M&A Wisdom You Won’t Find in Textbooks

Great advice is timeless, and some of the most impactful commencement speeches hold nuggets of wisdom that transcend the graduation season. These speeches often contain key messages that can be applied to our personal and professional lives, especially in the world of mergers and acquisitions. Let’s dive into some of these powerful themes and see how they can help us grow our businesses.

Be the Hero of Your Own Story

Nora Ephron once told a graduating class to “be the heroine of your life, not the victim.” This is a powerful reminder that we all have control over our narratives. In the M&A world, you’ll face many challenges—deals falling through, negotiations stalling, and unexpected hurdles. Don’t fall into the victim mentality. Instead, take charge and turn your challenges into opportunities. Every great story has a protagonist who overcomes adversity, so be the hero in your own story.

Let Go of Revenge and Embrace Grace

Kurt Vonnegut advised graduates to “learn to live without the sick excitement of having scores to settle.” In the business world, especially in M&A, holding grudges can be detrimental. Maybe a deal went south because of a partner’s betrayal or a competitor's underhanded tactics. Holding onto grudges will only weigh you down. Let go and embrace grace. Focus on building positive relationships and moving forward. This mindset will help you stay focused on growth rather than getting bogged down by past conflicts.

The Reality of Mortality

Steve Jobs famously said, “Remembering that you’re gonna die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose.” In business, especially when acquiring companies, taking calculated risks is essential. Don’t let the fear of failure hold you back. Whether it’s a bold acquisition or a strategic pivot, embracing the fact that we have a limited amount of time can drive you to make decisions that propel your business forward. Life is too short to play it safe all the time.

Pay Attention and Be Open to Options

David Foster Wallace emphasized the importance of paying attention: “If you really learn how to pay attention, then you will know there are other options.” In M&A, it's easy to get tunnel vision. You might be focused on one deal or strategy and miss out on other opportunities. Always be on the lookout for different angles and alternatives. If a deal seems like it’s not going to work out, take a step back, reassess, and explore other options. Flexibility and awareness are key to making successful acquisitions.

Trust Your Gut—Within Reason

Oprah Winfrey’s advice was simple: “If it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it.” Trusting your instincts is crucial in business. If a deal feels off or a partner doesn’t seem trustworthy, listen to that inner voice. However, balance this with data and counsel from others. Don’t let emotions be the sole driver of your actions. Seek advice, reflect on your principles, and then make a decision that feels right both emotionally and logically.

Embrace Improvisation

Stephen Colbert nailed it when he said, “Life is an improvisation. You have no idea what’s going to happen next, and you’re mostly just making things up as you go along.” Planning is essential, but be prepared to adapt and improvise in business. The M&A landscape is unpredictable. Deals can fall apart last minute, market conditions can change overnight, and new opportunities can suddenly appear. Everyone is figuring things out along the way, so don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t have all the answers. Embrace the unknown and be flexible.

Find Freedom in Facing Your Fears

Conan O’Brien’s wisdom is gold: “There are a few things more liberating in this life than having your worst fear realized.” Facing your fears head-on can be incredibly freeing. In business, this could mean a deal collapsing or a major investment failing. When you survive your worst-case scenario, you realize it’s not the end of the world. This builds resilience and gives you the confidence to tackle future challenges. Sometimes the lessons learned from a failed deal are more valuable than the deal itself.

Practice Kindness and Empathy

George Saunders urged graduates to “err in the direction of kindness.” Kindness should be your default mode, whether in business or personal life. It’s easy to react with anger or frustration, but kindness leads to better outcomes. In the context of M&A, this means treating your partners, employees, and even competitors with respect and empathy. Building a reputation as a kind and fair player in the market can open doors and create opportunities that wouldn’t exist otherwise.

Cultivate Grit

Tim Cook’s advice is to “call upon your grit.” Grit is the perseverance and passion for long-term goals. The M&A process can be grueling, with long hours, tough negotiations, and unexpected setbacks. It’s your grit that will see you through these challenges. Keep pushing, keep trying, and never give up. As you face setbacks, remember that these moments are building your resilience and character. Successful entrepreneurs are those who persist through adversity.

The Power of Humor

Jerry Seinfeld said, “Humor is the most powerful survival essential quality you will ever have.” Humor helps us navigate life’s toughest moments. It lightens the load and brings perspective. Even in the darkest times, finding something to laugh about can make the situation more bearable. In business, a sense of humor can diffuse tension, build camaraderie, and keep morale high. Don’t take yourself too seriously—enjoy the journey and find the humor in everyday challenges.

These timeless speeches remind us that life and business are about growth, resilience, and kindness. Embrace your journey with a sense of humor, pay attention to your instincts, and never stop learning from your experiences. Here’s to being the hero of your own story and achieving great success in your M&A ventures!

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