How to Break Into M&A: Lessons from Todd Manley Part 2

Todd Manley, VP of Corporate Development Integration at Intel In Part 2 of our conversation with Todd Manley, VP of Corporate Development Integration at Intel, we unpack how professionals from diverse backgrounds can successfully break into M&A and what it takes to build and maintain high-performing deal teams. Todd shares tactical advice on networking, career transitions, team dynamics, and leadership traits he looks for when hiring M&A talent. Whether you're early in your M&A career or looking to level up, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you navigate the world of dealmaking. Things You Will Learn: How to leverage networking inside and outside your company to break into M&A. Key characteristics and behaviors Todd looks for when hiring successful M&A professionals. Why being present and learning from your journey is critical to career growth in M&A. ________________________ Sponsored by DealRoom—where M&A chaos meets its match. Your M&A process can so much faster... DealRoom helps corporate development teams take control—streamlining diligence, syncing integration, and eliminating the back-and-forth. 👉 Learn how you can run a repeatable, buyer-led process   _______________ Episode Chapters: [00:02:00] Teaching leadership frameworks and practical skills at Santa Clara University [00:04:30] The power of intentional networking and early adoption of LinkedIn [00:06:00] Rebuilding in-person connections post-COVID and the value of conferences [00:07:00] Strategies for networking inside large organizations [00:10:30] Maintaining and nurturing your professional network over time [00:13:30] Building effective M&A teams and recognizing potential during interviews [00:18:00] The importance of humility, ownership, and curiosity in M&A [00:25:30] Translating customer experience skills to M&A opportunities [00:28:00] Knowing when to lead and when to follow on M&A teams [00:34:00] Defining success post-close and understanding cultural dynamics Questions, comments, concerns?Follow Kison Patel for behind-the-scenes insights on modern M&A.