M&A, business acquisitions, working and traveling in 100+ countries (#799)
May 26, 2025 · 36:08 listen · Hosted by Chelsea Alves
Did you know that global merger and acquisition activity hit $3.1 trillion in 2023—and that number is only growing as more entrepreneurs look to scale, exit, or expand through acquisitions?
But what does it really take to thrive in this space—especially if you’re building teams across time zones and scaling a business while exploring 100+ countries?
That’s exactly what today’s guest has mastered.
Mike Swigunski is a bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and globe-trotting entrepreneur. He helped build one of the world’s fastest-growing companies—remotely—and has worked and traveled in over 100 countries.
I’m your host, Chelsea Alves, and I’m thrilled to welcome Mike to the podcast!
iThe Global Entrepreneurial Journey
Chelsea: Mike, welcome! You’ve had a wildly unique path—building businesses while working from 100+ countries. How did this journey begin?
Chelsea: How has traveling and living globally influenced your approach to business leadership and deal-making?
Chelsea: You’re proof that it’s possible to scale a business without ever setting foot in a traditional office. What’s your take on the future of remote work?
Mergers & Acquisitions & Business Buying
Chelsea: Let’s talk M&A. What should entrepreneurs understand before they even consider buying or selling a business?
Chelsea: What are some early red flags or green lights when evaluating an acquisition opportunity?
Chelsea: You’ve consulted on a lot of deals. What separates a smooth M&A process from one that turns into a nightmare?
Chelsea: What industries or business models do you think are most ripe for acquisition in today’s landscape?
Scaling & Leading Remote Teams
Chelsea: Building and scaling remote teams is a big challenge for growing companies. What are your top strategies for creating culture and accountability without a shared office?
Chelsea: What hiring mistakes do you see founders make most often when building distributed teams?
Chelsea: How do you balance time zones, communication rhythms, and productivity across such a global footprint?
Chelsea: You've worked in and adapted to so many cultures—how do you approach building trust and strong business relationships across borders, especially in remote settings where face-to-face time is limited?
Lessons from the Road & Strategic Advice
Chelsea: You’ve traveled to more than 100 countries while doing all this—any surprising business lessons you’ve learned from working around the world?
Chelsea: For someone listening who’s interested in remote entrepreneurship or buying their first business—what’s the smartest first move they can make?
Chelsea: Are there any tools or tech platforms you swear by when it comes to managing remote teams and operations efficiently?
Chelsea: What’s next for you, Mike? Any new deals, ventures, or travel destinations on your radar?
Chelsea: Mike, this has been such a fascinating conversation. From M&A strategy to global team building, you’ve shared advice that’s practical, inspirational, and very real-world.
Chelsea: Where can our listeners go to connect with you, grab your book, or learn more about your M&A and remote business expertise?
To everyone listening—if you’re thinking about buying a business, scaling globally, or rethinking your team structure, this episode is your roadmap.
Make sure to subscribe to the seotools.pro Podcast and check out Unmiss.com’s free Website Audit tool to help boost your visibility and growth online.
Until next time!