How can technology leaders stay competitive in an era where AI is rapidly changing client expectations and business models? In this episode of the DIG-IT Podcast, host Személyi László and co-founder Zoltán Szeker sit down with Shai (CEO of Attractor), Barbara Fazekas (CEO of Bobcats Coding), and Orshi Galant (CEO of Spark Institute and Senior Leader at Attractor) to discuss M&A strategy, cultural alignment, and what true leadership looks like during continuous market transformation.

The Build-or-Buy Strategy in the AI Era

Attractor’s recent acquisition of Bobcats Coding serves as a case study in accelerating growth. Rather than spending years building new enterprise references or changing company culture piece by piece, acquiring a agile, AI-native team allowed Attractor to evolve faster. Software development is shifting away from traditional outsourcing toward advisory and consulting services. With clients expecting faster turnarounds driven by generative AI tools, tech agencies must bridge the gap between secure enterprise tech and rapid early-stage experimentation.

Radical Honesty in Post-Merger Integration

Successful mergers depend far more on leadership alignment and cultural fit than on legal contracts alone. To prevent internal friction, the combined management team held a radically honest workshop titled „How could we fuck this up?” Setting non-negotiable principles, addressing fears directly, and treating team members as adults ensures that strengths are preserved rather than lost after an acquisition.

What Future Leadership Really Requires

Leadership today is not about having all the answers or projecting an unyielding ego. A future-oriented leader focuses on scenario planning („what if” logic), adaptability, and clarity. As market dynamics shift across regions—such as the differences between direct communication in Eastern Europe and high-energy encouragement in the US—leaders must match their style to the context while keeping everyone on the same page.

Partnerships and International Expansion

To remain globally competitive, partnerships are critical for scaling capacity, building local credibility, and introducing fresh perspectives. Expanding into international markets like the US, UK, or Sweden requires hard, consistent effort and personal commitment rather than quick fixes. Success comes from focusing on true value creation rather than vanity metrics. Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwZNsLrLgDg Nezd meg a teljes epizodot a YouTube-on