In this episode of M&A+ The Art After the Deal, Lisa Scott sits down with Don Yakulis, a seasoned M&A integration leader who has managed over 50 global deals across countries like Finland, Japan, Korea, and Malta. With executive experience at a variety of companies including: Light & Wonder, Visa, SAP, Nokia, Cisco, and Synopsis, Don brings invaluable insights into building integration frameworks, navigating cultural complexities, and executing successful post-merger transitions.

From his non-traditional career path that started in physical therapy to leading integration efforts at major corporations, Don shares key lessons on aligning leadership, managing change, and handling the high-pressure environment of M&A. Whether you're leading your first deal or your 50th, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to enhance your integration approach.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Don’s Unconventional Path to M&A Integration

• Transitioning from physical therapy to business school and consulting
• Learning operations and process re-engineering at Arthur Andersen
• Breaking into M&A at Synopsys and building integration playbooks

2. The Role of Playbooks and Planning in M&A Success

• Why detailed integration plans matter—but why they must be flexible
• The importance of involving key stakeholders in the integration process
• Rolling 90-day planning: Keeping integration efforts dynamic and adaptable

3. The Human Side of M&A: Managing Change and Uncertainty

• How to handle employee concerns, role changes, and layoffs with transparency
• The power of communication, trust, and leadership alignment in integration
• Strategies for ensuring acquired employees buy into the new organization

4. Navigating M&A in a Global Environment

• How cultural differences impact deal execution and integration
• Case study: Managing an acquisition in Japan and respecting business customs
• The importance of patience, relationship-building, and understanding local decision-making processes

5. Lessons from the Field: The Best and Hardest Parts of M&A Integration

• The rewarding experience of working with cross-functional teams globally
• The challenges of high-pressure deals and executive expectations
• Why adaptability, influencing skills, and problem-solving are crucial to success

6. Don’s Top Best Practices for M&A Integration Success

• Align on the "Why" – Clearly define and communicate the strategic rationale behind the deal
• Develop a Baseline Plan – Start with a structured approach that evolves as new insights emerge
• Engage Cross-Functional Teams Early – Involve internal and target company leaders in planning
• Maintain Proactive Communication – Address issues quickly and ensure leadership alignment
• Be Adaptive and Responsive – Recognize that integration is dynamic and requires constant refinement

Final Takeaways:

M&A integration isn’t just about checklists and financial synergies—it’s about people, culture, and execution. Whether managing an acquisition across different countries or handling high-stakes decisions, Don emphasizes the importance of strategic planning, proactive communication, and the ability to navigate uncertainty.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to refine their integration approach and learn from a veteran who has seen it all.

Connect with Don Yakulis on LinkedIn for support and more insights:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/donyakulis/

Learn More About In2edge:

In2edge helps businesses tackle the most complex challenges of mergers, acquisitions, and spi

To learn more, visit: https://in2edge.com/

Welcome to M&A+ The Art After the Deal. Lisa introduces the podcast and special guest Ivan Golubic, a corporate finance and development expert, managing partner at Abbott Group. Ivan’s inspiring journey—from immigrating to the U.S. during the Yugoslavian war to becoming a leader in global M&A—sets the stage for insights into the critical gaps in M&A transitions, cultural integration, and post-deal success.

Key Discussion Points:

Ivan Golubic’s Journey and Lessons:

• Ivan shares his immigration story, arriving in the U.S. as a teenager during the Yugoslavian war.
• His love for numbers and problem-solving led him into finance, eventually discovering a passion for strategy and people in M&A.
• Insights into resilience and ownership: “If you see a task that needs to get done, do it or find someone who can.”

First Impressions and Cultural Observations:

• Ivan reflects on arriving in New York, navigating cultural differences, and understanding the layers of the business world.
• The impact of a simple sticker with the words “You never know,” which became a guiding principle in his career.

Key Gaps in M&A Transitions:

• Corporate Development: Clearly defining the "why" behind a deal is critical to ensuring strategic alignment.
• Transactional Challenges: Due diligence and integration must be aligned early to avoid costly missteps.

Integration & Ownership Challenges:

• Start integration planning during due diligence.
• The importance of designating integration leads early to bridge gaps effectively.
• Transition Service Agreements (TSAs) should be limited to avoid loss of momentum and ownership.

The People Factor in M&A:

• Culture is critical but often underestimated. Successful integration hinges on intentional change management.
• Ivan emphasizes listening to people, addressing their concerns, and fostering cultural alignment.

Practical Advice for M&A Professionals:

• Balance technical expertise with strong interpersonal skills and adaptability.
• Embrace ambiguity and focus on solutions amidst the unpredictability of deals.

M&A in 2025:

• Ivan is optimistic about a resurgence in deal flow as economic and political conditions stabilize.

Final Thoughts and Resources:

Advice: Seek help and learn from experienced professionals in the field.

Connect with Ivan on LinkedIn or via Avec’s Group website for support and more insights: Avec Group LLC | Avec Group LLC.

Learn More About In2edge:

In2edge helps businesses tackle the most complex challenges of mergers, acquisitions, and spin-offs. With our hands-on, results-driven approach, we ensure seamless transitions, exceptional outcomes, and real value creation—without the top-dollar expenses. Discover how we turn execution into success at www.in2edge.com.

Don’t Miss Out:

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to M&A+ The Art After the Deal on your favorite platform, leave a review, and share it with your network. Join us again for more behind-the-scenes conversations on strategy, challenges, and successes that define the art after the deal.

To learn more, visit: https://in2edge.com/

In this episode of M&A Plus: The Art After the Deal, host Lisa Scott sits down with Keith Crawford, Global Head of Corporate Development at State Street, one of the world’s most respected financial institutions. With over 20 years at State Street and experience as a CFO, Keith shares valuable insights into tackling complex and high-value carve-out acquisitions and integrating them for long-term success.

Key Discussion Points:

• Keith’s Career Journey: From accountant to global M&A leader, Keith recounts the pivotal moments that shaped his career and leadership at State Street.

• Carve-Out Challenges: Exploring the unique complexities of carve-out acquisitions, including managing third-party contracts and ensuring operational alignment post-deal.

• Integration as a Success Factor: Why integration teams are critical, the importance of early involvement, and how unstructured environments demand agile leadership.

• Emerging Trends in Financial Services: Keith’s take on technology disruption, the future role of blockchain, and the evolving FinTech landscape.

• Failed Deals and Lessons Learned: What constitutes a "failed deal," how to manage due diligence under pressure, and the importance of maintaining deal vision through leadership continuity.

• Essential Skills for M&A Leaders: The importance of accounting knowledge, anticipating challenges, thriving in chaos, and balancing high-level strategy with detailed execution.

Whether you’re an M&A professional, corporate leader, or curious about the financial world’s transformation, Keith’s insights offer a masterclass in strategic acquisitions, integration planning, and adapting to emerging industry trends.

Connect with Keith Crawford:

Find Keith on LinkedIn for professional inquiries and insights.

Learn More About In2edge:

In2edge helps businesses tackle the most complex challenges of mergers, acquisitions, and spin-offs. With our hands-on, results-driven approach, we ensure seamless transitions, exceptional outcomes, and real value creation—without the top-dollar expenses. Discover how we turn execution into success at www.in2edge.com.

Don’t Miss Out:

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to M&A+ The Art After the Deal on your favorite platform, leave a review, and share it with your network. Join us again for more behind-the-scenes conversations on strategy, challenges, and successes that define the art after the deal.

To learn more, visit: https://in2edge.com/