Milan Sameš (Aricoma): It's never happened that someone slammed the door and walked out after an acquisition. We're especially proud of that

What's the recipe for a successful integration? According to Sameš, openness, honesty, and time are key. Management at acquired companies stays in the game — Aricoma doesn't keep spare managers hidden in a basement in Vinohrady — and counts on their involvement to ensure both continuity and growth. “Has anyone ever slammed the door on their way out? That hasn't happened to us yet,” says Sameš, adding that he treats people who don't want to accept the rules with respect.

Sameš describes Aricoma's corporate culture as open and pragmatic. The business calls the shots, and the structure adapts to it — not the other way around. What won't Sameš tolerate? Lying, and “corporate posturing” — meaning people who excel in presentations but forget about actually working with the customer. There's no place for them at Aricoma.

The podcast also touches on Sameš's view of working at large corporations, where he was previously employed (including Oracle). He values their standards, but rejects adopting internal politicking and insensitivity toward people on the ground. At Aricoma, by contrast, he takes pride in the fact that “even the CEO is here thanks to the work of the programmers and analysts.”

What else will you find answered in the podcast?

• How do you spot when an acquired company has “dressed itself up” a little?
• Why does the existing management of a company matter so much to him?
• Why does finance get integrated right away, but the business side gets integrated last?
• Why can't Sameš stand the term “work-life balance”?
• What are his KPIs, and how does he define growth without “rocket science”?

This podcast is an inspiration for anyone who wants to understand what business growth looks like without wasted words, backed by real results — open, without pretense, cutting straight to the point.