In this episode, The Human Beauty Movement spotlights the transformative potential of mission-driven mergers and acquisitions through a conversation with Hannah Sandmeyer, founder of Up and Over Advisors. Together with Jennifer Norman, they explore how values-aligned business transactions can preserve legacy, empower communities, and keep companies purposeful—even during ownership transitions. The episode introduces Steward Market, a new platform designed to help ethical buyers and sellers connect, making business a genuine force for good.
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Hannah's Links:
Website https://www.upandoveradvisors.com/
Website https://www.stewardmarket.com/
Podcast https://www.ethicalexits.com/
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahsandmeyer/
The Human Beauty Movement Links:
Official Website https://thehumanbeautymovement.com
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@thehumanbeautymovement
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@thehumanbeautymovement
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thehumanbeautymovement
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thehumanbeautymovement
Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehumanbeautymovement
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-human-beauty-movement
Timestamps:
00:00 - Welcome to The Human Beauty Movement Podcast: Rethinking Ethical Business
00:42 - Meet Hannah Sandmeyer: B Corp M&A Leader Shaping Impact Deals
01:33 - Mission-Driven M&A vs. Traditional M&A: What’s the Difference?
03:25 - The Dark Side of Conventional M&A & The Rise of Values-Aligned Buyers
05:08 - Why Mission Alignment Protects Jobs, Communities & Company Legacy
08:48 - B Corps Explained: Stakeholder Value, Employee Ownership & True Impact
10:35 - The Silver Tsunami: Millions of Boomers Are Exiting Their Businesses
11:49 - Ethical Exits & Values-Based Matchmaking: How It’s Transforming M&A
12:07 - ‘Fat Wallet, Broken Heart Syndrome’: The Pitfalls of Misaligned Sales
13:38 - The Economic Impact of Baby Boomer Business Transitions
15:06 - How Mission-Driven Acquisitions Foster Community and Resiliency
16:46 - Why Legacy & Values Matter More Than the Buyout Price
18:38 - Busting Myths: Small Businesses & Who Can Really Be Bought or Sold
19:16 - What Buyers & Sellers Need to Know About Succession, Fees & M&A Fear
21:07 - Women, Marginalized Owners & Accessible Acquisition Pathways
22:00 - Seller Financing, SBA Loans & Creative Deal Structures Explained
24:07 - Employee Ownership: How Acquisitions Can Boost Jobs & Morale
25:14 - What Really Happens to Culture During and After a Business Sale
26:36 - How B Corps & Impact Investors Are Changing the M&A Landscape
27:22 - Key Traits Buyers Look For: Culture, Customers, Certifications & More
31:32 - Defining Your ‘Why’: Purpose-Driven Growth vs. Profit-First Flips
32:16 - Identifying Ethical Buyers: Long-Term Hold, Community and Stewardship
35:09 - Real-World Success: One Founder’s Vision for a Do-Gooders Collective
36:39 - Introducing Steward Market: The Match.com for Ethical Business Exits
37:45 - How Steward Market Works: Connections, Trust & Impact Funding
40:02 - The Future: Regenerative M&A, Pitch Competitions & Social Good
41:14 - Final Takeaways: Keeping Your Legacy & Building for People and Planet
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