Why Most Corporate Turnarounds Fail Before They Begin
David Podolsky’s new Fortune Article highlights that turnarounds are a business and a psychological challenge. The article surfaces an overlooked reality inside many organizations: leaders often see the need for a turnaround long before they accept the need to act on it. Podolsky explains that this reluctance stems from fear of judgement, internal politics, and the weight of expectations. By the time leaders finally acknowledge the need, the head start they might have had is gone.
Podolsky argues for a different starting point. Before drafting plans and restructuring teams, leaders must create psychological clearance to talk openly about what’s occurring. Once that honesty emerges, the strategic work becomes more grounded, collaborative, timely, and real transformation becomes possible. Turnarounds must create space to calibrate assumptions and institute new behaviors, enabling the building of a company capable of continual reinvention.
Read the full Article
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.
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.
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.
