How the Deal Was Done

SPECIAL SERIES: Love at Work | The Human Value Driver featuring Stuart Woollard

Kicking off season two of our special series, we explore whether love in the workplace truly creates value. Stuart Woollard shares insights from his extensive career, including his work with the Maturity Institute, focusing on quantifying human value in organizations. We discuss how love and care can transform workplace dynamics, moving beyond traditional financial metrics to foster sustainable performance. Stuart also highlights examples of companies that prioritize human-centric models, demonstrating how they outperform their peers. Join us as we unravel the potential of love as a powerful driver of value in the business world.

Episode 11: The Complexities of the Business Environment as Deal Makers

In this episode of How the Deal Was Done, I sit down with Mark Thielmann to explore the intricacies of deal-making in today's economic climate. We delve into the complexities of navigating business transitions, focusing on the lower middle market and the rise of mega deals. Mark shares insights on the importance of transaction readiness, particularly in financial diligence, and the evolving landscape of private equity. We also discuss the impact of current economic conditions on baby boomer-owned businesses and the growing interest in ESOPs as an alternative to traditional exits. Join us as we uncover the challenges and opportunities in the world of mergers and acquisitions.

SPECIAL SERIES - Love at Work | Conviction with Anthony Onesto

In this special episode of How the Deal Was Done, I sit down with Anthony Onesto, former Chief People Officer at Suzy Inc. and current product executive at FifteenFive, to explore the concept of love in the workplace. We delve into the paradox of balancing care and challenge, drawing insights from Kim Scott's Radical Candor. Anthony shares personal experiences and discusses the importance of creating a compassionate yet high-performing work environment. We also tackle the need to connect human capital strategies to business performance, emphasizing how empathy and understanding can drive economic success. Join us as we navigate the complexities of leadership, love, and the evolving expectations of modern workplaces.

SPECIAL SERIES: Love at Work (Unplugged) | The New ROI featuring Dave Bookbinder

Your most valuable assets go home at 5 p.m.—so how do you turn their energy into enterprise value? Valuation expert Dave Bookbinder joins Love at Work to unpack “The New ROI: Return on Individuals.” We connect the dots from leadership and empathy to engagement, discretionary effort, and—yes—higher revenue, profit, and valuation. From Ocean Tomo’s 90% intangibles era to investable “Human Capital Factor” strategies, Dave shows how people practices move the numbers for public and private companies alike. We talk practical playbooks (trust, no-jerks policies, culture you can feel), radical fandom, and why purpose at work is a competitive advantage. If you’re ready to turn culture into cash flow, this one’s for you.

Episode 10: Mastering Technology Change Management in Modern Workplaces

In this episode of How the Deal Was Done, I sit down with Mike Elliot, a seasoned expert in customer experience and leadership. We explore the evolving landscape of work, focusing on the delicate balance between automation and authenticity. Mike shares insights from his diverse career, from logistics to HR, highlighting the intricate connection between employee satisfaction and customer experience. We delve into the impact of AI and automation on operational effectiveness and human loyalty, discussing the importance of alignment between company actions and values. Join us as we uncover strategies for building trust and adapting to technological advancements while ensuring that both employees and customers feel valued and understood. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on navigating change in today's dynamic work environment.