Finance leaders gathered at Century Group’s Bay Area CFO Forum, hosted in partnership with Baker Tilly, Fifth Third, and ABI, for an engaging discussion on the factors that drive successful transactions in today’s M&A environment.
The panel featured experienced finance executives who have led organizations through acquisitions, exits, carve-outs, and integration initiatives across a range of industries:
- JR Velazquez, CFO, Duraflame
- Philip Thach, CFO, Samba Solutions
- Armita Rostamian, CFO, ClearGov
- Jacqueline Korajkic, CFO, Metro Services
Drawing on their firsthand experiences, panelists explored the elements of deal success that often receive the least attention during a transaction. The conversation centered on building alignment early, conducting diligence beyond the numbers, retaining key talent, and maintaining momentum after close.
Culture as a Competitive Advantage
One recurring theme was the importance of culture. While financial and operational diligence remain essential, panelists agreed that trust, communication, and organizational alignment are often the difference between a successful integration and a challenging one.
Reflecting on this point, Philip Thach shared:
“This is the most under-appreciated in terms of complexity, and it all starts with respect, transparency, and alignment… You’ve got to build trust early – sharing your culture, your best practice, and how your company makes decisions. Surprise loses trust, and that’s when people go.”
AI's Growing Role in Due Diligence
The discussion also highlighted how artificial intelligence is reshaping the diligence process. From analyzing contract terms and conditions to evaluating customer churn and retention trends across large datasets, AI is helping finance teams review information more efficiently and identify potential risks faster.
At the same time, panelists emphasized that while technology can accelerate insights, accountability and decision-making remain firmly in human hands.
