Create Opportunities for Nontraditional Talent - Michelle Chao

Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection Builders

SPECIAL EPISODE: Diversity Matters in the Middle Market, brought to you by the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) and Connection Builders.

No matter your educational background or where you start out in your career, if you have support, an open mind, and are willing to put in the effort, there is no limit on which direction you can go! Nobody epitomizes this truth better than today’s guest, Michelle Chao. 14 years ago, after receiving a master’s in child education, Michelle started working at Bertram Capital as an Executive Assistant and today she is the Senior Vice President of Business Development and the head of Investor Relations at the firm. In this episode Michelle shares what this journey of hers has looked like, and how Bertram creates an environment that facilitates these kinds of growth opportunities. You’ll hear about the importance of advocating for people who you see potential in, and the value of putting out into the universe what you hope to get back.

Key Points From This Episode:

• What Michelle’s 14-year journey with Bertram has looked like.
• How Michelle learned about business development.
• Some of the key lessons that Michelle has learned through her time at Bertram.
• Examples of the different facets that exist within a private equity firm.
• Bertram Capital’s approach to exposing people to opportunities.
• How Bertram’s recruiting strategy has changed over the years.
• Characteristics that Michelle looks for in potential hires.
• The value of advocating for people whom you see potential in.
• How Michelle learned to balance work and family life.
• Advice for leaders who are eager to build a more diverse team.

Michelle Chao on LinkedIn
Bertram Capital
Peninsula Bridge
ACG DEI Committee Mission and Resources
Connection Builders
Alex Drost on LinkedIn