M&A Mastery: Hawken Lord on Changing the Game with Edgewater Strategy Group
April 28, 2025, In The Investment Banking Leaders Podcast
Episode 29 – M&A Mastery: Hawken Lord on Changing the Game with Edgewater Strategy Group
Unlocking Entrepreneurial Insights and Strategies with Hawken Lord
Welcome to another great episode of The Investment Banking Leaders Podcast, where industry trailblazers share their journey and insights to help accelerate your career in investment banking. If you’re keen on exploring the world of investment banking strategies and entrepreneurial ventures within the private equity space, this episode featuring Hawken Lord, the founder and managing partner at Edgewater Strategy Group, is a must-listen!
How Edgewater Strategy Group Was Born
Hawken Lord’s journey from Morgan Stanley to founding Edgewater Strategy Group is anything but traditional. Episode 29 dives into how an unexpected opportunity between his tenure at HIG Capital and attending Harvard Business School led to the creation of a boutique advisory firm that has altered the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) landscape. Hawken shares the organic growth of Edgewater and the firm’s evolution into providing M&A and office of the CFO services, demonstrating how being adaptable can lead to significant entrepreneurial success!
The Challenges and Rewards of Entrepreneurship
In discussing the establishment of Edgewater, Hawken underscores the risks inherent in entrepreneurship, particularly when starting a venture without external capital. Episode 29 explores the necessity of operating profitably from day one and the personal stakes involved when dipping into one’s own savings to fund the business! Hawken provides insight into managing working capital and the importance of accruing for expenses, emphasizing real-life challenges that aspiring entrepreneurs can learn from.
Building and Managing a Dynamic Team Culture
Hawken’s emphasis on creating a robust company culture is evident throughout this episode. He shares the importance of maintaining a flat organizational structure that empowers team members by allowing them to make decisions and manage client interactions independently. The culture at Edgewater is one where feedback is a cornerstone, ensuring team members understand both their contributions to success and areas for improvement. By prioritizing open communication, Edgewater has fostered a dynamic and engaged workforce!
The War for Talent in Private Equity
Navigating the competitive landscape of private equity implies a constant battle for the best talent. Edgewater’s approach to talent acquisition involves identifying potential hires who may not have typical credentials but possess the requisite intelligence and work ethic. By offering them a chance to prove themselves, Edgewater is not only discovering talent but also cultivating a culture focused on opportunity and growth.
Transitioning from Investment Banking to Private Equity
Hawken’s path from investment banking to private equity wasn’t linear, particularly given his start in the Financial Institutions Group (FIG) at Morgan Stanley. He shares how understanding different industries and adapting to them proved to be crucial as private equity roles were scarce. His insights provide valuable advice for current investment bankers looking to transition into private equity, highlighting the importance of networking, reputation, and being open to unconventional pathways.
Private Equity’s Current Challenges and the Edgewater Advantage
Facing a lack of exits and valuation challenges post-2022, the private equity sector is in flux. Edgewater’s adaptable model of providing deal teams for hire meets firms’ fluctuating capacity needs, making them a valuable partner in this environment. Hawken outlines the ongoing necessity for quality CFO and reporting services, a growing segment within Edgewater due to private equity’s operational demands.
Listening to Hawken discuss leadership, team dynamics, and market challenges will arm you with knowledge crucial for navigating the investment banking world! Whether you’re in investment banking contemplating a shift or an entrepreneur at heart, this episode provides the lessons, strategies, and inspiration vital for your growth journey!
