Skip to main content
Fifth Chrome Business Insights

Fifth Chrome Business Insights

By Anirvan Sen

Bringing you best business insights from the world of Growth Strategy, Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A), and Digital Innovation
Available on
Amazon Music Logo
Apple Podcasts Logo
Overcast Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

S1 - Ep.7: How to improve business performance through Simple Automation and Flawless Data

Fifth Chrome Business InsightsJul 09, 2020

00:00
37:27
S4 - E3: The $9 Trillion Disconnect: Solving the Employee Engagement Crisis | Anirvan Sen & Nigel Kilpatrick

S4 - E3: The $9 Trillion Disconnect: Solving the Employee Engagement Crisis | Anirvan Sen & Nigel Kilpatrick

Join ⁠⁠⁠Anirvan Sen⁠⁠⁠, CEO of ⁠⁠⁠Fifth Chrome⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠Nigel Kilpatrick⁠⁠⁠, CEO of ⁠⁠⁠Compassion-in-Business⁠⁠⁠, as they tackle the colossal issue of employee disengagement in this eye-opening episode. Discover why businesses are losing an astonishing $9 trillion annually due to disengaged employees and explore practical solutions to this pervasive problem. Key Episode Highlights: 📌 Magnitude of the Problem: Unpack the staggering $9 trillion annual loss in business productivity globally, emphasizing the urgent need for strategic interventions. 📌 Root Causes of Disengagement: Dive into common workplace hurdles that lead to employee disengagement, including the overwhelming number of IT applications employees are required to manage. 📌 Practical Solutions and Strategies: Learn how businesses can effectively tackle disengagement, increase productivity, and create a more fulfilling work environment for their employees. Expert Insights: Anirvan and Nigel discuss real-world examples and share innovative approaches to boost engagement across various industries. This episode is crucial for business leaders, HR professionals, and managers seeking to understand and mitigate the impacts of employee disengagement. Subscribe to our channel for more insights on creating high-performance, compassionate workplaces. Watch now and take the first step toward transforming your organizational culture and productivity. #EmployeeEngagement #BusinessProductivity #Leadership #HRManagement #HumanResources #OrganizationalDevelopment #TalentManagement #culturechange #CorporateCulture #BusinessStrategy Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful discussions on business strategy, leadership, and organizational development. 🎙️ 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 ⁠⁠website⁠⁠ Our 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

May 22, 202426:37
S4 - E2: Aligning Company and Employee Values: The Role of Compassion in Bridging Gaps | Anirvan Sen & Nigel Kilpatrick

S4 - E2: Aligning Company and Employee Values: The Role of Compassion in Bridging Gaps | Anirvan Sen & Nigel Kilpatrick

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 ⁠website⁠ Our 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

May 14, 202421:28
S4 - E1: Empathy Listens, Compassion Acts: The Critical Difference Fueling Business Success | Anirvan Sen and Nigel Kilpatrick

S4 - E1: Empathy Listens, Compassion Acts: The Critical Difference Fueling Business Success | Anirvan Sen and Nigel Kilpatrick

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 Profile Nigel 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 website Our 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


Apr 30, 202424:14
S3 - E17: Bridging Cultures in M&A: Anirvan Sen & James Harris Unveil Key Strategies for Professional Growth

S3 - E17: Bridging Cultures in M&A: Anirvan Sen & James Harris Unveil Key Strategies for Professional Growth

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 Learning Whether 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

Apr 10, 202448:43
S3 - 16: Mastering M&A: Kim Jones on Cultivating Culture & HR Excellence in Acquisitions

S3 - 16: Mastering M&A: Kim Jones on Cultivating Culture & HR Excellence in Acquisitions

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

Mar 27, 202441:05
S3 - 15: Exploring the Impact of Culture in M&A with Lynette Buitt | Fifth Chrome Podcast

S3 - 15: Exploring the Impact of Culture in M&A with Lynette Buitt | Fifth Chrome Podcast

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 -------

Dec 05, 202352:06
S3 - 14: Mastering Transformation and M&A Integration Orchestration: With Jay Goldman of Sensei Labs

S3 - 14: Mastering Transformation and M&A Integration Orchestration: With Jay Goldman of Sensei Labs

🎙️ 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.

Oct 03, 202349:40
S3 - 13: Navigating Employee Layoffs in M&A - Compassionate Insights with Summer Hilliard

S3 - 13: Navigating Employee Layoffs in M&A - Compassionate Insights with Summer Hilliard

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 layoffs Strategies 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 effectively Summer 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 layoffs Passionate about employee well-being during transitions Focused 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

Sep 13, 202345:23
S3 - E12: Decoding Culture in M&A: Expert Insights with Claire-Marie Nasr & Cathy Powers

S3 - E12: Decoding Culture in M&A: Expert Insights with Claire-Marie Nasr & Cathy Powers

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 Chrome Anahita 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.

Jul 11, 202349:27
S3 - E11: Harmonizing Cultures: The Unseen Powerhouse in Successful M&A Integrations with Mary Cianni

S3 - E11: Harmonizing Cultures: The Unseen Powerhouse in Successful M&A Integrations with Mary Cianni

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

-------

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:

Jun 20, 202349:11
 S3 - E10: Cracking the Culture Code in M&A: Insights from M&A Veteran ⁠Mark Walztoni⁠

S3 - E10: Cracking the Culture Code in M&A: Insights from M&A Veteran ⁠Mark Walztoni⁠

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

-------

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:

May 24, 202358:43
S3 - E9: Unraveling the Hidden Impact of Culture on Psychology in M&A: A Deep Dive with Jennifer Fondrevay

S3 - E9: Unraveling the Hidden Impact of Culture on Psychology in M&A: A Deep Dive with Jennifer Fondrevay

Unraveling the Hidden Impact of Culture on Psychology in M&A: A Deep Dive with Jennifer Fondrevay, a podcast In 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 Fondrevay A 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

-------

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:

May 11, 202352:44
S3 - E8: Mastering M&A Culture: Unveiling Expert Insights with Reynaldo Ramirez

S3 - E8: Mastering M&A Culture: Unveiling Expert Insights with Reynaldo Ramirez

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 Communications For the freebies mentioned in the interview, please reach out at Rey@thrivehrconsulting.com ------- Hosted by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Anirvan Sen⁠⁠⁠⁠, CEO of ⁠⁠⁠⁠Fifth Chrome⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Anahita Sen⁠⁠⁠⁠, Co-Facilitator of ⁠⁠⁠⁠Fifth Chrome⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcasts

-------

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.

Apr 25, 202355:03
S3 - E7: Mastering the M&A Culture Puzzle: Klint C. Kendrick Reveals the Secrets to Successful Integration!

S3 - E7: Mastering the M&A Culture Puzzle: Klint C. Kendrick Reveals the Secrets to Successful Integration!

Mastering the M&A Culture Puzzle: ⁠Klint C. Kendrick⁠ Reveals the Secrets to Successful Integration! - a podcast Show Notes: Season 3, Episode 7 – Interview with ⁠Klint C. Kendrick⁠ Join 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 projects Don'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

-------

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

Apr 11, 202339:53
S3 - E6: Mastering M&A: The Crucial Role of Culture Podcast with Giovanni Amodeo

S3 - E6: Mastering M&A: The Crucial Role of Culture Podcast with Giovanni Amodeo

Mastering M&A: The Crucial Role of Culture Podcast with Giovanni Amodeo In 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

-------

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

Mar 28, 202335:26
S3 - E5: Why Culture fails in M&A and how to address them - Podcast with Anirvan Sen

S3 - E5: Why Culture fails in M&A and how to address them - Podcast with Anirvan Sen

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.  

-----  

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.   

------- 

Hosted by Anirvan Sen, CEO of Fifth Chrome, and Anahita Sen, Co-Facilitator of Fifth Chrome Podcasts

-------

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.

------

References mentioned: • PROMISE framework

Mar 17, 202315:22
S3 - E4: How Culture Works in Fintech M&A World - Podcast with Alex Cross

S3 - E4: How Culture Works in Fintech M&A World - Podcast with Alex Cross

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.  

------- 

Hosted by Anirvan Sen, CEO of Fifth Chrome, and Anahita Sen, Co-Facilitator of Fifth Chrome Podcasts

-------

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:

Primal Leadership – Daniel Goleman, Richard Boyatzis, Annie McKee 

Meditations – Marcus Aurelius, Gregory Hays 

Good to Great – Jim Collins 

Mar 04, 202356:27
S3 - E3: How Culture impacts M&A in an International Setting - Podcast with Robert Heaton

S3 - E3: How Culture impacts M&A in an International Setting - Podcast with Robert Heaton

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.

-------

Hosted by Anirvan Sen, CEO of Fifth Chrome, and Anahita Sen, Co-Facilitator of Fifth Chrome Podcasts

-------

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:

Feb 14, 202359:34
S3 - E2: How has the culture changed in M&A since the 90s - with Senior Practitioner Alain Bridoux

S3 - E2: How has the culture changed in M&A since the 90s - with Senior Practitioner Alain Bridoux

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  

------- 

Hosted by Anirvan Sen, CEO Fifth Chrome, and Anahita Sen, Co-Facilitator Fifth Chrome Podcasts

------- 

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: 

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

Jan 24, 202343:18
S3 - E1 : M&A Stories on Culture with Senior Practitioner Sarah Rodgers

S3 - E1 : M&A Stories on Culture with Senior Practitioner Sarah Rodgers

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.   

------- 

The hosts of the interview are: 

Anirvan Sen, CEO Fifth Chrome,

Anahita Sen, Co-Facilitator Fifth Chrome Podcasts 

------- 

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: 

Jan 09, 202347:55
S2 - E15 : M&A Stories regarding Serial Acquisitions and New-Age Acquisitions with Nitin Kumar

S2 - E15 : M&A Stories regarding Serial Acquisitions and New-Age Acquisitions with Nitin Kumar

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/

-------

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".

-------

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

Oct 12, 202238:40
S2 - E14 : M&A Stories regarding Pitching for Fund Raising and Investments with James Church

S2 - E14 : M&A Stories regarding Pitching for Fund Raising and Investments with James Church

This is a video podcast on M&A Stories regarding Pitching for Fund Raising and Investments with James Church  

Show Notes

Pitching is one of the entrepreneur's most powerful tools, especially for fundraising and investments.  In this session, James Church talks about how to make your pitch highly impactful for your business. He talks about his book called Investable Entrepreneur where he mentions a 6-Principles of creating a perfect pitch (Plan, Projection, Structure, Content, Clarity, and Design).    

What is the mismatch in pitching between founders and investors?  

  • Investors look for Risks, Proofs, Assets, and Strength of implementation plans 
  • Entrepreneurs/Founders/Businesses pitch Possibilities, Revenue, Opportunities, and Ideas  

What sort of language do investors expect from the entrepreneur/business?  

  • Whether the entrepreneur/business is highly resourceful or not? 
  • Understands financial risks and financial wars. 

How much money is going to be used to build? How long will the investment last? 

  • Investment thinking. Commercial success. Implementation strategy.   

Watch the episode to know more about "Pitching".  

James Church is the co-founder and COO of Robot Mascot, the UK's leading pitch agency. Their clients are 40x more likely to raise investment and they are the trusted pitch partner to Crowdcube, Seedrs, Seed Legals, Swoop Funding, and Dent Global.  James is the author of the best-selling book “Investable Entrepreneur”, where he shares his unique methodology for convincing investors.  He has been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, on numerous industry blogs and podcasts, ran mentoring sessions at Tech Hub, Google Campus, and Runway East, and delivered mastermind sessions for Design Museum, Dent Global, and The Chartered Institute of Marketing, and the University of East Anglia.  

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamescchurch/

------- 

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". 

------- 

Books mentioned: 

  • The Investable Entrepreneur by James Church: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B08NRBW565/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_FYAA1DZBDT59RFMB67CM

------- 

Websites mentioned in the episode (for a free digital copy of the book):

  •  https://www.robotmascot.co.uk/pitchready/​
May 30, 202238:31
S2 - E13: M&A Stories in the Small and Medium-size Integrations with Aaron Whiting

S2 - E13: M&A Stories in the Small and Medium-size Integrations with Aaron Whiting

This is a podcast on M&A Stories in the Small and Medium-size Integrations with Aaron Whiting  

Show Notes: 

Integrations in the SME and mid-market are quite different from large-scale mergers and integrations. Learn how integrations are managed in this space especially owned by private equities or venture capital. In this episode, Aaron discusses integrations of companies where the revenue ratio is about 1:5 or greater i.e. where the acquiring company is greater than or equal to five times the size of the company that is being acquired.  

Two ways to design integration in this space.  

  • Default is the GM model which is a hold it and turnover model. In this case, there is a General Manager who is assigned the integration. The GM eventually ends up running the business post the integration stage. The integration is a 90-180 day project run. It is primarily run as a tuck-in type, standalone. There is matrix management. 
  • The second one is the day-one cutover. It follows integration-transformation-optimization model. And this model is followed by small companies especially those which do not have a deep functionalized organizational structure. Integrating small companies becomes a challenge as most employees do not have functionalized job responsibilities. 

On people questions, Aaron mentioned that most of the time questions asked by employees on day-one tend to be: 

  • Do I still have a job? 
  • Who is my manager? 
  • What’s the plan? 

Watch the episode to know more about this type of integration.  

Aaron Whiting is a highly-skilled, target-driven hybrid professional who drives success through building relationships and guiding assembled teams to solve problems. Over a decade of scoping, designing, and quarterbacking the delivery of solutions to the end-user through various roles and focuses. Though passionate about streamlining the business process through the use of technology, he focuses on the end-user experience and seeks to fully understand the end-user problem before designing and prescribing a solution. .   

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronjwhiting/

------- 

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". 

------- 

Books mentioned: 

  • The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/0470941529/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_XK5RKBXK2FZHDBMD6W5V
May 04, 202249:43
S2 - E12: M&A Stories in the Life Sciences and Healthcare industry with Olivier Jarry

S2 - E12: M&A Stories in the Life Sciences and Healthcare industry with Olivier Jarry

This is a podcast on M&As in the Life Sciences and Healthcare industry with Olivier Jarry.  

Show Notes: 

M&A as a strategy is quite significant in the life sciences business.   

In the past, pharma and info device companies would engage universities and educational institutes to develop new innovations. Now, with unprecedented connectivity in the business world, the world of M&A has become sophisticated. It is no longer seen just as a strategic buy but interestingly, companies are buying scale-up businesses to address FOMO (fear of missing out).   

Most of the acquisitions in the life sciences space however are related to technology and commercial strategy.  

There is a strong need to have operational people in the pre-deal stage especially since there is so much intellectual property, patents, and technology involved. Also, it is quite prevalent to have the innovation or the science teams in the actual sourcing of deals.  

And there is a lot more in the episode that Olivier shares with us in terms of examples and funny anecdotes from the world of M&A in the life sciences and healthcare industry.   

Olivier Jarry is Global Life Sciences & Consumer Health Executive and has 30+ years working in different parts of world including Europe, India, Asia and the US. Originally from France, he is now based in New York.   

https://www.linkedin.com/in/orjarry/

------- 

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". 

Mar 07, 202251:26
S2 - E11: M&A Stories on Joint Ventures comparison with M&As with Ivan Golubic

S2 - E11: M&A Stories on Joint Ventures comparison with M&As with Ivan Golubic

This is a podcast on Joint Ventures comparison with M&As with Ivan Golubic.  

Show Notes: 

Comparing and Contrasting JVs (Joint Ventures) and M&As (Mergers and Acquisitions). The concept of the transaction is very similar between JVs and M&As. You go through the same assessment, due diligence, and planning exercises.  

The biggest difference is that JVs are relationship-based. It is not won-and-done. It is two independent parties who work together for a common purpose and goes over many years (planning, running, and dissolving). 

JVs like M&As are also susceptible to not achieving their results either. Lack of alignment on the approach to achieve goals or poor execution of plans may cause JVs to fail.  It is important to include potential members of an implementation team in the due diligence process. 

In order to control and influence, the most important part of a JV is a governance structure. The governance structure would monitor the objectives and KPIs in such a way that it maximizes the goals of all the parent companies involved. Sometimes it is better to engage a 3rd party to set up neutral governance. 

When companies create brand new JVs, they should create a JV-specific culture within that organization. This is one aspect where a lot of JVs fail to create and continue to extend their own parent’s culture into the JV creating issues and conflicts.  

Relationship and trust are two components of a successful JV. 

Many JVs last longer than the tenure of senior managers in specific roles. Those who had initiated the JVs with specific goals, move on to other roles and thus the initially planned goals may get diluted with new people in the JV roles.  

Ivan Golubic is a seasoned Interim CFO | VP Finance, Legal and Regulatory Affairs. He has extensive experience both in M&A and Joint Ventures.   --------- 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/igolubic/

------- 

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". 

------- 

Books mentioned: 

- Agile M&A: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/173347451X/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_XEQEH8V4RNKESR6HTZE5

- Mergers and Acquisitions Playbook, Mark Filipell https://smile.amazon.com/dp/0470627530/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_EK3G3PGT25F52QC4N6HC

- Mergers and Acquisitions From A to Z, Andrew Sherman https://smile.amazon.com/dp/0814413838/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_FEQP6ZVBBGWNPAK989W8

--------

Jan 25, 202239:37
M&A Mini-Series 5/5 : M&A Post-Merger Integration Introduction Training Audio
Jan 12, 202208:60
M&A Mini-Series 4/5 : M&A Post-Merger Integration Introduction Training Audio
Jan 12, 202213:20
M&A Mini-Series 3/5 : M&A Post-Merger Integration Introduction Training Audio
Jan 12, 202209:36
M&A Mini-Series 2/5 : M&A Post-Merger Integration Introduction Training Audio
Jan 12, 202210:06
M&A Mini-Series 1/5 : M&A Post-Merger Integration Introduction Training Audio
Jan 12, 202208:14
S2 - E10 : M&A Stories on Innovation in M&A and Integration with Toby Tester

S2 - E10 : M&A Stories on Innovation in M&A and Integration with Toby Tester

This is a podcast on innovation in M&A and integration with Toby Tester.  

Innovation plays a very central role in many mergers and acquisitions. Thanks to the rapidly changing world of digital technology, the importance of innovation in recent times have increased tenfold.  But what exactly is innovation? And what does it mean in the broader M&A context?  

Toby Tester says that innovation is one of those words that get so heavily used, it has become a bit of a cliché these days. Simply put, innovation is “doing something new in a different way” that can increase revenue or reduce costs.

We are living in a very disruptive world that has been amplified by the pandemic. Once we emerge out of this pandemic, there will be a lot of new opportunities for transformations will come up. Organizations will look at right across their supply chain and look at how they can do better. And this is going to be right across all the industries.  

For companies in these times, they can either decide to pursue growth organically but it takes time, or go and acquire another company to accelerate the transformation in their own company.   However, most traditional companies are still stuck in their 20th-century thinking and thus, have not been able to evolve their thinking yet.

Listen to the podcast to learn more about Innovation in the world of M&A integration

Toby Tester is an M&A Consultant and a Podcast Host. He has nearly 20 years of experience delivering strategic, financial, and operational value from dozens of M&A deals.  He has an Honours degree in Aerospace from Imperial College, London, and an MBA from the Macquarie Graduate School of Management. He iso a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD).  

--------- 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobytester/

------- 

The host of the interview was: Anirvan Sen, CEO Fifth Chrome: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirvansen/

------- 

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".


Jan 11, 202241:14
S2 - E9 : M&A Stories on Leveraging Agile in M&A and Integration with Kison Patel

S2 - E9 : M&A Stories on Leveraging Agile in M&A and Integration with Kison Patel

This is a podcast on leveraging the agile approach in M&A and integration with Kison Patel.  

The initial conversation was centered around due diligence. Most companies use excel trackers for diligence. The problem with the approach is that when you need to place follow-on questions, clarification questions, and try to communicate with the excel tracker, this can turn into a disaster.  

Later, Kison also talks about his book on Agile M&A and mentions what inspired him to write this book and how he went about actually writing it. He mentions his discussions with James Harris at Google who shared several examples of how Google uses agile in their M&A process. Christina Amiry at Atlassian further inspired him to actually create a framework on Agile M&A so that other companies can use it at their own companies.  

Organizations should not focus on playbooks (templatized and checklist-based M&A approaches) but instead focus on a game plan focusing on the operating model, how your teams are organized, how they interact and work together, and how they manage their activities. In the game plans, there are several plays. And each play could be a step-by-step approach to address a specific component of integration. Each team would create its own play configurations.  

Kison mentioned the art of retrospect during an M&A. Teams want to conduct a post-mortem or a review after an M&A has been completed but often they are unable to actually conduct it due to shortage of time or other priorities. Retrospect, on the other hand, is the feedback exercise that is conducted periodically e.g. once a month, and captures details in increments.  

One of the approaches of incorporating agile into integration is to empower the organization to iterate an integration plan, as it moves along the journey of M&A.  

On integration itself, one of the items Kison highlighted is that many M&As fail at the integration stage and it fail due to poor planning. 9 out of 10 practitioners say that they could have done better planning if they got involved earlier in the M&A process.  

The biggest value leak of an M&A tends to be people leaving an organization once the deal is announced as Klint Kendrick had once shared with Kison.  Integrations make a mistake by taking on a functional-silo-based approach. There are lots of interdependencies and interactions that required various functions in an integration that gets overlooked with a silo-based approach.  

One of the greatest gifts that one can give in the business world is the gift of introduction.  

Contract Analysis is still an area that remains highly manual. In the future, Artificial Intelligence may be used in this space.   

Kison Patel is the CEO and Founder of M&A Science + DealRoom. As a former M&A advisor, Kison has seen these challenges first hand and has set out to develop tools and techniques that address these industry failings and enable M&A practitioners to drive growth and maximize value.  

--------- 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kisonpatel/

------- 

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". ------- Others mentioned: James Harris, Google: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-harris-5633a61/------- Scholarship mentioned: mascience.com/scholarship The training mentioned: https://www.mascience.com/academy------- Books mentioned: - Agile M&A: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/173347451X/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_XEQEH8V4RNKESR6HTZE5--------

Nov 19, 202144:47
S2 - Ep8: M&A Stories on Importance of Technology in M&A Integration with Hutton Henry

S2 - Ep8: M&A Stories on Importance of Technology in M&A Integration with Hutton Henry

Interview on "M&A Stories on Importance of Technology in M&A Integration" with Hutton Henry

Show Notes:

M&A Integrations most often miss out on the “people” element. And if you miss this early in the integration process, it tends to come back and hurt you in a much bigger way.

Cultural sensitivity is a key part of any integration especially if it is an international acquisition. Left unaddressed it can quickly turn into animosity amongst people from the acquired company towards the acquiring company. As a result, other projects during the integration period often get impacted as people lose motivation and don’t necessarily care as much, and even sharing of information gets radically reduced.

Even though a single company has a technology platform, however, technology expertise is not necessarily critical in all integrations!

Technology can provide a competitive advantage or help in cost reduction in an integration.

There are 3 pillars in technology M&A due diligence: people, visibility on landscape and technology integration plan.

When it comes to tech integration, you must consider that imperfection is normal. Both sides have to open up and share what each other is doing even if it is not perfect. It is hard because technology people tend to be perfectionists. On the other side, when people start sharing their imperfections, it leads to greater trust and thus, possibilities of greater collaboration.

Technology integrations are also very exciting as in each integration there is something that needs to be built new like using Lego bricks to build a new structure.

What is observed in due diligence can be very different post-acquisition in terms of people and team. Therefore, attention must be paid to understanding “people” in technology integration.

There is a certain level of intelligence in understanding people, leaders, and team dynamics when it comes to integrating technology teams. One of the best tools to do is Kolbe’s conative assessment.

Three words of advice on technology due diligence:

- Try to get a copy of tech dd. See if it was internal or external

- Try to see if you can get a copy of commercial dd since it can give real insights on why a certain acquisition was conducted

- Listen for nuances from the people interactions. This one is critical since nuances are not about whether you can solve the problem or not. It is about getting a hook by which you can continue the dialogues further.

-----

Watch this episode and learn more about what Hutton Henry has to say about the importance of technology and people in any Post-Merger Integration. Hutton is a people-centered and technology-focused, seasoned M&A professional. His M&A career spanning more than two decades is a treasure trove of expertise and nuanced stories. He is the founder and CEO of Beyond M&A, a company that provides technology due diligence and post-deal advisory services for private equity/venture capital investors and within their portfolios.

---------

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hutton-henry/

-------

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".

-------

Training mentioned: - Anirvan Sen's On-demand M&A Integration Training: https://fifthchrome.com/ma-integration-masterclass-6wk/

-------

Books mentioned:

- Hutton Henry's book : People First: Unite your tech teams to deliver successful M&A integration projects: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/1781333041

Sep 16, 202145:42
S2 - Ep7: M&A Stories on business strategies on growth and importance of integration with Dirk Hendrickx

S2 - Ep7: M&A Stories on business strategies on growth and importance of integration with Dirk Hendrickx

Interview on "M&A Stories on business strategies on growth and importance of integration" with Dirk Hendrickx

Show Notes: 

Mergers and Acquisitions can play a big part in the growth strategies of companies but it is the integration where you actually create the value. Companies need to start thinking about aspects of integration even before the due diligence process. Companies shouldn’t have M&A as the only strategy. However, M&A can help accelerate growth, it can help to enter a new country and help acquire talent.

Markets that are evolving fast have a lot of companies and entrepreneurs that come up with new technology, new solution and the only way you can acquire that is through acquisition.  

Larger companies may have excess cash that they can deploy to help the smaller acquired companies. The smaller companies use the cash for marketing and expand their market penetration. The acquired companies can also deploy the cash to win bigger projects.   

Companies often get caught with the technical details of IT system consolidation and other tactical stuff instead of focusing on how the management team of an acquired company can be helped.

Another key aspect is the personalities involved in an M&A integration. The people, the culture, their mentality.  

Key Stage of Integration starts even before the due diligence where you may end up asking the leaders of the target company on what value do they see in that M&A transaction. It can provide great insight into the organization as well as the leadership team.  

Expect the unexpected during the conversation with both the target company and the acquiring company’s leadership.

Language remains a key challenge in any integration. Also, culture is something that gets rarely discussed in most cases. It is assumed that people will figure out how to work together.  

It is a good idea to over-invest in resources during integration.  

M&A is a great way to grow a business. However, integrating the acquired businesses is where the real value creation takes place. Without a proper integration plan, you are essentially signing a plan to throw money down a drain. So, watch out!

-----  

Watch this episode and learn more about what Dirk Hendrickx has to say about the importance of integration during Post-Merger Integration.  

Dirk is a people-centered, multilingual leader with high integrity and a strong commercial focus. Proven at delivering results across multiple industries for both global, matrixed blue-chips to more entrepreneurial, family-owned businesses. Lived and worked in 4 countries, adaptable, non-judgmental, and quick to switch gears.   

--------- 

  • https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceodirkhendrickx/

------- 

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, a firm that enables experienced professionals to build "Future Capabilities for Business to thrive". 

------- 

Books mentioned: 

  • https://smile.amazon.com/Diagnosing-Changing-Organizational-Culture-Third-dp-0470650265/dp/0470650265/ref=mt_other?_encoding=UTF8&me=&qid=1628746589
  • https://smile.amazon.com/Organizational-Leadership-Jossey-Bass-Business-Management-dp-1119212049/dp/1119212049/ref=mt_other?_encoding=UTF8&me=&qid=1628746681
Aug 12, 202133:59
S2 - Ep6: M&A Stories on importance of integration management tools in M&A with Dharmendra Singh

S2 - Ep6: M&A Stories on importance of integration management tools in M&A with Dharmendra Singh

Interview on "M&A Stories on importance of integration management tools in M&A" with Dharmendra Singh  

Show Notes: 

M&A Integrations have a lot of challenges so when Dharmendra came out of a corporate job, he decided to address some of those issues. Integration processes in many organizations are not harmonized or don’t get shared between different teams. Even if there is a playbook, deployment and tracking always remain a challenge.  

Integration management tools are not necessarily underrated but the industry still lacks awareness about the tool. Moreover, companies are concerned about sharing their data.   

Integration management tools can be used to manage the complete lifecycle of an M&A process. Project management is one of the aspects of an integration management tool. Team collaboration, communication, and coordination are key focus areas for these tools.   

On human resources in an integration project, it is good to build internal capability but at the same time, external help is required as well. But don’t treat them as external. Treat them as an extension of the internal team.  

Managing integration itself is challenging. Without proper management tools, you are signing up for failure. So, watch out! 

-----  

Listen to this episode and learn more about what Dharmendra Singh has to say about the importance of management tools during Post-Merger Integration.  

Dharmendra is a senior executive with several years of extensive global experience in the area of Corporate M&A development and software product development mainly in India, the US, and Europe. Extensive experience in formulating and articulating vision and strategy, building leadership teams. I also serve as a Chairman of the board of MergerWare and a regular speaker and panelist on VC, PE, and M&A topics at industry conferences & other events sponsored by internationally recognized associations worldwide.  

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dharmendrainsead/ 

https://www.mergerware.com/

------- 

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, a firm that enables experienced professionals to build "Future Capabilities for Business to thrive".

Jul 24, 202139:40
S2 - Ep5: M&A Stories on importance of value creation and post-merger integration with Pirita Näkkäläjärvi

S2 - Ep5: M&A Stories on importance of value creation and post-merger integration with Pirita Näkkäläjärvi

Interview on "M&A Stories on importance of value creation and post-merger integration" with Pirita Näkkäläjärvi  

Show Notes: 

Getting a perspective from an M&A (pre-deal closing) practitioner on their perspective on post-merger integration.  

Organizations tend to overlook the integration side of things. In fact, it is hardly given any importance in the pre-deal stage in most instances. Often only one page is dedicated for post-merger integration. New value either does not get created or the existing value gets destroyed.   

Values are primarily attributed to synergies in the acquisition and usually is just a cost synergies play. It also does have revenue synergies but these types of synergies are not focused on and thus not realized.  

Integrations cannot be done as a side-job or add-on to your day job. There is a lot of complexity and complications involved. It needs dedicated resources.  Managing integration alongside business-as-usual is usually challenging. This is where external help can really alleviate the competing challenges. 

-----  

Watch this episode and learn more about what Pirita Näkkäläjärvi has to say about Value Creation and the importance of Post-Merger Integration. 

Pirita Näkkäläjärvi is an experienced M&A professional and a Member of Sámi Parliament in Finland. She has worked extensively in the areas of M&A, strategy, and communications. She has been awarded for her work both in M&A deals advisory and in Sámi-language media, and for her voluntary activities in indigenous advocacy and in folk music. She is passionate about sustainability, inclusion, and equal rights. Some of the highlights of recent years include yoiking and acting in a film presented at the Venice Biennale 2019 and taking part in the 2019 Students on Ice Arctic Expedition.  

--------- 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pirita/

------- 

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, a firm that enables experienced professionals to build "Future Capabilities for Business to thrive".

Jul 14, 202146:32
S2 - Ep4 : M&A Stories from Leadership and Cultural Perspective with Richard A. Vincent

S2 - Ep4 : M&A Stories from Leadership and Cultural Perspective with Richard A. Vincent

Interview on "M&A Stories from Leadership and Cultural Perspective" with Richard A. Vincent  

Show Notes: 

A large number of uncertainties in M&A happen due to cultural differences e.g. when a Dutch company buys an Asian company. Leadership can define the strategy but leadership also defines the culture. How do people behave? How do people act together as a team? Do they operate in siloes or do they act as a cohesive leadership team?  

Culture is usually an afterthought and most often, the effort for cultural integration is highly underestimated.   

Culturally in the Netherlands, people try to do all the things themselves as a culture whereas, in Germany, they may engage external resources. In economies like Singapore, Indonesia, and other parts of Asia, they regularly engage external resources.  

For culture, one could use the “Competing Values Framework” of Cameron-Quinn.  

One aspect of cultural difference is the difference of continents i.e. between Europe and China, India, ASEAN where the cultural differences are bigger than between countries in a region.  

Watch this episode and learn more about what Richard A. Vincent has to say about Leadership and Culture in M&A transactions.  

Richard A. Vincent has worked in human resources for over two decades, with extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, international HR, and in senior EMEA & APAC management roles in Executive Search, Leadership & Organizational Consulting such as Korn Ferry (Europe & Asia), PageGroup (Germany) and Robert Half (Europe & Asia). He founded RIVIONT in 2017 focusing on Leadership Advisory, Interim Management, and Executive Search solutions.  As Board Advisor I led and delivered over 500 Executive Search projects in Europe & Asia markets. Transformed, trained, coached over 50 geographical and functional leadership teams spanning 27 countries to self-awareness, effectiveness, and some of them to global top-performing teams. Advised international publicly listed and many other privately-held / private equity-backed companies.  

---------

 LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardavincent/

Company : https://riviont.com/

------- 

The host of the interview is Anirvan Sen, CEO - Fifth Chrome, 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirvansen/

------- 

This interview is part of a series run by Fifth Chrome, a firm that enables experienced professionals to build "Future Capabilities for Business to thrive".

Jun 22, 202133:09
S2 - Ep3: M&A Stories from HR, People and Cultural Perspective with Dr Klint C. Kendrick

S2 - Ep3: M&A Stories from HR, People and Cultural Perspective with Dr Klint C. Kendrick

Interview on "M&A Stories from HR, People, and Cultural Perspective"  


Show Notes: Overall 70% of M&A deals fail as per Harvard Business Review. When these deals fail, the impact of these failures tends to be in millions of dollars. They affect employees, leaders, other staff members, contractors as well as communities.   

A significant number of them can be attributed to people, organization, and cultural issues. This means it is important that these issues are addressed up-front during an integration before it is too late.  

People, organization, and culture risks can be put into 6 different categories: 

  • Financial risks 
  • Operational risks 
  • Compliance risks 
  • Leadership risks 
  • Culture risks 
  • HR functional risks  

Specifically to leadership risks, during integration succession planning is often not thought through deep enough irrespective of the size of the companies involved. In good integrations, leaders do end up thinking about succession planning but not necessarily formalized them. Moreover, with succession planning even if informal, people who get identified as potential future leaders, often get strongly incentivized to stay around after the acquisition.  

One fact that can’t be ignored is that there will always be people who are considered their manager’s favorite. And these people are likely to be retained by their managers, post-acquisition.  

Integration leaders may review a tool called Organization Network Analysis that reviews people's connections inside the organization, see where the information flows and who are your critical influencers are.  

Organizations should conduct a post diligence huddle. In the huddles, all the people who were involved in the diligence activities gather together and answer two questions: 

  • How will we break this business when we do the integration, the way we do things?  
  • And the second question is who should we keep on-board?  

Listen to this episode and learn more about what Dr. Klint C. Kendrick has to say about HR in M&A transactions.  

Dr. Klint C. Kendrick has worked in human resources for over two decades, with extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, international HR, people analytics, total rewards, workforce planning, diversity and inclusion, employee engagement, recruitment, and retention. Dr. Kendrick has worked in multiple environments, ranging from HR leadership roles at Fortune 500 companies like Oracle and Boeing to being an HR department of one for scrappy start-ups.  

--------- 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/klintkendrick/

HR M&A Roundtables: https://www.mandaroundtable.com/

HR Due Diligence Book: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/1734958308/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_ND3FBFBQHHBXJQEVZ72X 

------- 

The host of the interview is Anirvan Sen, CEO - Fifth Chrome, https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirvansen/ 

------- 

This interview is part of a series run by Fifth Chrome, a firm that enables experienced professionals to build "Future Capabilities for Business to thrive".

Jun 13, 202144:53
S2 - Ep2 : M&A Stories from International and Cross-Cultural Acquisitions

S2 - Ep2 : M&A Stories from International and Cross-Cultural Acquisitions

interview on "M&A Stories from International and Cross-Cultural Acquisitions".  

Understanding culture and international business practices are key to a successful cross-border M&A transaction.  

In this interview, Greg Meseck shares it all on how international M&A transactions must be handled, what pitfalls must organizations be looking for, and most importantly, how you can learn from his experience to avoid these costly mistakes.   

Greg Meseck is an Executive Advisor - M&A, Finance and Value-Creation Expert. In the past, he has worked with EY, Pepsico, Alvarez and Marsal, and KPMG.   

In this M&A Stories, he shares perspectives on private equity (PE) linked transactions. He talks about how public company and private company acquisitions differ. And he shares his personal experience on managing trans-Atlantic acquisitions.  

---------- 

Greg Meseck - https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-meseck-7410925/ 

------- 

The host of the interview is Anirvan Sen, CEO - Fifth Chrome, https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirvansen/, 

and co-host is Marcell Hall - M&A Employee Experience, Expert https://www.linkedin.com/in/hallmarcella/ 

------- 

This interview is part of a series run by Fifth Chrome, a firm that enables experienced professionals to build "Future Capabilities for Business to thrive".


#fifthchrome #businessdevelopment #corporatedevelopment #mergersandacquisitions #businessleadership

Apr 06, 202153:09
S2 - Ep1 : Why is Culture the Biggest Uncertainty in M&A Integration?

S2 - Ep1 : Why is Culture the Biggest Uncertainty in M&A Integration?

Interview on "Why is Culture the biggest uncertainty in M&A Integration?".  

Culture is often the biggest hurdle to conduct an M&A Integration.   

But what is culture? Some people term it "the way we work here". While it may sound simple but in reality, it is a combination of several elements.   

In this interview, Karunesh Prasad, Founder and CEO, Change Et Al, delves deep into what culture is and how organizations must approach cultural integration.    

Show Notes: 

  • While there are commonalities amongst integration, each M&A has its own uniqueness. Be it geography, industry, product line, there are several variables in play. These variations create uncertainties in each integration initiative. 
  • "People", "Process", and "Culture" are different in each of integration, and within an integration, it can differ even at a P&L level. Whatever the strategic rationale of an acquisition may be, if the cultures don’t align, there will be issues with integration. 
  • There are so many discussions and negotiations in an M&A process that often the initial rationales get sidelined.  
  • How’s an M&A integration different from other kinds of transformations like shared services or ERP implementations? In shared services or ERP, there are one or two main sponsors like the CFO for whom the transformation is one of their main organizational objectives whereas in M&A integration, there are multiple executive leaders that are involved and it is multi-layered across the organizational vertical hierarchy. 
  • What is culture? It translates into how decisions are made, how communications are conducted, entrepreneurship vs organizational leadership, and several other things. 
  • There is no one-size-fits-all approach to cultural integration. However, there should be a cultural integration framework. The starting point of integration needs to be an approach, short-term and long-term milestones.  
  • It is critical to have a script for announcements and employee meetings. Do’s and Don’ts of an announcement. 
  • How to blend internal and external resources to play to their strength and make it successful for their organization. In this interview, Karunesh bares it all on how to manage "Culture" during an integration"  

---------- 

Change Et Al is a change management consulting company and we created Change Et Al Academy to provide learning intervention to enable organisations to change. 4A Model of Change was created to simplify the way organizations manage change.

Karunesh Prasad - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karuneshprasad/ 

https://www.changetal.com/ 

------- 

The host of the interview is Anirvan Sen, CEO - Fifth Chrome, https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirvansen/ 

------- 

This interview is part of a series run by Fifth Chrome, a firm that enables experienced professionals to build "Future Capabilities for Business to thrive".

Mar 16, 202155:56
S1 - Ep. 12: Is Artificial Intelligence really that intelligent?

S1 - Ep. 12: Is Artificial Intelligence really that intelligent?

Video interview on "Is Artificial Intelligence really that Intelligent?".  

Artificial intelligence (AI) is being touted as the biggest technology game-changer of the current times. AI is supposed to change the world around us. Whether it is healthcare, aviation, traffic or business problems, AI seems to be the answer to all. Is that really true? Or is it just another statistical technology tool to get statistical solutions? Is it just a more novel way to drive automation?  

In this interview, Jasper speaks about how organizations must review their approach on AI.   

Show Notes: 

"Is it intelligent as human intelligence? The answer is definitely no. Is it intelligent? Absolutely." "AI is never used to its strict definition of being a self-learning artificial system. What used to be statistics is now being called artificial intelligence. Any form of automation is now being connected with AI." "AI is not magic. It is the next stage in automation." "It is not about working on a data-lake but what real business problems are being solved. Where is the work that is not optimal? Where are the repetitive tasks? What problem haven’t we been able to resolve with IT so far? And is it worth automating? " "Advice not to hire a lot of data scientists and start experimenting with technology but look at examples of what has been automated and look in the organization for the tasks that can be automated, make a list and start from there. Data scientists are technical people and by default are not business people. The biggest challenge with AI implementation is the quality of data. Machine learning requires data to learn from. "  

This interview  "Anirvan in conversation with industry expert" is with Jasper Wognum, Founder and CEO, Braincreators.  

Braincreators is a company that is trying to make AI accessible to all businesses, enabling them to automate recurring and hazardous tasks without having to recruit an army of data scientists or spend vast amounts of money on technology.  

Jasper Wognum - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasperwognum/ 

https://www.braincreators.com/ 

------- 

The host of the interview is Anirvan Sen, CEO - Fifth Chrome, 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirvansen/  

Struggling with your digital strategy? Let us set up a "FREE" 30-min ideation call with Anirvan at https://calendly.com/anirvan-sen/30min 

------- 

This interview is part of a series run by Fifth Chrome, a firm that advises businesses to reinvent themselves through digital innovation and get exceptional growth.

Nov 21, 202049:28
S1 - Ep.11 : How to Manage Knowledge in the 21st Century using Chatbots

S1 - Ep.11 : How to Manage Knowledge in the 21st Century using Chatbots

Interview on How to "manage knowledge in the 21st century using chatbots in an organization".  

While chatbots are being used for a number of years, this interview focuses on KLoBot which is a Do-It-Yourself “no-code” Chatbot Builder platform. Any non-technical user can create a chatbot using KLoBot and deploy it for use on their favorite channel like Slack, Teams, SharePoint, Facebook, etc. (depending on target user audience and use case)  

In this interview, Ragav speaks about how organizations can easily adopt chatbots for managing their knowledge and information sharing systems. As it is artificial intelligence (AI), KLoBots can learn very fast and can create a highly effective knowledge management system. He shares examples of how law firms, health care organizations, consulting, and technical companies, are adopting KLoBots and overcoming their bottlenecks in the knowledge sharing space. The DIY nature of KLoBot makes it really easy for companies to adopt. As long as you have a well-defined FAQ list and a good ERP/system interface, you are good to create your own chatbots.  

A chatbot is a software application used to conduct an online chat conversation via text or text-to-speech, in lieu of providing direct conversation or contact with a live person. This is an enabling technology that can remove repeatable, frequently queried, and low value-added tasks from an organization, and replace it with a software robot.  A highly recommended tool for mid-to-large scale companies that are looking for business and digital transformation.  

This interview  "Anirvan in conversation with industry expert" is with Ragav Jagannathan, President, KL Software Technologies Inc, and Founder, KLoBot.  

KLoBot Inc develops artificial intelligence (AI) powered conversational user interfaces that can simplify internal and external enterprise communications, automate routine tasks, streamline business processes and provide organizational intelligence-on-demand to its users by using voice and/or text. 

Ragav Jagannathan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ragav/ 

https://www.klobot.ai/ 

http://www.klstinc.com/  

------- 

The host of the interview is Anirvan Sen, CEO - Fifth Chrome, https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirvansen/   

Struggling with your digital strategy? Let us set up a "FREE" 30-min ideation call with Anirvan at https://calendly.com/anirvan-sen/30min  

------- 

This interview is part of a series run by Fifth Chrome, a firm that advises businesses to reinvent themselves through digital innovation and get exceptional growth.

Sep 09, 202039:24
S1 - Ep.10 : Interview - Catapult to the Top Organizational Performance with Process Mining

S1 - Ep.10 : Interview - Catapult to the Top Organizational Performance with Process Mining

Interview on How to "Catapult to the top organizational performance with process mining" techniques.  

Process-mining is a process-based engineering discipline for managing, discovering, analyzing, and improving real processes by extracting information from event logs from ERPs, CRMs, and other information systems. Process mining can offer a significant number of opportunities to increase organizational, operational, and functional performances radically. Instead of the prevalent practice of pointing fingers to individuals and blame-game, process mining offers objective and fact-based insights to make informed decisions. A highly recommended tool for mid-to-large scale companies that are looking for business and digital transformation  

This interview  "Anirvan in conversation with industry expert" is with Enno Kroesen, Managing Partner, ProMelius.  

ProMelius focusses on the fact-based improvement of Business Processes in various industries, aided by Process Mining software, to achieve Operational Excellence.  

Enno Kroesen - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ennokroesen/ https://promelius.nl/  

------- 

The host of the interview is Anirvan Sen, CEO - Fifth Chrome, https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirvansen/   

Struggling with your digital strategy? Let us set up a "FREE" 30-min ideation call with Anirvan at https://calendly.com/anirvan-sen/30min  

------- 

This interview is part of a series run by Fifth Chrome, a firm that advises businesses to reinvent themselves through digital innovation and get exceptional growth.

Aug 11, 202036:10
S1 - Ep.9 : Cloud computing is a must solution for businesses, No doubt!

S1 - Ep.9 : Cloud computing is a must solution for businesses, No doubt!

Interview on Why Cloud computing is a must solution for businesses, no doubt on that.  

Cloud computing is one of the front runners of digital transformation that is revolutionizing the business world. Enterprises are taking advantage of this highly flexible, agile, and business-enabling technology solution for all of their IT infrastructure needs. Whether you need digital storage, computing power, or temporary surge requirements, cloud computing gives you a huge array of selection. With players like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft vying for attention, the competition could not be more exciting. And who gets the benefit of the competition? It is you!   

This interview  "Anirvan in conversation with industry expert" is with Ajit Kumar Amit, Cloud Computing Expert | Managing Partner, Agilitics Pte. Ltd.  

Agilitics Pte. Ltd. is a boutique Big Data Analytics, Business Intelligence, and Agile consulting firm, Singapore Headquartered with presence in India and the Middle East and ASEAN Countries. Agilitics Pte. Ltd. is the partner of all premium vendors of Big data and has an exclusive clientele. Our Motto is to deliver Analytics with Agility+Quality.  

Ajit Kumar Amit - https://www.linkedin.com/in/akamit/ 

https://agilitics.sg/  

------- 

The host of the interview is Anirvan Sen, CEO - Fifth Chrome, https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirvansen/   

Struggling with your digital strategy? Let us set up a "FREE" 30-min ideation call with Anirvan at https://calendly.com/anirvan-sen/30min  

------- 

This interview is part of a series run by Fifth Chrome, a firm that advises businesses to reinvent themselves through digital innovation and get exceptional growth.

Jul 31, 202031:43
S1 - Ep.8 : How to grow your company with Enterprise Artificial Intelligence

S1 - Ep.8 : How to grow your company with Enterprise Artificial Intelligence

Interview of How to grow your company with Enterprise Artificial Intelligence.  

Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be one of the defining technologies of the coming decade. Enterprises across the globe must take heed and prepare themselves on how to adopt AI in their organization. Gone are the days when all the expertise could be developed and kept in-house. Now you need highly specialized companies to help you with your AI journey. This interview is one such specialized company that is helping clients to adopt AI across their enterprise.  

This interview  "Anirvan in conversation with industry expert" is with Fabio Rodriguez Sanchez, Growth Enabler @ Work.r Enterprise AI  

Work.r brings a set of AI capabilities to a variety of business teams and levels of expertise. From business case-oriented solutions to specific ML services and serverless computing for engineering teams, Work.r team is helping to creatine a competitive edge in the very short term.   

Fabio Rodriguez Sanchez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabio-rodriguez-sanchez/ 

https://www.workr.com.co/en  

------- 

The host of the interview is Anirvan Sen, CEO - Fifth Chrome, https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirvansen/   

Struggling with your digital strategy? Let us set up a "FREE" 30-min ideation call with Anirvan at https://calendly.com/anirvan-sen/30min 

------- 

This interview is part of a series run by Fifth Chrome, a firm that advises businesses to reinvent themselves through digital innovation and get exceptional growth.

Jul 22, 202023:43
S1 - Ep.7: How to improve business performance through Simple Automation and Flawless Data

S1 - Ep.7: How to improve business performance through Simple Automation and Flawless Data

Interview of How to improve company performance through Simple Automation and Flawless Data.  

Technology is evolving rapidly all around us. Yet, all organizational performance improvements do not need sophisticated technology. In fact, many of the improvements can be achieved by simple tools but with a changed mindset. And that is the essence of "Simple Automation and Flawless Data".  

This interview  "Anirvan in conversation with industry expert" is with Gonzalo Arribasplata, a well-known expert on Simple Automation and Flawless Data.  

Gonzalo is an efficiency advisor specialized in administrative process solutions. He works as an independent consultant for transnational companies operating in Latin-America, having led projects in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and automotive industries. Prior to this, Gonzalo has worked for global corporations where he specialized in process improvement and commercial planning.   

Gonzalo Arribasplata: https://www.linkedin.com/in/argonzalo/ 

------- 

The host of the interview is Anirvan Sen, CEO - Fifth Chrome, https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirvansen/   

Struggling with your digital strategy? Let us set up a "FREE" 30-min ideation call with Anirvan at https://calendly.com/anirvan-sen/30min  

------- 

This interview is part of a series run by Fifth Chrome, a firm that advises businesses to reinvent themselves through digital innovation and get exceptional growth.

Jul 09, 202037:27
S1 - Ep.6 : How to accelerate performance through cloud documentation (with Walter Bril)

S1 - Ep.6 : How to accelerate performance through cloud documentation (with Walter Bril)

Interview of How to accelerate performance through cloud documentation, process knowledge management, and inter-enterprise wide collaboration.  

In the digital, multi-party world, one of the key pain points continues to be document and process-knowledge management platforms that can be easily shared and collaborated upon.  

This interview  "Anirvan in conversation with industry expert" is with Walter Bril, a well-known expert on process knowledge management.  

Walter is an acclaimed evangelist of elements.cloud for process knowledge management, inter-company collaboration, change management, and cloud-based documentation and metadata management. He has helped a number of companies to create a high-performance by building end-to-end process "knowledge" documentation in the cloud for both administrative and transformation perspectives.   

Walter Bril: https://www.linkedin.com/in/walterbril/  

He is the advisor to Weconet.org and has co-authored Blockchain Organizing & Blockchain Organizing for Managers. 

------- 

The host of the interview is Anirvan Sen, CEO - Fifth Chrome, https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirvansen/   

Struggling with your digital strategy? Let us set up a "FREE" 30-min ideation call with Anirvan at https://calendly.com/anirvan-sen/30min  

------- 

This interview is part of a series run by Fifth Chrome, a firm that advises businesses to reinvent themselves through digital innovation and get exceptional growth.

Jul 02, 202034:04
S1 - Ep5. How to create a high-performance company with digital innovation (Adi Mazor Kario)

S1 - Ep5. How to create a high-performance company with digital innovation (Adi Mazor Kario)

Interview of How to create a high-performance company with digital innovation.  

This interview  "Anirvan in conversation with industry expert" is with Adi Mazor Kario, a well-known expert on digital innovation.  

Adi has helped a number of companies to create a high-performance future and lead in their market. She helps in accelerating product design and go-to-market strategy with the most experienced professionals in the field, using the most up-to-date methodologies only found in companies like Facebook, Google, Uber, or Airbnb.   

Adi Mazor Kario: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adimazorkario/ 

Contact Adi to know more about "Invincible Innovation Program" 

------- 

The host of the interview is Anirvan Sen, CEO - Fifth Chrome, https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirvansen/  

Struggling with your digital strategy? Let us set up a "FREE" 30-min ideation call with Anirvan at https://calendly.com/anirvan-sen/30min 

------- 

This interview is part of a series run by Fifth Chrome, a firm that advises businesses to reinvent themselves through digital innovation and get exceptional growth.

Jun 26, 202050:10
Ep.4 - How to create a high-performance Blockchain organization (Interview)

Ep.4 - How to create a high-performance Blockchain organization (Interview)

Interview of How to create a high-performance Blockchain organization.  ***Discount offer below in the message***

This is part of the "Anirvan in conversation with industry expert" interview series.  

In this episode, we interview Paul Bessems, a well-known expert on Blockchain organizing.  Blockchain Organizing is a combination of a fundamentally new organization model (Weconomics) with a disruptive organization technology (blockchain technology), to address challenges like purpose of work, productivity, privacy, propaganda, power en process efficiency.  

Blockchain Organizing is a more efficient way of organizing supply and demand than the traditional firm, non-transparent markets, and governments. Blockchain Organizing is a new form of organizing with a design that is not based on existing buildings (institutes or markets), but on organizing fundamentals and the smallest building stones.  

The interview is about 40 minutes.  

This interview is part of a series run by Fifth Chrome, a firm that advises businesses to reinvent themselves through digital innovation and get exceptional growth. This specific series is to help and create a massive awareness of the power of digital innovation and how it can help businesses across the globe.   

-------

Guest: Paul Bessems: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bessems/

Interview hosted by Anirvan Sen, CEO - Fifth Chrome: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirvansen/

Certification Program: The Weconomics Certified Program (WCP) is a (non-technical) learning/working program that focuses on digital leadership and digital transformation, on the design and development of blockchain consortia / digital ecosystems and the implementation of a digital assembly line. 

Use this link to register: https://weconet.org/solutions/hr-service/bpp/  (Use Discount code: 5CJune2020WECON to get 10% off)

------- 

To discuss the topic further, you can set up a free 30-min call at https://calendly.com/anirvan-sen/30min

Jun 17, 202040:05
Ep.3 - In conversation with Eduardo Gomez Ruiz, Expert on UX Research

Ep.3 - In conversation with Eduardo Gomez Ruiz, Expert on UX Research

This is an interview with Eduardo Gomez Ruiz on user experience or UX.   

This specific episode is based on UX can be used to create a defining competitive edge in today's digital age. Based on Eduardo's experience in Uber and other organizations, he talks about various aspects that organizations need to keep in mind while embarking on their own journeys.   

Eduardo's answers provide unique insights. He talks about using  

  • an RFC (Request for Comment) instead of ROI (Return on Investment) model,  
  • being aware of breaking the glass  
  • using Agile principles while approaching UX 
  • and how to build a collaborative team to create meaningful experiments.  

The interview is about 50 minutes filled with valuable information.  

This interview is part of a series run by Fifth Chrome, a firm that advises businesses to reinvent themselves through digital innovation and get exceptional growth. This specific series is to help and create a massive awareness of the power of digital innovation and how it can help businesses across the globe.   

The host of the interview is Anirvan Sen, CEO - Fifth Chrome  

------- 

Eduardo Gomez Ruiz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eduardogomezruiz/ 

He mentions about Value-driver analysis or value-driver tree The software mentioned for collaboration is miro.com (https://miro.com/app/dashboard/) and VR app mentioned is spatial.io

Jun 07, 202051:47