Jumping Without a Parachute in 2025

2025 Foreword

From the People Fusion Team

If we’ve learned anything from the first half of 2025, it’s this: even the best deals can nosedive if you’re not ready for the people side of change.

I wrote Jumping Without a Parachute as a reminder that while transactions may be driven by spreadsheets and strategy decks, their success hinges on something far messier: people. And in today's deal environment, where speed is rewarded and integration is expected instantly, too many companies are still leaping into M&A without even a thread of a parachute—no plan, no internal readiness, and no one really thinking through what the human experience will look like post-close.

Jumping Without a Parachute captures a truth we see all too often—organizations leaping into M&A without the right prep, the right support, or even a basic people plan. It’s not because leaders don’t care. It’s because they’re racing the clock, juggling priorities, and often stuck in reactive mode.

At People Fusion, we’re here to flip that script. We help companies get ahead of the chaos. To think through the talent, culture, leadership, and change dynamics before the ink dries—so you’re not scrambling midair when reality hits.

This article is a reminder: a little preparation goes a long way. You don’t need a 100-page playbook. But you do need the right partners, the right conversations, and the clarity to land on your feet.

So, whether you’re actively deal-making or just sensing something big is coming—start now. Because once you’ve jumped, it’s too late to pack the parachute.

Let’s make sure you’re ready. PEOPLE matter.

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September 2022

As the title suggests, M&A can feel a little like skydiving without a parachute at times. Certainly, for those that are experienced, a quick safety check comes as second nature. Those of us who have jumped from that proverbial plane in the past we know that bumps and bruises come with the territory and soft landings are always preferred to unplanned full-speed crashes into reality.

The parachute is a good metaphor to explore for those of us in M&A. This tightly packed safety device is meant to protect you from harm and allow you to land feet first and see another day. For deal professionals, the same goals apply when navigating a transaction.

Deals are emotional, irrational, complex and fast-paced. The #1 priority for all involved, especially those on the human capital side, is to help those impacted get needed clarity, protect the organization and get everyone focused on business-as-usual as quickly as possible. 

As a deal professional, if you do not plan for disruptions, misunderstandings and emotional responses to well-intended actions, you are setting yourself up for failure. The blending of multiple companies, personalities, cultures and perspectives is challenging.

There is an instinctual reaction to freeze or feel overwhelmed for many when they are thrown into an unfamiliar scenario. And, without a plan, that panic can quickly turn disastrous. That is why it is so important to plan before you jump. 

Many organizations create their approach once the deal has been inked. Certainly, this is a logical strategy when there are no other options. However, it can lead to unintended consequences and disruptions. It is always better to be thoughtful, in advance, in order to ensure your execution strategy is as effective as possible. Even a little bit of pre-planning is better than none.

We all live in the “real world,” and understand that the luxury of time isn’t always possible. This yet another reason to be thinking about the human capital implications of your organization well in advance. If your organization is inquisitive or telegraphing that they might become so, get moving on a plan.

Just like you wouldn’t jump out of a plane without the right equipment, don’t wait until that deal is upon you to begin getting prepared. Once you jump, it is too late.

Until next time - Stay strong, stay focused, stay sane and stay the course…