Stephen Vivian in

Stephen Vivian

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Principal & Founder at Kestrel Capital Group
📍 Greater Chicago Area, United States

Stephen Vivian is the Principal and Founder of Kestrel Capital Group, with over 25 years of experience advising growth-oriented businesses. He specializes in strategy and exit planning for companies transitioning from founder ownership. He holds a BS and an MBA from the University of Illinois and is an Adjunct Lecturer at Northwesterns Kellogg School of Management.

Stephen is driven by a passion for life-long learning and supporting the development of individuals and teams. He believes that a team-oriented, growth mindset is the key to achievement. This philosophy extends from his investment work to his role as an educator, shaping the next generation of business leaders.

Unique fact: He is a past Chairman of the Small Business Investors Alliance (SBIA) and has testified before the U. S. Congress to advocate for small business investment programs.

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Experience
26 Years
Current Role
Principal & Founder
Job Level
Leadership
Location
Greater Chicago Area, United States
Personality Overview

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Decision Approach
Work Preference

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Priorities

Topics Stephen cares about

Founder Transitions
His firm specializes in investing in and consulting with businesses that are transitioning from family or founder ownership, focusing on growth and exit strategies.
Growth Mindset
He explicitly states that "teams with a growth mindset almost always achieve more, " indicating this is a core part of his personal and professional philosophy.
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Career

Work history

6-2011
Principal & Founder
Kestrel Capital Group
5-2023
Managing Director & Secretary
General Assembly & Manufacturing Corp.
9-2024
Adjunct Lecturer in Strategy
Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management
9-2018
Board Member
KW Custom Controls LLC
8-1999 - 3-2025
Partner
Prism Capital
In the press

Media appearances

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Education
1987 - 1991
BS
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
1995 - 1997
MBA
Gies College of Business - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Social presence
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Behavioral profile

DISC profile (public)

DISC behavioral profile

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