Human Capital's Role in Sustainable Business Success

Between 75% and 80% of all acquisition fail, meaning the never have a positive return for the buyer.

In a recent episode of The Sustainable Business Podcast, Laura Queen, Founder and CEO of 29Bison, shares her deep insights on the essential role human capital plays in creating resilient and sustainable businesses. With decades of experience in human resources and M&A consulting, Laura has a unique perspective on how strategic human capital management can drive both organizational stability and growth, particularly during high-stakes transitions like mergers and acquisitions. Throughout the discussion, she explains that building a sustainable business goes beyond just financial health—it’s about cultivating a thriving workplace culture, where employees feel valued and empowered, and where the workforce is prepared to meet the organization's long-term goals. Laura highlights how a focus on employee well-being, positive workplace culture, and socially responsible practices is not only beneficial for individuals but is also essential for creating a business with lasting impact and value.

Laura also emphasizes the importance of human resources due diligence in M&A processes. She points out that ignoring human capital considerations can lead to costly disruptions, cultural clashes, and missed opportunities for value creation. By addressing workforce dynamics, cultural alignment, and talent retention from the beginning, organizations can greatly increase their chances of a smooth and successful integration. Laura shares practical strategies for retaining talent and fostering alignment post-transaction, showing that prioritizing people during mergers and acquisitions can help companies avoid common pitfalls. For listeners interested in the connection between sustainable business practices and human capital, Laura’s conversation offers valuable insights into how a focus on people can contribute to both financial success and a positive, lasting organizational culture. Tune in to this episode to learn from Laura’s extensive expertise and discover how 29Bison is at the forefront of sustainable human capital solutions, setting new standards in today’s ever-evolving business landscape.

Click here to listen or read the transcript of the entire episode.