The Founder’s Gladiator: Kirk Michie on Values-Driven Deals

The episode of Pencil’s Down features Kirk Michie, founder of Candor Advisors, a boutique investment bank and transaction advisory firm. Host Fed Baradello’s conversation with Michie uncovered Kirk’s unique approach at Candor, focusing on founder-centric advisory and transaction services, all undergirded by uncompromising values.  Their broad-ranging and engaging conversation touched on many topics, including Kirk’s path from a financial advisor to leading his own firm; taking a holistic, purpose-driven approach focused on founders’ goals and not just maximizing fees; his emphasis on integrity and persistence as core values, standing up for founders against predatory buyers, and his aim to be a “guru, guide and gladiator.” Fed and Kirk also discussed recent trends in investment banking and opportunities for greater leverage through collaboration platforms like Finalis. Their conversation was an extraordinary manifestation of the power of storytelling. Don’t miss it!