2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for mergers and acquisitions, with global deal value projected to surpass $3.5 trillion. Yet behind every headline-grabbing transaction lies the same truth: culture, not strategy, determines long-term success.

In this article, Springline’s Chief People Officer, Erin McAuley, explores why HR leaders are the linchpin in achieving post-deal success. She highlights research showing that more than half of failed M&A deals trace back to cultural misalignment and outlines practical steps for leaders to bridge those gaps before, during, and after integration.

From establishing a Culture Due Diligence process to defining authentic organizational values, Erin explains how intentional alignment creates stronger relationships, faster returns, and greater employee retention. Her Three Vs framework: Vision, Velocity, and Village, offer a clear blueprint for leading change with purpose and participation.

Ultimately, successful M&A isn’t about combining balance sheets. When organizations lead with authenticity, empathy, and transparency, they unlock the trust and belonging that make integrations last.

As Erin writes, “For organizations that aim to Scale with Soul, culture isn’t a side note. It is the strategy.”