Private Equity Fast Pitch

• Neda Vakilian - Actis

  Neda Vakilian, Partner, Investor Solutions Group at Actis Neda is a partner of the firm having joined Actis in January 2022 where she was responsible for the coordination and management of strategic investor initiatives, fundraising project management, and product development. In March 2023, Neda was promoted to Global Head of Actis’ Investor Solutions Group. Neda has around 20 years of industry experience, working across private capital markets, business development, and fundraising. Before joining Actis, she was Co-Head of Capital Solutions and Investor Relations for Amber Infrastructure. In this role, she was responsible for sales, client servicing, and product development, and was an investment committee member and board director on strategies. Prior to this, Neda worked at Macquarie Capital and the Green Investment Bank (now the Green Investment Group) where she was a leading member of the team responsible for raising what was, at the time, the largest renewables fund in Europe. She began her career as a solicitor, working at Clifford Chance and SJ Berwin. Disclaimer Risk management seeks to mitigate risk but does not eliminate risk and does not protect against losses. The statements referenced herein regarding the impact of the United States political office on decarbonisation efforts or the market are as of June 2025 and represent the views of Actis which is not research and should not be treated as research. Historic market trends are not reliable indicators of actual future market behaviour or future performance of any particular investment which may differ materially and should not be relied upon as such. Moreover, there is no assurance historical trends will continue.  

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• Robert Brown - Lincoln International

  As Lincoln’s Chief Executive Officer and a key driver of the firm’s growth from its beginnings, Rob has been instrumental in building its global footprint and a highly desirable culture that prioritizes attracting, retaining and engaging top talent at all levels. As a connected leader within the firm, Rob works closely with Lincoln’s investment banking professionals to help them achieve success. He continues to focus on building long-term relationships with clients and prospects, achieving optimal results through his thoughtful, interpersonal and collaborative approach. Rob has nearly 30 years of experience advising leading private equity groups, privately owned businesses and large public companies on divestitures, acquisitions and other strategic initiatives. Rob helped start Lincoln’s industrials and consumer practices and led the firm’s business services practice for more than a decade. Accordingly, Rob has a deep understanding of how to best position companies for sale, drive competitive processes and negotiate to successful closings. As a recognized advisor and thought leader in the investment banking industry, Rob is a frequent guest on WBBM’s Noon Business Hour in Chicago and a speaker and author on mergers and acquisitions-related topics. Rob sits on the board of UNICEF USA and the Dean’s Business Council for the Gies School of Business at the University of Illinois. He is also President of the Board of Regents at Saint Ignatius College Prep in Chicago. Prior to Lincoln, Rob worked at Price Waterhouse. His diverse experiences include management positions in Price Waterhouse’s investment banking subsidiary and the Transaction Services group. Rob earned a Master of Business Administration from Columbia University Graduate School of Business and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois. Rob is a certified public accountant (inactive).

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• Advice to Young Professionals and College Students

  Advice to College Students Montage — Episode Overview For this special segment, we compiled standout moments from our guests’ responses to one of our favorite questions: “What advice would you give to college students or young professionals just starting out?” This recurring question has become a listener favorite on the podcast, and in this episode, we’re bringing those insights together into a powerful montage. From timeless career wisdom to honest reflections on failure and resilience, each soundbite delivers real-world guidance for the next generation of leaders. Featured Guests: This montage includes advice from top executives, investors, and entrepreneurs featured in past episodes, including: Sunaina Sinha, Raymond James Brad Armstrong, Lovell Minnick Partners Greg Belinfanti, One Equity Partners Adam Feinstein, Vesey Street Capital Partners Devon Kirk, Portage Steve Young, HGGC Jack Purcell, Ridgemont Equity Partners Steve Gord, Hidden River Strategic Capital Paul Swaney, Swaney Capital Group Mark Strauch, Alpine Investors Jeff Jenkins, Bernhard Capital Partners Patrick Maciariello, Compass Diversified Bogdan Gogulan, NewSpace Capital Erik Brooks, Ethos Capital Jeff Aiello, Agellus Capital Marshall Adkins, Raymond James Andrew Weinberg, Brightstar Capital Partners Lucy Heintz, Actis John Diggins, Platinum Equity Purpose: This episode aims to inspire college students, recent graduates, and young professionals with tactical advice and encouragement straight from the industry’s top minds. It’s also a great resource to share with interns, mentees, or students exploring careers in finance, investing, or business leadership. Let us know if you'd like a custom graphic, suggested caption, or LinkedIn blurb to go with it.

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• John Diggins - Platinum Equity

  John Diggins is responsible for senior level business development activities focused on identifying new acquisition opportunities and has been involved in sourcing many multi-billion dollar deals during his time at Platinum. Mr. Diggins joined Platinum Equity in 1996. Prior to joining Platinum, he was the co-founder of Ventec Systems with Platinum Equity Chairman and CEO Tom Gores.  Mr. Gores brought Mr. Diggins to Platinum Equity to drive deal sourcing and help shape the firm in its early days of growth. In this capacity Mr. Diggins served as CEO at Platinum Equity portfolio companies Pilot Software and Foresight Software. Mr. Diggins holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of New Mexico

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• Wharton Graduates - Advice to Young Professionals

  As graduation season kicks off, many students and young professionals are stepping into an exciting new chapter — one filled with opportunity, growth, and a few unknowns. To mark this milestone, we’ve curated a special montage episode featuring timeless advice from nine distinguished Wharton alumni. These leaders have successfully navigated the path from campus to boardroom, and they’re sharing candid insights on mindset, momentum, and making your mark in Private Equity and Investment Banking. In this episode, you’ll hear from: Dave Tayeh – Investcorp Marc Leder – Sun Capital Partners Neha Markle – Morgan Stanley Bob Frost – Lazard Jeff Collins – Cloverlay Jeff Aiello – Agellus Michael Butler – Cascadia Capital Jack Purcell – Ridgemont Equity Partners Barry Freeman – Lincoln International Whether you’re just graduating or mentoring the next generation of finance leaders, this episode delivers practical, powerful advice that’s well worth the listen.

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