In this episode of M&A+ The Art After the Deal, host Lisa Scott is joined by Tom Doorley, founder of Sage Partners, co-founder of Braxton Associates, and long-time advisor to top boards and billion-dollar companies. With decades of experience guiding organizations through growth, strategy, governance, and integration, Tom brings a rare blend of insight, candor, and playbook-level clarity to the post-deal landscape.

Together, Lisa and Tom unpack:

• What makes a “decision-ready board” and why most boards are underutilized
• The difference between growth and value-creating growth
• Lessons from the field: from Kimberly-Clark’s brand win to the Scott Paper misstep
• The truth about integration—what happens on day two and how culture, branding, and leadership shape long-term success
• Why some leadership teams stall at 100 people—and how to build high-performing, trust-based teams
• How to navigate the “fog of change” in a world of AI, polarization, and volatility
• The M&A playbook that separates coin-flip deals from value-driving ones

Whether you’re scaling a startup, preparing for an exit, or guiding a company through a major transition, this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom and actionable strategies to help you master the art after the deal.

Resources & Mentions:

• Thomas Doorley on LinkedIn: LinkedIn Profile
• Sage Partners: www.sagepartners.net
• Podcast: Focus on Growth: Sage Insights
• Lisa’s book: M&A+ — available on Amazon https://a.co/d/dmQ3aAG

About In2edge:

In2edge is the consulting firm behind this podcast — helping companies navigate the complex world of post-M&A execution. From contract transitions to procurement, supplier onboarding to compliance, In2edge brings practical, hands-on solutions that go beyond the strategy decks and into real operational impact.

Subscribe to M&A+:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and share the podcast. And remember, sometimes the smartest move a leader can make is simply asking a great question.

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

In this episode of M&A+ The Art After the Deal, host Lisa Scott sits down with leadership expert and bestselling author Bob Tiede for a masterclass on leading with questions. Bob shares how shifting from telling to asking can radically transform leadership effectiveness, especially during times of transition, such as post-merger integration.

Drawing from his bestselling book Leading With Questions (3rd Edition), Bob explains how leaders can:

• Build trust quickly in high-stakes environments
• Become better listeners in 8 seconds
• Lead more effectively in just 30 seconds
• Use the power of "What else?" to uncover hidden insights

The episode includes memorable stories, like how a Navy captain turned around the ship with the worst morale in the fleet by asking three simple questions, and how Bob’s own leadership style changed forever after discovering the original Leading With Questions.

Whether you’re managing an M&A transition, leading a new team, or simply looking to grow as a leader, this episode will leave you with powerful tools and practical inspiration to put into action.

Key Takeaways:

• Leaders who ask instead of tell are often 10x more effective.
• The best questions are simple: "What do you think?" and "What else?"
• Listening is a form of love — and silence is a leadership skill.
• People support decisions more when they’ve had a chance to give input — even if their input isn’t chosen.

Memorable Quotes:

"Being listened to and being loved are so close, most people can’t tell the difference."

"The wisdom in leadership is knowing when to tell and when to ask."

"If you don’t intend to listen, don’t ask the question."

Resources Mentioned:

Bob’s Blog: Bob Tiede - Leading With Questions

Bob’s Free eBooks: Books - Bob Tiede

Leading With Questions (3rd Edition) – Available on Amazon and wherever books are sold

About Bob Tiede:

Bob has been with Cru (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ) for over 50 years and is currently part of the U.S. Leadership Development Team. His passion is helping leaders multiply their effectiveness through the power of asking questions. Bob’s blog is followed by leaders in over 200 countries, and he has authored multiple bestselling books on leadership, listening, and communication.

About In2edge:

In2edge is the consulting firm behind this podcast — helping companies navigate the complex world of post-M&A execution. From contract transitions to procurement, supplier onboarding to compliance, In2edge brings practical, hands-on solutions that go beyond the strategy decks and into real operational impact.

Subscribe to M&A+:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and share the podcast. And remember, sometimes the smartest move a leader can make is simply asking a great question.

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

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/