In this episode of M&A+ The Art After the Deal, host Lisa Scott is joined by Michael Richards, a transformational leader with deep expertise in private equity, technology, and software. Michael shares insights from his extensive career spanning Deloitte, KPMG, and leadership roles as CFO, COO, and Chief Transformation Officer. He discusses his work as an Operating Partner at Symphony Technology Group and the strategic execution of carve-outs like RSA Security. This conversation explores the complexities of post-deal transformation, the challenges of execution, and the impact of AI on business evolution.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Michael Richards’ Career Journey

• Started as an accountant and auditor at Deloitte.
• Early exposure to private equity through work with KKR during post-Soviet economic transitions.
• Progressed from consulting at Deloitte and KPMG to leading post-deal execution roles in private equity-backed firms.
• Current role in media technology, overseeing product and enterprise transformation.

2. Private Equity & Post-Deal Execution

• Differentiating private equity styles: control-oriented investing vs. passive exposure.
• The role of private equity operating teams in driving execution.
• Importance of having a strategic plan before acquisition and ensuring leadership alignment post-close.

3. Defining Post-Deal Success

• Private equity’s primary success metric: ROI upon exit.
• Execution success hinges on structured governance, operational focus, and adaptability to market conditions.
• The importance of aligning CEO and leadership team to transformation goals.

4. Challenges in Strategy Execution

• The risk of post-deal neglect: why continuous monitoring and accountability matter.
• Silos between deal teams and operating teams can hinder execution.
• The need for programmatic, milestone-driven tracking of transformation initiatives.

5. Leadership & Team Buy-In for Transformation

• Importance of fostering a growth mindset and culture of adaptability.
• Key leadership traits: servant leadership, transparency, and action-driven management.
• Balancing internal execution with strategic external consulting support.

6. Keeping Post-Deal Momentum

• Effective communication strategies: town halls, one-on-ones, milestone tracking.
• The role of structured program management in sustaining momentum.

7. AI’s Impact on M&A & Business Transformation

• AI’s role in reducing administrative burdens and optimizing operations.
• How AI-native solutions can enhance product transformation and internal efficiencies.
• The shift towards AI-driven value creation within private equity-backed firms.

8. The Future of M&A in 2025

• M&A activity hinges on interest rates and capital supply dynamics.
• Increasing emphasis on operational expertise in private equity firms.
• A shift from financial engineering to value-driven, strategic transformation.

9. Advice for Young Professionals Interested in Private Equity & M&A

• Gain expertise in finance, accounting, legal, or strategy to build a strong foundation.
• Understanding business models and value creation is critical to success in private equity.

Final Thoughts & Takeaways:

• The post-deal phase determines whether value is created or lost.
• Strategic planning, leadership alignment, and disciplined execution drive successful transformations.

AI and technology continue to reshape how businesses optimize post-acquisition strategies.

Connect with Michael Ri

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

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.

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