Lisa sits down with litigator and tax specialist Joshua Smeltzer to unpack how Texas is positioning itself as a digital-asset hub, what the new business-court and “business judgment rule” mean for companies, and how tax and regulatory choices ripple through M&A, treasury strategy, and day-to-day operations. From plain-English explanations of blockchains and NFTs to real-world pitfalls like staking-reward taxation and balance-sheet Bitcoin, Joshua translates complexity into practical moves leaders can make now.

Why listen

• Understand how Texas policy (business courts, SB29) may reduce friction and risk in complex deals.
• Get a clear, non-technical definition of “digital assets” (beyond just crypto).
• Learn the most common digital-asset tax traps—and how to avoid them.
• Hear how treasury strategies that include Bitcoin change deal terms and diligence.

Key Takeaways

Texas is engineering deal confidence.

SB29 codifies the business judgment rule and narrows who can bring internal claims; Texas Business Courts create a specialized venue for complex disputes—both can reduce litigation overhang and speed decisions.

Digital assets ≠ just crypto.

Think tokenized rights, NFT titles/provenance, and blockchain-based records—with use cases expanding beyond finance.

Tax rules are evolving (slowly).

Crypto treated as property drives capital-gains reporting; staking rewards timing is under active challenge; expect more 1099 reporting from exchanges.

Treasury Bitcoin changes M&A.

Buyers and sellers may need volatility-aware terms (collars, true-ups, working-capital-like mechanics) when significant BTC sits on the balance sheet.

Sovereignty vs safety.

Self-custody is powerful—but operational risk (keys, loss) is real. Policy and tooling maturity will determine mainstream adoption.

Guest Links

Joshua on LinkedIn (active commentary & article shares): (7) Joshua Smeltzer | LinkedIn

Forbes column (digital assets, Texas policy, tax/litigation insights): The TeX Factor For Traditional And Digital Asset Businesses

Gray Reed blog: (7) Gray Reed: Posts | LinkedIn

Episode Quote

“In 2030, we’re going to be fine. We’ve been through a lot—and we’ll navigate this era the same way: with clarity, good judgment, and practical rules.”

Listen next: Episodes on TXSE, carve-out playbooks, and AI’s impact on diligence.

Disclaimer

This podcast is for informational purposes only and reflects the personal views and experiences of the participants. It should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Always consult with your own qualified advisors regarding your specific situation before making business or legal decisions.

About In2edge:

In2edge is the consulting firm behind this podcast — helping companies navigate the complex world of post-M&A execution. From contract transitions to procurement, supplier onboarding to compliance, In2edge brings practical, hands-on solutions that go beyond the strategy decks and into real operational impact.

Subscribe to M&A+:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and share the podcast. And remember, sometimes the smartest move a leader can make is simply asking a great question.

To learn more, visit: https://in2edge.com/

In this episode of M&A+ The Art After the Deal, Lisa Scott sits down with Tim Savage, CPA and Tax Partner at Weaver, who leads the firm’s Blockchain & Digital Assets practice. Tim shares how he built a crypto-forward tax practice inside a traditional firm, where digital assets fit in M&A due diligence, and the tax levers that quietly drive value (or risk) after close. The conversation also digs into stagflation signals, treasury diversification, and one simple move companies can make today to future-proof.

You’ll learn:

• How Tim went from Big Four tax to leading a digital assets practice at Weaver
• What really changes in M&A when a target holds Bitcoin/crypto (custody, controls, valuation)
• The tax traps in carve-outs and integrations: 83(b), 409A, state nexus (Wayfair), transaction costs
• Deal design in plain English: asset vs. stock, §338(h)(10), §351, §368, and when §1202 (QSBS) matters
• Stagflation 101 and why scarce assets (incl. Bitcoin) are back in boardroom discussions
• The one practical step a CEO can take now to get ready for the next decade

Guest: Tim Savage — CPA, Tax Partner at Weaver; leads Blockchain & Digital Assets; Board member, Texas Blockchain Council; speaker at Bitcoin 2023–2025.

Quotes

• “Tax can quietly make or break the value of a deal.”
• “If a target holds Bitcoin, diligence the custody like you would the vault.”
• “Today’s ‘high’ may be tomorrow’s ‘new low’ as adoption compounds.”

Links

• Guest: Tim Savage (Weaver): weaver.com
• Texas Blockchain Council: texasblockchaincouncil.org
• Host: Lisa Scott (In2edge / Intuitive Edge): in2edge.com

Disclaimer

This conversation is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or investment advice. Consult your professional advisors.

About In2edge:

In2edge is the consulting firm behind this podcast — helping companies navigate the complex world of post-M&A execution. From contract transitions to procurement, supplier onboarding to compliance, In2edge brings practical, hands-on solutions that go beyond the strategy decks and into real operational impact.

Subscribe to M&A+:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and share the podcast. And remember, sometimes the smartest move a leader can make is simply asking a great question.

To learn more, visit: https://in2edge.com/

In this timely and wide-ranging episode of M&A+ The Art After the Deal, host Lisa Scott sits down with Lee Bratcher, Founder and President of the Texas Blockchain Council, during a historic week in U.S. crypto legislation.

As the GENIUS Act is signed into law and the Clarity Act gains momentum, Lisa and Lee explore what this federal progress means for Texas, how the blockchain ecosystem has evolved, and where the real M&A activity is heating up in the crypto space.

They cover:

• The origin and mission of the Texas Blockchain Council
• Texas as a global leader in Bitcoin policy and innovation
• The structure and players in the blockchain ecosystem—from mining to custody to DeFi
• Tokenization, stablecoins, and what smart capital is doing now
• Regulatory clarity and how it’s unlocking M&A across mining, infrastructure, and fintech
• How traditional professionals—legal, finance, strategy—can align with and support this evolving space
• DAOs, digital identity, and the long game for Texas

Lisa and Lee wrap up with a lightning round on underrated innovations, must-read books, and what the future holds for Texas as a digital asset capital.

Learn more about Lee Bratcher: texasblockchaincouncil.org

Links & Resources:

• Learn more about Lisa’s firm: www.in2edge.com
• Subscribe to the M&A+ Newsletter on LinkedIn (including the Crypto Series)
• Follow Lisa Scott and Lee Bratcher on LinkedIn for updates
• Recommended Reading: The Bitcoin Standard, Inventing Bitcoin, writings by Nick Carter

This Week in Crypto (Context):

• GENIUS Act signed into law, marking the first federal crypto legislation
• Clarity Act passes House, defining SEC/CFTC jurisdiction
• Texas becomes the first U.S. state with a state-funded Bitcoin reserve

About In2edge:

In2edge is the consulting firm behind this podcast — helping companies navigate the complex world of post-M&A execution. From contract transitions to procurement, supplier onboarding to compliance, In2edge brings practical, hands-on solutions that go beyond the strategy decks and into real operational impact.

Subscribe to M&A+:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and share the podcast. And remember, sometimes the smartest move a leader can make is simply asking a great question.

To learn more, visit: https://in2edge.com/

In this episode of M&A+ The Art After the Deal, host Lisa Scott is joined by Tom Doorley, founder of Sage Partners, co-founder of Braxton Associates, and long-time advisor to top boards and billion-dollar companies. With decades of experience guiding organizations through growth, strategy, governance, and integration, Tom brings a rare blend of insight, candor, and playbook-level clarity to the post-deal landscape.

Together, Lisa and Tom unpack:

• What makes a “decision-ready board” and why most boards are underutilized
• The difference between growth and value-creating growth
• Lessons from the field: from Kimberly-Clark’s brand win to the Scott Paper misstep
• The truth about integration—what happens on day two and how culture, branding, and leadership shape long-term success
• Why some leadership teams stall at 100 people—and how to build high-performing, trust-based teams
• How to navigate the “fog of change” in a world of AI, polarization, and volatility
• The M&A playbook that separates coin-flip deals from value-driving ones

Whether you’re scaling a startup, preparing for an exit, or guiding a company through a major transition, this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom and actionable strategies to help you master the art after the deal.

Resources & Mentions:

• Thomas Doorley on LinkedIn: LinkedIn Profile
• Sage Partners: www.sagepartners.net
• Podcast: Focus on Growth: Sage Insights
• Lisa’s book: M&A+ — available on Amazon https://a.co/d/dmQ3aAG

About In2edge:

In2edge is the consulting firm behind this podcast — helping companies navigate the complex world of post-M&A execution. From contract transitions to procurement, supplier onboarding to compliance, In2edge brings practical, hands-on solutions that go beyond the strategy decks and into real operational impact.

Subscribe to M&A+:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and share the podcast. And remember, sometimes the smartest move a leader can make is simply asking a great question.

To learn more, visit: https://in2edge.com/

In this episode of M&A+ The Art After the Deal, host Lisa Scott sits down with leadership expert and bestselling author Bob Tiede for a masterclass on leading with questions. Bob shares how shifting from telling to asking can radically transform leadership effectiveness, especially during times of transition, such as post-merger integration.

Drawing from his bestselling book Leading With Questions (3rd Edition), Bob explains how leaders can:

• Build trust quickly in high-stakes environments
• Become better listeners in 8 seconds
• Lead more effectively in just 30 seconds
• Use the power of "What else?" to uncover hidden insights

The episode includes memorable stories, like how a Navy captain turned around the ship with the worst morale in the fleet by asking three simple questions, and how Bob’s own leadership style changed forever after discovering the original Leading With Questions.

Whether you’re managing an M&A transition, leading a new team, or simply looking to grow as a leader, this episode will leave you with powerful tools and practical inspiration to put into action.

Key Takeaways:

• Leaders who ask instead of tell are often 10x more effective.
• The best questions are simple: "What do you think?" and "What else?"
• Listening is a form of love — and silence is a leadership skill.
• People support decisions more when they’ve had a chance to give input — even if their input isn’t chosen.

Memorable Quotes:

"Being listened to and being loved are so close, most people can’t tell the difference."

"The wisdom in leadership is knowing when to tell and when to ask."

"If you don’t intend to listen, don’t ask the question."

Resources Mentioned:

Bob’s Blog: Bob Tiede - Leading With Questions

Bob’s Free eBooks: Books - Bob Tiede

Leading With Questions (3rd Edition) – Available on Amazon and wherever books are sold

About Bob Tiede:

Bob has been with Cru (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ) for over 50 years and is currently part of the U.S. Leadership Development Team. His passion is helping leaders multiply their effectiveness through the power of asking questions. Bob’s blog is followed by leaders in over 200 countries, and he has authored multiple bestselling books on leadership, listening, and communication.

About In2edge:

In2edge is the consulting firm behind this podcast — helping companies navigate the complex world of post-M&A execution. From contract transitions to procurement, supplier onboarding to compliance, In2edge brings practical, hands-on solutions that go beyond the strategy decks and into real operational impact.

Subscribe to M&A+:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and share the podcast. And remember, sometimes the smartest move a leader can make is simply asking a great question.

To learn more, visit: https://in2edge.com/

In this episode of M&A+ The Art After the Deal, host Lisa Scott is joined by Michael Richards, a transformational leader with deep expertise in private equity, technology, and software. Michael shares insights from his extensive career spanning Deloitte, KPMG, and leadership roles as CFO, COO, and Chief Transformation Officer. He discusses his work as an Operating Partner at Symphony Technology Group and the strategic execution of carve-outs like RSA Security. This conversation explores the complexities of post-deal transformation, the challenges of execution, and the impact of AI on business evolution.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Michael Richards’ Career Journey

• Started as an accountant and auditor at Deloitte.
• Early exposure to private equity through work with KKR during post-Soviet economic transitions.
• Progressed from consulting at Deloitte and KPMG to leading post-deal execution roles in private equity-backed firms.
• Current role in media technology, overseeing product and enterprise transformation.

2. Private Equity & Post-Deal Execution

• Differentiating private equity styles: control-oriented investing vs. passive exposure.
• The role of private equity operating teams in driving execution.
• Importance of having a strategic plan before acquisition and ensuring leadership alignment post-close.

3. Defining Post-Deal Success

• Private equity’s primary success metric: ROI upon exit.
• Execution success hinges on structured governance, operational focus, and adaptability to market conditions.
• The importance of aligning CEO and leadership team to transformation goals.

4. Challenges in Strategy Execution

• The risk of post-deal neglect: why continuous monitoring and accountability matter.
• Silos between deal teams and operating teams can hinder execution.
• The need for programmatic, milestone-driven tracking of transformation initiatives.

5. Leadership & Team Buy-In for Transformation

• Importance of fostering a growth mindset and culture of adaptability.
• Key leadership traits: servant leadership, transparency, and action-driven management.
• Balancing internal execution with strategic external consulting support.

6. Keeping Post-Deal Momentum

• Effective communication strategies: town halls, one-on-ones, milestone tracking.
• The role of structured program management in sustaining momentum.

7. AI’s Impact on M&A & Business Transformation

• AI’s role in reducing administrative burdens and optimizing operations.
• How AI-native solutions can enhance product transformation and internal efficiencies.
• The shift towards AI-driven value creation within private equity-backed firms.

8. The Future of M&A in 2025

• M&A activity hinges on interest rates and capital supply dynamics.
• Increasing emphasis on operational expertise in private equity firms.
• A shift from financial engineering to value-driven, strategic transformation.

9. Advice for Young Professionals Interested in Private Equity & M&A

• Gain expertise in finance, accounting, legal, or strategy to build a strong foundation.
• Understanding business models and value creation is critical to success in private equity.

Final Thoughts & Takeaways:

• The post-deal phase determines whether value is created or lost.
• Strategic planning, leadership alignment, and disciplined execution drive successful transformations.

AI and technology continue to reshape how businesses optimize post-acquisition strategies.

Connect with Michael Ri

To learn more, visit: https://in2edge.com/

In this episode of M&A+ The Art After the Deal, Lisa Scott sits down with Don Yakulis, a seasoned M&A integration leader who has managed over 50 global deals across countries like Finland, Japan, Korea, and Malta. With executive experience at a variety of companies including: Light & Wonder, Visa, SAP, Nokia, Cisco, and Synopsis, Don brings invaluable insights into building integration frameworks, navigating cultural complexities, and executing successful post-merger transitions.

From his non-traditional career path that started in physical therapy to leading integration efforts at major corporations, Don shares key lessons on aligning leadership, managing change, and handling the high-pressure environment of M&A. Whether you're leading your first deal or your 50th, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to enhance your integration approach.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Don’s Unconventional Path to M&A Integration

• Transitioning from physical therapy to business school and consulting
• Learning operations and process re-engineering at Arthur Andersen
• Breaking into M&A at Synopsys and building integration playbooks

2. The Role of Playbooks and Planning in M&A Success

• Why detailed integration plans matter—but why they must be flexible
• The importance of involving key stakeholders in the integration process
• Rolling 90-day planning: Keeping integration efforts dynamic and adaptable

3. The Human Side of M&A: Managing Change and Uncertainty

• How to handle employee concerns, role changes, and layoffs with transparency
• The power of communication, trust, and leadership alignment in integration
• Strategies for ensuring acquired employees buy into the new organization

4. Navigating M&A in a Global Environment

• How cultural differences impact deal execution and integration
• Case study: Managing an acquisition in Japan and respecting business customs
• The importance of patience, relationship-building, and understanding local decision-making processes

5. Lessons from the Field: The Best and Hardest Parts of M&A Integration

• The rewarding experience of working with cross-functional teams globally
• The challenges of high-pressure deals and executive expectations
• Why adaptability, influencing skills, and problem-solving are crucial to success

6. Don’s Top Best Practices for M&A Integration Success

• Align on the "Why" – Clearly define and communicate the strategic rationale behind the deal
• Develop a Baseline Plan – Start with a structured approach that evolves as new insights emerge
• Engage Cross-Functional Teams Early – Involve internal and target company leaders in planning
• Maintain Proactive Communication – Address issues quickly and ensure leadership alignment
• Be Adaptive and Responsive – Recognize that integration is dynamic and requires constant refinement

Final Takeaways:

M&A integration isn’t just about checklists and financial synergies—it’s about people, culture, and execution. Whether managing an acquisition across different countries or handling high-stakes decisions, Don emphasizes the importance of strategic planning, proactive communication, and the ability to navigate uncertainty.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to refine their integration approach and learn from a veteran who has seen it all.

Connect with Don Yakulis on LinkedIn for support and more insights:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/donyakulis/

Learn More About In2edge:

In2edge helps businesses tackle the most complex challenges of mergers, acquisitions, and spi

To learn more, visit: https://in2edge.com/

Welcome to M&A+ The Art After the Deal. Lisa introduces the podcast and special guest Ivan Golubic, a corporate finance and development expert, managing partner at Abbott Group. Ivan’s inspiring journey—from immigrating to the U.S. during the Yugoslavian war to becoming a leader in global M&A—sets the stage for insights into the critical gaps in M&A transitions, cultural integration, and post-deal success.

Key Discussion Points:

Ivan Golubic’s Journey and Lessons:

• Ivan shares his immigration story, arriving in the U.S. as a teenager during the Yugoslavian war.
• His love for numbers and problem-solving led him into finance, eventually discovering a passion for strategy and people in M&A.
• Insights into resilience and ownership: “If you see a task that needs to get done, do it or find someone who can.”

First Impressions and Cultural Observations:

• Ivan reflects on arriving in New York, navigating cultural differences, and understanding the layers of the business world.
• The impact of a simple sticker with the words “You never know,” which became a guiding principle in his career.

Key Gaps in M&A Transitions:

• Corporate Development: Clearly defining the "why" behind a deal is critical to ensuring strategic alignment.
• Transactional Challenges: Due diligence and integration must be aligned early to avoid costly missteps.

Integration & Ownership Challenges:

• Start integration planning during due diligence.
• The importance of designating integration leads early to bridge gaps effectively.
• Transition Service Agreements (TSAs) should be limited to avoid loss of momentum and ownership.

The People Factor in M&A:

• Culture is critical but often underestimated. Successful integration hinges on intentional change management.
• Ivan emphasizes listening to people, addressing their concerns, and fostering cultural alignment.

Practical Advice for M&A Professionals:

• Balance technical expertise with strong interpersonal skills and adaptability.
• Embrace ambiguity and focus on solutions amidst the unpredictability of deals.

M&A in 2025:

• Ivan is optimistic about a resurgence in deal flow as economic and political conditions stabilize.

Final Thoughts and Resources:

Advice: Seek help and learn from experienced professionals in the field.

Connect with Ivan on LinkedIn or via Avec’s Group website for support and more insights: Avec Group LLC | Avec Group LLC.

Learn More About In2edge:

In2edge helps businesses tackle the most complex challenges of mergers, acquisitions, and spin-offs. With our hands-on, results-driven approach, we ensure seamless transitions, exceptional outcomes, and real value creation—without the top-dollar expenses. Discover how we turn execution into success at www.in2edge.com.

Don’t Miss Out:

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to M&A+ The Art After the Deal on your favorite platform, leave a review, and share it with your network. Join us again for more behind-the-scenes conversations on strategy, challenges, and successes that define the art after the deal.

To learn more, visit: https://in2edge.com/