Gali Bloch Liran & Lior Atias on the Psychology Behind M&A Deals

Gali Bloch Liran & Lior Atias on the Psychology Behind M&A Deals

‍

The Mental Side of Mergers & Acquisitions

I recorded this episode as a guest on Lior Atias’s podcast "Executive Summary", as part of a special series dedicated to the topic of M&A – mergers and acquisitions.

While these conversations are usually focused on the business and financial angles, we chose to focus on the less-discussed perspective,  the mental and human side.

The conversation was so honest, rich, and full of insights that I felt it had to reach The Human Founder audience as well. Because every founder, at any stage of the journey, whether in the midst of a sale process or just dreaming about an exit - can find real value here.

‍

Behind the Numbers and the Deals – There are People

An M&A process isn’t just about presentations, spreadsheets, and negotiations. At its core, it’s a story about people - the founders, the leadership team, the employees, the investors – each experiencing the event in completely different ways.

We spoke about what mental resilience looks like in the three stages of any deal – the Pre, the During, and the Post - and about the delicate balance between continuing to lead the company forward and dedicating time and resources to the sale process.

We explored how to keep a team sharp and committed, even when you can’t share all the details, and how to create open and empathetic communication without jeopardizing the process. We also addressed the less glamorous moments - what to do when a deal falls through, sometimes at the very last minute, and how to create new momentum from a place of disappointment or emptiness.

‍

Control is an Illusion – So What Can We Hold on To?‍

At the heart of our conversation was the realization that we don’t truly control the final outcome. That may be hard to accept, but it’s the truth.

Instead of clinging to a false sense of control, I suggested replacing it with a sense of responsibility - focusing on practical steps and on the ability to create progress and movement, even when the bigger picture isn’t yet clear.

In a reality of uncertainty - especially in the entrepreneurial world – the wisest thing we can do is put our energy into what we can influence: the way we manage the process, the quality of the relationships we build, and the presence we bring into the room.

A Founder's Real Strength - Holding Duality

M&A is an ongoing situation in which we’re constantly holding two opposing states at once: continuing to run and grow the company as if nothing is happening , while at the same time investing enormous effort into the sale process.

This requires mental flexibility, the ability to let go when necessary, and the courage to adapt to a reality that can change in a single day.

We spoke about the capacity of a great founder to lift their head after every shake-up, return to the whiteboard with fresh eyes, and see new opportunities emerging from challenges. It’s not about ignoring the pain or disappointment - it’s about feeling them, and then choosing to move forward.

‍

Why This Episode matters to every founder – not just those selling their company

I chose to share this episode on The Human Founder because it touches on the very essence of entrepreneurship – the ability to lead, to hold complexity, and to maintain your own well-being throughout big, complex processes.

Even if you’re not in an M&A process right now, the insights here apply to every turning point in a company’s life - fundraising, pivots, strategic partnerships, or entering a new market.

At the end of the day, behind every business decision is a human being,  and that person needs to know how to manage themselves just as much as they manage their company.

I invite you to listen to this episode with an open heart. You’ll find tools, stories, and real-world examples that will help you see the full picture - not just the numbers on the page, but the people, emotions, and decisions that shape the journey.

‍