Why Most Business Turnarounds Fail and What Successful Leaders Do Differently
Corporate turnarounds are often marked by hesitation, misalignment, and complexity. Despite good intentions, many efforts stall before delivering results, leaving organizations stuck in a cycle of cosmetic fixes and declining performance. The key to success lies in bold action, structural change, and a clear focus on core strengths.
A&M Managing Director Daniel Schmeltz was recently featured in Fortune, where he discussed why most transformation efforts fall short and what sets successful turnarounds apart. He emphasized that companies must simplify operations, align leadership, and move quickly to rebuild momentum and sustain long-term performance. “Hesitation and complexity are liabilities,” Schmeltz explained. “Clarity and speed are non-negotiable.”
His insights offer a practical roadmap for leaders navigating high stakes change, highlighting the importance of zero-based budgeting, incentive alignment, and strategic focus to drive meaningful results.
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A&M Activist Alert for Europe | Interim 2026 Report
June 29, 2026
As European corporates navigate economic uncertainty, shifting capital allocation priorities, rapid advances in artificial intelligence and increasing scrutiny of strategic decision-making, shareholder activism continues to evolve. While public campaigns remain an important tool, activist investors are increasingly seeking to influence boards behind closed doors, applying pressure privately while remaining ready to wield the “big stick” of acting publicly when necessary.
European A&M Activist Alert
June 29, 2026
Shareholder activism has become one of the most influential forces shaping corporate strategy, capital allocation and value creation across Europe. In an environment where investors are increasingly willing to challenge management teams and boards, understanding activist priorities has never been more important.
Activist pressure starts with underperformance
June 18, 2026
Shareholder activism is accelerating, and the root cause is consistent: sustained operational underperformance relative to peers. In a feature for CFO.com, A&M Managing Director Ron Orsini outlines a more disciplined path: close performance gaps early, build a credible value creation plan, and retain control of your strategy before activists define it for you.
Jay Frankl and Annie Peabody featured in The Deal’s Activist Investing Today Podcast
June 11, 2026
Jay Frankl and Annie Peabody discuss current M&A activism trends in The Deal’s Activist Investing Today podcast, highlighting insights from A&M’s US Activist Alert (AAA) report.
