In this episode of the Raw Selection Private Equity Podcast, Alex Rawlings speaks with Christina Haxton about the relationship between private equity firms and portfolio company leadership teams.They discuss how trust, communication, alignment, and culture impact execution during periods of rapid growth — and why many businesses struggle not because of strategy, but because of leadership friction and organizational disconnect.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction to Christina Haxton01:27 – Common execution and leadership friction points03:14 – Managing PE expectations vs operational reality05:10 – Early warning signs of leadership misalignment07:32 – Why strategy must be co-created09:27 – Building trust between CEOs and PE firms11:44 – What makes a compelling company vision17:34 – Scaling quickly without burning out teams21:12 – Why speed without alignment creates fragility23:02 – The importance of constructive conflict24:53 – Leadership resources and practical tools29:32 – How to connect with ChristinaKey TakeawaysExecution issues often come from unclear accountability and avoided conversations.PE firms and executive teams need alignment on goals, timelines, and expectations.Strong culture and trust are essential for sustainable growth.Vision must emotionally engage teams — not just focus on financial targets.Speed without alignment creates stress, confusion, and burnout.Resources MentionedScaling Up by Verne HarnishThe Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick LencioniBE 2.0 by Jim CollinsRaw Selection partners with Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies to secure exceptional executive talent. We focus on de-risking executive recruitment through meticulous search and selection processes, ensuring top-tier performance and long-term success.🔗 Connect with Alex Rawlings on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexrawlings/🌐 Visit Raw Selection www.raw-selection.com