Pulling the Right Levers: Laying the Groundwork for Value Creation Before the Deal Closes
Presented By: Armstrong Teasdale / Insperity
Closing a deal is just one milestone—but the real value is often won or lost based on how well you’ve prepared beforehand. Join a conversation about how executives and private equity firms can set the stage for success by aligning leadership, planning integration, building operational readiness, and anticipating talent and cultural shifts. Panelists will share real-world strategies for laying a strong foundation before the ink dries—so once the deal is done, you’re ready to hit the ground running.
Moderator:
Business Performance Consultant
Insperity
Sarah has spent the last 15 years at Insperity helping small and mid-sized businesses thrive by providing strategic HR and business solutions. A highly respected expert in her field, she has guided countless entrepreneurs and business leaders through complex workforce challenges, equipping them with the tools they need to grow and scale successfully.
Before joining Insperity, Sarah built a dynamic career in energy and real estate development, giving her a unique perspective on business operations, leadership, and growth strategy. Her ability to bridge strategic vision with real-world execution has made her a go-to advisor for business owners navigating today’s evolving workplace landscape.
A proud Penn State University graduate and former collegiate volleyball player, Sarah brings the same level of discipline, resilience, and teamwork to her professional career. Now based in Colorado, she enjoys skiing, biking, and making the most of the outdoors with her three boys.
Panelists:
Partner
Revelstoke Capital Partners
Ashley joined Revelstoke in 2022 to oversee its Responsible Investment group by implementing Responsible Investment practices, impact measurement, and portfolio company reporting at the Firm. She brings 15 years of experience in ESG disclosures, performance and program development, in addition to investor communications, stakeholder engagement, and communications.
Prior to joining Revelstoke, Ashley founded Alvarez & Marsal’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Services practice. At A&M, Ashley created the ESG due diligence approach and managed the practice’s Private Equity engagements, while also managing corporate and energy company value creation engagements. Prior to that, she was the founding ESG practice lead for Lumen ESG. She also spent six years at Whiting Petroleum as the Director of Communications, Corporate Responsibility and Chief of Staff to the CEO. At Whiting she managed its ESG, Human Resources, Investor Relations, Community Engagement and Communications groups, as well as executed the company’s bankruptcy in 2020.
At Whiting, she managed its ESG, Human Resources, Investor Relations, Community Engagement, and Communications groups, and she was a part of the team that worked on the company’s bankruptcy in 2020.
Co-Founder, Executive Advisor, Director
Feel the World, Inc./Xero Shoes
Lena Phoenix is the co-founder of Xero Shoes, the leading American brand of minimalist footwear. A 4th generation entrepreneur, she currently serves as an Executive Advisor and Board Director.
Attorney
Armstrong Teasdale
Randall Scherer is an experienced attorney whose expertise covers employee benefits and executive compensation matters. He has worked as a specialist on transactions of all sizes and complexities, and frequently counsels clients on internal matters. He joined Armstrong Teasdale in March 2025.