Podcast Summary: At Work with The Ready

Episode: AUA: Surviving the Culture Shock of an International Merger
Hosts: Rodney Evans & Sam Spurlin
Date: November 10, 2025

Overview

In this episode, Rodney Evans and Sam Spurlin tackle a listener's question about navigating the culture shock that arises when a smaller European company is acquired by a much larger American counterpart. The hosts delve into the frequently overlooked challenge of cultural integration, offering candid advice and real-world examples drawn from their experience helping organizations transition through mergers and acquisitions.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Cultural Integration is the Hardest Part

• Rodney emphasizes that most companies treat mergers as primarily financial, operational, or technical challenges, but the real heart of the difficulty is cultural fit and integration.

• [00:43] Rodney Evans:

  "Start from the assumption that the cultural piece is going to be the hardest... One of the reasons that integrations go so poorly is because that isn't baked in to the assumption around the work."

• She urges teams not to underestimate the amount of time and effort this type of work takes, warning that a lack of attention early on leads to friction and avoidable conflict.

2. Acknowledge Power Dynamics & Be Realistic

• Sam addresses the listener's situation—being acquired by a much larger company—and the importance of managing expectations.

• [02:49] Sam Spurlin:

  "...there is a reality when you are a much smaller entity being acquired by a much larger one...there's like a tempering of expectation that I think should probably happen..."

• He suggests focusing on what can realistically be influenced at the team or department level rather than expecting widespread transformation of the acquiring company's established culture.

3. Micro-Cultural Integration

• The hosts recommend identifying opportunities for "bicultural integration" within immediate teams—perhaps bringing valued European practices into local ways of working, even if the organization's broader culture does not change.
• Sam:

  "Can you bring some of the very much needed European ethos around work and what it plays in our lives? Maybe we take some time off every once in a while. Can you bring some of these more micro things into your immediate ecosystem..." [03:29]

4. Recognize and Accept the Reality

• Rodney provides realism, reminding listeners that large acquiring companies often impose their own culture with little room for exceptions, drawing on her experience as a consultant.
• [04:01] Rodney Evans:

  "There is part of this that's like if that's the deal and it's happening anyway for reasons that are maybe good reasons or maybe stupid reasons, it doesn't really matter if that's the reality. It's better to just know that than fight against it."

5. Invest In Cross-Cultural Relationships

• Rodney passionately advocates for investment in real human exchanges—specifically, personnel exchanges and expat assignments—to foster deeper mutual understanding.
• [05:20] Rodney Evans:

  "Spend the money to do some swapsies between teams and do some expat living... it makes a really big difference...to have sat next to my peers in my role...You just can't replicate in...smaller, more superficial moments."

  • She shares a personal anecdote about working for a German investment bank and how extensive exposure to colleagues from different regions fundamentally changed her approach to global teamwork.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Rodney Evans [00:43]:

  "My first sort of like, no shit, but seriously, do it recommendation is have the conversation earlier than you think you should about how much work the cultural integration is going to take..."

• Sam Spurlin [02:49]:

  "...your 50 person company's impact on the 10,000 person company who acquired you [may not be huge], so focus on what you can actually control."

• Rodney Evans [05:20]:

  "It made a huge difference working on these multicultural teams, to have sat next to my peers...that you just can't replicate in...smaller, more superficial moments."

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:19 – Listener question introduction
• 00:43 – Rodney: Why cultural integration is the hardest and most overlooked aspect
• 02:49 – Sam: Managing expectations as the smaller acquired company
• 03:56 – Hosts reflect on realism vs. optimism in integration scenarios
• 05:14 – Rodney: It's better to understand and accept the dominant culture may prevail
• 05:20 – Rodney's story on the power of team exchanges and long-term relationship building

Takeaways

• Prioritize cultural integration conversations early—don’t treat them as secondary.
• Temper expectations about large-scale change, especially if you're the smaller entity.
• Focus on influencing your immediate environment—bring positive cultural practices to your team.
• Invest in deep, real-world relationship building across regions to foster true understanding.

This episode distills the messy realities and necessary humility required for successful cross-cultural mergers, blending practical wisdom with stories that resonate for anyone facing organizational change.