1. Adhere to fundamental principles
One of the pillars of STG 's success lies in its commitment to sound fundamental principles. Bill Chisholm emphasizes the importance of not allowing oneself to be influenced by volatile market trends. Instead, STG concentrates on its areas of expertise and maintains this focus throughout economic cycles. This strategic discipline has enabled the company to successfully navigate through market fluctuations, ensuring sustainable and resilient growth.
2. Control risks and invest accordingly
Another key lesson from the STG story is the importance of controlling risk. Chisholm states, "We don't take risks we can't control." This cautious yet proactive approach allows STG to focus on operational execution rather than relying on market or macroeconomic trends for strong, consistent performance.
3. Investing in talent management is a crucial aspect of STG
The firm firmly believes in the importance of having the right people in the right jobs, whether within its portfolio companies or in its own offices. Chisholm points out that in the private equity industry, the war for talent is fierce. To remain competitive, the manager invests heavily in his staff, not only to train them but also to instill his own values. This talent development strategy has enabled STG to build a solid, committed team ready to meet the challenges of the market.
