XPX Triangle Lunch & Learn: Succession Fails in the Middle: Why People & Operating Systems Matter as Much as the Deal

Most succession plans look solid on paper—ownership transfers, valuation models, tax strategy, governance. But many break down after the ink dries. The reason isn’t legal or financial. It’s operational. This session explores why the people and operating systems between the owner and the balance sheet determine whether a succession plan actually works—and how advisors can proactively identify and mitigate those risks before transition.  Attendees will learn how weak management infrastructure, unclear accountability, and informal people practices quietly destroy value during succession—and how to spot the warning signs early.

What I'll Cover:

• Why succession risk almost always shows up as people risk
• The hidden operational gaps that surface during ownership transition
• How to assess whether a business is actually transferable, not just sellable
• Where advisors can add disproportionate value by expanding their lens beyond structure and valuation
• Succession isn’t a moment—it’s a multi-year operational transition. The earlier we treat people and systems as first-class risks, the more durable the outcome.

Our Speaker:

Kate Silva
President
2pm FIX

Kate Silva is the President of 2pm, a strategic HR and people operations consulting firm that helps founder-led companies navigate growth, succession, and ownership transition. She works with CEOs, organizational leaders, and advisors to professionalize people systems—leadership, accountability, and execution—so businesses remain stable through change. Kate specializes in strengthening the “messy middle” between the owner and the balance sheet, where people- risk quietly erodes value. Her work turns informal people practices into durable operating systems, helping succession plans hold up long after the deal is done.

Agenda:

Registration Fees:

XPX Triangle Members  - $0.00
XPX Triangle Members Same Day/Walk-in Fee  - $20.00

XPX Chapter Network Members Regular Fee - $30.00
XPX Chapter Network Members Same Day Fee - $40.00

Non-Members Regular Fee  - $35.00
Non-Members Regular Fee Same Day Fee  - $45.00

Food and beverages are included.

Event Registration Cancellation Policy: You may request a full refund for your event registration up to 72 hours before the scheduled date and time. After that deadline, the sale is final and no refunds or credits will be issued. The registration fee is non-transferable, non-substitutable and no replacements are offered.