Three Questions with... Brian Wolfe, Jennifer Lum and Corwin Thomas

It's been a minute but time to get Three Questions with... rolling again. This week includes three talented colleagues who have some common traits -- can you find them?? If you have suggestions of friends to include, please shout. Here we go...

Brian Wolfe is a partner at Kirkland & Ellis (nearly 20 years!) in Chicago, counseling private equity, public company and family office clients on business transactions and investments. He is also serves on the faculty of Washington University in St. Louis teaching “Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition” and “Private Equity Transactions.” Brian is on the Board of Breakthrough T1D in Illinois and a fellow alum to Miami University .

Mistake: Early in my career, I was told that I was "all about the work"; meaning, that I was too focused on getting to the answer and failed to foster relationships. Forming and building relationships at any organization is vital for success; those relationships often lead to mentorships and career and leadership development and more generally, just make the day-to-day work experience more enjoyable.    

Purpose: I have two. My son Sam has Type 1 diabetes and we as a family are determined to do our part to realize a cure, as soon as possible, and we're midway to our goal of raising $1 million toward diabetes research. I was also born to be in motion. Whether golfing or running or playing platform tennis or coaching one of my kid's teams, I've always felt like I have a short time on this Earth to "experience life," and I crave the starting and finishing line of each new undertaking.  

 Passion: I enjoy teaching acquisition entrepreneurs how to "buy and build" small businesses. Historically, we've taught students that entrepreneurship means "greenfielding" a start-up. But, for many of us, we lack a novel idea and scaling a start-up is really, really hard -- less than 1% of companies ever get to $10 million of sales. Buying and building a small business is another way to experience entrepreneurship with a much higher rate of success. And timing couldn't be better -- millions of small companies are changing hands today as the result of the so-called "Silver Tsunami."

Jennifer Lum is a Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Biospring Partners , a growth equity firm that invests in Life Sciences Technology. She is an accomplished investor and entrepreneur; co-founded several companies and has worked with many others from formation through to M&A. Jennifer serves on the Board of Directors of Labviva and she is a Board Observer at ixlayer. Jennifer also serves on the Board of Directors of WTA Ventures and Venture Capital Advisor at Harvard Business School.

Mistake: In my twenties, I was working around the clock, often to the point of exhaustion. One night, a seasoned colleague pulled me aside and shared some invaluable advice: "No one will ever tell you to slow down or take a break. It's up to you to set those boundaries. If you don’t set your own limits, no one else will." It was a wake-up call that I've never forgotten.

Purpose: My daily purpose is two-fold: (1) To drive progress for our firm, our companies, and our investors and (2) to support my family and friends so they can achieve their goals.

Passion: Personally, I love creating and sharing experiences with my family and friends. I am passionate about music, sports, technology, and the arts. Professionally, I love working with talented people to design, build, and grow great products, businesses, and companies.

Corwin A. Thomas is a financial services executive with experience in Big 4 risk consulting and sales, corporate real estate and insurance. As a True Advance Executive Coach, he engage clients in thought-provoking, creative processes of inquiry and self-discovery to maximize their personal and professional potential. Corwin is also the Board Chair of America SCORES , inspiring urban youth to lead healthy lives, be engaged students, and have the confidence and character to make a difference in the world (if you are not familiar with this organization, you have to check it at).

Mistake: As a trained and former journalist, it was my job to approach stories with a healthy dose of skepticism. When I left journalism and entered the private sector, I still carried that skepticism. That skepticism held me back. I questioned everything and everyone. It wasn't until several years later that I learned that skepticism was not helping my career. I traded skepticism for pragmatism. This helped my way forward.  Instead of the consistent skeptical exploration, I searched for more agreement and the ability to act on it.

Purpose: Growth. Coming out of personal, professional and health related issues several years ago, I made growth my daily purpose. To be better and do better than yesterday. To be a better Dad, son, brother, friend, co-worker, neighbor, Christian and citizen. To read more, exercise more and eat healthier foods. To ask more questions and have conversations with strangers. 

Passion: What are you most passionate about – personal and/or professional - Opportunity. When it comes your way, take advantage of it because that one opportunity may never appear again. Accept that offer to do something you've never done. Yes, it can be intimidating, but guess what? I've found out that people are more willing to help than you think. You just have to ask. I've said yes to more opportunities over the last year. It led to starting a small business, consulting for a Fortune 500 company, speaking at a national conference, obtaining goalkeeper licenses, coaching women's college soccer, baking sourdough bread, and hosting a board of directors’ retreat. And as you grow (physically, mentally, fiscally, emotionally, spiritually, etc.,) you'll learn you can also create opportunities for others.

###