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Jul 3
45m 44s

How to Break Into M&A: Lessons from Todd...

KISON PATEL
About this episode

Todd Manley, VP of Corporate Development Integration at Intel

In Part 2 of our conversation with Todd Manley, VP of Corporate Development Integration at Intel, we unpack how professionals from diverse backgrounds can successfully break into M&A and what it takes to build and maintain high-performing deal teams. Todd shares tactical advice on networking, career transitions, team dynamics, and leadership traits he looks for when hiring M&A talent. Whether you’re early in your M&A career or looking to level up, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you navigate the world of dealmaking.

Things You Will Learn:

  • How to leverage networking inside and outside your company to break into M&A.

  • Key characteristics and behaviors Todd looks for when hiring successful M&A professionals.

  • Why being present and learning from your journey is critical to career growth in M&A.

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Episode Chapters:

  • [00:02:00] Teaching leadership frameworks and practical skills at Santa Clara University

  • [00:04:30] The power of intentional networking and early adoption of LinkedIn

  • [00:06:00] Rebuilding in-person connections post-COVID and the value of conferences

  • [00:07:00] Strategies for networking inside large organizations

  • [00:10:30] Maintaining and nurturing your professional network over time

  • [00:13:30] Building effective M&A teams and recognizing potential during interviews

  • [00:18:00] The importance of humility, ownership, and curiosity in M&A

  • [00:25:30] Translating customer experience skills to M&A opportunities

  • [00:28:00] Knowing when to lead and when to follow on M&A teams

  • [00:34:00] Defining success post-close and understanding cultural dynamics

Questions, comments, concerns?
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