Westlake Securities Programs
CEO Masterclasses
Go deeper on what matters most. Our Masterclass Series offers practical, advisor-led sessions that help CEOs and founders build real fluency in growth, M&A, and value creation — not just familiarity with the concepts.
Current and Upcoming Masterclasses
Each masterclass is a standalone program. Take one or take all four, every session stands on its own and compounds with the others.
The Role of AI in Completing the Deal
Artificial intelligence is reshaping every stage of the M&A process, from buyer identification and due diligence to deal structuring and post-close integration. This session gives CEOs a practical, non-technical understanding of where AI creates advantage and where it introduces risk in a transaction.
Intentional Growth Masterclass
Based on Matt Andersen’s book from Fast Company Press, this masterclass brings the Intentional Growth framework to life. We walk through the 7-stage growth cycle, the QVG Assessment, and the 10 Drivers of Premium Valuation, and how they can be applied directly to your company’s situation.
EBITDA Intensive
EBITDA is the primary metric buyers use to value your business but most owners don’t manage to it deliberately. This session covers how buyers calculate and normalize EBITDA, how to identify and capture EBITDA improvement in your business, and what adjustments are defensible in a diligence process.
Various Paths to Liquidity
A full sale isn’t the only way to realize value. This session maps every path available to middle-market owners — from full sale to recapitalization, management buyout, growth capital, and debt refinancing — and helps owners understand which path aligns with their goals, timeline, and ownership objectives.
What Every CEO Masterclass Includes
CEO Led
Led by Matt Andersen and senior Westlake advisors who have personally closed $6.7B+ in transactions.
Live Sessions + Q&A
Real-time sessions with direct access to the Westlake team. Bring your specific situation and get answers that matter to your business.
Frameworks & Tools
Walk away with proprietary frameworks, diagnostics, and checklists built specifically for middle-market companies, the same tools Westlake uses with clients.
Books & Worksheets
When you attend one of Westlake’s many CEO masterclasses, you also receive a copy of one of Matt Andersen’s books.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CEO Masterclass Series?
The Westlake Securities Masterclass Series is a monthly program of focused, live sessions led by Westlake CEO Matt Andersen and senior advisors. Each masterclass covers each topic (M&A, Intentional Growth, EBITDA improvement, or liquidity strategy) with direct application to middle-market businesses. Sessions draw on real transaction experience and are designed for CEOs and founders who want real fluency, not just exposure to concepts.
Do I need to be actively planning a transaction to attend?
No. Some attendees are 6 months from a sale. Others are 3–5 years out and building intentionally. The sessions are designed to be valuable at every stage because the decisions you make today determine the options you have later. Many of our most engaged participants come years before a transaction and leave with a clear roadmap for building value.
Can I take just one masterclass, or do I need to commit to all four?
Each masterclass is a completely standalone program. Take one or take all four. Every session delivers value independently. That said, many attendees find that the sessions compound: the EBITDA Intensive makes the Paths to Liquidity session significantly more powerful, for example.
What size companies is this designed for?
The Masterclass Series is designed for middle-market companies. Typically those with revenues between $5M and $500M. The frameworks, examples, and deal dynamics discussed are grounded in the middle market, where Westlake has spent 25+ years. Both founder-led and PE-backed companies benefit from the sessions.
Interested in exploring growth and/or liquidity options for your company?
Our team is here to help you navigate growth, transitions, and strategic opportunities through tailored advisory services. When the stakes are high, our team brings the experience to move with confidence.
