M & A Series Post #4 – We often hear: “The problem is culture”

But in my experience, what really slows integration is clashing processes and agreements.

Here’s the connection:

• Processes are agreements.
• Agreements reflect culture.

In integration, these meet head-on.

As the work continues, leaders discover it isn’t abstract “culture” blocking progress.
It’s that each side has embedded processes — ways of working, agreements on how things get done.

The real task?
Defining new agreements that everyone can live with.
That’s what creates the new culture.

Integrations succeed — not by “fixing culture” — but by reshaping agreements and processes into a shared system.

If you’re in the middle of integration, planning one, or facing slowdowns, I can help translate “culture clashes” into practical agreements that unlock progress.

Conclusion

In my 28-year Nokia career, including three integrations over 12 years, the lesson has been consistent: culture follows agreements.

Integration work or facing serious slowdowns — I can help turn culture clashes into practical agreements that unlock progress.

Let’s talk. Book a chemistry call using the Contact Request below.