Women Who Lead: Bosses, Buyouts, and Shattering the M&A Ceiling
A “What Gives” conversation with Rozelia Park (Tedia Company VP), Emma Off (Thompson Hine Partner and M&A Specialist), and Holly Mazzocca (Bartlett Wealth Management President).
On this episode, host Erin Satzger sits down with a powerhouse trio to discuss the high-stakes world of mergers and acquisitions, the grit required to lead as women in business, and the transformative power of strategic philanthropy. Listen to the full podcast here to learn how these leaders are shattering the M&A ceiling, and keep reading for their morning routines and bug-out bags!
Tedia Company operates as a global leader in high-purity solvents with $45 million in revenue and over 100 employees. Thompson Hine is a premier national law firm, and Bartlett Wealth Management oversees more than $10 billion in assets.
“The more we can help each other without any expectation back… a rising tide rises all ships. I truly believe that.” – Rozy Park
Legacies of Grit and Entrepreneurship
While these leaders represent different sectors—legal, finance, and manufacturing—their professional foundations are built on a shared heritage of family entrepreneurship and “behind-the-scenes” sacrifice. Each woman was shaped by watching parents navigate the risks of business ownership: Emma saw the “sweat and worry” of her self-employed parents, while Holly learned only as an adult that her mother had taken out a double mortgage to fund her father’s startup. As the daughter of Korean immigrants, Rozy literally grew up in the plant, labeling 17-pound chemical bottles and roller-skating through the warehouse while her parents worked around the clock to build Tedia from nothing. For all three women, these childhood experiences instilled a profound sense of responsibility and a “badass” work ethic that now defines their leadership roles.
Aligning Legacy, Law, and Liquidity: The Tedia Success Story
The relationship between Rozy, Emma, and Holly represents a rare moment in the M&A world: an all-female leadership team navigating a massive corporate sale. They discuss the importance of having a “village” of advisors who aren’t just technical experts, but who understand the emotional weight of selling a family legacy. By aligning their legal, financial, and philanthropic goals early, they ensured that the transition was not just a business transaction, but a win for the entire region.
Philanthropy as a Business Strategy
Philanthropy isn’t just an afterthought for these leaders; it’s a tool for impact. Rozy shares the “gratifying” experience of seeing a grant play out in real-time, emphasizing that you don’t need to be a billionaire to make a difference. By using tools like donor-advised funds and pledging gifts over time, business leaders can weave generosity into the fabric of their success, ensuring that as their companies grow, so does their community.
Industry Insights
Strategic Exit Planning
In the world of M&A, the “deal” is only the beginning. Emma and Holly highlight a critical insight: business owners often have high net worth but low liquidity until an exit occurs. Strategic philanthropy—such as gifting shares prior to a sale—allows owners to minimize tax hits while maximizing their charitable footprint. In Rozy’s case, this wasn’t just about the numbers; it was about ensuring that the wealth generated by a Cincinnati staple stayed in Cincinnati to fund local grants and initiatives.
Aspiring Leaders
“You’ve got to be your own biggest advocate. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no.” – Emma Off
The Power of the Ask
Emma’s advice to the next generation of women is simple: don’t wait for permission. Whether it’s negotiating a buyout or claiming your seat at the board table, these leaders emphasize that “being the only woman in the room” is a position of power. Mastering your craft and being “unapologetically you” is what ultimately opens doors.
Ready to make an impact? You can create sustainable change. Reach out to the Northern Cincinnati Foundation today to learn how you can start your own charitable fund or support our local grant programs.
