Built on Strategy

How can efficiency affect a merger or acquisition?

On this episode of the Built on Strategy Podcast we are joined by Edelweiss Harrison, the Head of Strategy at Capstone Strategic, a mergers and acquisitions advisory firm. We discuss the process and nuances that go into acquiring companies across all industries, and the key aspects of businesses to understand when a potential merge or acquisition is on the table. Efficiency is key in the M&A industry, and strategic partnerships play a crucial role in the ability to execute company wide transitions. The practices and standards for these kinds of deals are constantly evolving, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated the changes in this sector. Edelweiss details her experience as an expert at analyzing risk profiles, corporate cultures, and external growth rates in this fascinating industry.

What can mentorship and coaching offer to startups?

On this episode of the Built on Strategy Podcast we are joined by Bea Wray, Co-Founder of the Millennial Women Network and Author of “What an MBA Taught Me”. We discuss Bea’s entrepreneurial journey starting with intellectual property acquisition on source code for software companies and transitioning into a coach/mentor role. This led to a blossoming career of coaching hundreds of entrepreneurs, hosting innovation conferences, and meeting weekly with business owners and start up hopefuls to steer leaders in the direction of success. Bea elaborates on the importance of optimism, good starting practices, and key strategies for networking.

How can data inform vehicle purchasing patterns?

On this episode of the Built on Strategy Podcast, we are joined by Curtis Burkhalter, who is the Product Manager of Data Science Insights at Alteryx and former Data Insight Product Manager with Mercedes Benz. We discuss the shift in the auto industry into cleaner technology and the obstacles that come with reorganizing priorities. The transition to electric vehicles for car manufacturers requires new strategies for production, marketing, support, and most importantly data. Interests, hobbies, and lifestyle are key factors to determining potential car owners, and the analytics that lead manufacturers to new clientele is evolving with changing worldviews and societal awareness. The key to appealing to new audiences is empathy, and understanding the types of issues that resonate with people is crucial to providing them with products they will adopt.

What kinds of technologies are enabling doors to provide useful data?

On this episode of the Built on Strategy Podcast we are joined by Sam Prudhomme, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Senneca Holdings. We discuss the unique world of the specialty door industry, and the unique opportunities and potential of specially designed entrances for a variety of purposes. Advancements in technology have enabled a high level of security insurance for mission critical environments such as data containment centers and maintaining restricted access to these spaces is essential in many industries. Although security is a priority for Senneca, they also are invested in data collection of people who use doorways for a number of applications. Doors can now be used as points of data capture to provide valuable insights that inform the way businesses, organizations, and communities operate.

How can innovations in chemistry determine battery optimization?

On this episode of the Built on Strategy Podcast, we are joined by Emily Dickens, Head of Product Development at Octet Scientific, Inc. We discuss the science and technology of the evolving world of zinc-based batteries and the varied outcomes that new energy storage products yield. The potential for rechargeable batteries in all sizes has never been greater, but it takes innovation and experimentation to produce results that can affect change. With companies like Tesla and many others relying heavily on the efficiency of electrical energy storage, Emily and her team are invaluable assets to securing an optimized future regarding battery life, waste reduction, and intelligent energy consumption.

What type of innovations enable growth in the natural gas industry?

On this episode of the Built on Strategy Podcast, we are joined by Jeff Holyoak, Vice President of Sales and Market Development at TOMCO2 Systems. We discuss carbon dioxide (CO2), the chemical foundation present in every step of the supply chain. CO2 is all around us; whether be it in the manufacturing and food processing industry or in the production of dry ice, CO2 distribution is a global need. Jeff and his team at TOMCO2 Systems are particularly interested in the capture and subsequent liquefaction, purification, and storage of CO2. Although we are surrounded by this natural gas that makes up half a percentage of our atmosphere, the state-of-the-art advanced science, technology, and strategies that make acquisition and application possible are constantly evolving. In a time where humanity’s awareness of carbon emissions contrasts the growing demand for natural gasses, it is more important than ever to have professionals to innovate efficient, safe, and sustainable strategies into the future.

How do incentives drive workplace culture?

On this episode of the Built on Strategy Podcast, we are joined by Ben Levenbaum, CEO of Xceleration, Inc. We discuss the psychology of successful workforces and the incentivization structures that encourage productive behavior in the workplace. There are inherent motivations to performing optimally at work, but an organized system that rewards and acknowledges productivity can make a big difference in the lives and conduct of employees in any model. This kind of recognition can also be key in driving, creating and sustaining a healthy workplace culture where everyone understands the vision of the company. Especially during new and challenging times for recruitment and retainment, incentive programs can strengthen a company from the bottom up and enable better communication between employees and executives.

Can the machinery that defined manufacturing adapt to an automated world?

On this episode of the Built on Strategy Podcast, we are joined by Christine Spiegel, the Director of Marketing for Murata Machinery USA. We discuss the current trends and market forces that are molding the new and unique form of modern manufacturing, where optimization and simplicity are key ingredients to a profitable supply chain. Companies have realized that with labor shortages and the increasing costs of energy prices, it is time to integrate existing machinery into a more efficient system that harnesses the power of automation in order to maximize efficiency. Due to the utilization and adaptation of long-standing equipment, there is a highly competitive demand for technically proficient engineers in the manufacturing world. While countless hurdles are behind Christine and her colleagues at Murata Manufacturing, the variables that pave the way for this industry’s future are guaranteed to provide more challenges.

How can technological innovation re-imagine oral hygiene?

On this episode of the Built on Strategy Podcast, we are joined by Victoria Williams, Director of Marketing and Sales with BlÜ Toothbrush. We talk about the discrepancies within our healthcare system that affect people’s likelihood to visit the dentist, oral hygiene’s role in everyone’s systemic health, and how modern designs of toothbrushes can provide useful data about their users. Any parent knows the unique challenge of keeping children accountable when it comes to brushing, and now with BlÜ Toothbrushes, dentists will be able to see just how honest children and adults have been with their habits and be able to supply care matched to their needs. Providing oral healthcare professionals with specific data about spots missed during brushing and other insights saves time in the dentist’s chair. The healthcare industry is making strides toward telehealth and remote healthcare services and thanks to Victoria and others, dental health is now accessible through apps and programs for in-home consultation.

How can culture impact a company’s journey of growth?

On this episode of the Built on Strategy Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Andrew Kim, author of Culture for the Left Brain Leader and Co-Founder of Culture 'n Strategy. We discuss the value of management and leadership in relationship to the emotions, feelings, and motivations of people underneath executives in every industry. The roles and responsibilities for organization officers are increasingly expanding and hard to determine. Effective leaders organize their teams around personalities and combine culture with strategy in order to propel their businesses forward. Professionals like Dr. Kim are experts in creating environments that encourage cooperation, collaboration and a deep understanding of the mission and goals of any company.