In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Brooke Coburn, Co-Founder and Partner of Capitol Meridian Partners, to discuss his remarkable journey from growing up in rural upstate New York to spending 25 years at The Carlyle Group and ultimately launching his own private equity firm focused on the national security ecosystem.

Brooke shares how a single corporate finance class at Princeton sparked his interest in investing, why culture and mentorship shaped every major decision in his career, and what he learned helping build one of the world's most successful private equity firms during the industry's formative years.

The conversation explores the realities of building a career in private equity, the importance of finding the right people and culture, and why veterans are uniquely positioned to thrive as operators in private equity-backed businesses.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• Brooke's unconventional path from rural New York to Princeton and Wall Street
• How he discovered private equity before it became the industry it is today
• What made The Carlyle Group's culture different and why it mattered
• The importance of mentorship and finding leaders who invest in your growth
• Why culture is one of the most important career decisions you'll ever make
• How private equity firms think about talent, leadership, and building companies
• The difference between investment roles and operating roles in private equity
• Why veterans often excel as operators inside PE-backed companies
• The realities of breaking into private equity and alternative pathways into the industry
• How great companies scale and why leadership requirements change as organizations grow
• The lessons learned from helping build Carlyle into a global investment platform
• Why Brooke decided to leave a highly successful career to launch Capitol Meridian Partners
• The importance of betting on yourself and avoiding future regrets
• Why grit, resilience, and continuous learning matter more than having all the answers
• The role of people, culture, and leadership in creating investment success

Brooke also shares practical advice for young professionals and transitioning veterans, emphasizing that careers are rarely linear, mentorship is invaluable, and the right culture can accelerate both personal and professional growth.

Whether you're interested in private equity, considering entrepreneurship, exploring career transitions, or simply looking to become a better leader, this episode offers valuable lessons on investing, leadership, and building a meaningful career.

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