In this episode, Etinosa Agbonlahor, behavioral economist and CEO of Decision Alpha, joins host Nick Olsen to share how behavioral economics can transform pricing strategy for business owners and advisors — from perceived value to the pricing confidence gap and where AI is taking pricing next.

Key Topics:

• Behavioral economics in pricing

• Understanding customer value perception

• Pricing strategies for business growth and exit

• The confidence gap in pricing decisions

• Future trends: AI and transparency in pricing

About the Show: The M&A Mastermind Podcast delivers actionable insights and strategies for lower middle market dealmakers. Hosted by Nick Olsen, each episode features leading industry experts sharing knowledge on deal management, market intelligence, and strategic partnerships to help M&A advisors and business owners navigate the deal lifecycle.

Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@cornerstone_intl_alliance Find all episodes: https://cornerstoneia.com/podcast/cornerstoneia

Resources: Decision Alpha Website | Etinosa Agbonlahor on LinkedIn | Free Pricing Playbook | Nick Olsen LinkedIn | Cornerstone International Alliance

Keywords: behavioral economics, pricing strategy, business valuation, customer perception, decision making, market differentiation, exit strategy, AI in pricing, mergers and acquisitions, lower middle market

Host Nick Olsen brings together both sides of a completed M&A deal — business owner Merry Korn and her investment banker, Sharon Heaton of sbLiftOff. Merry built Pearl Interactive Network into a 1,300-employee social enterprise before selling it with Sharon's guidance, and together they share the strategic planning, trust-building, and market realities behind a successful GovCon exit.

Key Topics:

• Building a social enterprise with over 1,300 employees

• Strategic exit planning from the start

• Choosing the right M&A advisor and building trust

• Market factors affecting business valuation

• Importance of team and culture in the sale process

About the Show: The M&A Mastermind Podcast provides actionable insights and effective strategies tailored for dealmakers in the lower middle market. Hosted by Nick Olsen, the show features conversations with leading industry experts who share valuable knowledge on topics such as industry intelligence, deal management, collaborative successes, and specialized expertise. Listeners who support small to medium-sized business owners will find practical tactics and advice they can immediately apply to advance their mastery in mergers and acquisitions.

Subscribe and never miss an episode: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

Resources: Fired to Inspired by Merry Korn firedtoinspired | sbLiftOff sbliftoff | Merry Korn on LinkedIn linkedin | Sharon Heaton on LinkedIn linkedin | Cornerstone International Alliance

Keywords: GovCon M&A, lower middle market exit planning, selling a social enterprise, M&A advisor trust, business valuation, buyer selection, M&A deal structure

Host Nick Olsen talks with Denise Logan, "The Seller Whisperer," about the emotional transition every business owner faces when selling a company — a transition that's often overlooked, ignored, or mishandled by even the best deal teams. A former lawyer and mental health professional who made her own unplanned exit from her law firm, Denise shares real deal stories, practical advisor tips, and the brain science behind why fear can derail an otherwise strong transaction.

Key Topics:

• Emotional transition in business sales

• Role of advisors in owner psychology

• Common emotional challenges during a sale

• Strategies for supporting owners emotionally

• Understanding owners' needs beyond financials

• Impact of emotional health on deal success

• Case studies of emotional hurdles in sales

• Brain science behind decision-making in sales

About the Show: The M&A Mastermind Podcast provides actionable insights and effective strategies tailored for dealmakers in the lower middle market. Hosted by Nick Olsen, the show features conversations with leading industry experts who share valuable knowledge on topics such as industry intelligence, deal management, collaborative successes, and specialized expertise. Listeners who support small to medium-sized business owners will find practical tactics and advice they can immediately apply to advance their mastery in mergers and acquisitions.

Subscribe and never miss an episode: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

Resources: The Seller's Journey by Denise Logandeniselogan | Denise Logan's Website | Cornerstone International Alliance

Keywords: business sale, emotional intelligence, owner transition, seller's journey, business exit, mental health, deal negotiation, owner psychology