The Silicon Valley Podcast

Ep 205 Before and After the Acquisition with Karen Kovaleski

Karen’s Bio

I have over 20 very successful and rewarding years leading start-up and growth-stage companies in digital and tech industries. My experience spans sales, marketing, human resources, operations, and all aspects of the customer journey. Holding roles ranging from VP GM to VP of Operations to CEO, I have driven the integration and stabilization of organizations experiencing mergers & acquisitions, hyper-growth, or other disruptive processes. I have successfully helped companies ranging in size from start-up to >$100 million as well as those looking to monetize assets such as TMP/Monster.com, Ticketmaster, and Revolution Health Group.

CHALLENGE
Companies often struggle to connect the dots between corporate mission, sales, product delivery, and customers’ goals. Mergers & acquisitions, rapid growth, or other disruptive processes typically amplify misalignment. When not addressed, this leads to missed opportunities for revenue growth, employee engagement, and customer satisfaction. Organizations tout a customer-focused approach in the hopes that this rallying cry will create alignment of people, product, and process. It doesn’t, and therefore, Brand equity suffers, engagement declines, and customers look elsewhere.

REPUTATION
I am known for getting things done with high proficiency and integrity, as a cross-functional leader, collaborator, and strategic thinker. I have earned the reputation of a business integrator with expertise in customer growth, operational execution, and broad-based business management. I connect the company and the client through brand clarity, effective solutions delivery, and highly engaged teams.

STYLE
I bring a goal-driven and collaborative style to business operations and executive leadership. I am passionate about using honesty, kindness & respect in the treatment of all people while discovering innovative ways to approach business challenges and new markets. Leveraging empathy, business acumen, and consultative approaches I drive effective operations, sales and customer growth. I am comfortable addressing complex problems and often difficult situations, handling them with ease and candor ensuring actionable goals & objectives drive success.

Key Skills:
Start-up * Sales and Service Delivery * People Leadership * Business Development * Customer Success Driver * Decisive and Focused Executive * Integration Before, During and After M&A * Team Builder * Product Development * Profitable Business Manager * Change Management

We talk about

When starting to work with a company, where are there usually skeletons?

What is life after being a CEO like?

Mergers & Acquisitions… pre and post closing. What are some integration best practices?

Is there a disconnect between the Silicon Valley “elite” and the rest of Silicon Valley… and the rest of the world?

Connect with Karen

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/karentraversikovaleski/

Email karen.traversi.kovaleski@gmail.com

UPCOMING EVENT