Featuring insights from Connor O’Hearn, this article explores how AI is becoming the new currency of leverage in M&A. O’Hearn, founder of MAAI Services, outlines how lean deal teams are outpacing larger firms by using tools like Emma Legal to automate diligence, uncover insights, and compress timelines. He argues that AI isn't just about efficiency. It’s a career accelerant, a strategic edge, and a sign of maturity that LPs are starting to expect.