# “What Private Equity Knows About Talent That Most Companies Miss”, David Cohen, Partner, Human Capital at Kelso

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/future-of-hr-5657632/what-private-equity-knows-about-talent-that-most-companies-miss-david-cohen-partner-human-capital-at-kelso
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/future-of-hr-5657632/what-private-equity-knows-about-talent-that-most-companies-miss-david-cohen-partner-human-capital-at-kelso.md
Podcast: [Future of HR](https://stenobird.com/podcast/future-of-hr-5657632)
Published: 2026-07-14T09:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://rss.com/podcasts/futureofhr/2986970
Audio file: https://content.rss.com/episodes/138385/2986970/futureofhr/2026_07_14_01_00_20_38bfb254-c428-4e07-b89b-ba0dc5527298.mp3
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Duration seconds: 2224

## Resource

How does human capital create value in private equity? What does it take to be a successful HR leader in private equity? My guest on this episode is David Cohen, Partner, Human Capital at Kelso During our conversation David and I discuss: Why the role of the human capital partner in private equity is to unlock value through people, not to run HR for the firm itself. What is takes to be successful as a CHRO in a private equity backed company. Why human capital value creation comes down to org design, the right people in the right seats, and senior team performance. How the "bullseye" model helps identify the right senior leader for a PE-backed company. Why breadth of experience matters more than titles in your 20s and 30s. Connecting with David Cohen: Connect with David Cohen on LinkedIn Episode Sponsor: Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leaders HR Leader’s Blueprint - 18 pages of real-world advice from 100+ HR thought leaders. Simple, actionable, and proven strategies to advance your career. Succession Planning Playbook : In this focused 1-page resource, I cut through the noise to give you the vital elements that define what “great” succession planning looks like.

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