Stealth PE recruitment: how to interview without triggering the 'traitor' label

Currently at a BB and PE firms are circling, but I can’t risk my current deal flow. The playbook I’m testing: 1) Schedule first rounds around ‘client dinners’ 2) Use personal device for recruiter texts 3) Time final rounds post-bonus payout. What’s your experience balancing exit ops with maintaining team trust?

omg i tried the client dinner excuse but my staffer saw me in suit during ‘site visit’. now i say dentist appts. Is that worse??? how many med appts til they check??

Protect credibility by maintaining exceptional performance during recruitment. Continue volunteering for high-visibility projects - this creates plausible deniability. Schedule interviews in 3-week cycles to avoid pattern recognition. Always express continued enthusiasm for current role publicly.

You’re managing this so thoughtfully! Keep believing in your worth - the right opportunity will appreciate your discretion!