Baruch Lev and Feng Gu, co-authors of The M&A Failure Trap, share their insights on why 70% of mergers fail. Lev, a leading authority in corporate finance, and Gu, an expert in corporate acquisitions, discuss the pitfalls of over-optimism and lack of due diligence in M&As. They introduce a unique scorecard that evaluates key success variables like deal size and employee dynamics. The conversation highlights the crucial need for strategic planning and accountability to avoid costly acquisition mistakes.

Explore the transformative power of storyboarding in management consulting. Discover how storyboards enhance communication, engage clients, and streamline problem-solving. Learn about the unique aspects of corporate strategy studies and the iterative nature of refining storyboards. The discussion also draws intriguing parallels between consulting and the animation industry, showcasing techniques for effective storytelling. Uncover the biggest questions about consulting storyboards and enhance your strategic skills!

Marie-Hélène Pelletier, a leadership psychologist and author of The Resilience Plan, shares insights on building resilience to prevent burnout in high-performance cultures. She emphasizes that resilience is a skill that can be developed through strategies like exercise, balanced nutrition, and quality sleep. The discussion highlights the importance of creating a personal resilience plan and adapting leadership styles to maintain mental well-being. Additionally, Pelletier explores the evolving landscape of workplace mental health and the impact of lifestyle choices on overall performance.

In this discussion, Matt Kohut, managing partner of KNP Communications and author of "Speaking Out," shares his expertise on the delicate balance CEOs must strike when addressing political and social issues. He emphasizes the importance of preparation and stakeholder alignment, offering practical tips for effective public speaking. Kohut also explores the evolving expectations of leaders in a distrustful society, highlighting their role in fostering trust through transparent communication. His insights shed light on how authenticity can enhance a leader's connection with their audience.

John Rossman, an early Amazon executive and senior advisor at T-Mobile and the Gates Foundation, shares his insights on strategic leadership and innovation. He emphasizes the importance of making 'big bets' while thoroughly testing ideas before full commitment. Rossman discusses the value of focus in decision-making to avoid costly failures and highlights how creating a fun team atmosphere can enhance performance. He advocates for balancing ambitious goals with celebrating small victories, fostering a mindset open to innovation and learning from failure.

Ed Fidoe, founder and CEO of the London Interdisciplinary School, shares his remarkable journey from child actor to McKinsey consultant to education innovator. He discusses the limitations of traditional schooling and the need for an interdisciplinary approach to tackle complex global issues. Fidoe emphasizes the role of AI in reshaping education and the importance of broad intellectual curiosity for future leaders. He also unveils an innovative MBA program designed to address today's pressing challenges, fostering a new generation of thinkers.

David G. Ewing, a Harvard-trained engineer and CEO of Motiv, shares his inspiring journey to the Inc. 5000. He discusses the power of strategic partnerships, revealing how a pivotal collaboration with Oracle transformed his company. David candidly addresses overcoming self-doubt through meditation, emphasizing its role in entrepreneurship. The conversation delves into creating exceptional customer experiences and the importance of work-life integration, as he balances leading a company with coaching his son's robotics team.

In a compelling discussion, Keith Ferrazzi, a global leader in high-performing teams and bestselling author, shares his insights on shifting from traditional leadership to a more inclusive model he calls 'teamship.' He explains how this approach fosters accountability, empathy, and high performance among team members. Keith also highlights practical strategies for building trust and embracing technology in teamwork. Personal stories of resilience and collaboration illustrate how these transformative practices can elevate organizations beyond competition.

Sara Daw, co-founder and CEO of The CFO Centre and The Liberti Group, shares her expertise as an entrepreneur and future of work expert. She discusses vital strategies for breaking into the C-suite, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and networking. Daw recounts her own transition to a fractional CFO, detailing the balance of career ambitions and personal life. Listeners learn about effective marketing strategies for attracting clients and the necessity of adaptability in today's business landscape. The conversation is rich with insights into leadership development and the entrepreneurial journey.

This week’s guest is Christoph Senn, an adjunct professor at INSEAD and founder of Valuecreator. He introduces the transformative Triple Fit Strategy, which aligns planning, execution, and resources to enhance customer relationships and drive growth. Christoph discusses the interplay between B2B and B2C marketing, emphasizing structured frameworks for success. He also highlights essential leadership qualities needed for nurturing customer connections and shares resources for further learning, making this conversation a must-listen for aspiring business leaders.