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/

In this episode of M&A+ The Art After the Deal, Lisa Scott sits down with Jim Buckley, a veteran in M&A integration with leadership experience at tech giants like Microsoft, PayPal, and VMware. With a career spanning over 150 integrations, Jim shares his insights on managing complex, multi-acquisition environments, working effectively with legal teams, and leveraging technology for seamless integration.

Jim discusses the challenges of integrating companies of varying sizes, his hands-on approach to due diligence, and the art of balancing value creation with employee impact. From sharing his experiences with acquisition fatigue to his thoughts on the role of AI in future integrations, this episode is a masterclass in what it takes to drive success in the post-deal phase.

Key Topics:

• Types of Due Diligence
• Legal Team Partnerships
• Employee Impact and Acquisition Fatigue
• Customer and Partner Communication:
• Value Creation Post-Deal:
• The Role of AI and Technology
• Personal Lessons and Advice

Featured Quotes:

“Integration is all about endurance. It’s not a sprint; it’s a marathon.” - Jim Buckley

“Synergies are not evident on an Excel model; real value is created by what you do post-close.” - Jim Buckley

“In M&A, every deal is a snowflake—no two are the same, but the principles remain consistent.” - Jim Buckley

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Jim Buckley on LinkedIn for further insights and resources: (27) Jim Buckley | LinkedIn

Check out Jim’s other podcast appearances, linked on his LinkedIn profile, for deeper dives into specific integration case studies.

About the Podcast:

M&A+ The Art After the Deal is your go-to resource for uncovering the real stories behind M&A integrations. Join host Lisa Scott as she brings in industry experts to share their experiences, lessons learned, and strategies for successful post-deal integration. Subscribe for insights.

Connect with Us:

Website: www.in2edge.com

LinkedIn: (27) LinkedIn

Subscribe: M&A+ The Art After the Deal - YouTube

Call to Action:

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with colleagues and friends. Don’t forget to subscribe for more in-depth discussions on what really happens after the deal.

Until next time, keep pushing boundaries, creating value, and mastering the art of integration.

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

In this insightful episode of M&A+ The Art After the Deal, host Lisa Scott is joined by Brant Wilson, president of Customer Value Systems. With over 30 years of marketing and management experience across industries such as technology, healthcare, and financial services, Brant shares his journey to leading a successful marketing research firm. This episode dives into the strategic role of customer insights and market research in driving successful mergers and acquisitions, emphasizing customer retention and the importance of listening to both employees and clients during significant transitions.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Brant’s career journey in marketing and his transition to founding Customer Value Systems
• The role of market research in understanding customer behavior and its impact on business strategies
• Effective customer retention strategies during mergers and acquisitions
• The link between employee morale, leadership communication, and customer retention
• The evolving role of data analytics and AI in market research and customer insights
• Insights on how businesses, large and small, can use data to make informed decisions during acquisitions
• Real-world examples of successful M&A strategies focused on customer retention, such as Oracle’s acquisition of Hyperion

Key Takeaways:

• Listening to customers and maintaining open communication during transitions is critical for retaining business relationships.

• Market research can help predict customer behavior, pricing strategies, and sales potential, ultimately supporting better decision-making during mergers.

• Employee morale and communication during transitions have a direct impact on customer satisfaction and retention.

• The increasing role of AI in marketing and research will continue to transform how companies gather and use customer insights.

Connect with Brant Wilson:

Website: www.customervaluesystems.com

Subscribe:

Don’t forget to subscribe to M&A+ The Art After the Deal on your favorite podcast platform for more insights on the world of post-merger transitions.

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

In this episode, I sit down with Aaron Mikulsky, an expert in operations and leadership, to discuss key principles for effective leadership and operational success. We explore themes from his book, L.O.V.E. 2 Lead, discussing the importance of self-reflection and humility in leadership. Aaron emphasizes the need to focus on people's strengths and how leveraging these can create high-performing teams.

We also touch on the significance of Six Sigma in streamlining processes and reducing inefficiencies. Aaron breaks down the critical differences between transition and integration in business operations, stressing the importance of building a strong foundation and thorough planning in both phases. Whether you're leading a team or managing a business shift, this episode offers valuable insights on how to navigate and succeed in today’s fast-paced world.

L.O.V.E. 2 Lead – Key takeaways from Aaron’s leadership journey

• Self-reflection and humility as leadership cornerstones
• The value of focusing on strengths within teams
• Six Sigma and its role in operational efficiency
• Transition vs. Integration – Understanding the difference and why it matters
• The importance of setting a solid foundation and strategic planning

Notable Quotes:

"Leadership starts with knowing yourself first—self-reflection is key to understanding your strengths and areas for growth." — Aaron Mikulsky

"It’s not just about transition; integration is where the real work begins, and that requires planning and a strong foundation."

Tune in for an enlightening conversation packed with actionable advice for leaders at all levels!

Aaron’s book: https://a.co/d/fNQTdGK

Aaron’s website: Home - Love 2 Lead Consulting Services

More M&A+ The Art After the Deal Podcast Episodes: (801) M&A+ The Art After the Deal - YouTube

About In2Edge:

At In2edge, we specialize in guiding businesses through the complexities of spin-offs and carve-outs, offering hands-on, expert-driven solutions to ensure seamless transitions. Our approach focuses on executing efficient, data-backed strategies—whether it’s optimizing contract management, ensuring operational continuity, or maximizing value creation. With our deep expertise and commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes, In2edge is your partner for navigating the intricate challenges of spin-offs and carve-outs, setting your business up for long-term success.

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

Join us on this episode of "M&A+ The Art After the Deal" as I discuss the intricate world of cross-border mergers and acquisitions with our esteemed guest, Lawrence Howorth. With his vast international experience, Lawrence brings invaluable insights into the challenges and nuances of helping US companies venture into foreign markets and assisting foreign entities in establishing a presence in the US.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Global Expertise:
   • Lawrence shares his extensive experience across various global markets, highlighting his understanding of diverse business environments.
   • Insights into cultural, operational, and regulatory aspects crucial for successful international ventures.
2. Strategic Planning:
   • Emphasis on the necessity of meticulous planning when entering new markets.
   • Discussion on the importance of aligning acquisitions with strategic business goals.
3. Understanding Local Dynamics:
   • The critical role of local knowledge and expertise in navigating foreign regulatory landscapes.
   • Lawrence discusses potential pitfalls and how companies can be blindsided by local regulations if not adequately prepared.
4. Comprehensive Business Planning:
   • The need for a robust business plan that covers all aspects of the venture, ensuring no element is overlooked.
   • Practical advice on integrating local considerations into broader business strategies.

Guest Information:

• Lawrence Howorth is available through his website at Howorth International | business strategy (howorthllc.com)

Closing Thoughts: This episode offers a deep dive into the complexities of cross-border M&A, providing listeners with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the challenges. Whether you're a company looking to expand abroad or a professional in the M&A field, this discussion with Lawrence's will provide additional information that will guide you through international business deals.

Connect with Us:

• Don't forget to subscribe to "M&A+ The Art After the Deal" for more insights into M&A strategies and experiences, particularly those related to transition and post-close integration. Join us next time as we continue to explore the art and science of mergers and acquisitions with top experts in the field.

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

Peter Connor, author of The T-Shaped Lawyer, shares his extensive experience transitioning from traditional legal roles into significant business-oriented positions, enhancing both legal and business outcomes. His T-Shaped Lawyer program, instrumental in over 50 workshops worldwide, advocates for a multidisciplinary skill set, preparing lawyers to work not just on the business but in it, enhancing their impact across industries.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Peter’s Journey and Inspiration:
   • Background on transitioning from legal to business roles.
   • Inspiration behind advocating for broader skill sets among lawyers.
2. The Evolving Legal Profession:
   • Current shifts and future trends in the legal field due to regulatory changes, cost pressures, and technological advancements.
3. Understanding the T-Shaped Lawyer:
   • Definition and significance of the T-Shaped Lawyer.
   • The relevance and necessity of this model in contemporary legal practice.
4. Legal vs. Business Contributions:
   • Exploring how lawyers can transcend traditional roles to add tangible business value.
   • Discussion on the business mindset vs. the traditional legal approach.
5. Educational Perspectives:
   • The role of law schools in preparing lawyers for business-engaged roles.
   • Key skills from legal education that translate into business success.
6. Building and Leading T-Shaped Legal Teams:
   • Strategies for hiring and developing T-Shaped Lawyers.
   • Coaching methods to enhance team performance and business integration.
7. Career Paths and Advice:
   • Potential career trajectories for T-Shaped Lawyers.
   • Guidance for young lawyers aspiring to develop a balanced skill set.
8. Peter's Guiding Principle and Final Takeaways:
   • Summarizing his philosophy into a core guiding principle for success.
   • Contact information and how to access Peter Connor’s resources and book.

Episode Highlights:

• Peter’s rich background and the transformative impact of the T-Shaped Lawyer model on legal and business practices.
• Insights into the future of the legal profession and the critical role of multidisciplinary skills in driving legal and business success.
• Practical advice for legal professionals and law students on adapting to and excelling in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

Additional Resources:

• Link to Peter Connor’s website where you can find his book and information about his workshops: T-Shaped Lawyer (tshapedlawyer.com)
• Subscribe to "M&A+ The Art After the Deal" for upcoming episodes featuring industry experts.

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