Women in M&A – So what?!

Full Article

Dr. Mai Anh Dao

M&A is often considered one of the most demanding fields in the world of finance – fast-paced, highly competitive, and traditionally male-dominated. But what does it mean to build a career in this environment as a woman? This article offers insights into the perspectives of 68 women working in M&A – honest, reflective, and at times humorous and deeply personal.

Based on qualitative interviews, the article explores career paths, structural barriers, and role expectations – as well as the many small and large negotiations women navigate within this complex space. The result is not only a multifaceted picture of ambition, doubt, success, and blind spots, but also a call for greater openness, diversity, and mutual understanding.

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Also available in German.

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Dr. Mai Anh Dao

BASED ON RESEARCH

Mai Anh is and Co-Founder of MADiscover, an AI-driven M&A screening platform for strategic acquirers. She earned her PhD in Strategic Management at the University of Innsbruck. Her academic work has been recognized with several awards, including the Award of Excellence from the Austrian Federal Ministry of Science, Research and Economy.

This article is grounded in a synthesis of insights from 68 interviews with women working in:

Mid-sized companies, corporates, private equity firms, and M&A advisories across DE, AT, CH, DK, ES, IT, NL, NO, UK, and the USA.
Positions include (Global) Head of M&A / Corporate Development, Senior Manager M&A, Director M&A / Business Development, CXO, (Managing) Partner, and Lawyers.
Interviews lasted between 30 and 150 minutes and were conducted in person, online, or via phone.

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