Episode 28 - M&A in the Global Agri-Food Industry - April 2025 Overview

When companies go through a merger or acquisition, most leaders obsess over financials and spreadsheets. But according to Jennifer Fondrevay—founder of Day1 Ready and author of Now What?—the real failure happens when leadership ignores people. 

In this episode of Leadership NOW, we explore what really drives post-acquisition chaos, the arrogance of deal-making, and why culture buddies and pre-mortems are essential to getting it right. 

If your company is planning a deal, this conversation is your human integration blueprint.

More information about Jennifer Fondrevay at https://jenniferjfondrevay.com/
More information about Dan Pontefract at https://www.danpontefract.com/

Jennifer Fondrevay on Fixing the Human Side of M&A

Episode 29 - M&A in the Global Agri-Food Industry - May 2025 Overview

The lads were delighted to welcome special guest, Analyst Paolo Pescatore, to the latest pod. Iain and Scott had already downed a couple before recording, so discipline was especially challenging. Luckily all the podders had been at the grand launch of VodafoneThree so they’re able to bang on about that for a bit. They eventually turn to the latest news from Apple, with Paolo having attended the supporting event in California earlier in the week, before concluding by pondering the role of emerging technologies in consumer devices.

Threedafone, Apple and AI

The “friendly physician.” Boy, is that’s a term of art or, perhaps better said, of artifice.

“I Thought They Loved Me!” Is No Defense For the Spurned and Burned “Friendly Physician”

Episode 30 - M&A in the Global Agri-Food Industry - June 2025

After enjoying a week in Tenby, Richard Hattersley returns to the podcast to discuss Companies House reforms. While Companies House confirmed small companies will be required to file their profit and loss (P&L) accounts, doubts quickly followed. Hattersley unpacks where the reforms stand, the debate around P&L filing and why the situation has become so unclear.

Back from Norway, Tom Herbert takes a look at the audit market and shares his growing concerns about the role of auditors. He draws on David Graeber’s “Bullshit Jobs” concept, where people feel their work lacks real purpose, and wonders if audit is heading in that direction. Once seen as a pillar of financial integrity, audit may be losing its meaning. Herbert reflects on what this could mean for attracting new talent, the growing skills gap and the deeper identity crisis facing the profession.

Matthew Ord shares a new ICAEW report on the evolution of mid-tier accountancy firms, highlighting that many still aren’t convinced by private equity. He runs through some of the findings, as the team explores why some independent firms remain cautious, whether we’ll ever agree on whether PE is good or bad and how the ongoing skills gap continues to shape the conversation.


No Accounting for Taste ep193: What is happening with P&L filing?

Episode 32 - M&A in the Global Agri-Food Industry - July 2025


The IPO market remains unwelcoming to biotechs and venture investors are reticent to back younger companies. In the absence of reliable funding sources, many biotechs are trying to advance their most promising programs while keeping their operations lean until they can get to a fundable milestone. We spoke to Kevin Sarney, Life Sciences Practice Leader for Charles River CFO, about the current uncertainty biotechs face, the need for capital efficiency, and how companies can best prepare for future opportunities.

Surviving and Thriving in the Long Biotech Winter

Episode 33 - M&A in the Global Agri-Food Industry - August 2025

Dan Pontefract is an award-winning author, leadership strategist, and culture change expert. Dan's podcast explores all aspects of leadership, organizational culture, purpose, and professional development. 
 
Dan is the best-selling author of five books: WORK-LIFE BLOOM, LEAD. CARE. WIN., OPEN TO THINK, THE PURPOSE EFFECT, and FLAT ARMY. A renowned speaker, Dan has presented at four different TED events and also writes for Forbes and Harvard Business Review. Dan is an adjunct professor at the University of Victoria, Gustavson School of Business, and has garnered more than 20 industry awards over his career.
 
Previously, as Chief Envisioner and Chief Learning Officer at TELUS—a Canadian telecommunications company with revenues of $14 billion and 50,000 global employees—he launched the Transformation Office, the TELUS MBA, and the TELUS Leadership Philosophy, all award-winning initiatives that dramatically helped to increase the company’s employee engagement to record levels of nearly 90%. Prior to TELUS, he held senior roles at SAP, Business Objects, and BCIT. He is honoured to be on the Thinkers50 radar list.

Once a week we get together in a studio somewhere in London to take the piss out of telecoms and technology for an hour or so.

The Big4Bio Podcast shares podcasts that give insight and information about/from biotech and life science leaders and organizations within the Big4Bio regions. Check out our Playlists to hear podcasts by region.

New tracks tagged #M&amp;A

New tracks tagged #M&A