Welcome to "M&A+: The Art After the Deal," the podcast that delves into the dynamic world of mergers and acquisitions, where strategy meets execution. I'm your host, Lisa Scott, guiding you through insightful conversations with M&A thought leaders and industry experts. Join us as we unravel the complexities, challenges, and success stories that shape the ever-evolving landscape of mergers and acquisitions.
Brought to you by Intuitive Edge, the go-to elite legal services provider that's revolutionizing how corporations streamline contract review and transition during divestitures or acquisitions. At Intuitive Edge, we're not just about transactions; we're about fostering relationships, extracting value, and ensuring efficiency in every transition endeavor. Our goal is to simplify complexity, and this podcast serves as an extension of our commitment to excellence.
To learn more, visit: https://in2edge.com/
Site
RSS
Apple
Data updated on 04/07/2026
Recent rankings
Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.
Shared links between episodes and podcasts
Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.
AI, Law & the Deal: Rob Taylor on Risk, IP, and Post-Merger Reality
Episode 24
Thursday, October 30, 2025 • Duration 49:05
AI isn’t just a buzzword in deal rooms—it’s changing how due diligence, contracts, privacy, and integration actually work after close. In this episode, Lisa sits down with tech lawyer Rob Taylor to unpack what “AI risk” really means, why lawyers must understand the technology to spot legal exposure, and how companies can move fast and responsibly. Rob shares practical frameworks from hundreds of AI solution reviews, dives into agentic AI (and why risk goes up when the human leaves the loop), and explains common contract myths—like over-relying on vendor indemnities.
What You’ll Learn
Why real AI risk assessment starts with understanding the tech (data flows, inputs/outputs, model behavior)
How to scope AI due diligence in M&A: model licensing, data rights, bias testing, and post-close liability
Agentic AI vs. “plain” generative AI—and what that means for governance and oversight
The truth about indemnities in AI contracts (and why deployers still carry duties)
Copyright & IP in AI-generated works—what’s unsettled and how to think about ownership today
Practical first steps to adopt AI responsibly without over-engineering
Key Takeaways
Tech first, then law: If you don’t understand the architecture and data flows, you’ll miss the legal risk.
Human-in-the-loop matters: As systems become more agentic and autonomous, oversight must increase.
DD for AI is specific: Go beyond licenses—probe training data, testing for bias, monitoring, and downstream use.
Indemnity ≠ immunity: Deployers still have duties to prevent harms; don’t outsource responsibility.
IP is evolving: Treat AI like a tool—document meaningful human direction and edits.
Connect
Rob Taylor, JD: LinkedIn; Carstens, Allen & Gourley LLP; NXTSolve
In2Edge: Post-acquisition integration, contract management, and hands-on transition execution. Learn more at In2Edge.com.
If today’s conversation hit home—especially around AI-heavy diligence or integration—follow and share M&A+: The Art After the Deal. And if you’re navigating a complex transition, In2Edge can help you turn strategy into working systems.
From DOJ to Digital Assets: Joshua Smeltzer on Deals, Courts & Crypto
Episode 23
Thursday, October 2, 2025 • Duration 48:46
Lisa sits down with litigator and tax specialist Joshua Smeltzer to unpack how Texas is positioning itself as a digital-asset hub, what the new business-court and “business judgment rule” mean for companies, and how tax and regulatory choices ripple through M&A, treasury strategy, and day-to-day operations. From plain-English explanations of blockchains and NFTs to real-world pitfalls like staking-reward taxation and balance-sheet Bitcoin, Joshua translates complexity into practical moves leaders can make now.
Why listen
Understand how Texas policy (business courts, SB29) may reduce friction and risk in complex deals.
Get a clear, non-technical definition of “digital assets” (beyond just crypto).
Learn the most common digital-asset tax traps—and how to avoid them.
Hear how treasury strategies that include Bitcoin change deal terms and diligence.
Key Takeaways
Texas is engineering deal confidence.
SB29 codifies the business judgment rule and narrows who can bring internal claims; Texas Business Courts create a specialized venue for complex disputes—both can reduce litigation overhang and speed decisions.
Digital assets ≠ just crypto.
Think tokenized rights, NFT titles/provenance, and blockchain-based records—with use cases expanding beyond finance.
Tax rules are evolving (slowly).
Crypto treated as property drives capital-gains reporting; staking rewards timing is under active challenge; expect more 1099 reporting from exchanges.
Treasury Bitcoin changes M&A.
Buyers and sellers may need volatility-aware terms (collars, true-ups, working-capital-like mechanics) when significant BTC sits on the balance sheet.
Sovereignty vs safety.
Self-custody is powerful—but operational risk (keys, loss) is real. Policy and tooling maturity will determine mainstream adoption.
From Tax Partner to Bitcoin Builder: Tim Savage on Value Creation Post-M&A
Episode 22
Thursday, September 25, 2025 • Duration 42:06
In this episode of M&A+ The Art After the Deal, Lisa Scott sits down with Tim Savage, CPA and Tax Partner at Weaver, who leads the firm’s Blockchain & Digital Assets practice. Tim shares how he built a crypto-forward tax practice inside a traditional firm, where digital assets fit in M&A due diligence, and the tax levers that quietly drive value (or risk) after close. The conversation also digs into stagflation signals, treasury diversification, and one simple move companies can make today to future-proof.
You’ll learn:
How Tim went from Big Four tax to leading a digital assets practice at Weaver
What really changes in M&A when a target holds Bitcoin/crypto (custody, controls, valuation)
The tax traps in carve-outs and integrations: 83(b), 409A, state nexus (Wayfair), transaction costs
Deal design in plain English: asset vs. stock, §338(h)(10), §351, §368, and when §1202 (QSBS) matters
Stagflation 101 and why scarce assets (incl. Bitcoin) are back in boardroom discussions
The one practical step a CEO can take now to get ready for the next decade
Guest: Tim Savage — CPA, Tax Partner at Weaver; leads Blockchain & Digital Assets; Board member, Texas Blockchain Council; speaker at Bitcoin 2023–2025.
Quotes
“Tax can quietly make or break the value of a deal.”
“If a target holds Bitcoin, diligence the custody like you would the vault.”
“Today’s ‘high’ may be tomorrow’s ‘new low’ as adoption compounds.”
Host: Lisa Scott (In2edge / Intuitive Edge): in2edge.com
Disclaimer
This conversation is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or investment advice. Consult your professional advisors.
Crypto’s Next Frontier: Policy, Power & M&A with Lee Bratcher
Episode 21
Thursday, July 24, 2025 • Duration 51:10
In this timely and wide-ranging episode of M&A+ The Art After the Deal, host Lisa Scott sits down with Lee Bratcher, Founder and President of the Texas Blockchain Council, during a historic week in U.S. crypto legislation.
As the GENIUS Act is signed into law and the Clarity Act gains momentum, Lisa and Lee explore what this federal progress means for Texas, how the blockchain ecosystem has evolved, and where the real M&A activity is heating up in the crypto space.
They cover:
The origin and mission of the Texas Blockchain Council
Texas as a global leader in Bitcoin policy and innovation
The structure and players in the blockchain ecosystem—from mining to custody to DeFi
Tokenization, stablecoins, and what smart capital is doing now
Regulatory clarity and how it’s unlocking M&A across mining, infrastructure, and fintech
How traditional professionals—legal, finance, strategy—can align with and support this evolving space
DAOs, digital identity, and the long game for Texas
Lisa and Lee wrap up with a lightning round on underrated innovations, must-read books, and what the future holds for Texas as a digital asset capital.
Texas becomes the first U.S. state with a state-funded Bitcoin reserve
Decision-Ready Boards, Growth Mindset, and the Fog of Change – with Tom Doorley
Episode 20
Friday, June 20, 2025 • Duration 39:36
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.
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.
M&A Moves That Matter: Leading with Questions in Times of Change with Bob Tiede
Episode 19
Thursday, May 1, 2025 • Duration 49:37
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."
Tech, Transformation & M&A: Lessons in Execution with Michael Richards
Episode 18
Thursday, March 20, 2025 • Duration 42:30
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.
From Chaos to Clarity: Best Practices in M&A Integration
Episode 17
Thursday, February 6, 2025 • Duration 46:59
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
From Resilience to Leadership: Ivan Golubic on Bridging Gaps in M&A
Episode 16
Thursday, January 23, 2025 • Duration 41:50
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.
Carve-Outs, Integration, and the Future of Financial Services with Keith Crawford
Episode 15
Thursday, December 19, 2024 • Duration 43:12
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.
“In 2030, we’re going to be fine. We’ve been through a lot—and we’ll navigate this era the same way: with clarity, good judgment, and practical rules.”
Listen next: Episodes on TXSE, carve-out playbooks, and AI’s impact on diligence.
Disclaimer
This podcast is for informational purposes only and reflects the personal views and experiences of the participants. It should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Always consult with your own qualified advisors regarding your specific situation before making business or legal decisions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
Discover shows related to M&A+: The Art After The Deal podcast, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
