In this episode of the CFO Access Podcast, Jeff sits down with Mark Leaker, founder of Leaker Partners, to explore the realities of mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, and deal-making. Mark shares lessons from over two decades advising boards, CFOs, and business owners on complex transactions.

They discuss common mistakes in M&A, how CFOs can work effectively with advisors, and what truly drives successful deals—from strategy to execution. Whether you’re involved in transactions or simply want to think more strategically, this episode offers practical insights into navigating high-stakes business decisions.

This Episode:

0:00 Welcome & Mark Leaker’s Background

2:00 Building a Non-Traditional Law Firm

4:30 Key Lessons from M&A Experience

6:30 The 3 Critical Questions in Any Deal

10:00 How to Increase Business Value Before Selling

13:00 Experienced vs First-Time Sellers

17:00 The CFO’s Role in Deal-Making

19:30 Managing Advisors & Decision-Making

22:00 AI in Legal Work & Transactions

26:00 How AI is Changing the Legal Industry

30:00 Client Expectations in the AI Era

33:00 Why M&A Deals Fail (and How to Avoid It)

37:30 Financial Modelling & Term Sheets

40:00 Career Advice for Professionals

42:30 Giving Back & Community Impact

45:30 Funny Stories & Wrap-Up

Connect with Mark Leaker on LinkedIn