Explore every episode of the podcast Lightning in a bottle: Entrepreneurial journeys from idea to exit

Mark Tepsich, UBS Family Office Design & Governance Strategist, returns to Lightning in a Bottle to unpack the concept of Family Office 3.0—the next phase in the evolution of wealth management for the ultra-affluent. We look back at how the family office model has changed over the years and dig into why a more robust, resource-rich approach is taking hold. From families managing wealth outside the $500M+ tier to those navigating life after a liquidity event, we’ll break down how investment opportunities, governance structures, and strategic planning are shifting. We also explore how the rise of Family Office 3.0 is reshaping the investor landscape—not just for families, but for the portfolio companies they back.

What’s keeping top entrepreneurs up at night in 2025? From navigating AI integration to retaining top talent in a competitive market, the landscape is shifting fast. Christian van Driel, Director and Client Solutions Specialist at UBS, joins us to break down key findings from the 2025 Global Entrepreneur Report, built on insights from over 150 UBS entrepreneur clients and network members. We explore how business owners are thinking about investment trends, cybersecurity, succession planning, and the growing role of family offices—all while balancing personal priorities with long-term business goals in an increasingly uncertain world.

As 2025 unfolds, what kind of economy is inheriting Trump 2.0? In this special episode featuring Paul Hsiao, UBS Asset Allocation Strategist, we dive into the latest Q1 2025 CEO Macro Briefing Book from the UBS Chief Investment Office, providing business owners with a high-level assessment of economic conditions, policy shifts, and market dynamics. With a resilient labor market, accommodative monetary policy, and strong consumer-driven growth, the economy appears robust. But mounting deficit concerns, policy uncertainty, and geopolitical risks create a more complex outlook. Will dealmaking accelerate in 2025? Is AI optimism overblown? And how should business leaders navigate these shifting tides?

In this episode of Lightning in a Bottle, we sit down with Nick Adkins, healthcare tech entrepreneur and co-founder of PinkSocks.Life, to talk about life after an exit and the transition from building a company to building a movement. Nick shares his journey as a founder in the healthcare tech space, his experience exiting the company, and how he shifted gears to co-found PinkSocks, a global initiative focused on human connection, kindness, and giving back. We dive into the realities of what comes after selling a business—how to redefine purpose, navigate new opportunities, and channel entrepreneurial energy into something meaningful. Enjoy!

In this episode, we’re joined by Senior Wealth Strategist, UBS Advanced Planning Group, Joyce Crivellari to explore preemptive planning strategies for founders. We discuss the looming sunset of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, business succession planning, and the evolving implications of the Corporate Transparency Act. Joyce also provides a valuable refresher on Qualified Small Business Stock, offering expert insights to help founders prepare for what’s ahead.

Cybersecurity isn’t just for the big players anymore—it’s a growing concern for businesses of all sizes. In this episode, we sit down with Morgan Kyauk from NightDragon, the leading VC firm specializing in cybersecurity, safety, and privacy, to break down today’s top threats and emerging innovations. We dive into the risks facing SMBs, how cyber threats can disrupt M&A transactions, and best practices for managing these challenges. Morgan also sheds light on the rise of SecureTech, innovations in national security, and the biggest trends and threats to watch over the next five years.

In this episode, we explore the role of rep and warranty (transaction) insurance in M&A and how it can help manage risks while keeping deals moving smoothly. Our guest, Matt Wiener, Managing Director with Aon’s M&A Transaction Solutions team (and true expert in this space), explains how this insurance works, its impact on deal structures, and how it can reduce the need for large escrow accounts. It benefits both buyers and sellers by providing added protection and allowing for more a more streamlined transaction. If you’ve ever wondered how to make the M&A process a bit less stressful, this episode has some answers—with fewer sleepless nights in the mix.

Business owners face a wide range of risks—some expected, others unforeseen. The absence or loss of a key employee can disrupt operations and revenue, while the sudden departure of an owner or co-founder due to death, disability, divorce, or retirement can jeopardize the company’s future. So how do you ensure business continuity, protect your company’s value, maintain ownership control, and avoid legal complications? In this episode, we sit down with Chris Cooley, President of Prosperity Life Advisors, to unpack these issues and discuss strategies for planning ahead.

We’re going full legal eagle for this episode, bringing in Joe Walsh, seasoned M&A attorney with Selman, Munson & Lerner, to share his expertise and legal perspective for owners navigating the sale of a business. Joe represents buyers and sellers in M&A transactions involving both private and public businesses, specializing in negotiating with private equity, VC firms, investment bankers, and institutional investors. We’ll cover steps to boost your sale process and price, essential legal and financial prep, understanding different types of buyers, the sale timeline, and what makes a business an attractive target. Plus, tips on what to ask for in a Letter of Intent (LOI), negotiating deals, and shielding yourself from post-closing surprises.

When a business is in its growth phase, business owners often face a crucial decision of whether to raise capital through equity or debt. Since there are pros and cons to both, we decided to focus on the debt market for this episode, bringing in Mike Rudolph, Managing Director, KPMG Corporate Finance to provide some clarity. Together, we explore why a business owner would consider raising debt, the different types of debt capital available, key themes from the debt market throughout 2023, expectations for the rest of 2024 and what business owners can do now to increase their success for future debt raises.

In Part II of our sell-side due diligence mini-series featuring Matt Bryce, Erin Horton, and Nico Bascunan with Alvarez & Marsal, we break down Operational Due Diligence (ODD), exploring its key components like business model investigation, scalability, and performance improvement opportunities. We also chat about why investors request ODD to uncover value, confirm costs, identify growth enablers, and share what sellers can expect and how to prepare. Join us to learn about the typical timeline, common risks, and why ODD is so important in making smart investment decisions.

Join us as we kick off Part 1 of our two-part series on sell-side due diligence featuring Grace Oh Auguste and Eric Renner from Alvarez & Marsal’s Global Transaction Advisory. During the episode we explore the crucial aspects of due diligence, what sellers can anticipate, and key focal points in financial/tax due diligence. Gain insights on optimizing transaction structures, identifying common tax risks, and preparing effectively for the due diligence process.

Join us for a milestone episode of our Lightning in a Bottle podcast series! During this special edition, Josh sits down with Sean Hutchinson, Partner at Ready for Next Advisory Group, who brings over 25 years of experience in business strategy and value enhancement to the table. Sean tackles pressing questions from business owners who have been navigating through turbulent times, uncovering impactful value drivers, pitfalls to sidestep when preparing for an ownership transition, the 5 key stages of value maturity, and the intricate dynamics of family businesses.

Discover the keys to uncommon success in this episode, where we delve into the world of wealth strategy for business owners and entrepreneurs. Join hosts Josh Pottinger and Justin Waring CFP®, UBS Senior Total Wealth Strategist, as they navigate the unique challenges faced by business owners before, during, and after a liquidity event. From understanding the distinctive needs of business owners in their path to financial freedom to addressing pre-sale challenges and post-liquidity hurdles, this episode offers valuable insights. Don’t miss this deep dive into the world of wealth management tailored for entrepreneurs.

Join us as we sit down with Bianca Benedetti-Fang, Executive Director, UBS Business Owner Segment, to unravel key insights from the 2023 UBS Investor Watch – a report based on data from 500 business owners surveyed by UBS. We also navigate the unique challenges that female business owners encounter throughout the phases of building, growing, and selling their companies. Discover areas of financial education that better equip female entrepreneurs to navigate the funding landscape, strategies for leveraging unique strengths, and tips to effectively balance personal and professional responsibilities as our society continues to add pressure on women to quite literally “do it all”.

Curious about family offices? Tune in to our latest podcast episode featuring Mark Tepsich, UBS Family Office Design & Governance Strategist. Throughout the episode we explore what family offices are, when to establish, and the varied approaches they take such as managing post-liquidity events and integrating businesses. We also discuss their shift from founder-centric models to including next-gen perspectives. Mark also shares best practices and addresses the unique challenges family offices face.

In today’s episode, we have the honor of hosting James Jack, Managing Director of UBS's Business Owner Segment, a true expert in the world of business owners and entrepreneurship. Tune in to discover the latest findings from the latest UBS Investor Watch: Wind in your sails, exploring how business owners navigate challenges like higher interest rates and inflation. Gain expert advice on key business owner preparations, typical challenges, and stage-specific solutions. It’s time to set sail for success!

Immerse yourself in the world of investment banking in this episode of Lightning in a Bottle. We’re joined by Brian from UBS Investment Banking, as we conduct a comprehensive exploration into this vital field. We dive into current industry trends, examine the art of capital raising, analyze the present M&A market, and discuss critical timelines to consider when planning to sell your business. This episode serves as a masterclass, providing an in-depth understanding of how investment banking serves as a powerful catalyst in creating opportunities for businesses and investors. Don't miss out on these valuable insights!

“In this exciting episode of Lightning in a Bottle, we take you behind the scenes at South by Southwest, one of the world's leading festivals for innovation and technology, set in the heart of Austin, Texas. Our format? Speed interviews! We chat with eight unique founders and business owners who've showcased their ventures at the festival, diving deep into their journeys, triumphs, and valuable insights gained along the way. This episode encapsulates the spirit of South by Southwest – a celebration of creativity, entrepreneurship, and technological advancement. A heartfelt thank you to all our guests who made this episode possible. Tune in, enjoy, and catch the lightning!"

Joining us today is Matthew Carter who is an Investment Strategist in our UBS Chief investment Office formulating research for business owners, executives and entrepreneurs. Matthew gives insight on different aspects of succession planning, the three part process of family succession, and what entrepreneurs need to consider during a liquidity event. This dynamic discussion will offer solutions tailored to business owners as they prepare for life after the sale.

Joining us today are Mark Achler and Mert Iseri, authors of book, Exit Right: How to Sell Your Startup, Maximize Your Return, and Build Your Legacy. Through strategic interviews with M&A leaders, attorneys, and founders-Exit Right provides a helpful roadmap for business owners to seek more successful exits with their companies. Furthermore, Marc and Mert discuss how trust becomes the ultimate currency for a business sell and provide key examples of what makes the right partner for succession planning.

What’s one of the most powerful tools for business owners that can help reduce the capital gains associated with a business sale? On this episode, we sit with Joyce Crivellari and Rebecca Sterling, both with UBS’s Advanced Planning Group and former attorneys, to discuss Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) and why it’s such a powerful tool for business owners who one day hope to monetize their business. We’ll get into the ins and outs, the opportunities, and challenges and what you should know now so that you can put yourself in an opportunity to take advantage of it when you’re ready. Despite its acronym, QSBS is no joke!

In this episode, Josh & Jason have an action packed conversation with Scott Snider, President of the Exit Planning Institute about five things every business owner should know, and think through, to maximize the value of their company before an exit. We talk about five stages of value maturity, walk through the intangible forms of capital, three legs, the importance of taking time to work ON your business and ON your personal life goals, and finally, understanding if your company is ready and attractive to a buyer. As a business owner, be prepared and have a plan, so maximize the value of your exit when a buyer shows up at your doorstep.

Our topic today is around an important component of building out your team of advisor to help you monetize your business…the Investment Banker. Over the years, Jason and I have come to really appreciate the work they do and the value they bring to the table. Professional athletes and business owners have something in common…they work their tails off, make sacrifices and take big risks so that one day…if they’re fortunate, they’re able to capitalize on that hard work through monetize their ideas or their athletic ability. Something else in common…is they both need a coach. The best athletes in the world have a coach and you should to. Bottom line – Hiring an investment banker to help you navigate the complexities of selling a company can be incredibly valuable and ultimately, help you maximize your outcome.

Joining us today is Erik Seeney, Executive Director and Wealth Planning Strategist. Based out of Atlanta, Georgia, Erik is one of our go-to specialists at the firm with a focus on advanced planning strategies, design and implementation. Appropriate tax planning is an essential component of a pre-sale strategy. Liquidity events typically incur income taxes (some or all of the proceeds may be subject to ordinary income or capital gains tax and the 3.8% surtax on net investment income). Comprehensive analysis, including financial and estate planning, before the exit can help an owner understand income tax treatment and potentially minimize your tax liability. Bottom line – Your situation is very specific to you and your family... so it’s important to walk through these ideas with your own tax and legal counsel.

Joining us today is Tom Hall, Head of UBS Philanthropy Services. With over 12 years' experience working with and advising private clients, Tom leads our UK Philanthropy services to help clients identify and achieve their philanthropic and impact investing strategies.

Joining us today is Oliver Henderson, Managing Director and Head of UBS Business Development Group. We’ve brought Ollie on to walk us through the various ways business owners can monetize their ownership position, and how to mitigate some of the more common mistakes that can cause the sale process to break down.

Joining us today is a good friend and colleague of ours, Sarah Salomon. As a UBS Senior Strategist with Family Advisory and Philanthropy Services, Sarah works with families on understanding money, values and philanthropic intent in the context of family wealth. We’ve brought her on today to discuss the challenges that arise amid new found wealth and practical suggestions for meeting these challenges.

Joining us today is Ryan Gravelle, Partner with Kastner / Gravelle Law Practice. Ryan has managed multiple mergers, acquisitions and asset transactions. He's helped raise tens of millions of debt and equity financing, as well as structured complex strategic alliances and partnerships. Needless to say, we are excited to pick his brain on the many twist and turns associated with bringing on an equity partner and the sale process.

Today's conversation is all about business valuation and what you need to know to avoid some costly mistakes. Joining us today is Edward Fowler with Briggs & Veselka. Edward has over 30 years of experience with a background in management consulting, accounting, investment banking and business valuation. Suffice to say, Edward knows his stuff and we’re excited to have him on.

Today, we are joined by special guest, Joyce Crivellari, Executive Director and Senior Wealth Strategist with UBS's Advanced Planning Group to discuss the concept of a liquidity event. What it is, and what you need to do to prepare for it

Josh and Jason talk about the upcoming series and lay out the lifecycle of a business owner / entrepreneur.