E163: Navigating Mergers Without the Headache, with Alex Black FCCA
Mon Nov 03 2025
Mergers and acquisitions can spark exciting growth — but they also bring chaos, uncertainty, and a lot of stress.
In this episode of De-stress Your Business, we’re joined by Alex Black, Director of Client Services and Innovation at Ad Valorem, a fast-growing accountancy firm now part of the ETL Group.
Alex shares how he’s helped teams navigate the stress of change — from integrating cultures and standardising processes, to preparing teams for powerful innovations like AI.
You’ll learn:
What causes stress during mergers — and how to ease it
How to overcome resistance when introducing change
Why standardising workflows is critical for innovation
What leaders often get wrong about growth and acquisitions
This episode is packed with real-world lessons from someone who’s been at the frontline of fast change — and still kept the team engaged, productive, and open to the future.
What’s your approach to handling stress during periods of change? Let us know in the comments!
#DeStressYourBusiness #Leadership #MergersAndAcquisitions #ChangeManagement #TeamAlignment #AlexBlack #Innovation #AIAdoption
Helpful resources:
Ad Valorem: https://www.advaloremgroup.uk/
ETL Global: https://www.etl-global.com/
Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexblackacca/
More
Mergers and acquisitions can spark exciting growth — but they also bring chaos, uncertainty, and a lot of stress. In this episode of De-stress Your Business, we’re joined by Alex Black, Director of Client Services and Innovation at Ad Valorem, a fast-growing accountancy firm now part of the ETL Group. Alex shares how he’s helped teams navigate the stress of change — from integrating cultures and standardising processes, to preparing teams for powerful innovations like AI. You’ll learn: What causes stress during mergers — and how to ease it How to overcome resistance when introducing change Why standardising workflows is critical for innovation What leaders often get wrong about growth and acquisitions This episode is packed with real-world lessons from someone who’s been at the frontline of fast change — and still kept the team engaged, productive, and open to the future. What’s your approach to handling stress during periods of change? Let us know in the comments! #DeStressYourBusiness #Leadership #MergersAndAcquisitions #ChangeManagement #TeamAlignment #AlexBlack #Innovation #AIAdoption Helpful resources: Ad Valorem: https://www.advaloremgroup.uk/ ETL Global: https://www.etl-global.com/ Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexblackacca/