The Inspiring Leaders Podcast

PE Outlook Series: The Private Equity Outlook for 2026

Alastair Mills, Managing Director & Head of European Business Services at H.I.G. Capital, joins Criticaleye’s Senior Editor Jacob Ambrose Willson to share his perspective on what lies ahead for the UK private equity market in 2026.

Reflecting on UK market conditions in 2025, the podcast explores how macro uncertainty, fiscal policy and the growing influence of AI are shaping fund strategies, dealmaking and value creation. Alastair also looks ahead to whether easing interest rates could unlock activity in the UK market and what private equity firms and portfolio leaders should be doing now to prepare for a potentially more active and competitive year.

Discussion points include:

• How UK private equity funds are adapting strategies in response to current market conditions, including longer hold periods and the use of continuation funds

• The impact of tariffs and potential tax changes following the UK Autumn Budget on confidence and deal activity

• How AI is influencing deal sourcing, due diligence and performance across portfolio companies

• Whether falling interest rates could drive a pick-up in UK deal activity and exits in 2026

• How private equity firms can best prepare for a more active and competitive UK deal environment

• Why access to external reference points is critical for leaders, particularly those new to private equity, when preparing for an exit

Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast

Dave Wilson, Chair of LBG Media (LADbible) and Knights plc, joins Criticaleye’s Senior Editor Jacob Ambrose Willson to explore how Boards and executive teams can successfully navigate today’s capital markets while staying focused on long-term value creation.

In a landscape of tightening liquidity, shifting investor expectations and ongoing macro uncertainty, leaders of publicly listed businesses face growing pressure to balance short-term market demands with long-term growth. Drawing on his extensive executive and non-executive experience, Dave shares insights from supporting high-growth companies, preparing for IPO and guiding teams through public-market volatility.

Discussion points include:

• How leaders can balance immediate market pressures with long-term value creation
• Lessons from preparing for IPO and operating successfully on the public markets
• The impact of reduced liquidity on decision-making and Board-level conversations
• Key challenges facing plc leadership teams and how a Chair can best support them
• The evolving relationship between Chairs, CEOs and CFOs amid market and macro pressures
• Avoiding short-termism through effective communication with investors and analysts
• Approaches to assessing growth, profitability and M&A in a complex capital environment
• Why peer networks are increasingly important for resilience and perspective
• Practical advice for plc leaders aiming to deliver sustainable growth in a difficult market

Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast

Martin Balaam, CEO of Pimberly and Jacqui Summons, NED/Fractional CHRO join Criticaleye's Senior Editor, Jacob Ambrose Willson to explore the demands of private equity ownership from driving value creation and managing Board dynamics to resolving conflict, keeping exit front of mind and leading under pressure in today’s challenging market.

Discussion points include:

• The growing popularity of private equity as a route to business growth and the impact of current market conditions
• How the definition of success in PE has evolved and what value creation looks like today
• Boardroom dynamics in PE-backed businesses and the characteristics of high-performing Boards
• The role of the Chair and executive team in managing investor relationships and resolving conflict
• Keeping the exit in focus throughout the ownership cycle while driving sustainable growth
• Leading through the pressures of the exit process and the current macroeconomic environment

Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast

In this episode, we hear from Deborah Frost, UK Chair of Mercer Master Trust and former CEO of Personal Group, as she shares her experiences in leading and transforming high-growth businesses.

Hosted by Marc Barber, Director of Content at Criticaleye, Deborah draws on both her executive and non-executive experience. She highlights how innovation has been key to her success and explores how to build a culture that supports creativity while effectively managing risk.

Key discussion points: 

• The critical role of innovation in driving business growth.
• Empowering management teams while maintaining strategic oversight.
• What investors typically seek in high-growth companies.
• How leaders can prepare effectively for investor scrutiny and due diligence.
• Common red flags that may deter potential investors.
• Key advice for CEOs preparing their business for the next phase of growth.

Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast

In this episode, we hear from Sean Latus, Group CEO at Calisen, as he reflects on his transition from CFO to CEO and the realities of leading a complex organisation in today’s business climate. 

Hosted by Bridgette Hall, Senior Editor at Criticaleye, Sean shares his journey into the CEO role, the key mindset shifts and challenges he faced. He reflects on staying strategically focused, evolving stakeholder relationships and offers advice for others transitioning from CFO to CEO. 

Discussion points include: 

• Navigating the career journey from CFO to Group CEO.
• The motivations, doubts and decisions behind stepping into the top role.
• Shifting responsibilities and early challenges faced as a new CEO.
• Leading from the front without getting pulled back into the detail.
• Redefining relationships with the Board and other key stakeholders.
• Advice for CFOs transitioning to CEO – what to expect and what support is needed.

Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast

Paul Kelly, UK Country Co-Leader, Partner & Managing Director, AlixPartners, Tamsin Todd, Non-executive Director, Auction Technology Group and Jon Lowne, Global Head of IT & Digital, Lightsource bp explore the key triggers that drive the need for change, how businesses can leverage technology to enhance productivity and performance and the common pitfalls to avoid.

Hosted by Jacob Ambrose Willson, Senior Editor at Criticaleye, they discuss emerging trends, leadership strategies and practical advice for navigating digital transformation.

Discussion points include: 

• Key triggers for digital transformation and its alignment with business growth strategies
• Common pitfalls businesses face during digital change
• Technologies shaping the next phase of digital transformation
• How leadership adapts and evolves during transformation
• Maintaining strategic oversight as a Non-Executive Director (NED)
• The value of mentoring for leaders navigating digital change

Episode 14: Criticaleye Asia Podcast - Navigating the Path to Success as a CEO

In this episode, hosted by Criticaleye's Managing Director Charlie Wagstaff, our esteemed guest speaker, William Lo, shares invaluable insights from his extensive career as a seasoned executive based in Asia. With over three decades of experience in senior management and serving on the Boards of numerous publicly listed companies, William's portfolio spans a variety of industries, including telecommunications, internet, banking, fashion and retail. He delves into the challenges of leadership, organisational resilience, and the ever-changing landscape of technology.

Discussion points include: 

• The key challenges faced by CEOs today, and how can they navigate them effectively?
• What strategies can organisations employ to build resilience in the face of uncertainty and change?
• How is the ever-changing landscape of technology impacting businesses?
• What opportunities does it present for growth and innovation?
• Role of the Board in shaping culture

Episode 12: Criticaleye Asia Podcast - Cultivating Top Talent in Asia for Organisational Growth

Explore the dynamic landscape of talent management and leadership development in rapidly evolving Asia. Discover effective strategies for cultivating top talent, including guiding transitions and mentoring high performers.​ Featuring Criticaleye's General Managing Director, Michael Crompton, plus our guest President, APAC at Flywheel Digital, Dan Cotton. 

Discussion points include: 

• Challenges in acquiring and mentoring Talent
• Transitioning from Fast-Paced Startups to Large Corporations
• How has the nature of business disciplines changed over time?
• The Role of Mentorship in Management​
• Identifying and Leveraging Opportunities for Growth

Episode 7 of our Inspiring Leaders Podcast

In this podcast, our speakers discuss priorities for the next twelve months, advice for first-time CEOs and how can the Chair support the CEO? Hosted by Jacob Ambrose Willson, Senior Editor at Criticaleye, we were pleased to invite special guests Brittany Harris, Co-founder and CEO, Qualis Flow, Mark Whitby, Criticaleye Board Mentor, Chair, BibliU, and Melanie Lane, CEO, Pod Point. 

Discussion points include: 

• Pressure points for growth company CEOs over the next twelve months
• Board dynamics 
• Where should Chairs be supporting and guiding the CEO? 
• Evolving as a founder-CEO
• How can a mentor support a CEO of a Growth Company? 
• Essential elements to drive high performance