Josiah Wilson
Senior Associate, Portfolio Talent
2 years at Spencer Stuart
Describe what you’re doing currently.
In my role today, I co-lead Sentinel Capital Partners’ portfolio talent function. Sentinel is a 30-year-old middle-market private equity firm with $11.2B AUM and currently investing out of our 7th buyout fund. We primarily invest in industrials, business services, consumer and healthcare businesses.
I have a broad range of responsibilities, which includes working closely with portfolio company leaders on succession planning and top grading executive management teams. I am involved in external leadership searches — including for CEOs, CFOs and board directors for active portfolio companies — and growing and maintaining the firm’s executive network. I regularly work with deal teams to facilitate the assessment of portfolio company management teams and led the implementation of an enhanced pre-close assessment process and post-close 360-review process of portfolio company management teams and direct reports.
My role also includes overseeing Sentinel’s relationship with executive recruiting and leadership advisory firms. As a result, I still work very closely with Spencer Stuart. We also work with Spencer Stuart’s private equity pre-deal team when we are still in due diligence for a new asset and would like to meet potential executive advisers and get back-channel references on incumbent management teams. I am still close friends with many of my former colleagues from the private equity and financial services team!
What skills or experiences from your time at the Firm have been most valuable in your current role?
Spencer Stuart is known for being one of the best search firms in the world. Given that, you work with some of the smartest advisers and experts in certain areas and industries, both at the firm and externally with clients and candidates.
Some skills from my time at Spencer Stuart that have been most valuable in my current role are my knowledge of executive search — understanding the nuances of working with senior level talent versus mid-level recruiting — and the ability to evaluate not just the qualifications of a candidate but their leadership capabilities, cultural fit and long-term potential. I also regularly draw on my experience with market research and talent mapping; my research, writing and analytical skills (from working on job specs, market insights, etc.); and project/process management (multi-project leadership, detail orientation, time management, etc.). I think some of the coolest experiences at the firm were pitching, winning and working on some of the biggest searches in the country.
What is your favorite Spencer Stuart memory?
Being the first hire on the private equity pre-deal team and working closely with Jordan Brugg to build something from scratch at a $1B+ firm with 65+ years of history. It was an incredible learning experience that challenged me to grow every day.
What excites you about the work you do?
I love being a problem solver. Every day I work with C-suite leaders, founders and entrepreneurs to address their most critical leadership challenges. Through collaboration with deal and management teams, I also gain unique insight into what it takes to build and run high-performing businesses quickly.
When you’re not working, what are you doing?
Playing pickleball, watching college football or travelling with my fiancée and friends!
What book, movie or show would you recommend?
For shows, I recommend Landman or Lioness.