What happens when a seasoned private equity leader believes that culture is a core driver of performance?
In the latest episode of The Conscious Capitalists podcast, Timothy Henry and Raj Sisodia sit down with Stewart Kohl, Co-CEO of The Riverside Company to dive into what it means to lead with values in one of capitalism’s most profit-driven sectors: private equity.
Stewart’s résumé is stacked: from co-leading a $14B global investment firm to raising nearly $30M for cancer research and serving on numerous civic boards. But what makes him stand out, is how he champions the idea that “values and valuation” are both connected AND co-dependent.
Here are some takeaways that stood out:
1. Values Drive Valuation
In a world where private equity is often seen as extractive, Stewart flips the script. At Riverside, evaluating culture is part of due diligence. They go beyond the C-suite, engaging with employees three levels deep and tapping tools like Glassdoor to read the cultural pulse.
2. Soul, Love & Empathy at Work
Stewart reflects on the role of empathy, drawing on research about love and connection in the workplace.
In his view, the best-performing companies aren’t just operationally sound., they’re emotionally intelligent. Leadership, especially in high-stakes environments like private equity, isn’t only about strategy or execution. It’s about the capacity to understand and support people in meaningful ways.
3. The Future of Private Equity Is Stewardship
While the PE industry grapples with backlash against ESG and calls of “woke capitalism,” Stewart reframes the conversation around responsible investing. The goal? Long-term value creation through stewardship, not just short-term profits.
This ethos echoes conscious capitalism’s core message: elevate the practice to sustain the system.
Stuart offers a parting insight worth framing: growth should be good, productive, and constructive. It’s not about compulsive expansion, but about aligning purpose, strategy, and stakeholder value.
While private equity firms may be interim owners, they have a responsibility to steward the business thoughtfully during their tenure.
If you’re a conscious CEO or leader striving to balance impact with performance, this episode is a must-listen.
Hear firsthand how a major private equity firm is rewriting the rules. with empathy, responsibility, and purpose at the helm.