Betting on Yourself: How Vivian Gonzalez Built a Career in Private Equity Without the Traditional Path

I was at one point a single mom and really had barely anything in the bank. I don't think that you should take less than because the minute you do that, you already start to believe that. Taking the emotions out of your decisions is the most important thing. Think strategically. Why do you want that next step to be whatever that is? Is it because it looks shiny or is it because it's the right mood? Think very intentionally of where you want to end up and not about just that next step. Because if you think backwards rather than what's just right in front of you, that's really what's going to get you there. Welcome to this She Believe She Could Podcast. I'm your host, Alison Walsh. Since 2020, this show has inspired thousands of women around the world to believe in themselves and take bold action toward the lives they're meant to live. Each episode brings you powerful conversations and practical strategies to strengthen your mindset, build your confidence and brand, grow your business and protect your well-being, all-while-spot-lighting stories of women who are making a difference and changing the world in their own way. I am so glad you're here. Now let's get to work. Vivian Gonzalez is the founder and CEO of Park Capital Search and Evergreen, two fast-growing firms transforming how private equity companies hire and scale. A proud Latina and Mom Vivian built her career on radical honesty, systems thinking and an unwavering commitment to her client success. She brings a fresh human perspective to private equity, one that blends operational excellence with real leadership. Vivian is recognized for her clarity, ambition, and values driven approach to modern business. You are going to absolutely love our conversation today. There's so much alignment, so many nuggets of wisdom. I can't wait for you to listen. So let's get to work. Well, I am so excited that you're on our show today. Would you mind sharing a little bit more about yourself with our audience? Sure. My name is Vivian. And I have been in private equity now for about 20 years. I'm very involved with investment strategies and helping people make moves. It's awesome. So I'm excited to unpack that because I think getting into private equity is definitely a path that a lot of women especially don't pursue. So how did you end up getting to that point? So that's a great question. I would love to see more women in private equity. I think we hit about 1% of the demographic in private equity. So that is something that needs to change. I did not start in private equity. And I think that's the trick is finding a path that's not the typical path. And then sliding yourself in. So I just had someone that happened to have a great network. And just glued myself to that person for gold next two to three years. Until an opportunity came up and I grabbed it. That's incredible. So what have been some of the challenges though along the way? Especially for those listening that maybe haven't had exposure to it. I feel very lucky. I was in healthcare for decades, six months into a startup. We ended up doing a deal and Goldman Sachs got involved. So I got the opportunity to like witness that and see it. And then so many of the people that I worked with at the next startup that I was at came from the private equity world. And so it just was you know, a hyper grow startup based out of Manhattan. Like just go, go, go, go, go. So I mean, it's a different type of energy and opportunity and possibility. But for those that maybe haven't had any exposure to it, what is a day in the life in that industry look like? So typically it's it's very much similar to pretty woman. If you think of the movie and how he was going to separate the company into pieces and sell it off. That's very much what private equity is. I think it's evolved quite a bit. And instead of separating and selling off, it's actually adding them and putting them into one big pretty box and then going out and selling it. What we tend to see as private equity is all about who you know it truly is. So I think the biggest advice I could tell women is network insert yourself in the community and network. You're going to get a lot of doors closed. But it just takes that one door and the minute it opens, you have to grab hold of it and run with it. When we talk about network a lot on this show because especially it's huge. It's huge for every aspect of your life, whether it's you know, just building community or it's. Business opportunities. It's still to this day. The most impactful thing that you can do is to surround yourself with amazing people and also show up with the minds that have like what can I contribute to? I mean, I don't know if you've witnessed this. I certainly have where you can smell the people that walk in the room that just want to take versus those that want to show up and be of service to. So any tips for our listeners around that. Yes. You know, that's a great comment because we have I have built a network and it's about seven of us. And all men, I'm the only female, of course. Everybody was has some form of involvement with the same targets. And that's really the key. I think strategically when you want to build a network around yourself, you've got to make sure that you're building it with that in mind. And then connect your target market. And then connecting yourself to folks that are not a competitor. But are still in that same space. It's hard. It took me about five years to find each of them along the way. But we were all in a place where we wanted more for ourselves. And we were willing to help one another out, but still had that same moral compass and business. To run. We weren't walking. We were running. And so now, you know, 15 years later after we've all collected ourselves. One is the president of a bank. The other one is an SVP for public company. And so it's it's great to be able to celebrate them. And that's truly what we do. Now that's great advice to it's like find the adjacent colleagues in your space. Right. And thought leaders in and of your own right, but also willing to come together to support one another. Right. It's huge. It's a game changer. And those doors will open a lot easier when there's a warm intro or, you know, maybe you get a great tip from one of them about something else or some other business that you should be looking at or involved with. So what have been some of the cool projects that you've worked on? I'm curious. Like are there certain and just like moments throughout your career where like that was really cool to be involved with. There was one. It was a CEO. It was the first time that he was actually bringing on a private equity partner. And those frankly are the ones that I love the most is being able to be the not only the thought leader, but a trusted advisor to both sides. Because it is hard to make that shift from CEO who owns their business and really didn't have anyone to answer to. And it may not be the direction you would typically go. So this particular one. It was two co founders. They African American owned really interesting stories. You know, they came from humble beginnings and built a business that they knew nothing about. I love those, which is amazing to me. Yeah. And they did, you know, they built it to about 50 million and decided, okay, we want to bring in a private equity sponsor to help grow it past that 50 million. What was amazing about the deal is that we are 10 years later. And I've become very good friends with that CEO. And he's gone on to, you know, buy another company and build that. And I've been able to be a part of it. And I've been able to do a lot of the things that I've been able to do. And even one of the organizations I was involved in prior, they're, you know, looking at having a transaction here relatively soon. And just all the voices at the table around that, you know, everything from the investors to, of course, the private equity group too. You know, the founders and like, what does everybody want the next phase of this company to look like? You know, you have to be so thoughtful about that because you can end up having just a negative experience too if you're not careful. Yes. And I, I think that is actually a females niche that needs to come into private equity is we are very much empaths. And that EQ tends to be pretty high in females. And that's a big part of these deals is really understanding and being able to be a guide. And unfortunately that doesn't tend to happen. And that's been one of the reasons why I've been able to continue to progress in private equity is a lot of it is just networking and referrals. and when you can lean in and really know where you can add value separate from, you know, the day job. They're not going to go anywhere else. Yeah, no, they'll be loyal to you. They'll be, for sure. Yes. And then the word of mouth referrals, and then it's just the snowball of a great reputation. So what are some of the things you've learned the hard way through this career path, though? Because I'm curious, I'm sure there's been some things where you're like, I could have avoided that lesson by maybe reading somebody else's mistake. But yes, I would say, I always tell people, you know, trust, trust is earned. And unfortunately, you know, and I think in today's world period, let alone the investment banking world, trust needs to be earned. Yeah. There's such a small group of us, women and the space. And it's not always a welcoming space. So being able to walk in and really feel like you own and you've you deserve to be there is important. So that that would be the number one lesson. I wish I would have not trusted so quickly. And isn't it sad, though? I mean, I think like I wish it was that we could, but it's a good piece of advice. You have to, it's you have to have eyes wide open, unfortunately. But I think that, you know, we talk a lot about your brand and your personal brand is your reputation. Yes. Ultimately at the end of the day. So I'm glad that we're discussing this and just again, highlighting how important it is. Number one, to be mindful of who you trust, but to build your brand on trust. Correct. And to be who you say you are to operate out of integrity, have high ethics and moral values. And then you can trust yourself. And when when you show up like that and that becomes really the foundation of your own brand, it just will open so many more doors for you in the future because of that. It really does because it'll set you apart from everybody else. And that's one of the biggest lessons I've learned in life is I didn't take the typical path. Most folks that are in investment banking, one are men and two, they come from Ivy League. So what you tend to see is lacrosse players, male lacrosse players that came out of prep school and ended up in investment banking, worked at Goldman Sachs and just made the transition. So I just accidentally fell into it. And it was so interesting to me to be able to put all those puzzle pieces together, sort of making something impossible possible. That that's been the theme is you can create your own path in whatever you do. It's just a matter of continuing to just stay laser focused in what you want. With focus has been a key theme on every interview that we've done. And it's like several months. And I'm so glad that you brought that up too because it is something that you delete your focus. You delete your results. Yes. And but I love your story because it wasn't necessarily what you thought you would. Do you kind of fell into it? But because you were intentional, because you set your sights on something and you surrounded yourself with great people, you've had an incredible career. And you're sharing more about that and letting us in, right? Let me let us know what's possible. But for so many women, sometimes we hold ourselves back because we didn't follow the traditional path. We've given ourselves a million excuses as to why it won't work, but you're proof of what's possible. So cheers to that. And I love that you mentioned that. But you also have some good advice around careers in general. So even if like private equity isn't the way somebody wants to go, you've got advice around like mistakes that people make and things that you've seen. So can we just pivot the conversation a little bit to that direction? Sure. Because I think it's important for those that are listening to to glean the wisdom and to understand maybe some things they should lean into or avoid. So leaning into opportunity without asking for the money. That's always the number one. And frankly, that's how I got into private equity in the first place. I was in a group at a search firm that happened to have that niche, but I was very far removed from it. All men, of course, and they would never have thought that I would have entered that room. But being able to say, Hey, let me be a fly on the wall. I'll help you for free. I'd love to just watch and listen. And the more you can watch and listen, the more you'll learn. And then you make it your own. And that's really what's going to set you apart. Separately, it's when you are looking for a role. Think very intentionally on where you want to end up and not about just that next step. And it can be so difficult. I'm really glad you went here. Okay. So let's unpack this because I think there's there can be a sense of apathy or fear or what if that next thing doesn't come and should I just take this now because it's right in front of me, even though what I really want might not be on this path. Like that's hard, right? Especially when you're trying to pay the bills or maybe all this and you have more responsibility because there's a tiny human in your life. Like there's a lot of reasons why people will say yes to certain things and then look back five or 10 years from now and go dang it. Like why did I do that? Why? So let's talk about this because this is like a big, this is a big thing, right? Like we want women to step into their highest potential. We want them to be happy and fulfilled. But there are some pretty pivotal decisions and things that you choose to do or not do that will lead you to where you do or do not want to go. So what are some things that women should consider or what have you seen work well either in your life or in others that have helped navigate maybe where the shiny object that you don't want to take but end up taking distracts you or you can avoid it. So let's let's talk about it because I think it's an important conversation. So I think taking the emotions out of your decisions is the most important thing. If you want to end up and a certain, if you have a goal, you have to take the emotion out of it and really think strategically. Is it because it looks shiny or is it because it's the right move? And that's really been how I've always made the moves that I've made. I was at one point a single mom and really had barely anything in the bank and it was making that decision of, okay, I have to sacrifice this in order to continue staying on a path that I know is going to lead to where I want to go. So there are times that I've had to sacrifice something to get where I want to go but I don't think that you should take less than because the minute you do that, you already start to believe that. Yeah and that's a powerful, powerful belief that you will internalize in a positive or a negative way depending on the circumstance. Right and once you do it, it's almost like a domino effect. Yes. Then it affects the next decision and then the next decision. So I think really staying hyper focused and what you want, no matter what it is in life, staying hyper focused on what you want and taking the emotion out of it is really what's going to get you where you want to go. Well, and I think what you mentioned about willing to make sacrifices in a world that is so full of instant gratification. Yes. And wanting the next thing that looks great, but yet isn't going to end up getting you where you want to go. Your conversation, our conversation right now is just so timely. There's so many women that I'm thinking about as you're talking that we've had conversations with over the last several of months that have said, I can take this or I can go this path. This path is scarier. It's the path that's not clear. But this one is going to delay me ultimately getting to where I want to go over here. But I have to take a risk and I have to bet on myself. And I have to believe that this other uncharted territory and water is going to yield the ultimate outcome. But it means I'm going to have to say no to something that's familiar and maybe that's really good right now. One story changed everything for me and it can do the same for you too. I started by sharing my recovery story in small rooms, volunteering and helping wherever I could. That story became my platform, led to leadership roles, media features, and eventually me starting she believes she could. What I realized is this, your personal brand is the bridge between who you are and who you can help. When you show up with purpose, your story becomes someone else's survival guide or their inspiration to keep going. The impact brand accelerator is where I teach you how to turn your identity, message, and audience into impact. So if you're ready to build a service driven brand that opened doors and expands your impact, enroll now. But don't you think betting on yourself, there's so much power. There is so much power embedding on yourself. That's really how I've lived my entire life is it's good to be uncomfortable. That's when you know that you're going to grow is when you sit in that uncomfortable scenario. And if you're not going to bet on yourself, who will? Exactly. Exactly. Well, and it's also like having those moments of being able to like take a step back reflect too because I don't know if you've seen this as well. We've seen this quite a bit too where it's like they take the back. they get in the new situation, they get comfortable and play since, and then growth stagnates. And that is also another friction point that I'm hearing a lot of women talk about is like, this is what I thought I wanted. I got here. - Now what? - Now what? What do we do? So like, any advice or words of wisdom? - I'm a big believer in manifesting. - Yes, we do. - So, I got it on my bracelet. - I got it on my bracelet. - When you have a goal, you've got to, it's gonna happen if you say, focus on that goal. But the minute you sit back and start to listen to the noise, that's when things change. That's when things stop. And that is one part, I think of being women. We naturally listen to the noise, and you have to learn to drown that out, and stay focused. So you can manifest exactly what you believe that is possible. And I'm a big believer in anything is possible. - Me too. - Anything is possible. - Yeah, but we can't make it confusing for what the universe or God to deliver. - Right, that's the other way. - It's not just going to drop on your lap. - Right, yeah. - So, what are you willing to do to get there? And then constantly checking in. So, you know, every year, at the end of the year, I do this self-reflection. I've done it since I was in elementary school. And it was very much like a self-reflection of, what can I do better? Am I still saying on that same lane of where I want to go? Have I shifted and didn't even realize it? And that's just so important in life, because you want to stay grounded. - Yeah, absolutely. Well, in allowing those moments to check in and be kind to yourself in the process too, like I think that's sometimes you can be so hard on ourselves. And, you know, I think if you look at, okay, maybe the intended outcome didn't actually happen the way we thought it was. But wow, look at how much I have grown and the impact I've made. And this is by saying yes to myself how I'm a different person as a result of this. And say, I think there's so much value in that, but it's the fastest thing to come off our calendars. Right? And it's a simple practice. And really think about it. It's literally carving out time in space to reflect, be quiet with yourself. - Absolutely. - Search for alignment and also be very thoughtful about what you do next. And so it's like one of the greatest gifts that you can give yourself. But I think so many women are running so fast. And it's like, oh, I'll get to it. And then all of a sudden it's like the next year. And you're like, I never did that thing last year. Like what? - Yeah. So I think it's really important that, you know, if you're listening right now and you haven't done that, just because, you know, we're recording at the end of January. But just because we're already into 2026, doesn't mean that you can't reflect on 2025. It doesn't mean that you have to have a firm date on the calendar. It can be a rolling annual thing. - Right. - It can be. - You know what? - You know, you don't want to be so critical of yourself that then you get to a point where, you know, you start to question the decisions that you make. Every decision you've made, even the mistakes are an opportunity. - Mm-hmm. - So taking the opportunity to say, okay, well, why didn't I meet that goal? Well, because I went further with this other goal. - Yeah. - Yeah. And giving yourself some grace in that process. - Yes. - Yes. - But it is, it's important to do. And it can be one of the things that really unlocks other opportunities. Like if you don't sit with yourself and think about it and evaluate all of the experience that you've had and kind of how you're, you know, focused on whatever is next as a result of it. Like those are the moments where you can really pinpoint. Okay, does this light me up? Does this give me joy? - Right. - Is this what I thought it was going to be? Did I learn a hard lesson? Can I share that hard lesson with somebody else? Right? Like, that's where there can be so much opportunity. We say all the time around here, you're always in the best position to help the person you once were. And that just in and of itself could be something that you could bring to market to serve others or offer up. - Yes. - So there's so much power and reflection that we have to slow down. - It's hard to slow down. - But you know, when you do, when you are forced to slow down. - Yeah. - Right? - When I had my kids, there's that time where you are forced to slow down, even if you try to push through. And so what do you do at that time? - Yeah. - You may not be able to do what you typically want. But find something else. I used to listen to podcasts and take my son in a stroller around and just listen to the podcasts. And to me, that was still a way for internal growth without having to sacrifice. - Yeah, we talked about that. There's a lot of young women that we mentor as well. And we were having a conversation with a beautiful young woman last week about she was just struggling to find the time. Right? Like, I'm busy. I'm trying to establish myself in my career. You know, there's a lot of demands. I've got these other ambitions and projects I'm working on. I was like, but how much are you driving? - Right. - You know, and she's like, I like two hours a day. I was like, you get through a lot of really great personal development and growth content into hours a day. - Yes. - You know, audiobooks are amazing. Podcasts are amazing. Like, you can continue to advance in so many ways your mindset and just your knowledge by taking advantage of those times to learn. And back to what you said too, like the forced time that you have to slow down whether it's kids. I mean, there's a lot of women that experience burnout because they are running and grinding so hard. Like, you have to put those those time slots on your calendar to pause to rest to reflect because you can also cause yourself an unintentional stalling point too if you're not careful. - You can. And I think that's the part that we forget many times. We are running very hard. But if you run too hard, you're actually going to end up behind because you'll burn yourself out. And that will force you to stop. So instead of taking the risk of having a four stop, you know, be intentional about it, I put it on my calendar. So I actually time block. I don't take meetings before 930. I don't do it before 930. So I can sit and reflect if I want to go to the gym. I can do that. I can drop my kids off at school. Really just think through the day and be thankful that I have another day to look forward to. - That is so powerful. And so, I mean, the time blocking is something we live and die on here because you can collapse time in so many ways when you do things that optimal times in your day. Like when you're most productive at certain tasks, when you put those intentional boundaries, like that was something that, you know, was I was running really fast and corporate. I didn't have as much flexibility around that. But as soon as I was on my own, it's like, you know, similar to what you just said, like dropping the kids off at school, non-negotiable doing it. - Right. - Picking them up as many times as I can, right? Like being the one that's present, like all those things that I wasn't able to do before, that I'm able to do now, and then being very mindful of like my default is grind. So I have to be careful because I'm the first one to fill up my calendar. But I have to remember like this is the season of life that I don't want to look back on. - Right. - And regret that I wasn't present for the people that needed me the most. - So super important. - Yes. And I think it's also an opportunity for your kids to watch. - Yes. - So they learn the time blocking. So it's very much a pay-forward mentality is how you treat yourself, is how your kids are going to see you, but also what they're learning in the process. - Yeah. - We say caught, not taught. - Yeah. - Even if you say like do these things and you're not modeling it, they're gonna actually do the things that they see. - They all know. - They are. - First is what you tell them. So well, I've loved this. Thank you. - I love how powerful little nuggets that I hope everybody, listening is just embodying and taking advantage of. But we like to ask our guests a couple questions that come on. - Yes. - And the spirit of she believes she could, is there a moment in your life or career that you can really look back on and say, I believed I could and I did? - Yes. - I feel like so many times. You know, so many times. When I left my last corporate job, it was very much an environment where you should just be thankful you're making the money you're making and that was the message. And many people wouldn't leave because of that. And I just knew I could make the impossible possible and I bet on myself. I love that. - Yeah. I mean, I'm sure there were a lot of feelings that came along with it too. But it was, you know, I've never been in a scenario where I've doubted myself. I do believe in, you know, manifesting is such a strong way to live your life and your career. And any time I would start to have those doubts, I have this method of I would put certain songs on or I'll watch a documentary about, you know, Michael Jordan. - Uh-huh. - And so when you-- - Yes. - Yes. - Those are times that really help me get through a moment where I think I'm going to doubt myself. So I'll stop it, I'll catch it. And then I'll still be working, but I'll have that documentary in the background. And it really helps me stay focused on what I'm trying to do. - Yeah, I'm trying to comprehend that. - The reframe, right? - Yeah, like your bounce back factor. All of those things really matter. And you know, it's so for those that haven't really leaned into manifestation, like I highly encourage you to do it. And to what you said, like you can really train your brain to be able to snap in and out a thing - Yes. - To, in fact, we were-- I reported a webinar earlier today and I was talking about that on that webinar of just the mental rehearsal and the benefit of being able to get myself back to like a high vibrational state of just like, here's where I'm at and now I can keep going. Right. Versus the older or younger version of myself that would kind of like sit in the stinky stuff for a while and kind of feel sorry for myself. It's like, no, the faster I can get myself back on track, lock into what I want and find super, you know, clear pathways that I can envision things coming to fruition. That's where it really, you know, it really is unbelievable. You know, I know a lot of people will lean on co-workers or on friends. I've never done that. Yeah. When it comes to manifesting and having those feelings, what I've done is really lean into the books, the podcasts, the documentaries and understanding how successful people have gotten to that point, some of the downfalls, their mentality. But really, you know, manifestation, a lot of it is being self-aware. Yeah. Yes. Very much self. And I'm glad that you brought that up because so often, you know, we'll talk about, you know, in our community, there's, you know, people will immediately say, oh, I'll call my mom or call my friend or I'll do this. I'm like, but what if they don't answer? Like, you can't depend on other people to bring you back to like where you need to be. Like, so having things, songs, podcasts, books, you know, meditations, all of those are just wonderful. And the more that you can bake that into kind of your default, that is where the real magic happens. It really is. It's unbelievable. I think it's part of drowning the noise out and listening to yourself. Yes. So you're watching a story, but you're not, you're taking that story and making it your own. And so you don't need advice from someone else. You just really need to be self-aware enough and believe in it yourself. Yeah. Oh, I could talk about this for hours. So thank you for bringing this up. And then I mean, you've touched on it. We like to ask everybody that comes on at what does confidence mean to you, but I mean, it sounds like you're a naturally confident person to quite an extent, but share more about that. I think it's, you know, going back to the noise is there have been many times, I mean, growing up, I did not have confidence, but I think it was learning how to be self-aware enough. And in those moments, things were where I want to be and not worry about where I am in that moment. So important. So important because you can get stuck in the now or the past. And those are the stories that then become rewritten versus like creating the new one. Absolutely. And when you can really focus on where you want to go, it just gives you that fight. And you know, it's that fuel that you need to push through the uncomfortable to do the new things to try something you haven't done before and put yourself in situations that, you know, maybe you're younger self would have been like, what are you doing? Right. Right. But that's where you learn the most where the growth happens. Yeah. Success happens. So I loved this. All right. Well, we'll wrap it up by, you know, who inspires you? What books do you recommend? What people? If there's any meditation apps or anything like that, feel free to drop in. Are there resources or individuals that you definitely recommend? Yeah. So Mel Robbins, of course, let them, let them, that book is amazing. And there are, you know, so many times I just listened to her podcast in the background when I'm working. So I lean into her Oprah Winfrey. She has done such a great job of putting some books out there and really learning how to be self-aware and how to really dig deep inside yourself. So those would be two. Emma Greed, I follow her. She's amazing. She's got a great story. And Jay Shetty, of course, he's got his podcast. So good. It's so good. And all of them have the same theme. It's very much learning how to be self-aware and entuned with yourself versus the noise, which is going to be the big, big takeaway from today. So thank you for that. And then for people that are really interested in learning more about you, where would they connect with you? What should they do? They are welcome to go on LinkedIn. They will find me pretty quick. So our firm is Park Capital Search. We're based in Wonder Park, but we've got offices and team members throughout the US. But that in Instagram, of course, where everybody is. Love Instagram. Love it. Well, thank you so much, Evian, for being on the show today. This was so wonderful. We're your fan girls now, for sure. So, and for those listening, we went to the same high school and didn't know it. So, I mean, it's a small world. It really is. So go Bishop Moore Hornets. We love you. And thank you so much for being here today. Thank you. Thank you so much for tuning in to today's episode. I am so grateful that you are here. As always, please continue the conversation over on Instagram @elisonwalsh and make sure that you check out all of our freebies. If you scan the QR code if you're watching on YouTube or check out the link in the show notes, it will take you to a page full of resources and trainings and things to help you go farther faster. And that is always my intention is to help you continue to grow. And as always, I believe in you 1,000 percent. And my goal is that you do too. Take care, beautiful. I'll see you next time.