Dena Neek, Author at xBlock

Why traditional M&A processes fall short in a data-driven age—and how xBlock bridges the gap.

Dena Neek September 30, 2024

In the world of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), the traditional playbook hasn’t evolved much. Most firms still focus on hard assets like real estate, equipment, and inventory when evaluating potential acquisitions. However, the modern business landscape has shifted—data, strategy, and institutional knowledge are now some of the most valuable assets a company holds. In fact, these intangible assets are often what drive long-term success post-acquisition. This isn’t limited to tech companies or digital-first businesses. Even in traditional industries like manufacturing,

Passing the Torch: The Role of Knowledge Transfer in Ensuring Owner Readiness for Business Transitions

Dena Neek September 24, 2024

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending Coffee, Capital & (PE + M&A Focused) Conversations, hosted by TriNet at WeWork during Twin City Startup Week. The panel was truly insightful, featuring Brent Engelbrekt from True North Mergers & Acquisitions, Leah Berend from Marrin Investment Partners, James T. Olsen from Seiler Law, and Michael Polt from Growth Operators. Each of them contributed valuable perspectives on the importance of early preparation and strategic planning for successful transitions. Their expertise really underscored

Complexities of Applying AI in Business

Dena Neek September 15, 2024

Whenever I reflect on how far we’ve come in integrating AI with business, it strikes me that the biggest obstacle to success often isn’t the technology itself—it’s how we apply it. The media loves to hype AI as a revolutionary tool, capable of transforming industries and unlocking immense value. And while that’s true, the reality of incorporating AI into a business’s operations is far messier than most anticipate. I’ve seen countless companies invest heavily in AI, expecting it to magically

Why Fairness in AI Is More Complex Than You’ve Heard

Dena Neek September 7, 2024

In my previous article, “25 Definitions of Fairness in AI,” I dove into the various forms of bias that can manifest in AI systems and how different definitions of fairness aim to address these biases. If you haven’t had a chance to read it, I highly recommend doing so, as it sets the stage for the deeper exploration we’re about to embark on. It wasn’t long ago that I was sitting in a meeting with a group of engineers discussing

25 Definitions of Fairness in AI

Dena Neek September 5, 2024

Understanding Bias and Fairness in AI: More Complex Than We Think We’ve all heard about bias in AI and the need for fairness in these systems, but the topic is much broader than it seems. When we talk about AI bias, it’s not just about addressing a single issue like racial or gender bias. Fairness in AI is multi-dimensional, and the decisions we make when designing these systems have real-world consequences for every aspect of society. I realized this firsthand

Five Acts of Transformation: Re-imagining Hospitality Leadership for a New Era

Dena Neek June 24, 2024

The hospitality industry is at a crossroads. We’re facing a perfect storm of generational diversity, a skills gap wider than the Grand Canyon, and a leadership vacuum left by COVID’s exodus. But amidst the chaos, there’s an opportunity for a leadership revolution. Here’s a five-act play outlining the challenges and the path to a stronger, more vibrant hospitality industry: Act I: The Multiverse of Talent Today’s workplace presents a unique leadership challenge: for the first time in modern history, five