Author Archives

Eric Walczykowski​

The Second CEO: Balancing Legacy, Leadership, and Growth

By Ryan Tognazzini | October 16, 2025

In our latest episode of Tailored Talent, I sat down with Ryan Tognazzini, Partner at ETJ Life, to discuss one of the most complex inflection points in private equity leadership: following a founder as CEO. It’s a transition that requires humility, balance, and clarity.

CEO Succession: Leadership Readiness for the Next Phase

By Ryan Tognazzini | September 26, 2025

Perhaps no single decision has as much impact on a company’s future as choosing the next CEO. Whether driven by planned succession, performance transitions, founder retirement, or value-creation strategies, appointing a new CEO is a defining moment. Succession is not only about the right resume. It’s about whether a leader can carry the weight of the role without losing themselves. Leaders who align their identity and purpose with the job not only perform—they endure.

Ryan Tognazzini

Ryan Tognazzini

Ryan Tognazzini serves as a Coach in ETJ Life’s Navigator Program, where he works with first-time private equity-backed CEOs to navigate the demanding early stages of leadership. He guides members through their first 100 days in seat, helping them clarify priorities, stabilize teams, and drive early momentum. Ryan also supports CEOs in scaling their leadership capacity while balancing personal health, family, and values, and provides structured tools for reflection to ensure both performance and well-being remain aligned. Through one-on-one coaching and peer cohort sessions, Ryan equips leaders with the clarity and control needed to succeed under the unique pressures of private equity.