Welcome to Digital Doorways Presents: The DealMakers. I’m your host, Jason Siegel, founder of Bluetext, and today we’re diving into the art and strategy of M&A with one of the industry’s leading voices—John Song, Managing Director at Baird. John has spent decades advising companies in the government and defense sectors, helping them navigate complex transactions while strategically positioning their brands for maximum value. His expertise goes beyond the financials—he understands how messaging, positioning, and branding can fundamentally impact a company’s valuation and its appeal to potential buyers.

Since 2021, the Baird Defense & Government team has executed 60 transactions, totaling $30 billion in transaction value, solidifying their position as one of the most active investment banking groups in the sector. In this conversation, we’ll explore how a well-crafted narrative can shape deal success, why go-to-market strategy matters in M&A, and how thought leadership can be a game-changer in competitive markets. Whether you're an entrepreneur, an investor, or a dealmaker, this episode will provide invaluable insights on how to build, position, and sell a business for maximum impact. Let’s get started.