Mike Maynard, the CEO of Napier Group, a UK-based PR and marketing firm, shares his experience in M&A and crisis communications, including his own acquisitions record.Mike discusses effective M&A strategies, integrating processes and cultures, and the pivotal role of marketing and communications in successful mergers in B2B tech companies. The conversation highlights the importance of client retention, customer-centric approaches during acquisitions, and the value of transparent communication. Mike shares valuable lessons from brand integrations and real-life B2B crisis management, emphasizing brand authenticity, customer trust, and adaptability in driving business success. Highlights:00:39 Mike's M&A Journey02:37 Client Retention and Business Growth03:44 Lessons from M&A Experiences05:28 Integration Planning and Execution07:47 Brand Management in Acquisitions12:18 Case Studies: Microchip's Acquisitions15:33 Customer Focus in Acquisitions17:07 The Role of CFOs in M&A17:40 Cultural and Financial Success in M&A19:23 Brand Equity and Reputation Management20:34 Navigating B2B Crises23:42 Export Controls and Tech Companies26:13 Effective Crisis Communication30:15 The Self-Directed Buyer Journey34:20 High Performance Organizations_Where to find Mike:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemaynard/Where to find Neeta:https://www.linkedin.com/in/neetabidwai/Where to find Good Revenue:https://goodrevenue.io/goodrevenue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Good Revenue, hosted by Neeta Bidwai, is the second installment of our special series focusing on the characteristics that differentiate high performance organizations from average performers.Topics include the importance of being outcome-oriented rather than just focusing on output, fostering a growth mindset with openness and flexibility, the significance of an ethical and data-driven approach, empowering employees, maintaining a strong company culture and vision, understanding customer needs, and having diverse expertise in leadership.Highlights:00:17 Chris Jones on Product Alignment and Outcomes02:53 Shinyoung Park on Growth Mindset05:00 Matt Moscardi on Embracing Criticism and Metrics06:34 Jina Kim on Employee Empowerment07:04 Greg Stein on Culture and Vision08:26 Michele Maguire on Knowing Your Customer09:12 Heather Spilsbury on Board Expertise10:46 Jennifer Krusius on Customer Feedback and Data_Where to find Neeta:https://www.linkedin.com/in/neetabidwai/ Where to find Good Revenue:https://www.goodrevenue.io/goodrevenue   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

J Li is a partner at Prototype Thinking Labs and a champion of a road-tested approach to product development and problem solving. The episode covers the firm's unique methodology that boosts confidence levels in ideas from 10-40% to 60-70% through focused experimentation and iterative testing. J Li emphasizes the importance of addressing the neglected early stages of product development, the significance of understanding the 'tango' or core interaction in testing, and shares examples like the 'Uber for dogs' app and a scalable HVAC software project. The conversation also highlights the distinction between early-stage and high-confidence experiments, and how the lab helps businesses mitigate risk by validating crucial elements early on.Highlights:00:31 Understanding Prototype Thinking03:07 The Confidence Metric05:38 Stages of Product Development10:00 Case Study: Uber for Dogs16:12 Case Study: BannerTech's HVAC Solution20:53 Building Together: The Power of Listening21:08 Unexpected Sales from User Tests21:47 Challenges in Technician Testing22:16 Creative Solutions for Technician Feedback24:41 Redesigning the Technician App25:08 Insights and Outcomes25:32 Approaching User Testing27:44 The Value of Enterprise User Testing30:29 Critique of Landing Page and AB Testing34:31 The Importance of Understanding Users37:44 Practical Advice for User Testing38:49 Final Thoughts and High Performance Insights_Where to find J:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jfanli/https://prototypethinking.io/Where to find Neeta:https://www.linkedin.com/in/neetabidwai/Where to find Good Revenue:https://goodrevenue.io/goodrevenue  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Neeta Bidwai breaks down how permission structures are vital in shaping public opinion and facilitating behavioral changes necessary for adopting new business models, strategies, and products. Examples include cloud computing, mobile payments, subscription models, sustainable products, telehealth, and electric vehicles. The episode explores the theory of cognitive dissonance and how it relates to permission structures, providing historical political examples and numerous business-related case studies. Practical techniques are discussed as tools for creating ethical and effective permission structures.Highlights:00:00 Introduction to Permission Structures01:28 Understanding the Theory Behind Permission Structures01:50 Political Examples of Permission Structures03:16 Business Applications of Permission Structures06:10 Internal Organizational Changes and Permission Structures07:57 Techniques for Creating Ethical Permission Structures12:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts_Where to find Neeta:https://www.linkedin.com/in/neetabidwai/Where to find Good Revenue:https://goodrevenue.io/goodrevenue  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joyce Cacho is a global expert in supply chain, financials, and risk management, and an experienced member of both public and private company boards. Joyce is a sought-after figure for driving growth in complex environments, and she emphasizes the importance of questioning assumptions and leveraging key indicators to foster business growth. She stresses the necessity of balancing short-term needs with long-term vision and the role of intentionality and discernment in strategic decision-making. The conversation also touches on the importance of aligning company policies with financial statements and the economic value of diverse perspectives in operations and board service. Joyce provides insights into effective governance, board oversight, and the critical role of boards in successful M&A strategies and in achieving sustainable growth.Highlights:01:31 Embracing Complexity and Growth Indicators04:22 Intentionality in Business Strategy07:29 Aligning Policy with Financial Statements19:31 The Importance of Diverse Perspectives25:12 Board Service and Governance29:06 M&A Strategy and Board Oversight33:41 The Role of AI in Business37:52 High Performance Companies_Where to find Joyce:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joycecacho/themarque.com/profile/joyce-cachoWhere to find Neeta:https://www.linkedin.com/in/neetabidwai/Where to find Good Revenue:https://goodrevenue.io/goodrevenue  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Driver is the inspiring CEO of Lynx Technology, the board chair of 50/50 Women on Boards, and a champion for mission-driven corporate service.John shares his experience acquiring Lynx from an international parent corporation while serving as its COO. John details the process, the challenges faced, and the ultimate success of the acquisition. He also discusses his extensive board service, including his roles on public company and nonprofit boards, and highlights the importance of diverse perspectives in optimizing value creation and corporate governance. John provides valuable advice for entrepreneurs and executives on leadership, resilience, and making the most of unexpected opportunities.Highlights:00:19 The Origin Story of Lynx Technology01:37 The Process of Selling the Company03:23 Considering Becoming the CEO05:43 Securing the Acquisition09:18 Navigating International Challenges18:05 Board Service and Leadership Insights21:51 The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion22:23 The Economic Value of Diverse Perspectives23:13 Innovation and Creativity Through Diversity23:42 Better Decision Making with Diverse Teams24:23 Increased Market Reach and Employee Performance25:23 Enhanced Reputation and Risk Management27:05 Real-World Example: The McDonald's Happy Meal Problem29:17 Choosing Mission-Oriented Board Positions32:41 Mentoring and Promoting Board Diversity39:52 Finding Diamonds in the Rough41:52 The Power of Belief and Culture in Organizations_Where to find John:https://www.linkedin.com/in/johndriver/Where to find Neeta:https://www.linkedin.com/in/neetabidwai/Where to find Good Revenue:https://goodrevenue.io/goodrevenue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joyce Chung is an accomplished executive who has launched, led, and consulted for high-growth businesses in the U.S., Europe, Latin America, and Asia with 100 global innovation and consumer insights studies under her belt.Joyce discusses her journey from advertising to brand strategy and growth, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and consumer insights. She highlights the challenges practitioners face in aligning data with business outcomes, and the significance of engaging with the right stakeholders. The conversation explores the evolving role of brand equity, its impact on business valuation, and the necessity of brand consistency. Joyce shares insightful examples from her work with major brands like Apple, Nike, and Salesforce, illustrating how foundational consumer insights can drive innovation and brand positioning. She also underscores the critical role of leadership in successfully implementing brand strategies and transformations.Highlights:02:34 The Importance of Insights in Business05:27 Consumer Insights and Product Development08:51 Brand and Intangible Assets13:55 Case Studies: EcoSense and Nike25:25 The Role of Brand Voice30:00 High Performance Companies_Where to find Joyce:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joycechung1/Where to find Neeta:https://www.linkedin.com/in/neetabidwai/Where to find Good Revenue:https://goodrevenue.io/goodrevenue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dexter Hardy, founder of Ntegral, breaks down his transformative pivot from a services business to a highly successful product company during the COVID-19 pandemic.Dexter shares how Ntegral leveraged the global reach of a hyperscaler platform (Microsoft Azure) to transform the business model from in-person consulting to scalable dev ops software solutions. He discusses focusing on product innovation, branding, and community involvement led to exponential growth across 150 countries in just a couple years. Dexter also touches on the importance of integrating security into products and the challenges of maintaining high standards in diverse market segments. Key takeaways include the significance of adaptability, the strategic use of hyperscaler platforms, and the impact of genuine community engagement on business success.Highlights:00:21 Ntegral's History and COVID-19 Impact01:33 The Pivot: From Consulting to Consulting 2.003:17 Scaling the Business and Hyperscaler Relationships04:36 Productization and Value Proposition08:10 Community Involvement and Social Impact08:51 Global Expansion and Operational Challenges10:25 Refining the Business Model15:13 Balancing Different Market Segments19:41 Future Plans and Exit Strategy25:52 Advice for Entrepreneurs_Where to find Dexter:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dexter-hardy/Where to find Neeta:https://www.linkedin.com/in/neetabidwai/Where to find Good Revenue:https://goodrevenue.io/goodrevenue  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ashton Belk, President of Huebner Marketing, discusses the critical role of brand equity in manufacturing mergers and acquisitions. Ashton outlines the multifaceted nature of brands, which encompass identity, values, reputation, and emotional connections with audiences. Key takeaways include: the definition of brand equity as a reason customers choose one brand over another, the necessity of integrating brand strategy during due diligence to avoid the 'cost of delay' and ensure smoother acquisitions and higher long-term value, the importance of strategic communications, proactive planning, and understanding brand value early in the M&A process for maximizing success and growth. Highlights:00:32 Understanding Brand and Brand Equity01:30 Brand Equity in M&A and Private Equity04:26 Strategic Communications for Corporate Acquirers07:32 Case Study: Bag of Parts10:33 Managing Brand Integration and Equity20:58 The Cost of Delay in Brand Integration26:34 Proactive Brand Strategy in Private Equity35:46 Conclusion and Key Takeaways_Where to find Ashton:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashtonbelk/Where to find Neeta:https://www.linkedin.com/in/neetabidwai/Where to find Good Revenue:https://goodrevenue.io/goodrevenue  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Regina García Cuéllar is the former Chief Commercial Strategy Officer at izzi, the second-largest telecom company in Mexico.Regina discusses the unique challenges and opportunities in developing markets across the telecom, financial services, and energy sectors, including Citibanamex and Pemex. She shares insights on balancing short-term and long-term goals in family-owned businesses, the impact of political systems on business operations, and the significant role of customer-centric strategies in regulated industries. Topics also include the benefits and hurdles of nearshoring for Mexico, the importance of diverse perspectives in boardrooms, and real-life examples of implementing successful customer experience transformations. Regina provides valuable advice for CEOs and boards on being open to different opinions and the critical role of data analysis and high-quality talent in achieving high performance.Highlights:00:44 Challenges and Opportunities in Developing Markets03:16 Public vs. Private Sector Dynamics06:42 Nearshoring and Regional Differences in Mexico09:43 Transforming Pemex: A Case Study14:54 Customer Centricity in Banking26:10 Diversity in the BoardroomResources:50/50 Women on Boards_Where to find Regina:https://www.linkedin.com/in/regina-garcia-cuellar/Where to find Neeta:https://www.linkedin.com/in/neetabidwai/Where to find Good Revenue:https://goodrevenue.io/goodrevenue  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.