The M&A Mastermind Podcast

Hosted by Nick Olsen

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Episodes

100

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Aug 2026

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About the show

The M&A Mastermind Podcast is your go-to source for the latest industry trends and strategies to level up your M&A practice. The show features thought leaders who specialize in the lower middle market space and share their experiences and expertise across key areas of execution, such as: market analysis, lead generation, deal management, strategic partnerships, buyer access and much more. With host Nick Olsen, each episode’s ”mastermind” will share ways in which they have found success in navigating the M&A industry to best support the small-to-medium sized private business owners they focus on serving.

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60 recent

August 20, 2026Episode 14835 min

Selling a Social Enterprise: An Owner & Her M&A Advisor Tell All Feat. Merry Korn & Sharon Heaton | Ep. 148

Host Nick Olsen brings together both sides of a completed M&A deal — business owner Merry Korn and her investment banker, Sharon Heaton of sbLiftOff. Merry built Pearl Interactive Network into a 1,300-employee social enterprise before selling it with Sharon's guidance, and together they share the strategic planning, trust-building, and market realities behind a successful GovCon exit. Key Topics: Building a social enterprise with over 1,300 employees Strategic exit planning from the start Choosing the right M&A advisor and building trust Market factors affecting business valuation Importance of team and culture in the sale process About the Show: The M&A Mastermind Podcast provides actionable insights and effective strategies tailored for dealmakers in the lower middle market. Hosted by Nick Olsen, the show features conversations with leading industry experts who share valuable knowledge on topics such as industry intelligence, deal management, collaborative successes, and specialized expertise. Listeners who support small to medium-sized business owners will find practical tactics and advice they can immediately apply to advance their mastery in mergers and acquisitions. Subscribe and never miss an episode: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Resources: Fired to Inspired by Merry Korn firedtoinspired | sbLiftOff sbliftoff | Merry Korn on LinkedIn linkedin | Sharon Heaton on LinkedIn linkedin | Cornerstone International Alliance Keywords: GovCon M&A, lower middle market exit planning, selling a social enterprise, M&A advisor trust, business valuation, buyer selection, M&A deal structure

August 14, 2026Episode 14735 min

The Psychology of Pricing: Behavioral Economics for M&A with Etinosa Agbonlahor | Ep. 147

In this episode, Etinosa Agbonlahor, behavioral economist and CEO of Decision Alpha, joins host Nick Olsen to share how behavioral economics can transform pricing strategy for business owners and advisors — from perceived value to the pricing confidence gap and where AI is taking pricing next. Key Topics: Behavioral economics in pricing Understanding customer value perception Pricing strategies for business growth and exit The confidence gap in pricing decisions Future trends: AI and transparency in pricing About the Show: The M&A Mastermind Podcast delivers actionable insights and strategies for lower middle market dealmakers. Hosted by Nick Olsen, each episode features leading industry experts sharing knowledge on deal management, market intelligence, and strategic partnerships to help M&A advisors and business owners navigate the deal lifecycle. Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@cornerstone_intl_alliance Find all episodes: https://cornerstoneia.com/podcast/ cornerstoneia Resources: Decision Alpha Website | Etinosa Agbonlahor on LinkedIn | Free Pricing Playbook | Nick Olsen LinkedIn | Cornerstone International Alliance Keywords: behavioral economics, pricing strategy, business valuation, customer perception, decision making, market differentiation, exit strategy, AI in pricing, mergers and acquisitions, lower middle market

August 6, 2026Episode 14635 min

A Business Owner’s 20-Year Exit Story Feat. Catherine Lang-Cline | Ep. 146

In this episode, Catherine Lang-Cline, longtime CEO of Portfolio Creative, joins host Nick Olsen to share how she prepared her business for a successful sale after 20 years — from mentor advice and team timing to choosing the right M&A advisor and buyer. Key Topics: Deciding to sell after 20 years Preparing a business to run without the owner The mentor advice that shaped her exit strategy When (and why) to tell your team about a sale Choosing the right M&A advisory team Strategic vs. financial buyers Why multiple offers matter The mental and identity side of letting go Advice for business owners considering a sale About the Show: The M&A Mastermind Podcast delivers actionable insights and strategies for lower middle market dealmakers. Hosted by Nick Olsen, each episode features leading industry experts sharing knowledge on deal management, market intelligence, and strategic partnerships to help M&A advisors and business owners navigate the deal lifecycle. Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@cornerstone_intl_alliance Find all episodes: https://cornerstoneia.com/podcast/ cornerstoneia Resources: Catherine Lang-Cline LinkedIn | Catherine Lang-Cline's Website & Book | Nick Olsen LinkedIn | Cornerstone International Alliance Keywords: exit planning, business valuation, selling a business, lower middle market, mergers and acquisitions, M&A, deal structure, M&A advisors, buyer selection, private equity, sell side, business owner, women in business

July 31, 2026Episode 14535 min

Latin America M&A: Cross-Border Deals Feat. Stephen Marks | Ep. 145

In this episode, Stephen Marks, founder of Emmersion Capital, joins host Nick Olsen to break down Latin America's macroeconomic shifts, cross-border M&A opportunities, and what lower middle market advisors and investors get wrong about the region. Key Topics: Latin American macroeconomic shifts Cross-border investment opportunities Impact of the Mercosur trade agreement Risks and misconceptions in Latin America Opportunities in healthcare, technology, and manufacturing Venezuela market outlook and risks Brazil and Colombia market insights Private equity and family office strategy in Latin America About the Show: The M&A Mastermind Podcast delivers actionable insights and strategies for lower middle market dealmakers. Hosted by Nick Olsen, each episode features leading industry experts sharing knowledge on deal management, market intelligence, and strategic partnerships to help M&A advisors and business owners navigate the deal lifecycle. Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@cornerstone_intl_alliance Find all episodes: https://cornerstoneia.com/podcast/ Resources: Stephen Marks LinkedIn | Emmersion Capital | Nick Olsen LinkedIn | Cornerstone International Alliance Keywords: Latin America, cross-border investment, private equity, lower middle market, family offices, Mercosur, Venezuela, Brazil, Colombia, mergers and acquisitions, investment banking, business valuation, sell my business

July 21, 2026Episode 14430 min

Brazil is a Market to Know for M&A - Episode 144

In this episode, Leo Toscano, Managing Director of Excelia and partner of Cornerstone International Alliance, shares insights on the Brazilian M&A market, cross-border opportunities, and key industries driving growth. Discover how Brazil's unique economic landscape offers lucrative prospects for international investors and advisors. Key Topics: Brazilian M&A market evolution Cross-border transaction advantages Hot industries: healthcare, education, agribusiness Impact of economic reforms on deals Opportunities for international investors Tax and labor complexities in Brazil Role of Cornerstone Alliance in Brazil Future trends in Brazilian M&A About the Show: The M&A Mastermind Podcast provides actionable insights and effective strategies tailored for dealmakers in the lower middle market. Hosted by Nick Olsen, the show features conversations with leading industry experts who share valuable knowledge on topics such as industry intelligence, deal management, collaborative successes, and specialized expertise. Listeners who support small to medium-sized business owners will find practical tactics and advice they can immediately apply to advance their mastery in mergers and acquisitions. Tune in Every Week: Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@UCl0qSCwwZLyZxY7RnqNghiw Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-m-a-mastermind-podcast/id1726394585 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4fpVjEXbJ0FXKMgEK0m7QQ Find all our episodes at https://cornerstoneia.com/podcast/ Resources: Excelia - M&A Advisory Firm Cornerstone International Alliance Connect on LinkedIn: Nick Olsen Leonardo Toscano Cornerstone International Alliance Excelia Keywords: Brazil, M&A, cross-border transactions, investment opportunities, private equity, economic reform, mergers & acquisitions, sell side, buy side, valuation

July 16, 2026Episode 14338 min

Fixing the Leaky Sales Funnel - Episode 143

In this episode, Jason Kramer of Cultivize shares insights on how to fix leaky sales funnels, implement effective follow-up processes, and leverage AI and CRM tools to nurture long-term relationships in M&A and sales. Key Topics: Sales funnel leaks and how to fix them Importance of process and technology in sales Effective follow-up strategies and cadence Using AI for prospect research and outreach CRM best practices and common mistakes Long-term nurturing in long sales cycles Metrics to analyze for sales process improvement Building buy-in for new processes About the Show: The M&A Mastermind Podcast provides actionable insights and effective strategies tailored for dealmakers in the lower middle market. Hosted by Nick Olsen, the show features conversations with leading industry experts who share valuable knowledge on topics such as industry intelligence, deal management, collaborative successes, and specialized expertise. Listeners who support small to medium-sized business owners will find practical tactics and advice they can immediately apply to advance their mastery in mergers and acquisitions. Tune in Every Week: Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@UCl0qSCwwZLyZxY7RnqNghiw Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-m-a-mastermind-podcast/id1726394585 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4fpVjEXbJ0FXKMgEK0m7QQ Find all our episodes at https://cornerstoneia.com/podcast/ Resources: AfterTheLead.com CornerstoneIA.com Keywords: Mergers & acquisitions, M&A, sell side, buy side, valuation, sell my business, business sale, sales funnel, follow-up, CRM, process improvement, AI, lead nurturing, sales strategy

July 9, 2026Episode 14238 min

Risks That Can Sabotage Business Transfers - Episode 142

In this episode, Laurie Barkman, a seasoned exit strategist and author, shares insights on business transition, exit planning, and building transferable value. She discusses common pitfalls, the importance of succession planning, and how business owners can prepare for a successful exit. Key Topics Business transition and exit planning Common pitfalls in business transfer Building transferable business value Succession planning and owner dependency Employee bench and leadership development Timing and communication during exit Choosing the right buyer and exit options Internal vs external transfer of business Tools and resources for exit planning About the Show: The M&A Mastermind Podcast provides actionable insights and effective strategies tailored for dealmakers in the lower middle market. Hosted by Nick Olsen, the show features conversations with leading industry experts who share valuable knowledge on topics such as industry intelligence, deal management, collaborative successes, and specialized expertise. Listeners who support small to medium-sized business owners will find practical tactics and advice they can immediately apply to advance their mastery in mergers and acquisitions. Tune in Every Week: Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@UCl0qSCwwZLyZxY7RnqNghiw Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-m-a-mastermind-podcast/id1726394585 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4fpVjEXbJ0FXKMgEK0m7QQ Find all our episodes at https://cornerstoneia.com/podcast/ Resources The Business Transition Handbook - https://lauriebarkman.me/book Succession Stories Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/succession-stories/id123456789 Business Transition Sherpa - https://btsherpa.com Laurie Barkman - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriebarkman/ Keywords: Exit planning, business transition, succession, value creation, ownership transfer, business sale, exit strategy, business growth, leadership, entrepreneurship, mergers & acquisitions, M&A, sell side, buy side, valuation

July 2, 2026Episode 14139 min

Hidden Costs of Not Having a Succession Plan – Episode 141

This episode features Renee Russo discussing exit planning, succession strategies, and the importance of early preparation for business owners. She emphasizes the need for a comprehensive team approach, addressing emotional and structural challenges, and leveraging AI for future success. Key Topics: Exit planning importance Succession conversation barriers Business valuation and transferability Team and advisory collaboration Future of exit planning with AI About the Show: The M&A Mastermind Podcast provides actionable insights and effective strategies tailored for dealmakers in the lower middle market. Hosted by Nick Olsen, the show features conversations with leading industry experts who share valuable knowledge on topics such as industry intelligence, deal management, collaborative successes, and specialized expertise. Listeners who support small to medium-sized business owners will find practical tactics and advice they can immediately apply to advance their mastery in mergers and acquisitions. Tune in Every Week: Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@UCl0qSCwwZLyZxY7RnqNghiw Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-m-a-mastermind-podcast/id1726394585 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4fpVjEXbJ0FXKMgEK0m7QQ Find all our episodes at https://cornerstoneia.com/podcast/ Resources: Exit Planning Institute - https://exitplanninginstitute.com ReadyToRiseBook.com - https://ReadyToRiseBook.com DriveValue.com - https://drivevalue.com Connect: LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/reneerusso Keywords: Mergers & acquisitions (M&A), exit planning, succession, business owner, valuation, advisory, AI, business transition, preparation, team, wealth management, sell side, buy side, valuation

June 25, 2026Episode 14035 min

Succession by Design – Episode 140

Jim Erben, a veteran succession and exit planning advisor, discusses the importance of strategic planning for business owners to ensure successful exits, minimize taxes, and secure their legacy. He emphasizes the need for intentionality, comprehensive valuation, and building a strong team to navigate the upcoming trillion-dollar business transition. Key Topics: The upcoming $13 trillion business transition The importance of strategic succession planning Building a dream team for exit readiness About the Show: The M&A Mastermind Podcast provides actionable insights and effective strategies tailored for dealmakers in the lower middle market. Hosted by Nick Olsen, the show features conversations with leading industry experts who share valuable knowledge on topics such as industry intelligence, deal management, collaborative successes, and specialized expertise. Listeners who support small to medium-sized business owners will find practical tactics and advice they can immediately apply to advance their mastery in mergers and acquisitions. Tune in Every Week: Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@UCl0qSCwwZLyZxY7RnqNghiw Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-m-a-mastermind-podcast/id1726394585 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4fpVjEXbJ0FXKMgEK0m7QQ Find all our episodes at https://cornerstoneia.com/podcast/ Resources: Success by Design book launch details Erben Associates Cornerstone International Alliance Keywords: Succession planning, exit strategy, business valuation, legacy, business exit, planning, wealth management, M&A, business owner, succession by design

June 18, 2026Episode 13933 min

Digital Resilience Explained – Episode 139

Understanding cybersecurity risks is crucial for M&A transactions, especially in the lower middle market where these risks often go unchecked. This episode features Philippe Flichy, founder of Cykur, who shares his expertise on integrating cybersecurity into the valuation process and safeguarding enterprise value. Main Topics: The concept of business resilience and its importance in cybersecurity planning Common cybersecurity vulnerabilities overlooked in M&A due diligence Six pillars of cybersecurity assessment: governance, architecture, data protection, security operations, compliance, and legal How digital and cyber risks differ, and why digital risks are now tangible The impact of cyber breaches on company valuation, including real-world examples Due diligence practices: policies, procedures, and assessing third-party risks The role of AI in cybersecurity risks and best practices for protection Cyber insurance or cyber risk coverage: what to look for and questions to ask Post-transaction cyber integration strategies and the importance of incident response planning Key Highlights: Business resilience involves pre-attack preparations (like backups and incident response plans) and post-attack recovery strategies. Large breaches (e.g., Marriott's 500 million records breach) highlight the importance of cybersecurity for all company sizes. Cyber risks are increasingly tangible and can significantly impact enterprise value—up to 30% in some cases. Questions around policies, procedural revisions, and third-party risk assessments are critical for early cybersecurity evaluation. AI tools introduce new risks, such as unauthorized access and attacks, emphasizing the need for controlled and monitored usage. Effective cybersecurity due diligence can unlock an additional 30% of perceived value in M&A transactions. About the Show: The M&A Mastermind Podcast provides actionable insights and effective strategies tailored for dealmakers in the lower middle market. Hosted by Nick Olsen, the show features conversations with leading industry experts who share valuable knowledge on topics such as industry intelligence, deal management, collaborative successes, and specialized expertise. Listeners who support small to medium-sized business owners will find practical tactics and advice they can immediately apply to advance their mastery in mergers and acquisitions. Tune in Every Week: Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@UCl0qSCwwZLyZxY7RnqNghiw Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-m-a-mastermind-podcast/id1726394585 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4fpVjEXbJ0FXKMgEK0m7QQ Find all our episodes at https://cornerstoneia.com/podcast/ Connect with Philippe Flichy: LinkedIn Twitter Keywords: Cybersecurity, M&A Due Diligence, Digital Resilience, Cyber Risks, Business Valuation, Cyber Insurance, AI Security, Data Protection, Incident Response, Cyber Threats, Mergers & Acquisitions, Sell Side, Buy Side, Valuations, Sell my Business