Episode #28: The People Problem in Private Equity Value Creation w/Meg Poag
Two-thirds of M&A transactions destroy value. Not because of bad models—but because of people.
In this episode, Meg Poag (Founder, Mission Squared) breaks down the real reasons deals fail after close: misaligned expectations, unclear authority, cultural friction, and the psychological blind spots of founders and investors alike.
From “dating before marriage” to the neuroscience of decision-making, Meg explains why emotion clouds judgment, why founders resist feedback, and how small gaps in alignment turn into full-scale value destruction.
If you’re involved in buying, selling, or operating businesses, this episode is a masterclass in the human side of value creation.