What does it take to truly prepare your business for its next chapter, whether it's strategic growth, a leadership shift, or an M&A transition? In this episode of Thinc Ahead, Karen Albritton welcomes Kelli Snider, Partner at Thinc Strategy, to unpack the critical financial and strategic insights businesses need to thrive. Kelli, who oversees Thinc Strategy's technical and managed services, and M&A activities, shares her journey and expertise in guiding companies through complex financial landscapes and pivotal transitions.

Tune in to discover:

• From Banking to Business Strategy: Kelli's unique career path, starting in banking during the 2008 crisis, then transitioning to public accounting at KPMG, and ultimately finding her calling at Thinc Strategy with co-founder Cindy Anderson. (00:01:25)
• The Power of Managed Services: Understand why an external managed services team, offering both controller-level "rearview mirror" insights and CFO-level "windshield" foresight, is crucial for continuous financial health and risk mitigation. (00:04:00)
• Forecasting for Predictability: Learn Kelli's golden rule for effective forecasting – consistently measuring actual results against your projections to build more accurate financial models, especially for people-centric professional services firms. (00:07:00)
• M&A Readiness: Beyond the Books: Kelli emphasizes that preparing for an external transition goes deeper than clean financials. It requires owners to consider their post-sale role, desired timeline, and how to best position their team and culture for a successful new home. (00:14:00)
• Feasibility Studies: Your Starting Point for Transition: Discover how Thinc Strategy's clear, impactful feasibility models provide businesses with a roadmap of their viable options for ownership transition, simplifying a seemingly overwhelming decision. (00:10:00)
• The Due Diligence Advantage: How an experienced third-party team can manage the intensive due diligence process, providing crucial industry perspective and taking the load off internal teams during a sale or acquisition. (00:11:00)

Kelli's insights offer practical takeaways for any business leader looking to build a resilient, forward-thinking organization.

Thinc Ahead is hosted by Thinc Strategy's Cindy Anderson & Karen Albritton and produced by Walk W.

Thinking about selling your business or making an acquisition? It's more than just numbers; it's a deeply strategic and often emotional journey. In this episode of Thinc Ahead, Cindy Anderson sits down with Greg Clucas, Consultant at Thinc Strategy. With extensive experience from both the buyer and seller perspectives, Greg illuminates the multifaceted process of mergers and acquisitions, emphasizing preparation, cultural alignment, and the human element.

Tune in to discover:

• Maximizing Value: Beyond the Balance Sheet: Greg explains how firms can enhance their value for a potential sale by optimizing operating procedures, technology, financial cleanliness, and leadership structures. (00:02:25)
• The M&A Timeline: A Multi-Year Journey: Understand why preparing for an exit is a significant undertaking, often requiring 2-3 years of preparation and potentially a 5-year outlook including integration. (00:04:15)
• The Critical Role of Leadership Continuity: Learn why buyers prioritize strong, independent leadership teams that can run the business without the founder, ensuring seamless continuity post-acquisition. (00:06:00)
• Finding the "1+1=3" Opportunity: Greg shares how a successful M&A transaction isn't just about the sale itself, but often about identifying opportunities for enhanced growth and even a second, more significant financial event for the seller in the future. (00:08:00)
• Navigating the Emotional Landscape of a Sale: Cindy and Greg discuss the inherent emotional challenges for business owners during due diligence and how Thinc Strategy acts as a thoughtful, objective partner to guide clients through difficult conversations. (00:11:00)
• When to Walk Away: Building Credibility: Greg explains why having the courage to advise a client to walk away from a deal, even a seemingly good one, is essential for building long-term trust and ensuring the best outcome. (00:14:00)
• Thinking Ahead in M&A: Greg outlines his approach to anticipating challenges and opportunities from all sides of a transaction, ensuring thorough preparation for every stage, from LOI to integration. (00:18:00)

Greg's expertise provides invaluable guidance for any business leader considering their M&A options in today's dynamic market.

Thinc Ahead is hosted by Thinc Strategy's Cindy Anderson & Karen Albritton and produced by Walk West.

How do you strategically grow a company in a rapidly evolving market, especially when it involves significant technological transformation? In this episode of Thinc Ahead, Karen Albritton sits down with Berkley Stafford, CEO of TransImpact, a company that has evolved from a shipping negotiation provider to a leader in end-to-end supply chain technology solutions. Berkley shares candid insights into TransImpact's journey, highlighting the pivotal role of strategic acquisitions and the nuances of cultural integration.

Tune in to discover:

• Build vs. Buy: Accelerating Innovation: Berkley explains how TransImpact's acquisition strategy has been key to rapidly gaining a competitive edge and bringing advanced technology to market faster than building it internally. (00:01:30)
• The Litmus Test for Acquisitions: Culture First: Learn why cultural fit is the non-negotiable first step in TransImpact's acquisition process, emphasizing that even the best technology won't succeed without it. (00:05:30)
• Seeking "Gap Fillers": Discover how TransImpact identifies companies that not only bring advanced technology but also fill crucial gaps in skill sets, sales maturity, and client base. (00:06:00)
• The Art of Integration: Slow Down and Observe: Berkley shares a key learning from multiple integrations: resist the urge to rush. Allow double the time you anticipate for integration to preserve the acquired company's strengths and ensure a smooth cultural blend. (00:13:00)
• Leveraging Technology: Internal Efficiencies & External Feedback: Explore TransImpact's dual approach to technology, using its own products internally for efficiency and actively seeking customer feedback to drive continuous product improvement and retention. (00:15:20)
• Governance in the Age of AI: Understand TransImpact's robust governance model for technology and AI, involving a risk committee, cross-departmental prioritization meetings, and dedicated strategic sessions led by the CTO and CPO. (00:20:30)
• Thinking Ahead Through Prediction: Berkley reveals TransImpact's commitment to constantly predicting market shifts, competitive landscapes, and technological pivots to stay ahead, continually refining their forecasts for greater accuracy. (00:22:15)

Berkley's insights offer a compelling masterclass on the strategic foresight and meticulous execution required to navigate significant business transformations.

Thinc Ahead is hosted by Thinc Strategy's Cindy Anderson & Karen Albritton and produced by Walk West.

What happens when a leader listens first—but still makes the tough calls when it counts? In this episode of Thinc Ahead, Michael Mesnard, President of Cline Design, shares his journey from intern to company president, and how his inclusive leadership style is fueling both cultural strength and strategic growth. 

How do you transition from peer to leader while keeping respect and collaboration intact? Throughout this episode, Michael offers honest insights on guiding a multigenerational team, empowering emerging leaders, and balancing emotional intelligence with decisiveness. From embracing diverse leadership styles to planning for sustainable expansion, Michael’s story is packed with takeaways for anyone looking to build a resilient, values-driven business. Tune in to learn how humility, structure, and shared purpose can transform the way teams grow together.

Thinc Ahead is hosted by Thinc Strategy's Cindy Anderson & Karen Albritton and produced by Earfluence.

What does it take to sell your business successfully—and feel good about it afterward? In this episode of Thinc Ahead, corporate attorney Deana Labriola shares expert advice on preparing for a sale, from building the right advisory team to aligning deal terms with your long-term goals. She explains why sellers need to think beyond the transaction and consider what they want life to look like the day after closing. With practical tips for both buyers and sellers, Deana offers a clear, strategic approach to navigating business transitions in today’s balanced M&A market.

Thinc Ahead is hosted by Thinc Strategy's Cindy Anderson & Karen Albritton and produced by Earfluence.

What does it take to scale a business successfully while maintaining a strong culture and vision? In this episode of Thinc Ahead, Monty Hagler, President and CEO of RLF Communications, shares key lessons on strategic growth, acquisitions, and leadership. Looking to gain insights into how to align company culture during mergers, build scalable processes, and leverage technology without losing a personal touch? Tune in as Monty offers practical advice on making smart business decisions, fostering strong teams, and positioning a company for long-term success while growing with purpose.

Thinc Ahead is hosted by Thinc Strategy's Cindy Anderson & Karen Albritton and produced by Earfluence.

How can businesses ensure their technology investments align with long-term goals rather than chasing the latest trends? And what does it take to create a secure, scalable tech foundation that supports growth? In this episode of Thinc Ahead, Cindy Anderson and Karen Albritton sit down with Karen Wiltgen, computer science and software development consultant, to explore these pressing questions.

From leveraging AI responsibly to managing dynamic workforces and integrating acquisitions effectively, Karen offers actionable advice for business leaders ready to navigate the complexities of today’s technology landscape. Tune in to discover how curiosity, strategic thinking, and adaptability can future-proof your business.

Thinc Ahead is hosted by Thinc Strategy's Cindy Anderson & Karen Albritton and produced by Earfluence.

What sets an inspirational leader apart, and how can creative thinking drive business growth? In this episode of Thinc Ahead, Timothy Hawk, president of WSA Studio, shares the strategies that have propelled his firm forward. From hiring for attitude over skill to fostering collaboration and embracing diverse perspectives, Timothy reveals how he’s built a culture that inspires creativity and innovation. By drawing insights from art, literature, and cultural trends, Timothy reimagines how spaces can empower teams and drive organizational success. Tune in to learn how this visionary leader continuously thinks ahead to shape the future of architecture and leadership, and how you can do the same.

Thinc Ahead is hosted by Thinc Strategy's Cindy Anderson & Karen Albritton and produced by Earfluence.

How do you build a business that not only survives but thrives in an ever-changing world? And what does it take to make diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) more than just a buzzword in your organization? In this episode of Thinc Ahead, hosts Cindy Anderson and Karen Albritton are joined by Donald Thompson, CEO of The Diversity Movement, to tackle these questions and more. Tune in to hear Thompson share his journey from a single presentation on multicultural marketing to creating a scalable, technology-driven DEI platform. He shares tips on the importance of customer feedback, self-awareness, and strategic acquisitions, while also sharing details on how his partnership with Workplace Options expanded his company’s global reach while preserving its unique mission. With insights on team dynamics, entrepreneurial resilience, and turning challenges into opportunities, this episode offers practical strategies for leaders and innovators ready to thinc ahead.

Thinc Ahead is hosted by Thinc Strategy's Cindy Anderson & Karen Albritton and produced by Earfluence.

What does it take to build and grow a successful business, especially when faced with unexpected challenges? In this episode of the Thinc Ahead, hosts Cindy Anderson and Karen Albritton welcome Elizabeth Johnson, founder of Simpson Scarborough, who shares her unique journey of scaling a firm in higher education marketing. Elizabeth discusses the pivotal moments that shaped her path, including how she transformed her company after the untimely passing of her business partner, Christopher Simpson. Tune in to learn about the strategies she used to grow the company, her approach to building strong partnerships, how she navigates decisions around ownership and acquisitions, and why there’s a critical need for dedicated support and community within the higher ed marketing space. Whether you're an entrepreneur or a leader in any industry, Elizabeth’s story will provide you with helpful insights on resilience, strategic growth, and the power of mentorship.

Thinc Ahead is hosted by Thinc Strategy's Cindy Anderson & Karen Albritton and produced by Earfluence.