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The M&A Mastermind Podcast

The M&A Mastermind Podcast

By: Nick Olsen
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About this listen

The M&A Mastermind Podcast is your go-to source for the latest industry trends and strategies to level up your M&A practice.

The show features thought leaders who specialize in the lower middle market space and share their experiences and expertise across key areas of execution, such as: market analysis, lead generation, deal management, strategic partnerships, buyer access and much more.

With host Nick Olsen, each episode’s ”mastermind” will share ways in which they have found success in navigating the M&A industry to best support the small-to-medium sized private business owners they focus on serving.Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.
Economics Leadership Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • M&A Insights from a Global Investor – Episode 116
    Jan 8 2026

    In this episode of the M&A Mastermind podcast, Nick Olsen interviews Fredrik Sandvall, a seasoned entrepreneur and business advisor with extensive experience in global acquisitions. They discuss the importance of people in business, strategies for assessing companies, the impact of AI on business valuation, and the nuances of exit planning. Fredrik shares insights from his own experiences, emphasizing the need for trust and understanding in business transactions, as well as the importance of timing when selling a business. The conversation also touches on the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in the current market.

    Key Takeaways

    • The importance of trust in business relationships cannot be overstated.
    • AI is a powerful tool that can enhance business operations.
    • Timing is crucial when considering the sale of a business.
    • Business owners should be cautious of becoming too greedy during negotiations.
    • Understanding the financial landscape is essential for successful business transactions.
    • Exit planning should begin well in advance of the intended sale.
    • The structure of a deal can significantly impact the outcome for sellers.
    • Building a strong network is key to finding business opportunities.
    • Frederick's upcoming book will provide insights into finance and business strategy.

    About the Show

    The M&A Mastermind Podcast delivers actionable insights and proven strategies for lower middle market dealmakers. Join host Nick Olsen and top industry experts as they discuss industry intelligence, deal management, shared successes, specialized expertise, and much more. If you serve the small to medium-sized business owner, this show will offer you tactics and insights you can use and implement, now, to become a master in M&A.

    Tune in Every Week

    Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@UCl0qSCwwZLyZxY7RnqNghiw

    Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-m-a-mastermind-podcast/id1726394585

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4fpVjEXbJ0FXKMgEK0m7QQ

    Find all our episodes at https://cornerstoneia.com/podcast/

    Keywords

    Mergers & acquisitions (M&A), business acquisition, entrepreneurship, AI in business, global market trends, exit planning, business valuation, investment banking, buying businesses, podcast, business development

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    45 mins
  • Brand & Culture Alignment – Episode 115
    Dec 31 2025

    In this episode of the M&A Mastermind podcast, Nick Olsen interviews Mark Iorio, a culture branding expert with extensive experience in aligning organizational culture with business goals. They discuss the parallels between sports and business, the importance of defining and measuring culture, and how to prepare for a successful exit strategy. Mark shares insights on the four-factor model of culture, common misconceptions about organizational culture, and the significance of daily reminders in reinforcing cultural values. The conversation also touches on the challenges of integrating culture during mergers and acquisitions and the transformative power of a strong organizational culture.

    Key Takeaways

    • Mark Iorio emphasizes the importance of teamwork in both sports and business.
    • Organizational culture is defined by daily behaviors and promises to stakeholders.
    • The four-factor model helps organizations understand their cultural alignment.
    • Daily reminders are crucial for reinforcing cultural values and behaviors.
    • Culture should be viewed as a critical component of business strategy, not just a 'nice to have.'
    • Measuring culture can be done through hard metrics like turnover and productivity.
    • M&A advisors should consider cultural alignment to mitigate risks in transactions.
    • Preparing for an exit requires a focus on cultural transformation and knowledge transfer.
    • Leaders must engage the entire organization in defining and living the culture.
    • The Language of Leadership TV show explores the intersection of language and organizational behavior.

    About the Show

    The M&A Mastermind Podcast delivers actionable insights and proven strategies for lower middle market dealmakers. Join host Nick Olsen and top industry experts as they discuss industry intelligence, deal management, shared successes, specialized expertise, and much more. If you serve the small to medium-sized business owner, this show will offer you tactics and insights you can use and implement, now, to become a master in M&A.

    Tune in Every Week

    Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@UCl0qSCwwZLyZxY7RnqNghiw

    Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-m-a-mastermind-podcast/id1726394585

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4fpVjEXbJ0FXKMgEK0m7QQ

    Find all our episodes at https://cornerstoneia.com/podcast/

    Keywords

    Mergers & acquisitions, business culture, organizational alignment, leadership, M&A, culture metrics, team dynamics, coaching, brand alignment, exit strategy, transformation, business sales

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    39 mins
  • Designing A Leadership Team Buyers Will Pay For – Episode 114
    Dec 18 2025

    This conversation delves into the critical aspects of preparing for a business acquisition, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning, the role of executive leadership, and the timing of hiring decisions. My guest, Travis Hann, discusses how a two-year window is essential for ensuring the right leadership is in place to make a significant impact before a sale.

    Key Takeaways

    • Preparing for an acquisition requires a two-year window.
    • Hiring the right executive is crucial to success.
    • It takes time for executives to get up to speed.
    • You need 12 to 15 months for an executive to make an impact.
    • Strategic planning is essential for successful acquisitions.
    • Timing in hiring can make or break a sale.
    • Executive leadership can change the course of a business.
    • Insurance in hiring means not getting it wrong.
    • A solid plan is necessary before pursuing a sale.
    • Leadership execution is key to achieving business goals.

    About the Show

    The M&A Mastermind Podcast delivers actionable insights and proven strategies for lower middle market dealmakers. Join host Nick Olsen and top industry experts as they discuss industry intelligence, deal management, shared successes, specialized expertise, and much more. If you serve the small to medium-sized business owner, this show will offer you tactics and insights you can use and implement, now, to become a master in M&A.

    Tune in Every Week

    Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@UCl0qSCwwZLyZxY7RnqNghiw

    Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-m-a-mastermind-podcast/id1726394585

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4fpVjEXbJ0FXKMgEK0m7QQ

    Find all our episodes at https://cornerstoneia.com/podcast/

    Keywords

    Mergers & acquisition (M&A), executive leadership, strategic planning, hiring, business sale, executive impact, company processes, leadership timing, private equity

    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
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