Ever thought that Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) are just for the big names with endless cash?

In this episode, ex-Goldman Sachs sailor and ‘Forbes 30 under 30’, Matt Bodnar explores how founders can leverage acquisition strategies without needing a massive war chest.

Together we explore how you can use M&A to scale your business, by understanding these key insights:

1. Creative structuring and resourcefulness can open doors to acquisition opportunities earlier in your business journey than you might think.

2. Whether through hiring, partnering, or advisory roles, bringing in knowledgeable individuals can help you navigate M&A effectively.

3. Think Outside the Box! Small acquisitions can be a strategic growth strategy and offer valuable assets, talent, or customer bases while requiring minimal upfront investment.

For more weekly insights on acquisitions and growth strategies, connect with Matt Bodnar on LinkedIn and check out his podcast, The Science of Success.

More from James:

Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com

Does character and trust matter more than high performance?

In this episode, of Peer Effect, we’re joined by Logan Naidu, Founder and Group CEO of Kernel Global. He’s successfully scaled his company to $50 million in revenue and today, he’s sharing his #1 tip on how other founders can do the same by focusing on who they surround themselves with.

Together we, uncover key insights for founders, like:

1. How character and trust can outweigh even the highest performers.
2. Why surrounding yourself with the right people can be the key to scaling your success!
3. The art of relationship building relationships, both in professional and personal environments..

Connect with Logan Naidu on LinkedIn to learn more about his work at Kernel Global.

More from James:

Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com

What does it take to keep a team aligned, motivated, and moving towards a shared mission, even when things get tough?

In this episode, Alice Olafare shares her insights as an ex-founder and her experience working with more than 120 founders.

Together, we explore:

• The concept of aligning a common "North Star" vision to maintain cohesion, improve performance, and avoid misunderstandings.
• The power of having ongoing, open conversations, as well as external facilitation.
• The process of knowing when to step down when your vision no longer aligns with your business or your co-founder.

Connect with Alice Olafare on LinkedIn to stay updated on her insights and expertise in entrepreneurship and leadership.

More from James:

Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com

Are you hiring the fans of your company, and the people who already love your business’ product?

In this episode of Peer Effect, Richard White, Founder and CEO of Fathom, offers valuable insights from his lessons learned in scaling his team from 15 to 50 this year and securing a $17m series A.

Together, we uncover:

• How to build a motivated and efficient team early on, allowing founders to focus on strategic, high-impact work.
• Why delegating small tasks is crucial for founders to avoid burnout and focus on long-term goals and growth.
• Bottom-up hiring strategies that prioritise skill-based assessments and the right hires for tactical tasks, helping you scale without unnecessary executive overhead.

Learn more about Richard White’s work at Fathom AI, the world's #1 AI Meeting Assistant, or follow Richard White on LinkedIn for more AI and founder insights.

More from James:

Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com

The future of AI in business? It’s already arrived.

Eric Daimler, a titan in the AI space with over 20 years of experience, joins Peer Effect to show you why. With a background that spans advising the White House, co-founding over 6 tech startups, and leading Conexus AI, Eric brings some incredible insights into the transformative power of AI.

Together, we dive into:

• The importance of timing and adaptation, and why philosophies like "Blitz Scaling" and "Failing Fast" may not always apply to your business.
• How getting specific will help your business avoid inefficiencies, enhance collaboration, and leverage AI technologies more effectively.
• The value of learning from a variety of real-life experiences and being selective about the advice that founders should incorporate into their business.

Discover more about Eric Daimler's work at Conexus AI or follow him on LinkedIn for more exciting insights.

More from James:

Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com

Ever thought about how prioritising diversity and inclusion could unlock new growth for your business?

What does "culture fit" really mean and do you make your company culture measurable?

In this episode, Jo Major, founder of Diversity in Recruitment dives into redefining traditional recruitment filters and offers practical advice on creating an evidence-based approach to hiring while keeping diversity in mind.

Together, we uncover:

• The critical importance of embedding DE&I early in your company's hiring practices to avoid unconscious biases and the pitfalls of a homogenised workforce.
• Strategies for slowing down the hiring process to improve quality and diversity, challenging the common rush of filling positions quickly to reduce costs.
• Practical tips for founders on assessing and reshaping hiring practices to truly reflect and promote a diverse workplace.

Don't miss this episode for a chance to transform how you think about building your team! For more insights, follow Jo Major on LinkedIn.

More from James:

Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com

A founder can make or break company culture!

In this curated episode of Peer Effect, we explore essential leadership strategies with Dean Seddon (founder and CEO of MAVERRIK), Dan Brownsher (Founder & CEO of Channel Key), and Nigel Thomas (founder of David to Goliath).

Their insights provide valuable guidance on fostering effective leadership and building trust within growing teams.

In this episode, we delve into:

• The crucial role of a founder’s presence in shaping and maintaining company culture.
• The importance of vulnerability and authenticity in leadership.
• Reward-centered VS responsibility-centered leadership, and the lasting impact of leading with integrity and dedication.

Links:

• Follow Dean Seddon on LinkedIn!
• Follow Dan Brownsher on LinkedIn!
• Follow Nigel Thomas on LinkedIn!

More from James:

Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com

In this curated episode of Peer Effect, we've gathered insights from four industry leaders on the strategies behind successful scaling and decision-making.

Sam Rosen (founder and CEO, DeskPass), Bartosz Skwarczek (founder and president, G2A.com), David King (co-founder and co-CEO, Artificial Labs), and Anouk Agussol (founder, Unleashed) share their experiences, highlighting the critical decisions that propelled their companies forward, the challenges they faced, and the leadership practices that drove their growth.

Links:
Follow Sam Rosen on LinkedIn!
Follow Bartosz Skwarczek on LinkedIn!
Follow David King on LinkedIn
Follow Anouk Agussol on LinkedIn!

More from James:

Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com