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Forbes Article: ’Conclave’ Reveals Drivers Of M&A Leadership Power Plays

In addition to its best adapted screenplay Oscar, the movie “Conclave” stands out as a masterclass in the intricate dynamics of succession planning and stakeholder management—two critical elements that can upend merger or acquisition (M&A) deals. The mesmerizing movie provides a rare peek inside the Vatican’s traditionally secretive process for selecting a new Pope, revealing coalition-building, strategic negotiations, and competing interests that parallel leadership challenges I’ve witnessed in M&A deal-making transactions.

Click here to read the full article in Forbes, where Jennifer explores the intricate dynamics of leadership in M&A deals, drawing parallels with the movie “Conclave”. The film’s depiction of coalition-building and strategic negotiations within the Vatican’s secretive process for selecting a new Pope offers valuable lessons for executives navigating complex M&A transactions. Jennifer highlights five key lessons for effective leadership and stakeholder engagement in M&A.

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Podcast: Thriving Through Change

In this enlightening episode of “The Future of Human Experience,” host Eric J. Rodriguez welcomes Jennifer J. Fondrevay, a renowned expert in organizational transformation and the human dynamics of mergers and acquisitions.

As the founder of Day1 Ready™ and author of the acclaimed book “NOW WHAT? A Survivor’s Guide for Thriving Through Mergers & Acquisitions,” Jennifer brings a wealth of knowledge on how companies and employees can navigate the complexities of change.

Eric and Jennifer delve into:

-The critical role of leadership in guiding teams through transitions.

-Common pitfalls organizations face during M&As and how to avoid them. Strategies for maintaining a human-centric approach amidst technological advancements and structural changes.

-The importance of communication, empathy, and culture in successful transformations. -How embracing change can lead to innovation and growth.

-This conversation sheds light on the often-overlooked human element in business transformations and offers practical advice for leaders and professionals aiming to thrive in times of change.

Whether you’re facing an organizational shift, leading a team through uncertainty, or looking to future-proof your career, this episode provides actionable insights to help you navigate the journey.

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Article: New marketing blitz pressures government to OK U.S. Steel sale

U.S. Steel has sent mailers to homes in Western Pennsylvania with a more direct appeal: “Tell your elected officials to support the U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel partnership.”

It’s common for companies in takeover talks to notify customers or, for major sales, lobby members of Congress, according to mergers and acquisitions consultant Jennifer Fondrevay.

But this is the first time Fondrevay has seen a company talk directly to voters in this way, which she said is a product of the political climate.

“If you go back and see what the mergers and acquisitions deal ratio is, it has slowed with the current administration,” Fondrevay said. “I think they made it almost a platform, which is why (U.S. Steel) may be going to extreme lengths.”

Read The MonValley Independent full article to read about Jennifer’s insights alongside those of Rep. Chris Deluzio and Kristin Kanthak, a political science professor at the University of Pittsburgh.

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Podcast: Death of a Workaholic | Know Your Worth

Jennifer joined Jenny Lynne to talk about being valued and recognized at work, what is your own personal value, and how serving others is part of her journey. Hear the full podcast here.

Key Takeaways

  • You do have to work hard to achieve success, but you also have to find a balance that works for you.
  • Finding purpose and value in your own work requires a willingness to let go of distractions and noise.
  • If you’re feeling unsure of how to make a change in your life, focus on the mark you want to leave behind. What is your purpose in your work?

Key Moments
{03:51} “I think I just got into my head at that point. You gotta always be working at this, like you can never let up.”

{05:53} “But it came from that really painful moment of realizing I was exhausting myself and no one was caring.”

{10:05} “You become less fixated on holding onto the past because you’re okay with the future, you know your value. So anything that comes your way, you got it. You’re good.”

{21:28} “I remember just saying to my husband,  I don’t want my obituary to say, you know, ‘oh, she was a great chief marketing officer,’ right? I thought, man, if my legacy was about helping businesses do better by their people and to improve the success rate, that could be something I’d be proud of.”

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PODCAST: What Now? How M&A Can Impact Your Zero to Ten Journey

The whole transition process of mergers and acquisitions could really be painstaking, especially for employees who are worried of what’s to come next for them out of the M&A deal. In this scenario, it helps to assume the worst so you can be in line with the mentality of your workforce to get them onboard and motivated.

If you fail to effectively communicate what you really want to do and where you aim to go with your mergers and acquisitions deal, the new setup that you’re going to be dealing with is surely to take its toll on you.

Join host Brett Trainor as he and Jennifer discuss:

  1. Introduction [00:00]
  2. Going through an M&A is a matter of when [04:10]
  3. What CEOs need to prepare for during M&A [06:00]
  4. Power and influence of culture in an M&A [09:59]
  5. Dealing with the new reality of the workforce [11:47]
  6. How to avoid becoming a “former rock star” [15:37]
  7. Being crystal clear when approaching the deal [18:07]
  8. Premortem Exercises – Scenario Planning [20:19]
  9. The challenge of giving up old ways [25:32]
  10. Overcommunication as a key to a successful M&A transition [28:44]
  11. Trends in the new normal set-up of businesses [31:18]
  12. Jennifer’s piece of advice to fellow workaholics [36:33]