff Price, Chief Commercial & Philanthropy Officer at the PGA of America, and one of the most influential architects behind golf’s modern growth story.From transforming brand partnerships at Gatorade and MasterCard to reshaping how millions experience the PGA Championship and Ryder Cup, Jeff has built a career at the intersection of sport, business, and innovation. His lessons apply far beyond the fairway: they’re about building trust, culture, and commercial momentum in any business facing disruption.What You’ll Learn:• How to turn sponsorships into lasting, growth-driving partnerships• The leadership shift from instructing teams to empowering them• Why understanding your “dual-habit” consumers drives sustainable engagement• How to extend experiences beyond the venue and into culture• Why focus and the smart use of AI defines the next wave of sports innovationTimecodes:00:00 Intro00:26 Guest Introduction: Jeff Price1:09 Early Career & Lessons from Rejection 02:45 Career Journey: NBA, Gatorade, MasterCard06:31 Startup Experience & Learning from Failure08:43 Leadership Evolution: Empowerment vs. Instruction10:16 Decision-Making & Strategic Frameworks11:37 Joining PGA of America: Strategic Gaps & First Moves13:15 Partnership Economics & PGA’s Commercial Strategy17:10 Ryder Cup: Brand Unification & Global Growth20:36 Commercial Innovation: Events, Experiences, and Media22:51 Media Strategy: ESPN+ Streaming Deal25:42 The Future: AI, Data, and Personalization in Golf30:05 Building High-Performing Teams: The “We” Mentality32:51 Commercial Leadership: Data, Social Media, and Revenue34:01 Advice for CEOs & Commercial Teams35:00 Personal Routines & Sustaining Performance36:41 Sources of Inspiration & Industry Trends38:01 Trends in Sports Business & Media49:00 Lightning Round: Personal ReflectionsResources: Jeff Price: LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-price-24481318/Linnea Jungnelius: LinkedIn: https://⁠www.linkedin.com/in/linneajungnelius ⁠X: ⁠https://x.com/itslinnea⁠ Explore the Podcast: Spotify: ⁠https://acertitu.de/jeff-price-spotify-podcast Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://acertitu.de/jeff-price-apple-podcast⁠Blog: ⁠https://acertitu.de/jeff-price-blog⁠ Found Value? 👍Tap Like. And Subscribe: ⁠https://acertitu.de/rate-brilliant-people-podcast⁠ Stay Updated on Acertitude: LinkedIn: https://⁠www.linkedin.com/company/acertitude ⁠X: ⁠https://www.x.com/acertitude⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/acertitude⁠ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/brilliantpeoplepod Website: ⁠https://www.acertitude.com ⁠

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• Dr. Allison Barber: The President Behind Caitlin Clark's Draft and the Fever's Rise — and Her Boldest Mission Yet, Building Marvella

  What does it take to transform a team, ignite a movement, and build a future that didn’t exist before? In this episode, Linnea Jungnelius sits down with Dr. Allison Barber – trailblazing leader, ex-president of the Indiana Fever, and now the force behind Marvella Academy, the first-of-its-kind youth sports and leadership campus built entirely for girls. From reimagining a professional sports franchise to shaping the next generation of leaders, Allison shares lessons from the locker room, the boardroom, the Pentagon, and beyond. Her stories reveal how vision, conviction, and the courage to show up, again and again, can create lasting impact in business, sports, and life.What You’ll Learn:How to reimagine and rebuild a brand from the ground upThe framework used to turn fans into loyal, lifelong advocatesHow to prepare your team for a transformational "lightning strike" moment and sustain itWhy the best leaders show up in the community, not just the corner officeHow investing in girls' sports creates a talent pipeline for future CEOs and leadersTimecodes:00:00 Intro00:11 Guest Introduction: Dr. Allison Barber01:16 Transforming the Indiana Fever: Rebuilding & Strategy01:39 Building a Championship Culture: The Three C’s02:17 Leadership Lessons: Vision, Strategy, and Patience04:34 The Caitlin Clark Moment: Preparing for Transformation08:54 Building Belief: Fans, Culture, and the “Movable Middle”14:17 Shaping a Winning Culture: Optimism & Fundamentals16:55 What Matters Most in Leadership: Integrity24:13 9/11: Leading Through Crisis28:24 The Mission Behind Marvella Academy34:17 Marvella’s Best-in-Class Approach35:51 The Business of Youth Sports39:57 What’s Next: Marvella Mobile & Campus Launch40:54 The Surge in Women’s Sports: What’s Fueling It?45:11 Advice for Women in Sports Leadership49:20 Book & Podcast Recommendations50:05 Marvella’s Legacy: Empowering Girls52:58 Lightning Round: Personal ReflectionsResources:Dr. Allison Barber:  Website:  ⁠https://www.marvellasports.com⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-barber-phd-06201a2/⁠Linnea Jungnelius: LinkedIn:  ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/linneajungnelius⁠X:  ⁠https://x.com/itslinnea⁠Explore the Podcast: Spotify:  ⁠https://acertitu.de/dr-allison-barber-spotify-podcast⁠Apple Podcasts:  ⁠https://acertitu.de/dr-allison-barber-apple-podcast⁠Blog:  https://acertitu.de/dr-allison-barber-blogFound Value? 👍Tap Like. And Subscribe: ⁠https://acertitu.de/rate-brilliant-people-podcast⁠Stay Updated on Acertitude: LinkedIn:  ⁠www.linkedin.com/company/acertitude⁠X:  ⁠https://www.x.com/acertitude⁠Instagram:  ⁠https://www.instagram.com/acertitude⁠Website: ⁠https://www.acertitude.com⁠

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• Dr. Allison Barber: President at Marvella Academy and Former President of the Indiana Fever on Building the Next Generation of Leaders Through Girls’ Sports

  What does it take to transform a team, ignite a movement, and build a future that didn’t exist before? In this episode, Linnea Jungnelius sits down with Dr. Allison Barber – trailblazing leader, former president of the Indiana Fever, and now the force behind Marvella Academy, the first-of-its-kind youth sports and leadership campus built entirely for girls. From reimagining a professional sports franchise to shaping the next generation of leaders, Allison shares lessons from the locker room, the boardroom, the Pentagon, and beyond. Her stories reveal how vision, conviction, and the courage to show up, again and again, can create lasting impact in business, sports, and life.What You’ll Learn:How to reimagine and rebuild a brand from the ground upThe framework used to turn fans into loyal, lifelong advocatesHow to prepare your team for a transformational “lightning strike” moment andsustain itWhy the best leaders show up in the community, not just the corner officeHow investing in girls’ sports creates a talent pipeline for future CEOs and leadersTimecodes:00:00 Intro01:23 Allison Barber: Trailblazing Leader 03:41 Building a Championship Culture05:20 The Electric Caitlin Clark Moment11:02 The Movable Middle: Fan Engagement 19:29 The Power of Optimistic Leaders 28:58 From Teacher to Pentagon Leader35:44 A Day That Changed Everything: 9/11 Reflections37:46 Leadership Under Pressure: Lessons from Crisis40:44 A New Mission: Founding Marvella Academy42:45 Empowering Girls Through Sports: The Vision of Marvella Academy44:59 The Impact of Sports on Leadership and Mental Health50:10 Building the Future: Marvella Academy's Ambitious Plans52:43 The Business of Women's Sports: Opportunities and Challenges01:03:59 Lightning Round: Personal Reflections Resources:Dr. Allison Barber:  Website:  https://www.marvellasports.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-barber-phd-06201a2/ Linnea Jungnelius: LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/in/linneajungnelius X:  https://x.com/itslinnea Explore the Podcast: Spotify:  https://acertitu.de/allison-barber-spotify-podcast Apple Podcasts:  https://acertitu.de/allison-barber-apple-podcast Blog:  https://acertitu.de/allison-barber-blog Found Value? 👍Tap Like. And Subscribe: https://acertitu.de/rate-brilliant-people-podcast Stay Updated on Acertitude: LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/acertitude X:  https://www.x.com/acertitudeInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/acertitude Website: https://www.acertitude.com

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• Peter Browning: Boardroom Legend on Leadership, Legacy, and the Timeless Truths of Governance

  What makes a truly great board? And what defines a life well-led? In this episode of the Brilliant People Podcast, host Linnea Jungnelius sits down with Peter Browning, one of the most respected governance voices in America. With over 14 public company boards under his belt—including lead director roles at Nucor, Acuity Brands, and ScanSource, plus 16 years on the board at Lowe’s—Peter brings a rare depth of experience and perspective to the conversation.He shares the board-level decisions that matter most, from CEO succession to crisis leadership, and the personal stories that shaped his approach to communication, transparency, and resilience. It’s a deep dive into how leadership is built through pressure, listening, and connection—long before the boardroom.What You'll Learn:– The 3 questions every board must answer– What most boards get wrong about CEO succession– How to lead through bankruptcy, crisis, and culture change– Why the best directors listen more than they speak– How climbing mountains and running plants shaped his edge as a leaderTimecodes:00:00 Intro00:11 Peter Browning: Corporate Legend01:35 Living Life as a Contact Sport14:57 Inside the Boardroom: ScanSource, Lowe’s & More16:42 Sales Trainee to CEO: Sonoco, Continental Can, National Gypsum22:18 Earning Trust Across 300 Plants, 36 Countries24:38 Bankruptcy Playbook: Reinventing National Gypsum29:59 Listening as a Leadership Advantage35:16 Modern Boardroom: From Rubber Stamp to Strategy Engine40:46 Great Lead Directors Influence Without Authority43:36 CEO Succession: Making the Hardest Calls47:32 Board Chemistry: Trust in High-Stakes Rooms51:49 When, Why & How to Replace a CEO54:58 Earning Your Seat as a New Director01:04:07 Favorite CEOs, Leaders & Books01:08:31 Lightning Round: Family, Focus & Living FullyResources:Peter Browning:  Website: www.peterbrowning.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/peter-browning-4421454/   Linnea Jungnelius: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/linneajungnelius/ X: www.x.com/itsLinnea  Explore the Podcast: Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/4q2SyG7jTqV109lC37RtOV  Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brilliant-people-podcast/id1582636185  Blog: acertitu.de/peter-browning-blog  Subscribe and rate the show: https://www.ratethispodcast.com/brilliantpeoplepodcast Stay Updated on Acertitude: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/acertitude/  YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCaRywuMZMbDfHR77TyzEQZQ  X: www.x.com/acertitude  Instagram: www.instagram.com/acertitude  Website: www.acertitude.com 

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