Description
Christophe Kempkes and Sebastian Wolf Siebzehnrübl reimagine mergers and acquisitions (M&A) with Donnie MacLuran, Gillian Marcelle, and Elise Talgorn. More than a mere combination of assets, they consider whether M&A is an opportunity to integrate deeper, systemic awareness and shared purpose. Drawing from Lao Tzu’s wisdom—”The key to growth is the introduction of higher dimensions of consciousness into our awareness”—Christophe and Sebastian see potential in M&A as a way to transcend traditional frameworks of power and dominance to foster meaningful, soulful connections between organisations and their members.This session encourages participants to envision M&A not just as a path to growth and market dominance but as a delicate dance where cultures, values, and visions intertwine. Too often, traditional M&A processes flatten the richness of individual entities into transactional exchanges. What if, instead, M&A became a unifying story—a shared narrative that honours personal diversity to transform it into a systemic force? As Muriel Rukeyser stated, “The universe is made of stories, not of atoms.” With this in mind, Christophe and Sebastian create a playful, reflective space where participants can explore how individual values and strengths within organisations can weave together into a rich tapestry of collective wisdom. Could a narrative approach to M&A invite us to see merging organisations as an evolving journey of collective stories that creates opportunities for individuals to contribute, honour diversity and adapt to new challenges as they arise?
M&A, despite being a popular strategy for growth, is fraught with complexity, with nearly 70% of transactions failing to achieve their objectives. This session, grounded in systemic design and the principles of impact investing, addresses the core question: What if we’ve been approaching M&A all wrong? Instead of focusing on merging assets, may the real opportunity be in merging personal stories and human wisdom?
We invite a playful spirit of inquiry and embark on a journey sparked by this clear but vast inquisitive question, engaging in iterative cycles of exploration. Varied interactions between panellists and the audience—fostering active listening, participation, and individual and collective reflection—embody the idea of “living a question” (Rilke, 1913). The expert panellists share their perspectives and, through the power of collective resonance, reshape the question designed to inspire dialogue beyond this session. Instead of seeking fixed answers, Christophe and Sebastian aim to create fertile ground for playful co-reflection and co-creation. Where questions bloom, and minds grow slow, answers are not told or simply taught but insights earned and deeply caught.
The discussion delves into perspectives from investment and venture managers, exploring how M&A objectives, processes, and dynamics influence success or failure. By slowing down and engaging in deep listening, participants explore how systemic thinking—emphasising long-term sustainability, human capital development, and stakeholder interests—can transform M&A into a journey of transformation rather than a sheer transaction. The facilitators propose that a systemic approach to M&A, grounded in impact investing, could foster more responsible and ethical strategies.
| Period | 15 Oct 2014 |
|---|---|
| Event title | Systemic Design Association symposium - RSD13: Rivers of Conversations |
| Event type | Conference |
| Degree of Recognition | International |