In this episode of the M&A Mastermind Podcast, host Nick Olsen interviews Shaunna Balady, a member of Cornerstone International Alliance, who specializes in the software industry. Shaunna shares her extensive experience in M&A, emphasizing the importance of operational expertise, philanthropy, and emotional intelligence in transactions. She discusses the evolving landscape of software M&A, the significance of relationships in client acquisition, and the future trends in the industry.

Shaunna also highlights the critical role of people in software companies and the need for retention strategies during transitions. The conversation concludes with insights on how to navigate the complexities of M&A in the software sector.

Tune in now and elevate your understanding of M&A dynamics with the podcast that delivers actionable insights and unlocks the door to new possibilities. To learn more about M&A trends and insights, please like, subscribe, and rate our podcast. New episodes go live every Thursday at 9 am CST.

Some Key takeaways include:

• Philanthropy is a core value that drives their business model.
• Operational experience is crucial for preparing companies for sale.
• Building relationships is key to client acquisition in M&A.
• Emotional intelligence plays a significant role in M&A transactions.
• Understanding buyer dynamics is essential for successful deals.
• The software industry is experiencing rapid digitization and growth.
• Retention of key employees is critical during transitions.
• Education on software-specific vocabulary is necessary for M&A professionals.
• The future of software M&A looks promising with continued opportunities.

About the show:

The M&A Mastermind Podcast is your go-to source for the latest industry trends and strategies to level up your M&A practice.

The show features thought leaders who specialize in the lower middle market space and share their experiences and expertise across key areas of execution, such as: market analysis, lead generation, deal management, strategic partnerships, buyer access and much more.

With host Nick Olsen, each episode's "mastermind" will share ways in which they have found success in navigating the M&A industry to best support the small-to-medium sized private business owners they focus on serving.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Shaunna Balady and Cornerstone International Alliance

06:03 Philanthropy and Knowledge Sharing in M&A

11:53 Building Relationships and Client Acquisition

17:52 Understanding Buyer Dynamics in Software M&A

23:50 Key Takeaways for M&A Professionals

Keywords: M&A, software industry, Shaunna Balady, Cornerstone International Alliance, operational experience, philanthropy, buyer dynamics, future trends, emotional intelligence, client acquisition