#38 Operational improvement or financial engineering – what truly drives value in Private Equity today?

Operational improvement or financial engineering – what truly
drives value in Private Equity today? Many still believe that a
clean financing structure and some multiple arbitrage are enough to
unlock value in PE. Wrong. In the latest episode of "Mendel talks
Finance," I speak with Natalia Meissner about the real engine
behind value creation in the PE space - and what that means for
today’s CFOs. What we discuss is a practical map for finance
leaders in PE-backed companies: ️ Operational excellence is
non-negotiable Whether it’s growth, buyout, or turnaround—real
value is created through performance, not tricks. ️ The evolving
role of the CFO CFOs are becoming true Value Creation Leaders:  •
Strategic partners in growth  • Performance drivers in buyouts  •
Survival architects in turnarounds ️ Cash is king - and the only
real currency Regardless of the deal type, liquidity is the
benchmark. From runway extension to working capital and aggressive
cash control—if you fail here, you fail altogether. And here's what
most people overlook: There are two parallel worlds in any PE deal:
️ The investor world of IRRs and MoMs ️ The operational world of
EBITDA and cash flow If they’re not aligned, the deal is at risk.
My takeaway? The best CFOs don’t just translate numbers - they
connect entire worlds. Curious how to position yourself as a CFO in
the PE environment? Tune in to the latest episode of "Mendel talks
Finance."