Driving Forward: Midyear Reflections
by Marley Hughes, CEO Magnolia Hill Partners
In our latest Driving with Marley podcast episode, I share that these episodes were meant to be a regular rhythm, but between the demands of a fast-moving business and the blessings that come with growth, the podcast—and frankly, some personal reflection—took a backseat. But as we turn the calendar to July, I’ve been thinking about the importance of checking the rearview mirror. Not just to look back, but to better steer forward.
A lot has happened in the last few months… Some of it deeply personal. Earlier this year, I lost my grandfather, Earl. He was my hero, my shadow, my steady compass. A proud Akron, Ohio native who worked at Goodyear for 50+ years, he was a blue-collar force of nature, a social butterfly, and a man who found joy in life’s simplest challenges—like climbing onto his roof at 88 years old to blow off pine needles! It terrified our family, but for him, it was a point of pride. “Somebody’s got to do it,” he’d say.
That spirit, that quiet defiance of limits or expectations, has stayed with me. It reminds me that in both life and business, we spend a lot of time analyzing risk, building models, and seeking expert opinions. And while that’s often wise, we can’t lose sight of the things that make us feel most alive. The things that bring joy. The things that don’t always make sense on paper—but make all the sense in the world to us.
At Magnolia Hill Partners, that philosophy has been alive and well. We’re working on projects I once only dreamed of—projects that make me feel like a seven-year-old kid on Christmas morning. And while I can’t share all the details just yet, I can tell you this: what’s ahead reflects the energy, boldness, and imagination of the team that’s building it.
One unexpected spark came this summer, during a chance encounter in NYC. I reconnected with Clint, an old college friend I hadn’t seen in nearly 16 years. Somehow, the years melted away, and we picked up like no time had passed. Today, Clint’s deep in the world of institutional capital and fixed income —structuring some of the most novel and complex deals in data centers and franchises at a scale and sophistication I hadn’t fully realized even existed.
Our conversation wasn’t just a nostalgic catch-up—it was a lightning bolt. His insights opened up entirely new lanes of thinking and directly influenced several strategies we’re now deploying across both our digital infrastructure and private equity platforms. It was a powerful reminder: the best ideas often come when you least expect them, especially when you’re open to listening, learning, and looking beyond your own playbook.
And speaking of inspiration—I finally met one of my business idols: Chris Voss, author of Never Split the Difference. His work on negotiation psychology has been foundational for me, and getting the chance to meet him in person, at the Uncharted event in the Hamptons, was one of those surreal moments where life and work intersect in the most meaningful and rewarding way.
Uncharted wasn’t just a weekend escape; it was a glimpse into a future we’re helping shape—alongside entrepreneurs, investors, and thinkers who are stretching the boundaries of what’s possible. My thanks to Noah, Michael Loeb, and the entire team for hosting such a thought provoking and grounding event.
Back at home, we’re feeling that same energy inside the walls of MHP. Our summer intern class has been nothing short of remarkable—seven bright, driven students from places like UCF, USC, UCLA, and Chicago Booth. They’re not just observing; they’re building. One intern is even creating AI agents to make our workflows more efficient—an undergrad, mind you, in finance and real estate. It’s humbling and energizing all at once.
If you’re a founder or investor who hasn’t considered hosting interns, I urge you to think differently. Yes, it takes time. Yes, it adds complexity. But the return on energy, perspective, and possibility is priceless. We’ve received cold outreach from students over the years—kids who’ve never met anyone at our firm, but believe in what we’re building. That’s a responsibility we don’t take lightly.
As we’ve grown, I’ve also found myself reflecting more deeply on internal culture. While I’ve never been the “rah-rah values” type, I recently listened to a podcast from Suneera Madhani—former founder of Stax (fintech unicorn) —that flipped a switch for me. Her message on company values hit home, especially in this season of velocity at MHP. We didn’t need a reset, but we did need a refresh. And when I shared those reflections with the team, the response was overwhelming. It reminded me that culture isn’t static. It evolves with the people and the season you’re in. And sometimes, all it takes is 20 minutes of thoughtful content to realign your team in powerful ways.
So as we pass the midpoint of the year, I hope you’ll take a moment to reflect too. Think about the things that give you joy. The challenges that keep you sharp. The people—past and present—who shape your perspective. At MHP, we’re living at the intersection of ambition and humility, doing work we love, with people we admire, and building things we believe in.
Stay tuned—we’ve got some incredible announcements coming soon across the sports, brand, and investment spaces. If you’re curious, if you’re building something bold, or if you just want to connect, my door is always open.
Until next time, keep driving forward!
