Gies Conversations series welcomes Lincoln International Managing Director and Partner Brad Keyworth

By John Moist

Gies College of Business welcomed alumnus Brad Keyworth (FIN '02) to share his insights at the Gies Conversations series on November 5. The series is a BUS 401 capstone event designed to connect learners with alumni leaders who speak candidly about life beyond graduation and their path to purpose. Moderators Sandra Corredor and Heather Swenddal guided a conversation that moved from Brad’s early career choices to leadership, culture, and the importance of purpose.

In the conversation, Brad reflected on his career and approach to leadership. A Managing Director and Partner at Lincoln International, Brad builds and maintains relationships with selected financial sponsors on behalf of the firm. He has spent over two decades at Lincoln International, beginning in Chicago and including time abroad, and holds a BS in Finance from Gies Business and an MBA from Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management.

A path to purpose is rarely a straight line

Brad’s journey to the University of Illinois began early.

"I really latched onto the phrase 'path to purpose,'" he said. "Because my path to purpose hasn't been a straight line. My path to Illinois as an institution goes all the way back to an eighth-grade field trip. We stopped at the University of Illinois, and I fell in love. For a kid from a middle-class household paying for my own education, it doesn't get any better than a top business school with in-state tuition."

After graduating from Gies Business, Brad knew Lincoln International would be a perfect fit.

"I was impressed with their messaging and story," he said. "The firm was about 20 people in one office in Chicago, and they said, 'This is who we are. Our plans are to grow, and as part of that, we want to hire great people. We think we have the platform to grow and really succeed.' That was inspiring to me, and I joined the firm."

Throughout Brad’s comments, a theme emerged: the importance of building, whether relationships or businesses.

"Seeing the people that I've recruited grow into leaders is incredibly rewarding - more so than the deals that I've done," he said.

International experience was another important factor. As Lincoln International expanded to Europe, Brad became one of its first associates to work abroad, helping integrate teams and expand the firm’s talent pipeline. That experience shaped his global perspective. He also described why his work with privately held companies became some of his most meaningful assignments.

"For private business owners, a transaction can be the culmination of everything they've worked for, often for generations. Helping them through that is very meaningful and important to me."

On standing out (especially at a big firm) and knowing your value

At the end of his talk, one BUS 401 learner asked Brad how graduates can differentiate themselves in large organizations. Brad urged learners to seize opportunities and be proactive.

"Don't wait for the work to come to you," he said. "Come to meetings with thoughts and recommendations. The fact that you're willing to contribute is impressive."

That willingness and curiosity, he explained, was important.

"Cultivate relationships from day one," he said. "People work with people they like. It's that easy. Invest in relationships, be curious about colleagues' goals and motivations, and look after those connections."

Another learner asked how his priorities and purpose evolved during his career.

"Early on, my purpose was simple: find a job," Brad said with a smile. "But it goes back to building. I want to build - not just build but see in a very tangible way my contributions to the organization. ...Today, it's about developing people and giving back, especially at Illinois. Paying it forward is so important."

He encouraged the learners to consider the culture of a placement as seriously as other aspects like compensation.

"Culture isn't good or bad," he said, "it just is. The question is whether it fits who you are, and your purpose...you've got to know your value. Your career isn't about your employer. It's about you."

Looking ahead, Brad expects technologies like AI tools to reshape many tasks, but not the human spirit of leadership. 

"That human side - being a leader, being a decision maker - won't be replaced," he said.

One lesson Brad emphasized to the learners in attendance was the importance of slowing down for reflection.

"For years, I just put my head down and ran," he said. "The habit I had to learn was reflection. It's very hard to stop, pick your head up, and self-reflect." His leadership philosophy is similarly pragmatic: "I try to lead by example - in the room making decisions together."

Everyone in attendance, he said, was already taking an essential first step.

"I'm envious of this class," he said. "You get the space to do a lot of thinking in terms of what's important to you - your values, your purpose, and what you look for in terms of a job."

For the learners, his message was clear: slow down, reflect, build strong connections, and lead with purpose.