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Designing a People-First Organization: What Makes a Merger Actually Work
Manage episode 524844152 series 3689464
Mergers test everything: leadership, communication, trust, and culture. Many organizations focus on systems, contracts, and integration plans, but overlook the human experience inside the transition.
In this episode of Unlocked, Kristyn is joined by Sara Hoffman, Managing Partner at Conexus Insurance Partners, for a candid conversation about designing a people-first organization in the midst of growth and change.
Sara shares how Conexus approached their merger with intention, using clear leadership rhythms, consistent communication, and shared accountability to keep people aligned. Rather than relying on slogans or values statements alone, the leadership team focused on building structures that reinforced trust and clarity week after week.
You’ll hear how separating ownership conversations from leadership execution created psychological safety, why predictable communication rhythms reduced uncertainty, and how peer-to-peer recognition helped bring core values to life in a tangible way.
This episode is especially relevant for leaders navigating mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, or rapid growth who want to protect culture while still driving execution.
What You’ll Learn
- Why most mergers struggle with culture, even when the strategy is sound
- How leadership rhythms and meeting structure shape the employee experience
- The importance of separating ownership dynamics from leadership execution
- How peer recognition reinforces values more effectively than top-down messaging
- What it really means to design a people-first organization, not just talk about one
About the Guest
Sara Hoffman is a Managing Partner at Conexus Insurance Partners, where she helps lead a growing, people-centered organization built on clarity, trust, and intentional leadership. Sara brings a grounded, practical perspective on culture, communication, and what it takes to lead well through change.
Links & Resources
- Learn more about Conexus Insurance Partners
- Connect with Sara Hoffman on LinkedIn
- Explore TransformCXO and fractional Integrator/COO support
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