"It’s clear to me that navigating the economic environment is going to get harder, not easier, unfortunately.  I can’t remember a time in my career when more has felt unknown, or unknowable, and then layer in the potential change from the impacts of AI.  So with that in mind, I believe the resilient businesses will be the ones that plan for more uncertainty, have contingencies and are quick to adapt.  Recognizing that the rate of change is accelerating, and embracing that change, will also separate which companies thrive and which struggle in this environment."  - Matt Nord

"Generally speaking, private equity investors tend to acquire a majority ownership interest in a company whereas hybrid capital tends to be more customized, and is rarely a for-control strategy.  If you are an entrepreneur or a leader of a business looking for capital, there is no right or wrong answer, it’s about finding an investor that will help you achieve your business and strategic objectives.  What I am seeing is that most companies today want to have less debt than they did when interest rates were lower.  Historically, many companies thought their options were either debt or private equity.  With the growth of hybrid capital solutions, it’s giving them access to another pool of capital, one in which they can maintain control and maintain operating flexibility." - Matt Nord

"Personally, I worry about a sustained period of elevated inflation across the board from labor, a breakdown in global supply chains and the impact of increased geopolitical risk.  Coming out of the pandemic, companies were able to pass along rising costs to the consumer.  However, I believe there’s a limit in how much price can be passed through, particularly in a short period of time.  If input costs continue to rise, I think it’s going to force companies to increase their efficiency to help protect their margins. "- Matt Nord

"There’s no doubt in my mind that the impacts of AI will be transformational, even if there’s a debate about the near term rate of adoption.  I think business leaders that view AI as merely a productivity tool that will help to save costs are missing the bigger opportunity.  The most successful businesses will be AI-native or will approach the ways AI can impact their business with complete “clean sheet thinking”.  As an investor, I’m most excited by the potential for AI to inform decision making.  We will have more access to data, an ability to synthesize data from across different sources and more real-time insights to trends." - Matt Nord

"What gives me optimism is that TAP has both discipline and adaptability. The organization has a clear mission, strong leadership, measurable results, and a model that can respond to what small business owners need now, not just what they needed a year ago. Apollo’s general operating support has been used to great effect, giving TAP the flexibility to pivot, address emerging challenges, and meet business owners where they are. It helps make possible a model in which no client is turned away and services are offered at no cost. To me, that is what makes this partnership so meaningful, plus our shared values. When flexible investment is paired with strong execution, it creates the potential for lasting impact." - Matt Nord

"I like working with and learning from interesting people. These boards give me an opportunity to meet accomplished people in different professional fields.  Education has also always been a focus for my family and me.  My mother was a teacher, and Erika’s (my wife) parents were both teachers.  My education changed the entire trajectory of my life – I’m so appreciative of those opportunities.  As for the board of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, it’s fun to work with creative people, go to concerts and see a very different industry.  I also appear cooler than I actually am 🙂" - Matt Nord