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The M&A Mastermind Podcast

The M&A Mastermind Podcast

Nick Olsen 100 Episodes Aug 20, 2026

The M&A Mastermind Podcast is a show focused on mergers and acquisitions in the lower middle market. Host Nick Olsen interviews thought leaders who share strategies for market analysis, lead generation, deal management, and buyer access. The podcast aims to help small-to-medium sized business owners navigate the M&A industry.

Episodes

Selling a Social Enterprise: An Owner & Her M&A Advisor Tell All Feat. Merry Korn & Sharon Heaton | Ep. 148
Selling a Social Enterprise: An Owner & Her M&A Advisor Tell All Feat. Merry Korn & Sharon Heaton | Ep. 148 Aug 20, 2026 2103 Host Nick Olsen brings together both sides of a completed M&A deal — business owner Merry Korn and her investment banker, Sharon Heaton of sbLiftOff. Merry built Pearl Interactive Network into a 1,300-employee social enterprise before selling it with Sharon's guidance, and together they share the strategic planning, trust-building, and market realities behind a successful GovCon exit. Key Topi
The Psychology of Pricing: Behavioral Economics for M&A with Etinosa Agbonlahor | Ep. 147
The Psychology of Pricing: Behavioral Economics for M&A with Etinosa Agbonlahor | Ep. 147 Aug 14, 2026 2122 In this episode, Etinosa Agbonlahor, behavioral economist and CEO of Decision Alpha, joins host Nick Olsen to share how behavioral economics can transform pricing strategy for business owners and advisors — from perceived value to the pricing confidence gap and where AI is taking pricing next. Key Topics: Behavioral economics in pricing Understanding customer value perception Pricing strateg
A Business Owner’s 20-Year Exit Story Feat. Catherine Lang-Cline | Ep. 146
A Business Owner’s 20-Year Exit Story Feat. Catherine Lang-Cline | Ep. 146 Aug 6, 2026 2127 In this episode, Catherine Lang-Cline, longtime CEO of Portfolio Creative, joins host Nick Olsen to share how she prepared her business for a successful sale after 20 years — from mentor advice and team timing to choosing the right M&A advisor and buyer. Key Topics: Deciding to sell after 20 years Preparing a business to run without the owner The mentor advice that shaped her exit strate
Latin America M&A: Cross-Border Deals Feat. Stephen Marks | Ep. 145
Latin America M&A: Cross-Border Deals Feat. Stephen Marks | Ep. 145 Jul 31, 2026 2104 In this episode, Stephen Marks, founder of Emmersion Capital, joins host Nick Olsen to break down Latin America's macroeconomic shifts, cross-border M&A opportunities, and what lower middle market advisors and investors get wrong about the region. Key Topics: Latin American macroeconomic shifts Cross-border investment opportunities Impact of the Mercosur trade agreement Risks and misco
Brazil is a Market to Know for M&A - Episode 144
Brazil is a Market to Know for M&A - Episode 144 Jul 21, 2026 1806 In this episode, Leo Toscano, Managing Director of Excelia and partner of Cornerstone International Alliance, shares insights on the Brazilian M&A market, cross-border opportunities, and key industries driving growth. Discover how Brazil's unique economic landscape offers lucrative prospects for international investors and advisors. Key Topics: Brazilian M&A market evolution Cross-border
Fixing the Leaky Sales Funnel - Episode 143
Fixing the Leaky Sales Funnel - Episode 143 Jul 16, 2026 2331 In this episode, Jason Kramer of Cultivize shares insights on how to fix leaky sales funnels, implement effective follow-up processes, and leverage AI and CRM tools to nurture long-term relationships in M&A and sales. Key  Topics: Sales funnel leaks and how to fix them Importance of process and technology in sales Effective follow-up strategies and cadence Using AI for prospect research and o
Risks That Can Sabotage Business Transfers - Episode 142
Risks That Can Sabotage Business Transfers - Episode 142 Jul 9, 2026 2305 In this episode, Laurie Barkman, a seasoned exit strategist and author, shares insights on business transition, exit planning, and building transferable value. She discusses common pitfalls, the importance of succession planning, and how business owners can prepare for a successful exit. Key Topics Business transition and exit planning Common pitfalls in business transfer Building transferable bu
Hidden Costs of Not Having a Succession Plan – Episode 141
Hidden Costs of Not Having a Succession Plan – Episode 141 Jul 2, 2026 2395 This episode features Renee Russo discussing exit planning, succession strategies, and the importance of early preparation for business owners. She emphasizes the need for a comprehensive team approach, addressing emotional and structural challenges, and leveraging AI for future success. Key  Topics: Exit planning importance Succession conversation barriers Business valuation and transferability
Succession by Design – Episode 140
Succession by Design – Episode 140 Jun 25, 2026 2156 Jim Erben, a veteran succession and exit planning advisor, discusses the importance of strategic planning for business owners to ensure successful exits, minimize taxes, and secure their legacy. He emphasizes the need for intentionality, comprehensive valuation, and building a strong team to navigate the upcoming trillion-dollar business transition. Key Topics: The upcoming $13 trillion business
Digital Resilience Explained – Episode 139
Digital Resilience Explained – Episode 139 Jun 18, 2026 1988 Understanding cybersecurity risks is crucial for M&A transactions, especially in the lower middle market where these risks often go unchecked. This episode features Philippe Flichy, founder of Cykur, who shares his expertise on integrating cybersecurity into the valuation process and safeguarding enterprise value. Main Topics: The concept of business resilience and its importance in cybersecu
Elevating Risk Management for Business Growth – Episode 138
Elevating Risk Management for Business Growth – Episode 138 Jun 11, 2026 1591 Discover how strategic insurance planning and proactive risk management can drive business value, secure operations, and enhance exit opportunities. Led by Brian Riemer, CEO of Riemer Insurance Group, this episode delves into transforming insurance from a transactional expense into a strategic tool for businesses. Main Topics: The evolution of insurance from transactional to strategic advisory Ho
Unlocking AI Potential – Episode 137
Unlocking AI Potential – Episode 137 Jun 4, 2026 2295 Explore how AI can transform leadership, strategy, and efficiency in business with Ivey Conefry, a trusted advisor with experience in the military and aerospace industries. Learn practical prompting techniques, the importance of CRIT methodology, and how to integrate AI into daily workflows for a competitive advantage. Key  Topics: Prompting best practices CRIT methodology (Context, Role, Intervi

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