Episodes
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Join Anirvan Sen, CEO of Fifth Chrome, and Nigel Kilpatrick, CEO of Compassion-in-Business, in a revealing conversation about the often challenging alignment of company and employee values. This episode delves into the critical gaps that exist between a company’s stated values and the personal values of its employees, exploring how and why these discrepancies occur.
Key Episode Highlights:
📌 Exploration of Value Discrepancies: Anirvan and Nigel discuss why company values can often feel forced or superficial, serving more as vanity metrics rather than guiding principles.
📌 The Importance of Authentic Values: Discover the significance of genuine company values that resonate with both the organization and its people, and why they matter.
📌 Compassion in Action: Learn how embedding compassion into company values can transform them from mere words on a wall to live experiences that drive meaningful engagement.
📌 Real-World Examples: The hosts share specific examples, such as customer-centricity, and discuss how compassion influences the adoption and integration of such values across organizational practices.
This discussion is a must-watch for leaders, HR professionals, and anyone interested in creating a more authentic and compassionate workplace. Don’t forget to subscribe for more insights from thought leaders in the field of business strategy and organizational development.
Watch, learn, and be inspired to bridge the value gap in your organization with compassion and integrity.Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful discussions on business strategy, leadership, and organizational development. #CorporateCulture #HumanResources #Leadership #BusinessStrategy #OrganizationalDevelopment #TalentManagement #CultureChange🎙️ Hosted by:Anirvan Sen, CEO - Fifth Chrome 👉 LinkedIn ProfileNigel Kilpatrick, CEO - Compassion in Business 👉 LinkedIn Profile🌐 This episode is brought to you by Fifth Chrome, your trusted advisor for Business Strategy, M&A, and Transformations. Visit our websiteOur partner on this podcast is Compassion-in-Business. Visit their website -------🔹 For More Insights:Stay tuned for more episodes from Fifth Chrome, where we explore the intricacies of business strategy, high-performance organizational models, and M&A dynamics. Don't forget to subscribe and leave your thoughts in the comments!#FifthChromePodcast #CorporateCulture #BusinessStrategy #BusinessPodcast #FifthChrome
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Join Anirvan Sen, CEO of Fifth Chrome, and Nigel Kilpatrick, CEO of Compassion-in-Business, as they delve into the critical differences between compassion and empathy and how these impact business performance. In this insightful episode, they explore how understanding and implementing these concepts can transform organizational culture and lead to significant performance boosts.Key Points Covered:📌 Defining Compassion and Empathy: Learn the distinct roles each plays in personal and professional contexts.📌 Impact on Business: Discover how compassion extends beyond empathy to actively foster a more supportive and effective business environment.📌 Practical Strategies: Gain actionable advice on integrating compassion into your business practices using the PROMISE framework.📌 Expert Insights and Real-world Applications: Hear stories from the front lines of businesses that have successfully embedded these principles into their operations.Don't miss this essential discussion on harnessing the power of compassion and empathy to drive business success. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful discussions on business strategy, leadership, and organizational development. #CorporateCulture #HumanResources #Leadership #BusinessStrategy #OrganizationalDevelopment #TalentManagement #CultureChange🎙️ Hosted by:Anirvan Sen, CEO - Fifth Chrome 👉 LinkedIn ProfileNigel Kilpatrick, CEO - Compassion in Business 👉 LinkedIn Profile🌐 This episode is brought to you by Fifth Chrome, your trusted advisor for Business Strategy, M&A, and Transformations. Visit our websiteOur partner on this podcast is Compassion-in-Business. Visit their website -------Books mentioned:🔹 Charley Mackesy: The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse. -------🔹 For More Insights:Stay tuned for more episodes from Fifth Chrome, where we explore the intricacies of business strategy, high-performance organizational models, and M&A dynamics. Don't forget to subscribe and leave your thoughts in the comments!#FifthChromePodcast #CorporateCulture #BusinessStrategy #BusinessPodcast #FifthChrome
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Missing episodes?
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Join Anirvan Sen, a seasoned expert in building high-performance organizations, and James Harris, Integration Manager at Google with over 25 years of M&A experience, in an enlightening conversation that dives deep into the complexities of mergers and acquisitions. This episode sheds light on the critical role of culture and professional development in the success of M&A projects. Discover invaluable insights on the importance of understanding cultural differences, the power of direct coaching, and the need for open dialogue to seamlessly integrate diverse company cultures.Key Highlights:📌 Unpacking the 'Why' Behind Cultural Differences in M&A📌 The Impact of Founders’ Backgrounds on Organizational Culture📌 Strategies for Effective Professional Development and Leadership in M&A📌 The Role of Courage and Presentation Skills in Navigating M&A Challenges📌 Practical Advice on Cultural Integration and Continuous LearningWhether you're a CEO looking to navigate your next merger, a leader aiming to foster a culture of continuous learning, or an M&A professional seeking to enhance your skillset, this podcast offers essential knowledge and strategies to help you succeed. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics of mergers and acquisitions, and learn how to leverage cultural integration and professional development for organizational growth.Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful discussions on business strategy, leadership, and organizational development. Your journey to building a high-performance organization through strategic M&A starts here.#MergersAndAcquisitions #CorporateCulture #HumanResources #Leadership #BusinessStrategy #OrganizationalDevelopment #TalentManagement #CultureChange📌 About James Harris:James Harris is a senior M&A practitioner with 25+ years of experience in the field. He has worked with some of the largest companies including Google and Amazon. His expertise encompasses various facets of M&A, with a special focus on the leadership and cultural dynamics of merging organizations.👉 James Harris' LinkedIn -------🎙️ Hosted by:Anirvan Sen, CEO Fifth Chrome 👉 LinkedIn Profile Anahita Sen, Co-Facilitator Fifth Chrome Podcasts 👉 LinkedIn Profile🌐 This episode is brought to you by Fifth Chrome, your trusted advisor for M&A, Integration, and Business Transformations. Visit our website-------Books mentioned by James Harris:🔹 Jim Collins: Built to Last. 🔹 Eli Goldratt: The Goal. 🔹 Emilie R. Feldman: The Divestitures. -------🔹 For More Insights:Stay tuned for more episodes from Fifth Chrome, where we explore the intricacies of business strategy, high-performance organizational models, and M&A dynamics. Don't forget to subscribe and leave your thoughts in the comments!#FifthChromePodcast #MergersAndAcquisitions #CorporateCulture #BusinessStrategy #BusinessPodcast #FifthChrome
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In this enlightening episode, we delve deep into the heart of culture and HR in the context of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), featuring the expertise of Kim Jones, a senior HR leader renowned for her extensive experience in M&A. Kim Jones shares her valuable insights into the critical role of people strategies during these transformative processes, emphasizing the significance of coaching leadership teams, engaging and retaining key talent, and managing the intricate aspects of organizational culture.Culture, as Kim defines it, is the collective belief and behavior system within an organization, encompassing values, perks, work habits, communication styles, decision-making processes, and the interaction dynamics between leaders and employees in both physical and virtual spaces. Through compelling anecdotes and examples, Kim illustrates the challenges encountered during international acquisitions, particularly highlighting her experiences with an American company acquiring Korean and Austrian firms. She points out how productivity was impacted by cultural differences, underscoring the necessity for a structured, systematic approach to cultural integration, characterized by regular interactions and a “no judgment” policy to facilitate smooth cultural assimilation.Moreover, Kim sheds light on the unique challenges faced by CEOs of acquired companies, who often transition from being autonomous leaders to navigating the complexities of influence within larger organizations. She advocates for the use of cultural roundtables as an effective tool for addressing the multifaceted cultural and people-related challenges in M&A, providing practical advice for leadership on both sides of the acquisition.This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in M&A, HR professionals, and leaders looking to understand the nuances of cultural integration and the strategic importance of human resources in ensuring the success of mergers and acquisitions. Join us as Kim Jones unravels the layers of culture and HR in M&A, offering guidance and strategies to navigate these challenging waters effectively.Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful discussions on business strategy, leadership, and organizational development. Your journey to building a high-performance organization through strategic M&A starts here.#MergersAndAcquisitions #CorporateCulture #HumanResources #Leadership #BusinessStrategy #OrganizationalDevelopment #TalentManagement #CultureChange📌 About Kim Jones: Kim Jones is a senior HR M&A practitioner with years of experience in the field. Her expertise encompasses various facets of M&A, with a special focus on the cultural dynamics of merging organizations.👉 Kim Jones' LinkedIn🎙️ Hosted by:Anirvan Sen, CEO Fifth Chrome 👉 LinkedIn Profile Anahita Sen, Co-Facilitator Fifth Chrome Podcasts 👉 LinkedIn Profile🌐 This episode is brought to you by Fifth Chrome, your trusted advisor for M&A, Integration, and Business Transformations. Visit our website-------Books mentioned:🔹 Klint C Kendrick: The HR Practitioner’s Guide to Mergers & Acquisitions Due Diligence: Understanding the People, Leadership, and Culture Risks in M&A. 🔹 Klint C Kendrick: The HR Practitioner's Guide to Cultural Integration in Mergers & Acquisitions: Overcoming Culture Clash to Drive M&A Deal Value. 🔹 Carol S Dweck: Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. -------🔹 For More Insights:Stay tuned for more episodes from Fifth Chrome, where we explore the intricacies of business strategy, high-performance organizational models, and M&A dynamics. Don't forget to subscribe and leave your thoughts in the comments!#FifthChromePodcast #MergersAndAcquisitions #CorporateCulture #BusinessStrategy #BusinessPodcast #FifthChrome
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In this insightful episode of the Fifth Chrome Podcast, we delve into the often-overlooked aspect of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) – culture. Join us as Lynette Buitt, a seasoned M&A practitioner, shares her extensive experience and perspectives on the pivotal role of culture in successful M&A transactions.Key Highlights:🔹 Culture as a Central Element in M&A: Lynette discusses how culture is a crucial, yet frequently neglected component in many M&A deals. She emphasizes the importance of incorporating cultural considerations into the early stages of the M&A process.🔹 The Importance of Onsite Cultural Assessments: Learn about the effectiveness of onsite evaluations in understanding an organization's culture. Lynette explains how observations of office setups, employee interactions, and collaboration methods can offer profound insights into an organization's cultural dynamics.🔹 The Myth of Merging Best Cultures: Discover why the idea of combining the 'best of both worlds' in terms of culture often fails in practice. Lynette sheds light on the challenges and misconceptions surrounding the integration of different corporate cultures.🔹 Culture Sidetracked by Competing Priorities: Understand the common scenario where cultural considerations are overshadowed by other urgent priorities in M&A, leading to a lack of attention and resources devoted to cultural integration.📌 About Lynette Buitt: Lynette Buitt is a senior M&A practitioner with years of experience in the field. Her expertise encompasses various facets of M&A, with a special focus on the cultural dynamics of merging organizations.👉 Lynette Buitt's LinkedIn🎙️ Hosted by:🎤 Anirvan Sen, CEO Fifth Chrome 👉 LinkedIn Profile🎤 Anahita Sen, Co-Facilitator Fifth Chrome Podcasts 👉 LinkedIn Profile 🌐 This episode is brought to you by Fifth Chrome, your trusted advisory for M&A, Integration, and Business Transformations. Visit our website-------Books mentioned:🔹 Robert E. Quinn: Building the Bridge As You Walk On It: A Guide for Leading Change. 🔹 James Clear: Atomic Habits. 🔹 Marshall Goldsmith: What Got You Here Won’t Get You There. -------🔹 For More Insights:Stay tuned for more episodes from Fifth Chrome, where we explore the intricacies of business strategy, high-performance organizational models, and M&A dynamics. Don't forget to subscribe and leave your thoughts in the comments!#FifthChromePodcast #MergersAndAcquisitions #CorporateCulture #BusinessStrategy #LynetteBuitt #BusinessPodcast #FifthChrome-------
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🎙️ M&A Stories presents an in-depth interview with Jay Goldman, Co-founder and CEO of Sensei Labs.In this enlightening conversation, Anirvan Sen delves into the journey and philosophy behind Sensei Labs, a subsidiary of Klick Health, that focuses on data and talent-centric organizational culture. Jay shares how their platform Conductor is revolutionizing the way businesses operate by addressing various organizational needs.🔹 Key Highlights:Origins of Sensei Labs: Initially an internal tool within Klick Health, the platform gained immense traction and was brought to market.🖋️ Global Recognition: Invitations to speak at Google, Harvard, NASA underlines their influence and credibility.🖋️ Core Principles: Three core tenets guide Sensei Labs - "Technology as a coach," "data as a sixth sense," and "engineered ecosystems."🖋️ Naming Insight: 'Sensei' reflects mastery in teaching and data sensing, and 'Labs' symbolizes the company's spirit of innovation.🖋️ Data-Centricity: Born from a technology-focused culture at Klick, Sensei Labs found the critical role of data in improving organizational operations.🖋️ Platform Evolution: How a ticket-based system for internal communication evolved into a data-rich platform that powers critical decisions.🖋️ Conductor's Features: This orchestration platform is versatile enough for strategic transformations, M&A, cost reductions, and more, with features like project management, KPI tracking, and collaboration.🖋️ Managing Complexity: The importance of change management as an explicit process is emphasized, with a unique "enterprise orchestration maturity model" offered to guide transformative work.🖋️ Post-Merger Integration: Jay explains the critical role of change management in ensuring a smooth hand-off between deal teams and integration management offices.👉 Learn more about how Sensei Labs is shaping the future of organizational strategy and execution by visiting https://www.senseilabs.com/
-----Subscribe to our channel for more valuable insights on M&A, Integration, Leadership, and Business Strategy. Hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest releases.📌 About Jay Goldman:Jay Goldman is the Co-Founder and CEO of Sensei Labs, makers of Conductor, the world’s best Enterprise Orchestration platform. Jay is the co-author of NYT Bestseller The Decoded Company (Portfolio/Penguin), has written for HBR and Forbes, and is a member of the HBR Advisory and Forbes Technology councils. Jay has delivered inspiring talks around the world, including TEDx, NASA, Harvard, Twitter, and Google.👉 Jay Goldman's LinkedIn Profile 🎙️ Hosted by:🎤 Anirvan Sen, CEO Fifth Chrome 👉 LinkedIn Profile🎤 Anahita Sen, Co-Facilitator Fifth Chrome Podcasts 👉 LinkedIn Profile 🌐 This episode is brought to you by Fifth Chrome, your trusted advisory for M&A, Integration, and Business Transformations. Visit our website#MergersAndAcquisitions #EmployeeLayoffs #BusinessPodcast #FifthChrome-------Books mentioned:📘Jay Goldman: The Decoded Company: Know Your Talent Better Than You Know Your Customers. 📘Andrew Grove: High Output Management. 📘Reed Hastings: No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention.
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In our latest episode of Fifth Chrome Business Insights Podcast, we are joined by Summer Hilliard, an advocate for employees facing layoffs during Mergers and Acquisitions. Summer brings a refreshing perspective to a challenging aspect of M&A, offering strategies for both employees and employers to handle layoffs with empathy and effectiveness.Layoffs during M&A can be an incredibly sensitive issue, often poorly handled by companies. Summer Hilliard delves into common mistakes, such as impersonal email terminations and insufficient communication with remaining staff. She explains how such actions can create a toxic culture of uncertainty and disengagement.🌟 Key Takeaways:- The five stages of grief employees experience during layoffsStrategies for "What's Next": whether to continue in a similar career path or pivot entirely- The psychological toll of layoffs on retained employees- The importance of a humane approach to layoffs, especially when the business case is built on headcount-based cost synergies- Recommended tools like GlobeSmart for navigating these challenges effectivelySummer emphasizes that what employees seek most is to be "seen, heard, and appreciated." She advocates for real conversations between managers and employees being made redundant, ensuring that their transition, however difficult, is handled with the dignity it deserves.Don't miss this episode packed with actionable advice and a compassionate understanding for a process that impacts the human side of business deeply.Subscribe to our channel for more valuable insights on M&A, Integration, Leadership, and Business Strategy. Hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest releases.📌 About Summer Hilliard:Specialist in budgeting and planning for employees affected by layoffsPassionate about employee well-being during transitionsFocused on both near-term and long-term strategies for impacted employees👉 Summer Hilliard's LinkedIn 🎙️ Hosted by:Anirvan Sen, CEO Fifth Chrome 👉 LinkedIn Profile Anahita Sen, Co-Facilitator Fifth Chrome Podcasts 👉 LinkedIn Profile 🌐 This episode is brought to you by Fifth Chrome, your trusted advisory for M&A, Integration, and Business Transformations. #MergersAndAcquisitions #EmployeeLayoffs #BusinessPodcast #FifthChrome-------Links mentioned:- https://www.afterlayoff.com/- https://www.globesmart.com/-------Books mentioned:- Stephen R. Covey: The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People. - Sheryl Sandberg: Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead. -------Podcasts mentioned:- Chalene Johnson, Build your tribe- Chalene Johnson, The Chalene Show
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In this insightful episode of Fifth Chrome Business Insights Podcast, we have the privilege of hosting Claire-Marie Nasr and Cathy Powers, two seasoned M&A practitioners, for an in-depth discussion on the critical role of culture in Mergers and Acquisitions.Often underestimated, organizational culture extends beyond simple behavior patterns. It is a broad sphere encompassing leadership styles, organizational values, and individual purpose. Claire-Marie and Cathy delve into the many dimensions of culture - from the spectrum of inward-outward focus to the variance between formal-informal and hierarchical-flatter structures.They highlight the importance of culture teams stepping into the shoes of leaders and employees from both acquiring and acquired companies to accurately map and bridge cultural gaps. While culture might not be a deal-breaker per se, the preservation of values and seamless transition of the acquired organization's culture are essential for a successful merger.The conversation is peppered with interesting examples from Claire-Marie, illustrating the influence of national cultures on organizational cultures, and insightful remarks from Cathy on the role of leaders in shaping and driving organizational culture, especially within M&A contexts.Whether you are on the buyer or seller side of a merger or acquisition, this episode provides valuable perspectives on culture in M&A. Don't miss this chance to learn from the experts.Subscribe to our channel for more insightful conversations on M&A, Integration, Leadership, and Business Strategy. Don't forget to hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest releases.-----About Claire-Marie Nasr:• Integration as differentiator and value optimization for M&A• Works closely with executive stakeholders, Claire-Marie is an experienced change leader• Led teams in the Financial and Technology Industries. • Responsible for driving the delivery of strategic and cross-functional initiatives and allowing your teams to overcome challenges.]About Cathy Powers:• Certified change management professional, coach, and scrum master helping organizations navigate transformational challenges• Talent management• Diversity and Inclusion management, Culture change• Experience in Energy and mining, Retail, and Banking Industries-------The hosts of the interview are:Anirvan Sen, CEO Fifth ChromeAnahita Sen, Co-Facilitator Fifth Chrome Podcasts-------This interview is part of a series run by Fifth Chrome (https://www.fifthchrome.com), an business strategy advisory and training company specializing in M&A, Integration, and Business Transformations.-------Links mentioned:- https://hbr.org/Books mentioned:- Simon Sinek: Start with Why. - Jim Dethmer: The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership: A New Paradigm for Sustainable Success.
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In this enlightening episode of our podcast, we dive deep into the world of Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) with esteemed guest Mary Cianni, a senior M&A practitioner and seasoned adjunct faculty. The central theme of our discussion orbits around the critical yet sometimes underappreciated role of culture within the M&A landscape.Despite being a core component of any M&A transaction, culture often finds itself sidelined due to a hyper-focus on financial aspects and pressing timelines. This negligence can lead to significant challenges during the integration phase, particularly when dealing with organizations boasting strong, unique cultures. This becomes particularly emotional for employees who value their workplace culture and are reluctant to relinquish it.Through various anecdotes and case studies, Mary illuminates the potential complexities of integrating culturally dissimilar companies. One case discussed involves the unification of a top-down, command-and-control company with a consensus-driven organization, which presents unique management dynamics.Mary also underscores the significance of conducting cultural assessments within organizations. These assessments, she notes, not only offer valuable insights into the company's culture but also reinforce its importance to employees who appreciate their voices being heard. She suggests the use of pulse surveys, executive interviews, focus groups, and ethnographic approaches as effective methods for gaining a comprehensive understanding of a company's culture.Join us in this compelling conversation as we explore the intricate relationship between culture and M&A transactions, and the crucial role it plays in the success of such ventures.-----About Mary Cianni:• Experienced Consultant and Educator with a demonstrated history of working in the organization consulting industry and higher education. Expert in Corporate Transactions and Organizational Transformation with a focus on leadership and culture• Has worked with several well-recognized companies including Korn Ferry, Willis Towers Watson • Adjunct Faculty at NYU-------Hosted by Anirvan Sen, CEO of Fifth Chrome, and Anahita Sen, Co-Facilitator of Fifth Chrome Podcasts
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This interview is part of a series run by Fifth Chrome, an business strategy advisory, and training company specializing in M&A, Integration, and Business Transformations.
-------Books mentioned:
Melissa Swift: Work here now Anna Tavis and Stela Lupushor: Humans at Work: The Art and Practice of Creating the Hybrid Workplace -
In this insightful episode of our podcast, we sit down with seasoned M&A expert Mark Walztoni to delve deep into the significance of culture in mergers and acquisitions. Mark, who has a wealth of practical experience, defines culture as a blend of the ways people work and treat each other, as well as how they interact with customers and vendors. He emphasizes that culture is largely determined by behavioral aspects and serves as an outcome of various other elements.Mark shares his traditional yet effective approach to assessing culture: communicating directly with individuals, understanding who thrives and who struggles within a specific environment, and pinpointing key factors for successful acquisitions. He also introduces us to his preferred model for cultural assessment, Jay Galbraith’s Star Model, explaining how it offers crucial guidance in answering queries related to organizational culture.In any M&A, Mark stresses the importance of evaluating not just the culture of the company being acquired but also the acquirer's culture. Further, he underscores the need for a clear vision of the prospective combined culture post-merger. Drawing from his extensive experience, Mark provides various real-world examples of M&A in diverse industries such as IP-centric firms, banks, and medical device manufacturing.We also delve into the subject of cultural transformation. Mark suggests that change is only effective when the discomfort associated with the change is less than the discomfort of maintaining the status quo. Understanding this principle, he says, is crucial for any long-term, transformative change to stick.In a unique twist, Mark discusses how his hobby of restoring 18th and 19th-century paintings parallels the process of M&A, shedding light on the intricate dynamics of blending cultures and preserving heritage. Lastly, he talks about the often-overlooked concept of 'change readiness' during M&A cycles, emphasizing its pivotal role in successful integration.Join us to explore these fascinating insights and learn from Mark Walztoni's vast expertise in the world of M&A.-----About Mark Walztoni:• Assists clients to plan & execute effective M&A talent integration and business transformation strategies, Top 10 professional services firm consultant, performance coach, and private equity venture partner. • Mark's career includes 20+ years of experience as senior human resources and M&A leader within American Express, EY, and Thomson Reuters, and 15+ years assisting strategic acquirers and PE firms in HR executive, advisory, and venture partner roles. • MA in Organizational Psychology and Consulting at Columbia University of New York. Certified executive coach.• Regular speaker on talent integration and retention topics for leading organizations including the HR M&A Roundtable, Association for Corporate Growth, MergerWare, Hacking HR, Sun Acquisitions, and the Society of Human Resources Management. • Participated in the development of the AJIL® judgement assessment, which equips leaders with insights to strengthen their judgment and leadership skills.-------Hosted by Anirvan Sen, CEO of Fifth Chrome, and Anahita Sen, Co-Facilitator of Fifth Chrome Podcasts
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This interview is part of a series run by Fifth Chrome, an business strategy advisory, and training company specializing in M&A, Integration, and Business Transformations.
-------Books mentioned:
Jay Galbraith. Designing Organizations: Strategy, Structure, and Process at the Business Unit and Enterprise Levels Willem Bridges. Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change Klint C Kendrick. The HR Practitioner’s Guide to Mergers & Acquisitions Due Diligence: Understanding the People, Leadership, and Culture Risks in M&A Klint C Kendrick. The HR Practitioner's Guide to Cultural Integration in Mergers & Acquisitions: Overcoming Culture Clash to Drive M&A Deal Value -
Unraveling the Hidden Impact of Culture on Psychology in M&A: A Deep Dive with Jennifer Fondrevay, a podcastIn this insightful episode, we dive deep into the often-overlooked aspect of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) - organizational culture, with Jennifer Fondrevay, Founder and Chief Humanity Officer of M&A consultancy, Day1Ready.Jennifer elucidates how the neglect of cultural assessment during the initial due diligence process can potentially unravel surprising challenges post-deal. By drawing parallels from her personal experiences, Jennifer narrates how her American B2B company's acquisition by a European B2C company exposed stark differences in organizational cultures, proving the significance of cultural considerations in M&A.Taking us through her journey, Jennifer shares the inspiration behind her book, “NOW WHAT?: A Survivor's Guide for Thriving Through Mergers & Acquisitions.” The book delves into the experiences and transformations of ten personas during M&A transitions, offering invaluable guidance for navigating such changes.Listen in as we unravel the role of culture in M&A, and why it needs to be at the forefront of any successful merger or acquisition. This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in M&A or those looking to understand the intricacies of organizational culture in such scenarios.-----About Jennifer FondrevayA former C-Suite marketing tech executive, she led teams through three separate multibillion-dollar acquisition deals and authored the best-selling satirical business book, “NOW WHAT? A Survivor’s Guide for Thriving through Mergers & Acquisitions”.
An expert guest quoted on Fox, ABC, NBC, CBS news, and published in Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, and Inc., she is the winner of the Northshore Women in Business Entrepreneur of the Year.
The Founder and Chief Humanity Officer of M&A consultancy, Day1Ready and the only woman in M&A to routinely have a Dominatrix join her on stage…-------Hosted by Anirvan Sen, CEO of Fifth Chrome, and Anahita Sen, Co-Facilitator of Fifth Chrome Podcasts
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This interview is part of a series run by Fifth Chrome, an business strategy advisory, and training company specializing in M&A, Integration, and Business Transformations.
-------Books mentioned:
Jennifer Fondrevay - NOW WHAT?: A Survivor's Guide for Thriving Through Mergers & Acquisitions. William Bridges – Surviving Corporate Transitions. John P. Kotter – Leading Change. Dan Heath and Chip Heath – Made to Stick: Why some ideas take hold and others come unstuck. Dan Heath - Upstream: The Quest to Solve Problems Before They Happen. John P. Kotter - Change: How Organizations Achieve Hard-to-Imagine Results in Uncertain and Volatile Times. -
Mastering M&A Culture: Unveiling Expert Insights with Reynaldo Ramirez In this insightful podcast episode, we sit down with Reynaldo Ramirez, founder of Thrive HR Consulting, to discuss the crucial role of culture in M&A transactions. Reynaldo shares his expertise in conducting proper due diligence, particularly related to culture and people management. He elaborates on the importance of interacting with leadership teams, executive sponsors, and other key stakeholders during the M&A process.Reynaldo emphasizes the value of focusing on employee career and professional development as a means to maintain a positive culture and employee engagement. He highlights the significance of rewards and recognition during integration and the need to address compensation and benefit gaps to retain critical talent.We also explore the importance of company transparency regarding promises made to employees, including bonuses, equities, and training. Reynaldo delves into recurring challenges such as executive compensation and performance management integration in HR.Throughout the conversation, we touch upon essential tools and strategies for successful M&A integration, including the use of due diligence reports, weekly updates, robust integration plans, and communication plans. Reynaldo also shares a unique "shot clock" approach for day-one preparations and the value of providing employees with a clear calendar of expectations.As a special bonus for our listeners, Reynaldo offers a free development planning template and a weekly update template to help streamline your M&A process. Don't miss this valuable episode packed with expert advice on navigating culture and people management in M&A!-----About Reynaldo Ramirez:• Versatile HR Leader with entrepreneurial passion, diverse industry experience, and a strong track record of success in HR. Adept at working in a demanding, fast-paced environment with key strengths in building relationships and delivering results. • Direct experience in managing complex acquisitions & divestitures, start-up organizations, consulting services and fast-growth operations. Specialties: Mergers & Acquisitions, Divestitures, Change Management, Talent Acquisition, Leadership Development, Strategy and Execution, and Total Rewards.• Has worked with marquee companies like Cisco, BMC Software, Cognizant Technology Solutions, Deloitte, and Cable and Wireless CommunicationsFor the freebies mentioned in the interview, please reach out at [email protected] by Anirvan Sen, CEO of Fifth Chrome, and Anahita Sen, Co-Facilitator of Fifth Chrome Podcasts
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This interview is part of a series run by Fifth Chrome, an business strategy advisory, and training company specializing in M&A, Integration, and Business Transformations.
-------Books mentioned:- Klint C Kendrick. The HR Practitioner’s Guide to Mergers & Acquisitions Due Diligence: Understanding the People, Leadership, and Culture Risks in M&A. - Klint C Kendrick. The HR Practitioner's Guide to Cultural Integration in Mergers & Acquisitions: Overcoming Culture Clash to Drive M&A Deal Value. - Steve Cadigan. Workquake: Embracing the Aftershocks of COVID-19 to Create a Better Model of Working.
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Mastering the M&A Culture Puzzle: Klint C. Kendrick Reveals the Secrets to Successful Integration! - a podcastShow Notes: Season 3, Episode 7 – Interview with Klint C. KendrickJoin us in this captivating interview with Klint C. Kendrick, an expert in M&A and culture integration, as he shares his experience and insights on successfully navigating the complex world of organizational culture during mergers and acquisitions. Learn about the five key elements of culture, and how to assess and address cultural differences to ensure a smooth and successful M&A integration.In this episode, you'll discover:- Klint's definition of culture and why it matters in M&A- Examples of deals Klint has been involved in and his roles in those deals- The challenges organizations face when dealing with culture in M&A- A tale of two acquisitions: contrasting experiences where culture played a big role- The five key drivers of culture clash and three deal-related areas to focus on- Advice for practitioners on handling culture during M&A- The importance of honest communication from senior leadership during transformation projectsDon't miss this opportunity to learn from an industry expert on how to tackle the often-overlooked aspect of culture in mergers and acquisitions. Tune in now and gain valuable insights to enhance your M&A strategy and success!-----About Klint C. Kendrick• Results-oriented Human Resources professional offering 15+ years of experience leading key growth initiatives in diverse industries including manufacturing, aerospace and defense, media, and information technology (IT). • Expert in delivering innovative, high-quality, cost-effective solutions and people strategies to increase profitability and productivity through organizational effectiveness and employee engagement in a fast-paced environment. • Recognized as an authority on people, culture, and leadership issues in M&A who has presented at high-profile events sponsored by Thomson Reuters, Bloomberg BNA, McKinsey, Mercer, Willis Towers Watson, and Chicago Booth.• Acknowledged for providing collaborative solutions in a logical and people-focused manner that provides stability and reassurance during disruptive change. -------
Hosted by Anirvan Sen, CEO of Fifth Chrome, and Anahita Sen, Co-Facilitator of Fifth Chrome Podcasts
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This interview is part of a series run by Fifth Chrome, an business strategy advisory, and training company specializing in M&A, Integration, and Business Transformations.
-------Books mentioned:- Laura Queen. People Economics
- Dave Bookbinder. The New ROI: Return on Individual
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Mastering M&A: The Crucial Role of Culture Podcast with Giovanni AmodeoIn this episode of the podcast, Giovanni Amodeo, Chief Data Officer at ION Analytics, shares his insights on the importance of culture in M&A deals. According to Giovanni, engaging and motivating employees is crucial to ensure a successful merger or acquisition.He also highlights the significance of aligning incentives between the two companies involved in the M&A. Often, leaders of the acquired company may have their earn-outs tied to revenue, while the acquiring company's focus is on increasing EBITDA, leading to a disconnect in goals.During the pre-deal stage, it is common to interact only with top management, which may not provide an adequate understanding of the target company's culture. Giovanni suggests that empathy can be a powerful tool in bridging the cultural divide and achieving successful integration.Tune in to this episode to learn more about the importance of culture in M&A deals and how to navigate the challenges that arise during the integration process.-----Giovanni Amodeo is a C-Level executive with over 20 years of experience in data and news in the financial market. He has public speaking experience (WEF among others), and he has been interviewed on TV (CNBC, Sky News Australia) and quoted in newspapers. He regularly moderates panels and gives presentations about trends at conferences and business schools. -------Hosted by Anirvan Sen, CEO of Fifth Chrome, and Anahita Sen, Co-Facilitator of Fifth Chrome Podcasts
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This interview is part of a series run by Fifth Chrome, an business strategy advisory, and training company specializing in M&A, Integration, and Business Transformations.
-------Books mentioned:- Backable: Suneel Gupta- Building a Story Brand: Donald Miller- Good Leaders Ask Great Questions: John Maxwell
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Why Culture fails in M&A and how to address them - Podcast with Anirvan Sen
Hello, and welcome to our latest video on M&A integration. Despite the potential benefits of mergers and acquisitions, a large number of companies still fail with their transactions. One of the biggest reasons why they fail is culture. In fact, there are many reasons why M&As struggle with culture.
Business leaders often do not give culture the importance it deserves and consider it fluff. It is often delegated to HR instead of being led by the business leaders themselves. And more importantly, companies try to change individual behaviors and beliefs without trying to change the underlying practices and structures.
But there is a solution. Organizations that have realized this anomaly and have targeted underlying structures instead of just behaviors have been able to create specific interventions that can create extraordinary growth.
In this episode, Anirvan shares a framework that is exactly based on addressing the underlying structures to create growth. The framework is called PROMISE, where the acronym stands for Professional Development, Rewards and Recognition, Organization Hierarchy and Leadership Styles, Management Systems, Innovation and Critical Thinking, Strategic Future, and Employee Experience.
If you're interested in learning more about how you can improve your M&A integration and create growth for your organization, listen to this episode now.
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Anirvan Sen is the CEO and Founder of Fifth Chrome, a business strategy advisory and training company specializing in M&A Integration and business growth.
Anirvan has experience across the full M&A life-cycle starting from business strategy, deal origination, due diligence, closing and post-acquisition integration. He has a strong record of advising senior business leaders on growth, M&A, and transformation initiatives. He has mentored and trained 300+ professionals, and worked in 70+ countries across the globe. His clients include General Electric, Stryker, AkzoNobel, Coca-Cola, Kuehne + Nagel, Philips, and ManpowerGroup, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises, investment firms, and private equities.
Anirvan is an experienced M&A thought leader who has authored 3 books and is the host of a podcast on “Stories on M&A” by Fifth Chrome Business Insights. Additionally, Fifth Chrome offers integration design scorecards, online M&A integration training, and industry insights research on people and culture-related aspects of M&A.
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Hosted by Anirvan Sen, CEO of Fifth Chrome, and Anahita Sen, Co-Facilitator of Fifth Chrome Podcasts
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This interview is part of a series run by Fifth Chrome, an business strategy advisory, and training company specializing in M&A, Integration, and Business Transformations.
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References mentioned: • PROMISE framework
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How Culture Works in Fintech M&A World - Podcast with Alex Cross
Show Notes:
Alex got his bearing around culture when he was in the military. Over the years during his M&A stint, he encountered a lot of failures that prompted him to think hard and reflect on the cultural question. Culture is not about the values that get posted on the walls, it is not about what the CEO or the founder says about their companies, it is not about the annual employee assessment that gets sent out, culture is about “what are the ways of working, how do people work on a day to day basis, and what are the common strings that people can pull from that”.
There is a lack of respect for the complexity of culture. Leaders think that it is an HR thing to deal with. In reality, it is a leadership thing.
Alex shares examples from the eCommerce and financial world where culture played an important role especially around the way sales organizations integrated, how the culture was different, and what sort of challenges came up?
In M&A integration, there is a tendency to make a lot of promises upfront. Unfortunately, many of them cannot be kept and it destroys trust.
The biggest mistake companies make is not conducting a cultural assessment during due diligence not just about the target company but also, about themselves. By knowing yourself better through self-assessment, you can create better empathy.
Alex Cross is an Operations Executive with a track record of creating a vision, leading operational strategy, and producing cross-functional insights for executives to maximize efficiency while inspiring cultural change to transform businesses. As a pragmatic, detail-oriented, and data-driven problem-solver who builds consensus, Alex has successfully introduced disciplines to track objectives against measurable results and led people to meet commitments. He thrives in fast-paced environments and possesses the courage to kickstart change using a proven playbook to achieve strategic goals.
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Hosted by Anirvan Sen, CEO of Fifth Chrome, and Anahita Sen, Co-Facilitator of Fifth Chrome Podcasts
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This interview is part of a series run by Fifth Chrome, an business strategy advisory, and training company specializing in M&A, Integration, and Business Transformations.
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Books mentioned:
• Primal Leadership – Daniel Goleman, Richard Boyatzis, Annie McKee
• Meditations – Marcus Aurelius, Gregory Hays
• Good to Great – Jim Collins
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How Culture impacts M&A in an International Setting - Podcast with Robert Heaton
Show Notes:
Culture is the whole set of behaviors combined to exhibit themselves as the way the organization behaves both internally as well as externally. In most cases, it is run by the senior leadership at the top, the way they run the business is also strengthened by the way it gets absorbed by the rest of the organization and the way they act.
Culture is made of multiple building blocks. It is a set of behavior styles and principles. Due to FDA regulations, industries like pharma have very stringent requirements and as a result, it takes time for decision-making. On the other hand, engineering industries have little less stringent requirements and that allows quicker decision-making.
Another challenge with culture is that organizations have a director of sales, and a director of HR but do not have a director of culture. Historically, companies have treated this touchy-feely topic as part of the HR (Human Resources) function. And in M&A, functions go about doing functional integrations. And as a function, there are several serious, more important functional topics even for HR that culture gets relegated to a lower priority.
Culture is such an important part of M&A integration but the way modern-day leaders are educated i.e. focus on financial performance and numbers that culture is never given importance. So, unless you are exposed to executive leaders who make culture a central theme like Jack Welch, it is unlikely to feature as one of the central themes of an M&A.
PROMISE framework developed by Fifth Chrome which has 7 elements mentioned. And the importance on how do build a balanced approach to those 7 elements during a cultural integration in M&A.
Robert Heaton is a Technology Industry veteran and Sales Enablement specialist with Tier 1 global experience across EMEA, North America, and APJC. Extensive Post M&A integration and Divestment expertise. Consulting advisory in enabling technology to drive business outcomes, business performance improvement, business incubation, and business systems & process improvement.
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Hosted by Anirvan Sen, CEO of Fifth Chrome, and Anahita Sen, Co-Facilitator of Fifth Chrome Podcasts
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This interview is part of a series run by Fifth Chrome, an business strategy advisory, and training company specializing in M&A, Integration, and Business Transformations.
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Books mentioned:
Jack Welch | Jack: Straight from the Gut Jack Welch and Suzy Welch | Winning: The Ultimate Business How-To Book -
How has the culture changed in M&A since the 90s? This is the topic of this podcast on M&A Stories on Culture with Senior Practitioner Alain Bridoux.
Show Notes:
In the 90s, American companies dominated the M&A industry with a focus on "alignment." But as Alain Bridoux points out in our latest podcast episode, culture is so much more than just alignment. He delves into the impact of national culture on organizations and the importance of considering culture during the due diligence process. Don't miss this thought-provoking episode where Alain also shares insights on how companies can better integrate cultures and the role of retained owners in the process. Listen now and join the conversation on the importance of culture in M&A.
#M&A #culture #due diligence
Alain Bridoux is a senior M&A practitioner with more than 40 years of experience in multicultural and multifunctional positions acquired in different multinationals Currently an independent Consultant and Assistant Professor. Having been able to participate for six years in the impressive changes taking place in China has given him a taste for an extended lease of Business life and continuing connections with Asia. Since his return to France in 2012 collaboration with different well-established firms gave him excellent platforms to carry out flexible and diversified assignments in the Consulting and Educational fields After a Corporate career centered around Finance and Support Services his field of interest has expanded to cross-cultural expertise and International Business Development for SMEs
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Hosted by Anirvan Sen, CEO Fifth Chrome, and Anahita Sen, Co-Facilitator Fifth Chrome Podcasts
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This interview is part of a series run by Fifth Chrome, an business strategy advisory, and training company specializing in M&A, Integration, and Business Transformations.
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Books mentioned:
• Vaclav Smil - Numbers do not lie
• Jordan Ellenberg - How not to be wrong
• Bernard Marr - Big Data
• Jack Welch – Winning
• Frederic Laloux - Reinventing Organizations
• Erin Meyer - The Culture Map
• Richard Nisbett: The geography of thought
• Frons Trompenaars - Riding the waves of culture
• Geert Hofstede - Cultures and organizations
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This is a podcast on M&A Stories on Culture with Senior Practitioner Sarah Rodgers.
Show Notes:
The impact of Culture is huge in an integration. Every organization has its unique culture. One of the first things that Sarah learned about culture was the need to be onsite to get a better understanding of the acquired company’s culture, the personalities involved, and how the companies work. Companies tend to put too much focus on numbers, synergies, rationales, and money aspects but at the end of the day, it is all about people and culture.
Sarah talks about her early years of experience related to culture when she used to work with a company based in New York which had acquired a company in the midwest. She realized she needed to blend with their culture. You need to take care of your attire which needs to blend well with the acquired company culture. You should not come in with a pre-conceived agenda that whatever approach worked with your acquiring company will work with the acquired company.
The ramifications of culture can be massive. In one of the examples she mentioned, the employees of the acquired company walked out with their key clients costing the acquiring company millions of dollars in lost revenue.
Culture is not seen as important or too small to appear on the agenda of senior leaders or worse, they are so busy that they can’t prioritize culture on their agenda. But the ultimate delusion that senior leaders have is that cultural integration will happen on its own. Culture should be dealt with respect, and should have transparent communication, and the right level of support.
Watch the episode to know more.
Sarah Rodgers is a senior M&A practitioner and has been involved in several integrations across different industries. She is a dynamic professional with a proven track record for leading programs and implementing change. She regularly handles complex business issues in the areas of business transformation through acquisition, merger, divestiture, or carve-outs. She has expertise in designing and delivering consistent program management, governance, change management, and interim leadership.
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The hosts of the interview are:
Anirvan Sen, CEO Fifth Chrome,
Anahita Sen, Co-Facilitator Fifth Chrome Podcasts
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This interview is part of a series run by Fifth Chrome , an business strategy advisory and training company specializing in M&A, Integration, and Business Transformations.
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Books mentioned:
Harvard Business Review Daring Greatly: Brene Brown Psychology of Money: Morgan Housel People Economics - Defining and Measuring the True Value of Human Capital: Laura Queen -
This is a podcast on M&A Stories regarding Serial Acquisitions and New-Age Acquisitions with Nitin Kumar
Show Notes: On the perspective of serial acquirer vs occasional acquirer, in the past there were three types of acquirers: Occasional, Frequent and Serial Acquirer. Since then the world of M&A has changed quite a lot. Companies that were known as serial acquirers, who had created processes around it and created playbooks, no longer can say that they are a continuous serial acquirer. Due to the massive expansion on types of acquisition i.e. consolidation, adjacencies, acquihire, carve-out integration and new business models, the traditional definition of serial acquirers no longer holds good.
New trend is emerging where companies want to integrate new operating models or get acquihires to boost their strategy realization faster than the timeline pursued in conventional integrations.
It is not just the size of an acquisition but also the complexity of an acquisition that drives the length of time for integration. Now there are companies that have started parallel acquisitions alongside their serial acquisitions.
Integrations have radically evolved since the last decade and definitely from the last century. Integrations can be functional or structural. Functional integrations is all about functions integrating with each other but in the era of disruptions that we are living in, structural integrations are at play here in many cases.
Structural integrations may be cross-functional like revenue synergies where sales, marketing, product management, pricing teams need to be involved or it may include digital transformation that rationalizes many roles and functions. Synergies in the classic way may not be enough in today’s integration. Companies need to factor in Lindy Effect, Metcalfe’s Law, Networks that can drive exponential synergies there. These synergies do not necessarily come out of the functions or the back office.
How should IMO be configured? Should it be drive-and-deliver, advise-and-support posture, lead-and-influence, is it augment-and-report with business units doing drive-and-deliver work? Driving value these days is not just cost synergies and revenue synergies but also includes reciprocal synergies where both parties bring something to the table and create value. There are sequential synergies i.e. if a certain sequence of steps are undertaken, it can lead to creation of new viable steps that result in value creation. There are beta synergies that isolate value drivers and synergies that directly impact stock prices.
Listen to the episode to know more.
Nitin Kumar is a 25-year veteran, transformative CEO, and ex Management Consulting Partner focused on the TMT sectors. He has led hyper-scale organizations ($multi-billion P/L) and start-ups with global experience across all major markets (six continents). In 2020, he was recognized by CEO Today magazine as the "Master of the Pivot", CIO Bulletin as "Top 10 CEOs to Watch" and CEO World as “Most Influential Exec”.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikumar/
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The hosts of the interview are:
Anirvan Sen, CEO Fifth Chrome: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirvansen/ Marcella Hall, HR M&A Expert: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hallmarcella/-------
This interview is part of a series run by Fifth Chrome (https://www.fifthchrome.com), a firm that enables experienced professionals to build "Future Capabilities for Business to thrive".
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Books mentioned:
- Exponential Organizations by Salim Ismail | https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00OO8ZGC6
- The Price of Tomorrow by Jeff Booth | https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B08334WFSQ
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