How can efficiency affect a merger or acquisition? On this episode of the Built on Strategy Podcast we are joined by Edelweiss Harrison, the Head of Strategy at Capstone Strategic, a mergers and acquisitions advisory firm. We discuss the process and nuances that go into acquiring companies across all industries, and the key aspects of businesses to understand when a potential merge or acquisition is on the table. Efficiency is key in the M&A industry, and strategic partnerships play a crucial role in the ability to execute company wide transitions. The practices and standards for these kinds of deals are constantly evolving, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated the changes in this sector. Edelweiss details her experience as an expert at analyzing risk profiles, corporate cultures, and external growth rates in this fascinating industry.

What can mentorship and coaching offer to startups? On this episode of the Built on Strategy Podcast we are joined by Bea Wray, Co-Founder of the Millennial Women Network and Author of “What an MBA Taught Me”. We discuss Bea’s entrepreneurial journey starting with intellectual property acquisition on source code for software companies and transitioning into a coach/mentor role. This led to a blossoming career of coaching hundreds of entrepreneurs, hosting innovation conferences, and meeting weekly with business owners and start up hopefuls to steer leaders in the direction of success. Bea elaborates on the importance of optimism, good starting practices, and key strategies for networking.

How can data inform vehicle purchasing patterns? On this episode of the Built on Strategy Podcast, we are joined by Curtis Burkhalter, who is the Product Manager of Data Science Insights at Alteryx and former Data Insight Product Manager with Mercedes Benz. We discuss the shift in the auto industry into cleaner technology and the obstacles that come with reorganizing priorities. The transition to electric vehicles for car manufacturers requires new strategies for production, marketing, support, and most importantly data. Interests, hobbies, and lifestyle are key factors to determining potential car owners, and the analytics that lead manufacturers to new clientele is evolving with changing worldviews and societal awareness. The key to appealing to new audiences is empathy, and understanding the types of issues that resonate with people is crucial to providing them with products they will adopt.

What kinds of technologies are enabling doors to provide useful data? On this episode of the Built on Strategy Podcast we are joined by Sam Prudhomme, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Senneca Holdings. We discuss the unique world of the specialty door industry, and the unique opportunities and potential of specially designed entrances for a variety of purposes. Advancements in technology have enabled a high level of security insurance for mission critical environments such as data containment centers and maintaining restricted access to these spaces is essential in many industries. Although security is a priority for Senneca, they also are invested in data collection of people who use doorways for a number of applications. Doors can now be used as points of data capture to provide valuable insights that inform the way businesses, organizations, and communities operate.