Explore every episode of the podcast Your Next: A Guide to Finding Fulfillment After Your Exit Hosted by Jerome Myers

You know how to run your business. But do you know how to sell it? Mark Dorman, President and Managing Director of Succession Plus US, joins Jerome Myers on Your N.E.X.T. to discuss what founders need to know before selling a business and what often surprises them after the sale. Drawing on more than 100 exits completed by his team, Mark explains why business owners need the right exit-planning advisors, how to coordinate financial and legal expertise, and why even highly successful founders can struggle to relinquish control. He also shares a personal lesson from his own business exits: financial success doesn’t automatically replace the challenge, relationships, and purpose that came from building a company. In this conversation:• How to prepare your business for sale• Choosing the right business exit advisor• Why financial planning and exit planning aren’t the same• Founder identity and the emotional side of selling• Finding purpose after a business exit Are you selling your business to get away from something, or moving toward a future you’ve deliberately chosen? Mark: https://succession.plus/us/Exit to Excellence: https://exittoexcellence.com/#BusinessExit #ExitPlanning #BusinessSuccession Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Willow McIntosh left the real estate business in 2012 and entered the uncertainty many founders expect the exit itself to solve. What should I do now? His first answer was to build again. He created another business in the same industry, only to discover that a new company could reproduce many of the same deeper questions. The work had changed, but the search for identity and purpose had not. That experience became the beginning of a 14-year investigation into what remains true about a person when the familiar role disappears. After more than 12,000 hours of direct client practice, Willow began identifying four recurring foundations that can help people reconnect with purpose: fascination, natural gifts, the challenges and training embedded in their life journey, and the underlying “why” that makes contribution meaningful. In this episode of Your NEXT, Willow joins Jerome Myers to explore why exited founders can be especially vulnerable to rebuilding too quickly. The new investment, board seat, company, or project may feel productive. It may even be successful. But activity can also become a way to avoid the harder work of discovering who you are without the identity that achievement created. Willow and Jerome examine the difference between a role and an identity, why the clues to purpose often predate the business, and what becomes possible when a founder stops trying to invent the next chapter from scratch. The central question is not simply: What should I do next? It may be: What has always been true about me? For founders who have already proven they can build, achieve, and create value, that shift changes the assignment. The next chapter is no longer about proving capability. It is about deciding where that capability belongs now. Learn more about Willow McIntosh:https://willowmcintosh.com Take the Exit Readiness Assessment:https://www.exittoexcellence.com/era Learn more about Jerome Myers:https://www.exittoexcellence.com Thank you,Jerome Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wayne Bell’s first exit happened when he was 13.It was not the sale of a company. It was the night he was forced fromchildhood into responsibility, an identity transition that shaped thegrit, urgency and relentless drive he carried into business.Decades later, after serving as a founder, investor and CEO nine timesand helping scale and sell multiple companies, Wayne learned thatevery exit contains the same two movements: a transaction and atransition.The transaction may create liquidity.The transition asks who you are when the company no longer needs you.In this episode of Your NEXT, Wayne joins Jerome Myers to examine whyexit readiness must begin with the founder. Wayne explains his beliefthat every company should remain perpetually exit ready, whether theeventual path is a sale, ESOP, family transfer, employee purchase orcontinued ownership. A company that is always ready to transfer isusually a stronger company to keep.But business readiness is only one layer.After leaving a company he had helped build for 14 years, Wayneexperienced the silence that many exited founders never anticipate.The colleagues who had filled his days moved onto the new owner’sagenda. The urgent decisions disappeared. The phone stopped ringing.Freedom arrived as unstructured time, and Wayne filled the void withanother company, board seats and work he did not actually want.His financial outcome was successful.His identity transition was not yet complete.Wayne and Jerome explore how founders can prepare differently. Theydiscuss required and preferred deal outcomes, assembling an innercircle of advisors, creating a personal creed and defining freedombefore money and time make the question unavoidable.Wayne also shares the lesson he carried home from tracking lions onfoot in Africa: you cannot see the entire path from where you stand.You take the next step carefully, observe what it reveals and remainwilling to change direction.A long term vision still matters. But analysis cannot replace movement.The conversation ultimately moves beyond selling a company. A healthscare forced Wayne to confront how often he had postponed life untilafter the next achievement, the next number or the next liquidityevent.Time became real.And freedom became the ability to choose intentionally what to do, whoto do it with and when to do it.Learn more about Wayne Bell and STS Capital Partners:https://stscapital.comContact Wayne:wbell@stscapital.comTake the Exit Readiness Assessment:https://www.exittoexcellence.com/eraLearn more about Jerome Myers:https://www.exittoexcellence.comThank you,Jerome Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Peter Goldstein had what many founders would consider an enviable first exit.He started a specialty food distribution company at 24, builtrecurring revenue, strong margins and a respected customer base, andattracted three potential buyers by age 30.But he had never learned how to exit a business.In this episode of Your NEXT, Peter joins Jerome Myers to explain whybuilding a valuable company is not the same as building an exitableone. His first transaction included a two year earnout and a buyerwhose culture did not fit. The number looked good at closing, but thetransition revealed what the headline price had hidden.Peter and Jerome explore founder dependency, transferable enterprisevalue and the personal cost of making yourself indispensable. Theyalso examine reciprocal reliance: the business depends on the founderto solve every problem, while the founder depends on the business foridentity, purpose and importance.Peter shares how seeing a competitor’s product in a customer’s kitchenchanged his relationship with the company, why burnout pushed himtoward a sale and what happened when he left without a clear pictureof what came next.After four decades of entrepreneurship and several exits, Peter nowapproaches ownership differently. He does not simply build a companyto sell.He builds a company someone else would want to own.The episode also challenges founders to create more than one pathforward. A sale, recapitalization, ESOP, partnership, internaltransfer or partial exit can all be viable, but those choices must bebuilt before they are needed.As Peter puts it, his exits were not his only possible options.They were the only options he had created.Learn more about Peter:https://petergoldstein.coTake the Exit Readiness Assessment:https://www.exittoexcellence.com/eraLearn more about Jerome Myers:https://www.exittoexcellence.comThank you,Jerome Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A founder can be burned out enough to want an exit and still not beready to let the business go.Juan Ignacio knows that tension from both sides. He built a B2B SaaSlending platform from Madrid, raised tens of millions in venturecapital along with a $100 million debt facility, and exited four yearsafter launching. The deal created relief, but it also exposed aquestion the transition could only postpone: What do I do with my lifenow?In this episode of Your NEXT, Juan joins Jerome Myers to unpack whathis own near distressed exit taught him about preparation, runway, andthe danger of waiting until the company needs a transaction. He alsoexplains how that experience led him to found L40, a sell side M&Aadvisory firm focused largely on B2B SaaS companies.Together, Jerome and Juan explore why founders sometimes sabotage thetransactions they say they want, how valuation expectations and markettiming affect the likelihood of a sale, and why “I just need themoney” may be a signal to examine the real problem before hiring anadvisor.Juan also explains the Rule of 40, what makes an advisor a genuinefit, and why a healthy company is not automatically a desirableacquisition target.The hardest part of an exit is not always finding a buyer.Sometimes it is helping the founder become willing to leave.Learn more about Juan and L40:https://www.l40.comTake the Exit Readiness Assessment:https://www.exittoexcellence.com/eraLearn more about Jerome Myers:https://www.exittoexcellence.comThank you,Jerome Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if your business keeps growing, but your personal wealth does not?Phil Calandra built an insurance brokerage and an investment advisoryfirm with approximately $250 million under management before sellingboth companies in a single transaction to a $10 billion firm. The dealmade work optional. It also helped him see a problem that traps fartoo many founders.Most business owners have plenty of specialists: a bookkeeper, CPA,fractional CFO, financial advisor, and perhaps a business consultant.Each may be competent. But when no one coordinates the completefinancial system, the founder becomes the conductor, and the business,tax strategy, and personal wealth can begin working against oneanother.Phil calls this the coordination gap. It is how an owner can drivemore revenue, pay more taxes, assume more complexity, and still wonderwhy the wealth is not showing up outside the company.In this episode, Phil and Jerome Myers discuss the heart attack thatchanged Phil’s relationship with risk, the unsolicited offer that ledto his two exits, the emotional high after the transaction, and why hechose to build again. They also examine the revenue trap, the dangerof assuming “I’ll make it all when I sell,” and the three financialflywheels every founder must coordinate: business profitability, taxstrategy, and owner wealth.If your entire wealth plan depends on a future transaction, thisconversation will challenge you to start extracting the value of thebusiness before the exit.In This Episode:• Why an exit made Phil work optional but did not make him want to retire• How a heart attack at 51 influenced his decision to sell• Why more revenue does not necessarily mean more owner wealth• Where CPAs, CFOs, bookkeepers, and wealth managers can work at cross purposes• How the coordination gap turns the founder into the financial bottleneck• Why the business and the owner’s wealth must be planned as one system• How to coordinate profitability, tax strategy, and personal wealthbefore a saleResources:Wealth Creation Scorecard: https://wealthcreationscorecard.comExit to Excellence: https://exittoexcellence.comAll the best,Jerome Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Michael Filosi turned a neglected two-chair dental office with possums in the walls into the largest dental practice in Adelaide. Ten years later, the company could run without him, private-equity buyers were interested, and the business appeared to be an exit-planning success story. Then the joy disappeared. Michael went from emailing his accountant to closing the sale in only 81 days. He rejected the highest offer, selected the buyer he trusted to reach settlement, and walked away without an earnout or continuing role. When the money landed in his account, he felt as though he had escaped. The feeling lasted about one week. In this conversation with Jerome Myers, Michael describes the quieter challenge that followed the transaction: waking up without a company to improve, a team to lead, or a clear measure of progress. He had studied the risks of life after exit and avoided many of the obvious mistakes. He protected the capital, invested conservatively, maintained his relationships, and resisted rushing into another company. Still, knowledge did not eliminate the uncertainty. Michael shares how the loss of business achievement pushed him toward extreme discipline, why nearly a year passed before a new direction began to emerge, and why even a self-described lone wolf needs someone or something to lean against during the transition. The episode also explores his approach to enough. Michael believes wealth is created through concentration and protected through diversification. Rather than chasing another mountain, he is now optimizing for fulfillment, simplicity, family, health, and the ability to put his head on the pillow knowing it was a good day. His experience offers a field note every founder should hear before selling: being ready to leave the company is not the same as being prepared for the life the transaction creates. Thank you, Jerome Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The sale can change your bank account in a day. It cannot tell you who to become on Monday morning. Allan Crockett joins Jerome Myers to examine the void that appears when a business, title, team, and daily structure disappear. Drawing from two painful exits of his own, Allan explains why that empty ground rarely stays empty. Without an intentional purpose, it fills with busyness, unwanted obligations, and other people’s priorities. The conversation moves from retirement fatigue and founder identity to marriage, health, and Allan’s five pillars of quality of life: time, money, purpose, relationships, and health. Allan also offers a practical test for evaluating post-exit commitments: if something consistently gives you energy, it may be a flower; if it continually drains you, it may be a weed. The central lesson is one every founder should hear before signing the papers: the transaction does not equal transformation. Selling the company may create freedom, but building a life worthy of that freedom requires a separate decision. Learn more about Allan at AllanCrockett.com. Thank you,Jerome Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#FounderLife #BusinessGrowth #BusinessOwner #ScalableBusiness#BusinessSystems #BusinessStrategy #FounderJourney #Leadership#BusinessExit #ExitReadiness #BusinessMaturity #OperationalExcellence#ScaleUp #Entrepreneurship #ExitToExcellence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After building Sacred Rides into one of the top mountain bike adventure companies in the world, Mike Brcic exited the business he had spent 23 years creating. The celebration did not last long. In this episode, Mike shares that the emotional high from the signed purchase agreement and wire transfer lasted about eight hours before the deeper question arrived: Now what? Mike joins Jerome Myers for a powerful conversation about founder burnout, post-exit identity, and the difference between building for achievement and building from alignment. They explore why founders often lose energy when they become disconnected from the customer, the company’s purpose, and the work that actually lights them up. Mike also shares how his post-exit journey led him to create Wayfinders, a company that designs immersive experiences to help leaders reconnect with themselves, others, nature, and something larger than achievement. From the mountains of British Columbia to monasteries in Bhutan, this conversation is an invitation to rethink what success means after the exit. Because the real question is not just whether you can sell the business. The real question is: Who will you be when it is gone? Learn more about Mike and Wayfinders: https://way-finders.comTake the Exit Readiness Assessment: https://www.exittoexcellence.com/eraLearn more about Jerome Myers: https://www.exittoexcellence.com #Podcast #EntrepreneurPodcast #FounderStories #LeadershipPodcast #BusinessExit #FounderJourney #LifeAfterExit #Entrepreneurship #PersonalGrowth #BusinessOwner #PurposeDrivenLife #FounderPsychology #MeaningfulSuccess #NextChapter #ExitToExcellence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens after the business is sold and the calendar goes quiet? Kevin Nolan exited his business in February 2022 after 17 years of building. Like many founders, he expected freedom, relief, and excitement. Those feelings came, but after a few months, they began to fade. In their place came confusion, uncertainty, and the question so many exited founders struggle to answer: What now? In this episode of Your NEXT, Jerome Myers talks with Kevin about the part of the transition many founders skip: the Nourish phase. Rather than rushing into another business, Kevin gave himself space. He walked the Camino, traveled solo, learned to ride a motorcycle, wrote, reflected, and began listening to the intuition that had been buried beneath years of building. Kevin’s story is a powerful look at identity after exit, the fear of being untethered, and the possibility of discovering that there is still more inside you. This episode is for founders, owners, retirees, and high achievers who have achieved the thing they were chasing, only to realize the deeper question is not “What did I build?” but “Who am I becoming now?” Kevin Nolan shares how he navigated life after selling his business, why he resisted jumping back into familiar work, how solitude helped him gain clarity, and why he now mentors others who are facing the same post-exit uncertainty. Exiting after 17 years in business The emotional shift after the sale Why founders feel lost after achieving financial freedom The danger of rushing into the next venture Solo travel, reflection, and walking the Camino Listening to intuition after years of conditioning Finding identity beyond the business Helping other exited founders navigate the “what now?” stage The logical mind often pulls you back toward what is familiar. But the next chapter may require enough quiet to hear what is true. “The exit is not the end. It is the first time many founders are quiet enough to hear the question they avoided while building.” “Financial freedom solves the money problem. It does not automatically solve the identity problem.” “The temptation after exit is to run back to what made you successful. Kevin Nolan chose to create space instead.” “The logical mind says, ‘Go build again.’ The deeper voice may be asking, ‘Who are you now?’” “Kevin’s post-exit journey was not about finding another business. It was about finding himself.” In this episode:Topics covered:Memorable idea:Quotes / Social Clips Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens after the exit when success is no longer measured by the deal? In this episode of Your N.E.X.T., Jerome Myers sits down with Paul Farrell, a technology entrepreneur, investor, advisor, and repeat founder who has built, turned around, and exited companies across software, big data, and cybersecurity. Paul shares the story behind selling his cybersecurity company during COVID, the moment personal risk became too high, and why every exit carries its own lessons. But this conversation goes far beyond the transaction. Paul opens up about faith, family, generosity, culture, radical candor, and the decision he and his wife made to give away 50% of the net proceeds from major liquidity events. He also reflects on identity beyond the CEO role, learning to slow down, and why the fulfilled life is built through service, not accumulation. This episode is for founders, CEOs, advisors, and high achievers who are wondering what comes after the summit. Jerome and Paul explore: Why every exit feels different Selling a cybersecurity company during COVID The role Paul’s wife played in deciding when enough risk was enough Why generosity became central to life after liquidity Giving away 50% of net proceeds from major exits How identity gets tangled with the CEO role Why culture matters more than most founders realize Radical candor, truth-telling, and leadership Helping employees pursue their dreams Faith, surrender, and peace after achievement Why family dinners became one of Paul’s clearest pictures of success Paul Farrell is a technology entrepreneur, investor, advisor, and repeat founder with decades of experience building, turning around, and exiting companies across software, big data, and cybersecurity. His career includes leadership at AOL, the turnaround of a NASDAQ-traded company, the acquisition and sale of a London-based big data company, and the sale of a cybersecurity company during COVID. Today, Paul advises CEOs and founders, bringing together business experience, faith, culture-building, and a deep commitment to service. LinkedIn: Paul FarrellEmail: paul@paterholdings.com Your N.E.X.T. is the podcast for founders, executives, and high achievers asking what comes after success. Hosted by Jerome Myers, the show explores exits, identity, purpose, legacy, fulfillment, and the journey from achievement to alignment. Your dreams should be real. In This EpisodeGuest BioConnect with PaulAbout Your N.E.X.T. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most founders believe that because they built a successful business, they are prepared to sell it. Lewis Schiff believes that assumption can cost them millions. In this episode of Your N.E.X.T., Jerome Myers sits down with Lewis Schiff, Chairman of Birthing of Giants, to unpack why founders are entering one of the most important economic windows of our lifetime. An estimated $80 trillion in wealth is moving from older generations to younger ones, and that capital is looking for places to land. One of those places is founder-led lower middle market businesses. But there is a problem. The founder who built the company may only sell one business in their lifetime. The buyer across the table may buy ten companies a year. That imbalance creates risk. Lewis explains why private equity firms are aggressively pursuing founder-led companies, how professionalization can increase exit value, and why earn-outs often become traps for owners who were not fully prepared before going to market. Jerome and Lewis also explore one of the most important distinctions in the exit conversation: the difference between being an operator and being an owner. Operators make promises and keep promises. Owners build transferable, creditworthy assets. That shift changes how founders think about capital, leverage, decision-making, professionalization, growth, and the eventual sale of the company. This conversation is for founders, advisors, and business owners who want to avoid being outmatched during the exit process and build a company that is not only profitable, but transferable. Jerome and Lewis discuss: • Why the $80 trillion wealth transfer matters to business owners• Why private equity is targeting lower middle market companies• How professionalization can increase exit value• The hidden danger of earn-outs• Why founders often walk away with less than expected• How taxes, fees, and lost salary affect post-exit reality• Why capital does not automatically equal wisdom• The difference between operator thinking and owner thinking• How AI may help founders extend founder mode• Why selling a business requires a different skill set than building one “Operators make promises and keep promises. Owners build assets.” Learn more about Lewis Schiff and Birthing of Giants:https://birthingofgiants.com/prep Learn more about Jerome Myers and Exit to Excellence:https://exittoexcellence.com In This EpisodeKey QuoteLearn More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Spector, founder of Chore, four-time entrepreneur, and startup investor, joins Jerome Myers for a conversation about building in a world where the tools are moving faster than most people can process. From San Francisco’s AI boom to the rising bar for young professionals, Adam shares why speed, focus, and delegation have become critical advantages for founders. He explains why entrepreneurs often become the “janitor” of their own companies, handling payroll, HR, finance, compliance, and other back-office work that pulls them away from the work only they can do. Jerome and Adam also explore AI’s impact on jobs, education, startup investing, and founder behavior. Adam offers a clear challenge to business owners and ambitious professionals: stop waiting for permission, start building proof, and protect your most valuable resource: time. This episode is for founders, operators, investors, and professionals who want to understand what it takes to compete in the age of AI without losing sight of the life they are trying to build. In this episode: Why San Francisco remains the center of the AI boomHow AI is raising the bar for founders and job seekersWhy speed is now a strategic advantageWhat Adam looks for when investing in foundersWhy founders get trapped doing low-leverage workHow Chore helps entrepreneurs delegate back-office operationsWhy proof of work matters more than a polished resumeThe real cost of spending your time on the wrong thingsWhy the gatekeepers are gone Guest: Adam SpectorAdam Spector is a four-time founder, startup investor, and founder of Chore. Based in San Francisco, Adam has invested in roughly 200 startups and helps entrepreneurs protect their time by delegating the back-office work that slows them down. Connect with Adam:Website: HireChore.comLinkedIn: Adam Spector, Founder of ChoreX: @ASPEC00 Your dreams should be real. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when the business exit is not the only exit happening? In this episode of Your NEXT, Jerome Myers sits down with Brian Roeder, founder of Bee Oak Partners and Managing Agent for Transworld Business Advisors’ Monterey office. Brian shares the story of building Barrel Oak Winery from raw land into one of Virginia’s busiest wineries, welcoming up to 1,500 guests on busy Saturdays, growing a committed team, raising more than $2 million through nonprofit events, and ultimately selling the business in 2022. But this conversation is not just about selling a winery. It is about navigating a double exit. Brian built the business with his former wife, and as the marriage came apart, the business had to be protected, investors had to be considered, and the dream they had built had to be carefully unwound. He describes the moment after the wire hit as a physical release, like a load had been lifted from his shoulders. But relief did not automatically create clarity. After the sale, Brian moved back to California for what he thought would be his next chapter in the family business. When that path did not unfold as expected, he faced another transition and another question: Who am I now? In this episode, Jerome and Brian explore: The emotional weight of selling a business Why the team is often what founders miss most How divorce, investors, employees, family, and identity can collide during an exit Why relief is real, but not the same as purpose What Brian calls “the hollow place” after success The difference between connectors and extractors Why the right advisor starts with the owner’s story, not just the numbers How Brian now uses his experience to help other owners avoid the mistakes he had to learn the hard way A successful transaction can close the deal. An excellent exit protects the person on the other side of it. Connect with Brian Roeder:https://beeoak.combrian@beeoak.com Take the Exit Readiness Assessment:https://www.exittoexcellence.com/era Schedule a conversation with Jerome:https://calendly.com/yournext/30-minute-1-on-1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens after the wire hits? For years, founders imagine the exit as the summit. The documents are signed. The legal teams are done. The congratulations pour in. The number in the bank account finally reflects the sacrifice, pressure, and grit it took to build the company. Then Tuesday morning arrives. No urgent emails. No executive team waiting for direction. No fires to put out. No company demanding your identity, energy, and leadership. Just silence. In this episode of Your NEXT, Jerome Myers explores one of the most overlooked risks in exit planning: the psychological and structural collapse that can happen after a successful transaction. Inspired by The Exit Expedition: Why the Deal Is Only the Summit, this conversation unpacks why so many founders prepare their companies for sale while doing almost nothing to prepare themselves for life after the exit. You’ll hear about: The Transaction Illusion The invisible role the business plays in a founder’s life The Depletion Window after an exit The Six Centers of Doubt Why “respectable noise” can become a trap How to design the descent before you reach the summit A successful transaction monetizes the business. An excellent exit aligns the life. If this resonates, here’s the next step. Take the Exit Readiness Assessment: https://www.exittoexcellence.com/era Schedule a conversation: https://calendly.com/yournext/30-minute-1-on-1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we break down the three nominees for the Excellence in Exit Planning Awards and evaluate them the way most people won’t: by looking at the actual criteria, the quality of their ideas, their public influence, and whether they’ve truly moved the profession forward. We examine the cases for Todd Yeiter, Kristen Carlson, and Jerome Myers, and compare them across seven dimensions, including originality, credibility, practical applicability, public-facing footprint, and ecosystem impact. But this conversation goes beyond an award prediction. It becomes a deeper discussion about what thought leadership really is in the world of exit planning. Is it mastering the structural mechanics of a deal? Is it helping owners build companies that can run without them? Or is it naming the invisible human problem no one else wants to touch: what happens to the founder after the deal is done? If you care about business exits, founder psychology, transition planning, or the future of the exit planning profession, this episode will give you a lot to think about. In this episode: The official criteria for Thought Leader of the Year Why thought leadership is harder to judge than business performance The case for each nominee The seven-part scoring framework used in the analysis The final prediction for who wins in 2026, and why The bigger question: If the money were no longer the issue, and the transaction was complete, would you actually know who you are on day two? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most founders believe the liquidity event is the finish line. It isn’t. In this episode of Your NEXT, Jerome Myers sits down with Colin Hodge, a founder who grew a dating app to millions of users with virtually zero ad spend, navigated a first exit, joined the acquirer, and then experienced the part nobody markets: the emotional “now what?” that follows the deal. Jerome unpacks what he calls the Transaction Illusion: the belief that money automatically brings relief, identity, and fulfillment. Colin shares how vulnerability became a growth catalyst, how his company was forced into a fire sale, and the unbelievable twist of buying his own business back and scaling it again. If you’re building toward an exit, recovering from one, or quietly wondering why success feels… weird, this conversation will land. Key topics: Why money doesn’t solve the post-exit questions it exposes Identity shifts, shame, and the silent side of “success” Organic growth through user psychology The boomerang story: sell it, buy it back, grow it again Why founders need a “descent protocol” before they summit Links: Learn more: exittoexcellence.com Explore the work: [NEO Assessment / Exit Readiness Assessment link] Guest: colinhodge.com (book + latest projects) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Josh Mastel did not exit because he hit some magical finish line. He exited because the business stopped giving him energy. In this episode of Your NEXT, Jerome Myers sits down with Josh to talk about betting on yourself, walking away from comfort, and building a life in alignment with what matters most. Josh shares the story of cashing out his 401(k), getting fired early in his career, losing his brother at 18, building a business he eventually outgrew, and then helping his wife scale her company into a $100M ARR technology services firm. This conversation is about more than entrepreneurship. It is about resilience, identity, priorities, and the courage to stop being a prisoner of something you built. If you are trying to decide whether your business still fits who you are becoming, this episode will stay with you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most advisors think the goal is to build a great firm. The best ones realize the real challenge is what happens when it’s time to step away from it. In this episode of Your NEXT, Jerome Myers sits down with Jon to explore the full arc of building, scaling, and ultimately exiting a wealth management firm that reached $2.5 billion in assets under management. Jon shares his journey from professional football to financial advisor, what drew him into the industry, and how he and his partner built a firm focused on serving athletes and entertainers. As the business grew, they shifted into an aggregator model, acquiring other advisory firms to expand their reach and capabilities. But growth is only part of the story. Jon opens up about the realities of being acquired, navigating integration, stepping away from day-to-day leadership, and redefining his role after the transaction. This is a conversation about more than strategy. It’s about transition. If you’re building a firm, considering acquisitions, or thinking about an eventual exit, this episode offers a grounded look at what the process really requires. From NFL career to financial advisor Why Jon chose to serve sports and entertainment clients Building and scaling an RIA to $2.5B in AUM Transitioning into an aggregator model through acquisitions Lessons learned from inorganic growth The acquisition process and integration challenges Letting go of day-to-day operations Redefining identity and role after the exit Advice for advisors planning their own transition What We CoverKey Moments00:00 Family stories and St. Patrick’s Day traditions03:45 Family travel and keeping kids engaged12:18 From NFL to financial advisor19:27 Building an RIA for athletes and entertainers35:00 Scaling through acquisitions45:15 The acquisition and integration process01:05:00 Life after the deal01:17:32 Advice for advisors considering an exit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Jerome Myers interviews Mark Hartmann, exited founder and M&A advisor, on what it really takes to sell a business on strong terms and avoid the common post-exit traps. They cover seller’s remorse, identity after exit, de-risking a company for buyers, why earnouts can go sideways, and how founders should build a deal team that protects the outcome. Topics covered:• Selling Ethicare Advisors to a private equity-backed buyer• Deal readiness and due diligence preparation• De-risking customers, vendors, employees, and owner dependency• Earnouts, reps & warranties, escrow, and transition terms• Building a personal plan for life after the sale Links:Mark Hartmann: hartmannrhodes.comBook: The Sweat Equity Payday Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Daniel Rudyak built a healthcare company the hard way. No venture capital. No safety net. And for a long stretch, not even the freedom to buy “two tacos” without doing the mental math. In this episode, Jerome Myers talks with Daniel, founder of ReadyRx, about what it takes to go from private equity boardrooms to the chaos of building: 120-hour weeks, 18 months pre-revenue, and the constant pressure of carrying a mission that’s deeply personal. ReadyRx has grown to 10,000+ monthly customers and a reported $70M valuation, but this conversation isn’t about hype. It’s about the truth founders rarely say out loud: the climb is hard, the summit is brief, and the “money” doesn’t give you what you think it will. If you’re chasing an exit, thinking about raising capital, or worried about what happens after the deal closes, press play. In this episode: Why ReadyRx exists (and the healthcare failures that sparked it) The real difference between investing in businesses and building one Why they refused venture money and what control is worth The hidden skill founders need after liquidity: allocation, not adrenaline Why most people don’t break on the way up, they break on the way down Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most founders believe the exit will finally deliver freedom. But what if that belief is the lie? In this episode, Jerome Myers and Josselyne Herman-Saccio explore what founders discover too late about selling their business. Why achievement doesn’t automatically produce fulfillment. Why the exit doesn’t erase identity pressure. And why designing your “next” requires more than a successful transaction. If you think the deal will solve everything, listen first. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kerry Harris has exited two companies. But what makes her story powerful isn’t the deal. It’s what happened after. In this episode, we unpack five hard lessons founders ignore about selling their business: * Why deals fall apart * How control structures shape exit outcomes * The emotional cost of acquisition * The identity vacuum after closing * And why success can feel strangely empty This is an honest conversation about what the exit does to founders behind the scenes. If you think you’re ready to sell, listen first. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrew Hulbert built Pareto from scratch, scaled it to about £50M in revenue, and exited for around $100M, retiring at 37. But the most interesting part of his story is what happened next. In this episode, Andrew explains how he avoided the post-exit crash many founders experience by preparing himself personally, not just preparing the business. We talk about working with a business psychologist, the “Exit Island” concept, how he decompressed after closing, and why the things that looked like success (cars, status, noise) were far less fulfilling than reconnecting with his wife, kids, friends, and health. This is a practical, honest conversation for founders who are approaching an exit and wondering: Who am I without the business, and what comes next? We cover: preparing for exit mentally, clean exits vs earn-outs, identity after exit, relationship repair, health during the sale process, significance and meaning, and what Andrew would do differently if he built it again. Guest: Andrew Hulbert Host: Jerome Myers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens after the deal closes is the question too few founders ask. In this conversation on Your N.E.X.T., Jerome Myers sits down again with Dr. Michelle Fritsch to explore why even highly successful founders feel lost, disconnected, or unprepared after exiting their businesses. Together, they unpack the often-ignored realities of post-exit life—identity loss, health decline, strained relationships, and the myth that money alone creates fulfillment. The conversation also introduces the thinking behind the Exit Ready Summit, a boardroom-style experience designed to help founders prepare not just financially, but personally, relationally, and purposefully for life beyond the business. [00:00 – 07:00] | The Question Founders Avoid Most founders ask when to exit, not who they’ll be afterExits are transformational portals, not just transactions Identity loss is the biggest blind spot in exit planning [07:01 – 14:00] | Why Health Is the First Domino Burnout is often a biological warning, not a mindset failure Chronic stress erodes decision-making long before exits occur Founders often sacrifice sleep, recovery, and relationships to “push through” [14:01 – 21:00] | The Myth That Money Fixes Everything Financial readiness does not replace identity or purposeWealth without structure can magnify loneliness and confusion Time and talent atrophy without intentional direction [21:01 – 28:00] | The Identity Vacuum After the Exit Many founders experience cognitive fog and loss of relevance Structure disappears overnight, leaving emotional free-fall Divorce and relationship breakdowns often spike post-exit [28:01 – 35:00] | Why Purpose Cannot Be an Afterthought Exiting from a business is not the same as exiting to something meaningful Lack of purpose leads to isolation, depression, and disengagement Relationships that once defined daily life often disappear post-exit [35:01 – 42:00] | Who the Exit Ready Summit Is—and Is Not—For Designed for founders who want clarity, not just liquidity Not for those unwilling to be vulnerable or self-reflective Small, boardroom setting enables real conversations Key Quotes “Relevance is one of the first things founders quietly grieve after they exit.” - Dr. Michelle Fritsch Burnout is not a mindset problem. It’s often a biological warning sign.” - Dr. Michelle Fritsch Connect with Dr. Fritsch!Website: properlyourwellness.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michellefritsch Join industry leaders shaping the future and secure your spot at the Exit Planning Summit today! https://exitplanningsummit.com/speakers Exit Ready! A Private Boardroom Experience for Business Owners Preparing to Exit Without Regret! 👉 https://exitreadysummit.com/ Ready for your next chapter?Start Your Assessment Now 👉 https://theexitparadox.com/assessment Leave a Review + Help Others Achieve a Great Legacy If you found this episode valuable, leave us a review and share it with someone who wants to expand their business growth. Your Next is more than a podcast—it’s a community that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and ages, united by a shared passion for personal growth and achieving excellence.  🎧 Explore our previous episodes or learn more about our mission at https://exittoexcellence.com. Your next chapter starts here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when success finds you before you think you’re ready for it? In this episode of Your N.E.X.T., Jennifer K. Hill shares her unexpected exit journey and the deeper transformation that followed. From building and selling a company she never intended to create, to redefining identity, purpose, and alignment after the sale, Jennifer unpacks why true fulfillment doesn’t come from brute force or hustle.  This conversation explores connection over control, purpose over performance, and why having the right tools, mentors, and inner clarity can change everything about what comes next. [00:00 – 07:30] The Unexpected Exit Jennifer never planned to build or sell a company, yet received an unsolicited acquisition offerReputation, relationships, and alignment created opportunity without pursuit Exit success came from service, not strategy alone [07:31 – 15:45] Failure, Alignment, and Starting Again Jennifer’s first business failed despite prior corporate success Leaving misaligned environments created space for clarity and growth Alignment means understanding values, motivations, and purpose [15:46 – 25:10] Purpose, Connection, and the Golden Triangle Purpose is deeply personal and uniquely defined by each individual Connection to self enables meaningful connection to others Clarity allows opportunities to come to you rather than being chased [25:11 – 34:40] Mentorship, Humility, and the Tool Belt Jennifer credits long-term mentors for her personal evolution Early resistance to coaching nearly limited her growthTools matter more than talent when navigating leadership and life [34:41 – 44:20] Life After the Exit Jennifer transitioned out earlier than expected due to unforeseen leadership changes Identity separation from the company felt seamless, not painfulLetting go created space for new, creative, and spiritual opportunities [44:21 – 52:30] Living Beyond Fear, Time, and Limitation Perspective determines whether experiences feel hard or effortless Fear becomes a teacher when examined instead of avoided Removing judgment opens a deeper connection and understanding Key Quotes  “Success didn’t come from chasing the exit. It came from alignment.” – Jennifer K. Hill “Purpose isn’t out there. It’s already inside you, waiting to be remembered.” – Jennifer K. Hill Connect with Jennifer!Website:https://jenniferkhill.com/ Website: https://jenhilltribe.com/ Website: https://ctct.me/metabizics/meaningful-morning-mantras/ Join industry leaders shaping the future and secure your spot at the Exit Planning Summit today! https://exitplanningsummit.com/speakers Exit Ready! A Private Boardroom Experience for Business Owners Preparing to Exit Without Regret! 👉 https://exitreadysummit.com/ Ready for your next chapter?Start Your Assessment Now 👉 https://theexitparadox.com/assessment Leave a Review + Help Others Achieve a Great Legacy If you found this episode valuable, leave us a review and share it with someone who wants to expand their business growth. Your Next is more than a podcast—it’s a community that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and ages, united by a shared passion for personal growth and achieving excellence.  🎧 Explore our previous episodes or learn more about our mission at https://exittoexcellence.com. Your next chapter starts here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens after the deal closes is the question too few founders ask. In this conversation on Your N.E.X.T., Jerome Myers sits down again with Dr. Michelle Fritsch to explore why even highly successful founders feel lost, disconnected, or unprepared after exiting their businesses. Together, they unpack the often-ignored realities of post-exit life—identity loss, health decline, strained relationships, and the myth that money alone creates fulfillment. The conversation also introduces the thinking behind the Exit Ready Summit, a boardroom-style experience designed to help founders prepare not just financially, but personally, relationally, and purposefully for life beyond the business. [00:00 – 07:00] | The Question Founders Avoid Most founders ask when to exit, not who they’ll be afterExits are transformational portals, not just transactions Identity loss is the biggest blind spot in exit planning [07:01 – 14:00] | Why Health Is the First Domino Burnout is often a biological warning, not a mindset failure Chronic stress erodes decision-making long before exits occur Founders often sacrifice sleep, recovery, and relationships to “push through” [14:01 – 21:00] | The Myth That Money Fixes Everything Financial readiness does not replace identity or purposeWealth without structure can magnify loneliness and confusion Time and talent atrophy without intentional direction [21:01 – 28:00] | The Identity Vacuum After the Exit Many founders experience cognitive fog and loss of relevance Structure disappears overnight, leaving emotional free-fall Divorce and relationship breakdowns often spike post-exit [28:01 – 35:00] | Why Purpose Cannot Be an Afterthought Exiting from a business is not the same as exiting to something meaningful Lack of purpose leads to isolation, depression, and disengagement Relationships that once defined daily life often disappear post-exit [35:01 – 42:00] | Who the Exit Ready Summit Is—and Is Not—For Designed for founders who want clarity, not just liquidity Not for those unwilling to be vulnerable or self-reflective Small, boardroom setting enables real conversations Key Quotes “Relevance is one of the first things founders quietly grieve after they exit.” - Dr. Michelle Fritsch Burnout is not a mindset problem. It’s often a biological warning sign.” - Dr. Michelle Fritsch Connect with Dr. Fritsch!Website: properlyourwellness.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michellefritsch Join industry leaders shaping the future and secure your spot at the Exit Planning Summit today! https://exitplanningsummit.com/speakers Exit Ready! A Private Boardroom Experience for Business Owners Preparing to Exit Without Regret! 👉 https://exitreadysummit.com/ Ready for your next chapter?Start Your Assessment Now 👉 https://theexitparadox.com/assessment Leave a Review + Help Others Achieve a Great Legacy If you found this episode valuable, leave us a review and share it with someone who wants to expand their business growth. Your Next is more than a podcast—it’s a community that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and ages, united by a shared passion for personal growth and achieving excellence.  🎧 Explore our previous episodes or learn more about our mission at https://exittoexcellence.com. Your next chapter starts here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most founders believe the value of their business lies entirely inside their operating company. In this episode, Jason Bush joins Jerome Myers to challenge that assumption and expose one of the most overlooked exit-planning risks: real estate misalignment. Drawing from Jason’s two exits, his background in engineering, business advisory, and commercial real estate, and his work at Linville Team Partners, this conversation unpacks how poorly structured leases, ownership entities, and rent strategies can quietly destroy enterprise value.  You’ll hear real-world horror stories, surprising valuation math, and a powerful framework for turning real estate from a liability into a strategic wealth-building lever before an exit ever hits the market. [00:00 – 07:00] From Engineering to Exit Clarity Jason shares his early career as a civil engineer and his first successful business exit Why one exit worked and another failed despite strong income The difference between owning a “job” and building a sellable enterprise [07:01 – 15:00] Why Exits Fail Even When the Business Looks Strong Most exits fail due to lack of clarity, not lack of revenue Why a liquidity event rarely changes how people think about life The danger of exiting without a clear “what’s next” [15:01 – 24:00] Brokerage vs Advisory: A Critical Distinction The difference between business brokerage and real estate brokerage Why advisory work starts long before any transaction How advisors miss value when real estate is treated as an afterthought [24:01 – 33:00] The Real Estate Horror Story Every Founder Should Hear A real example where a multimillion-dollar business became unsellable How month-to-month leases can destroy buyer confidence Why M&A advisors often overlook real estate risk until it’s too late [33:01 – 42:00] OpCo, PropCo, and the Valuation Blind Spot Why operating companies and real estate must be separate entities How under-market rent inflates EBITDA but reduces real exit value The hidden cap-rate advantage of moving value into real estate [42:01 – 52:00] Turning Real Estate into Optionality, Not Risk How paying market rent can increase total enterprise value Why real estate is often more valuable than the business itself The power of optionality when exits are structured correctly Key Quotes: “Real estate is often valued at a higher multiple than the business, yet it’s treated like an afterthought.” - Jason Bush  “Most founders don’t realize they have two businesses to exit: the operating company and the real estate.” - Jason Bush Connect with Jason!Website https://www.ltpcommercial.com/brokers/jason-bush/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-bush-value-advisor/ Join industry leaders shaping the future and secure your spot at the Exit Planning Summit today! https://exitplanningsummit.com/speakers Ready for your next chapter?Start Your Assessment Now 👉 https://theexitparadox.com/assessment Leave a Review + Help Others Achieve a Great Legacy If you found this episode valuable, leave us a review and share it with someone who wants to expand their business growth. Your Next is more than a podcast—it’s a community that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and ages, united by a shared passion for personal growth and achieving excellence.  🎧 Explore our previous episodes or learn more about our mission at https://exittoexcellence.com. Your next chapter starts here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many founders believe the exit is the finish line, but what happens after the deal closes often reveals a deeper challenge. In this solo episode, Jerome Myers explores why so many exited founders unknowingly rebuild the very businesses and lifestyles they were desperate to escape. He introduces the concept of the “ghost business” and explains how unprocessed identity loss, fear, and unresolved trauma quietly pull founders back into familiar patterns of overwork and self-imposed prisons.  Through powerful metaphors, real-world observations, and reflective questions, Jerome reframes the exit as a starting line rather than an ending. He offers a path toward clarity, freedom, and intentional post-exit living. [00:00 – 03:15] The Ghost Business That Follows Every Founder Many founders rebuild businesses not from purpose, but from discomfort with stillness The post-exit “next thing” often exists to avoid more profound identity questions Fulfillment is mistaken for activity, leading to busy work instead of meaningful work [03:16 – 06:45] When Identity Is Tied to Output Founders often define their worth by productivity and problem solving Silence after exit can feel like irrelevance rather than freedom Losing daily validation creates anxiety and self-doubt [06:46 – 09:40] Free Time Can Become a Prison Most founders have never truly experienced rest If time is not intentionally allocated, it becomes overwhelming Avoiding what matters most is often disguised as dedication to work [09:41 – 12:55] Trauma, Motivation, and the Ghost of the Past Unprocessed exits function like unresolved trauma Motivation driven by fear replaces inspiration driven by purpose Founders recreate old patterns even when circumstances have changed [12:56 – 15:40] The Signs You Never Really Exited New ventures feel emotionally and operationally familiar The same stress loops and overcommitment reappear A liquidity event without inner change is just a relocation of the prison [15:41 – 20:00] Exiting To Something, Not Just From Something True post-exit success requires a clear North Star Freedom without direction creates drift, not peace The exit is the starting line for identity rebirth, not the end Key Quotes“Motivation runs when fear is chasing you. Inspiration runs because you chose the destination.” - Jerome Myers“Most founders don’t rebuild businesses because they need money. They rebuild them because they don’t know who they are without one.” - Jerome Myers Join industry leaders shaping the future and secure your spot at the Exit Planning Summit today! https://exitplanningsummit.com/speakers Ready for your next chapter?Start Your Assessment Now 👉 https://theexitparadox.com/assessment Leave a Review + Help Others Achieve a Great Legacy If you found this episode valuable, leave us a review and share it with someone who wants to expand their business growth. Your Next is more than a podcast—it’s a community that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and ages, united by a shared passion for personal growth and achieving excellence.  🎧 Explore our previous episodes or learn more about our mission at https://exittoexcellence.com. Your next chapter starts here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most founders expect happiness to arrive the moment the wire hits. But, as Jerome shares in this powerful solo episode, many founders feel more lost after a successful exit than before it. Even when the deal is smooth, the number is hit, and every professional metric says success, the internal experience can feel hollow. Jerome breaks down why joy does not automatically follow liquidity, why identity and purpose collapse after exiting, and how founders can avoid falling into the Post-Exit Void.  He reveals the psychological sequence that unfolds after the deal closes, the hidden shame founders rarely admit, and a new definition of a successful exit that goes far beyond valuation. If you are building toward a liquidity event or still unraveling after one, this episode will give you clarity, language, and next steps to regain meaning, coherence, and direction.  [00:00 – 03:10] The Myth of Automatic Post-Exit Happiness Founders often assume money will solve everything, but joy after a liquidity event is short-lived Adaptation to newfound wealth happens quickly, leaving many wondering what now Without a plan for life after the exit, the reality feels empty even if the transaction went perfectly [03:11 – 06:20] The Rare Reality of a Successful Exit Very few founders experience a truly fulfilling exit because the odds of long-term business survival are low Exiting into a void, rather than into a purpose, creates regret Shame, invisibility, and fear of sounding ungrateful keep founders from speaking up [06:21 – 09:15] Identity Displacement After the Exit A founder’s identity is tied to being needed, active, and in motion When the business is gone, structure and community disappear with it Having 40 to 60 hours returned each week creates disorientation if unplanned [09:16 – 12:00] Purpose Disruption and the Search for Meaning The business once supplied mission, direction, and a scoreboard Post exit, fear and scarcity can prevent new pursuits from forming Purpose is rooted in people and problems, not in finding a new distraction [12:01 – 14:45] Deconstructing the Fantasy of I Will Be Happy When Liquidity events do not bring lasting relief, completion, or peace An exit is not a finish line. It is the beginning of another chapter Money creates capacity, not identity [14:46 – 18:00] A New Definition of a Successful Exit Success cannot be measured by payout alone. Fulfillment, belonging, and identity must be included Without preparing for life after the transaction, founders may long for the company they left Exit readiness protects founders from forced exits due to death, disease, burnout, or divorce Key Quotes: “Money is capacity, not identity. Time is space, not direction. Freedom is potential, not fulfillment.” - Jerome Myers“Many founders hit their number and still wonder why they feel empty. The exit does not answer the question of who you are.” - Jerome Myers Join industry leaders shaping the future and secure your spot at the Exit Planning Summit today! https://exitplanningsummit.com/speakers Ready for your next chapter?Start Your Assessment Now 👉 https://theexitparadox.com/assessment Leave a Review + Help Others Achieve a Great Legacy If you found this episode valuable, leave us a review and share it with someone who wants to expand their business growth. Your Next is more than a podcast—it’s a community that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and ages, united by a shared passion for personal growth and achieving excellence.  🎧 Explore our previous episodes or learn more about our mission at https://exittoexcellence.com. Your next chapter starts here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most founders think the hardest part of selling their company is the deal itself. But as Jerome Myers reveals, the real challenge begins in the silence that follows. In this deeply honest solo episode, Jerome breaks down the emotional, identity, and relational fears that make exits so difficult — and why avoiding these truths leads to regret, stalled decisions, and post-exit collapse. Using the metaphor of Pandora’s Box, he explains that what founders fear isn’t the future — it’s finally having to face everything they ignored while building the business. Jerome walks through the hidden fears inside the box, the dangers of avoidance, and the power of strategic identity work. He then shares a founder story that transforms fear into clarity, illustrating how an exit can become a portal to personal evolution rather than an ending. Listeners walk away with a roadmap for beginning the internal work now, and an invitation to access the tools that make a healthy transition possible. [00:00–01:15] The Hidden Struggle Founders Never Talk About Founders publicly speak about strategy — but privately struggle with emotional impact Delays, self-sabotage, and regret often stem from unspoken fears The myth of “just sell the company and life gets better” hides deeper challenges [01:16–02:58] The Post-Exit Bliss Myth Money and time alone don’t create peace or fulfillment Many founders experience emptiness, restlessness, and identity confusion post-exit Silence after the sale can feel louder and more destabilizing than the chaos before [02:59–05:05] What’s Really Inside Pandora’s Box Identity loss: If you’re not the CEO anymore, who are you? Purpose loss: The fires and urgency disappear — and so does direction Relationship reckoning: Exit removes the busyness barrier that kept issues hidden Unrealized dreams: Success may have cost parts of the life you wanted [05:06–06:29] Avoidance: The Silent Exit Killer Avoiding emotional work leads to poor decisions: rushing, undervaluing, or holding too long Spouses and children experience sudden shifts when founders “come home” without purpose Emotional instability during exit negotiations can cost millions [06:30–07:48] Clarity as the Antidote Clarity prevents chaos, not causes it. Frameworks like the Founder’s Exit Paradox and NEO Assessment stabilize foundersThis is strategic identity work, not therapy You cannot build a meaningful “next” without knowing who you’re becoming [07:49–10:00] A Founder’s Story & Your Invitation Forward A successful founder feared the silence after the sale more than the deal itselfOpening the box led to purpose, reconnection, and meaning beyond achievement The work he avoided became his gateway to the life he wanted Key Quotes: “Clarity does not unleash chaos. Clarity prevents it.” - Jerome Myers“Exits aren’t endings. They’re portals to personal evolution.” - Jerome Myers Join industry leaders shaping the future and secure your spot at the Exit Planning Summit today! https://exitplanningsummit.com/speakers Ready for your next chapter?Start Your Assessment Now 👉 https://theexitparadox.com/assessment Leave a Review + Help Others Achieve a Great Legacy If you found this episode valuable, leave us a review and share it with someone who wants to expand their business growth. Your Next is more than a podcast—it’s a community that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and ages, united by a shared passion for personal growth and achieving excellence.  🎧 Explore our previous episodes or learn more about our mission at https://exittoexcellence.com. Your next chapter starts here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many founders stay stuck in the space between yes and no, not because of timing, money, or strategy, but because of resistance disguised as logic. In this powerful solo episode, Jerome Myers speaks directly to high performers who feel called to their next chapter yet hesitate to move. He breaks down the most common objections founders use to delay meaningful growth and reveals the deeper fears beneath them—from the discomfort of pausing long enough to feel, to the fear of being truly seen without the armor of achievement.  Jerome also opens up about his own experience with the Founder’s Exit Paradox and the identity unraveling that happens once success goes quiet. This episode serves as a mirror, a challenge, and an invitation to stop circling the life you want and begin stepping into it with clarity, alignment, and courage. [00:00–02:18] Sitting in the Gray Space Founders hesitate not because of time or money but because of quiet resistance Resistance dresses itself up as logic, busyness, and “reasonable” excuses The episode frames the work ahead: naming the fear so it stops running the show [02:19–04:45] The Five Surface Objections (and Their Real Meaning) “It’s not the right time” really means, “I’m scared to slow down and feel” Busyness becomes a shield protecting founders from their inner truth Pretending everything is fine becomes exhausting — and unsustainable [04:46–07:02] The High Performer’s Dilemma: “Will This Work for Me?” Strategy solves business problems, but it doesn’t heal identity problems Founders fear inner work because it requires vulnerability The Intensive works differently than a playbook — it goes to the root [07:03–09:28] Trust, Fatigue, and the Fear of Hope “I need to talk to my advisor” often signals lack of self-trust “I need a break” reveals survival mode, not true rest The deeper fear is hoping for change and being disappointed again [09:29–12:32] The Founder’s Exit Paradox Founders fear being seen without their achievements as armor Jerome shares his own unraveling after leaving his $20M division Success becomes identity — titles, applause, income, roles The question underneath everything: “Who am I without what I built?” [12:33–17:32] Choosing Your Next: The Real Invitation Speaking desires out loud dissolves guilt and activates clarityRemoving the founder mask leads to alignment, wholeness, and freedom Staying stuck is a decision — so is choosing your next chapter The Next Intensive becomes a turning point where founders finally feel alive again Key Quotes: “Vulnerability is not exposure. It’s access. It’s how you access clarity, connection, meaning, and fulfillment.” — Jerome Myers “Staying Stuck Is a Decision”— Jerome Myers Join industry leaders shaping the future and secure your spot at the Exit Planning Summit today! https://exitplanningsummit.com/speakers Ready for your next chapter?Start Your Assessment Now 👉 https://theexitparadox.com/assessment Leave a Review + Help Others Achieve a Great Legacy If you found this episode valuable, leave us a review and share it with someone who wants to expand their business growth. Your Next is more than a podcast—it’s a community that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and ages, united by a shared passion for personal growth and achieving excellence.  🎧 Explore our previous episodes or learn more about our mission at https://exittoexcellence.com. Your next chapter starts here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 What happens when life shifts faster than you expect? In this solo episode, Jerome offers a raw and real update on the unexpected changes unfolding in his world. From becoming a faculty member at the Exit Planning Institute to being invited into rooms he once dreamed of, he reflects on recognition, alignment, and the responsibility that comes with thought leadership. Jerome also breaks down the heart of his methodology: helping founders exit to something meaningful rather than from something overwhelming. He shares behind-the-scenes experiences, upcoming speaking engagements, and the personal transitions shaping his next chapter.  This is a thoughtful, grounded conversation that reminds every founder that clarity, purpose, and personal planning remain the true North Star of any successful exit. [00:00 – 01:00] A Solo Episode and a Month of Change Jerome sets the tone with a personal update instead of frameworks or concepts Acknowledges unexpected changes that appeared without warning Frames the episode around reflection rather than instruction [01:00 – 03:10] Becoming Faculty at the Exit Planning Institute Shares the milestone of joining EPI as a faculty member Describes the podcast interview and connection with Scott Snyder Calls it a dream realized after years invested in thought leadership [03:10 – 05:00] Recognition, Intellectual Property, and the Power of Personal Planning Reflects on publishing more exit-focused content than anyone in the country Points out the gap between theoretical expertise and lived exit experience Introduces his core belief that personal planning must lead the strategy [05:00 – 06:00] Exiting To vs Exiting From Defines his signature concept of exiting to instead of exiting from Exiting to creates clarity, identity, and confidence post-exit Exiting from leaves founders in a painful void that can be costly Emphasizes why alignment and future identity are essential [06:00 – 07:15] A Warm Welcome from Exit Planning Exchange Charlotte Shares the invitation to speak on November 19 with EPX Charlotte Reflects on the warmth and connection from the community Highlights the upcoming panel on life after the exit Notes how refreshing genuine, welcoming relationships can feel Key Quotes: “When founders exit TO, they leave with clarity and confidence. When they exit FROM, they find a void.” - Jerome Myers“Most people optimize their exit around goals they never defined in the first place.” - Jerome Myers Join industry leaders shaping the future and secure your spot at the Exit Planning Summit today! https://exitplanningsummit.com/speakers Ready for your next chapter?Start Your Assessment Now 👉 https://theexitparadox.com/assessment Leave a Review + Help Others Achieve a Great Legacy If you found this episode valuable, leave us a review and share it with someone who wants to expand their business growth. Your Next is more than a podcast—it’s a community that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and ages, united by a shared passion for personal growth and achieving excellence.  🎧 Explore our previous episodes or learn more about our mission at https://exittoexcellence.com. Your next chapter starts here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everyone wants to know the number: what you sold your company for, the valuation, the payout. But as Jerome Myers reveals, the number is not the finish line. It is only one mile marker on the journey. In this solo episode, Jerome uncovers what truly defines a successful exit: peace, purpose, and freedom. Through powerful stories and practical frameworks, he explains the four hidden levers —structure, timing, control, and alignment — that determine whether your exit becomes an evolution or a regret.  Founders will walk away with tools to measure success beyond money and to negotiate for a life that feels right, not just a deal that looks good. [00:00 – 03:30] The Illusion of the Headline Number The world celebrates the sale price, but that number rarely reflects true success Founders often chase valuation without understanding its emotional cost “You can hit your financial goal and still miss your life goal” [03:30 – 07:30] The Hidden Levers: Structure and Timing Structure determines how money actually reaches you — not just what’s promised Beware of earnouts and rollover equity tied to someone else’s performance Timing affects your freedom; stretched payments can quietly fund your own exit [07:30 – 11:30] Control and Alignment: The Freedom You Forget to Negotiate Freedom isn’t automatic after an exit — it’s negotiated Many founders unknowingly trade autonomy for an employment clause Alignment between values and culture is the silent determinant of post-exit peace [11:30 – 15:30] Redefining Winning: Beyond the Transaction Create a non-negotiables list — your personal term sheet Identify your true freedom number after taxes and fees Measure deals through the Freedom Compass: control, connection, meaning, and sustainability [15:30 – 19:00] The Power Questions That Reveal True Value Founders lose leverage when they ask for valuation instead of impact on the future self Strategic questions expose power dynamics — “Who controls the capital stack post-close?” Emotional readiness is key: “Do I know what I’m walking toward?” [19:00 – 21:30] Exit as Evolution, Not Ending The exit isn’t closure — it’s a portal to who you’re becoming Peace is the ultimate return on investment “The company was never the dream; it was a vehicle for it” Key Quotes: "You can hit your financial goal and still miss your life goal." - Jerome Myers “If you do not define your non-negotiables, someone else will, and it will not be for your benefit." - Jerome Myers Join industry leaders shaping the future and secure your spot at the Exit Planning Summit today! https://exitplanningsummit.com/speakers Ready for your next chapter?Start Your Assessment Now 👉 https://theexitparadox.com/assessment Leave a Review + Help Others Achieve a Great Legacy If you found this episode valuable, leave us a review and share it with someone who wants to expand their business growth. Your Next is more than a podcast—it’s a community that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and ages, united by a shared passion for personal growth and achieving excellence.  🎧 Explore our previous episodes or learn more about our mission at https://exittoexcellence.com. Your next chapter starts here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if achieving everything you dreamed of still left you feeling empty? In this enlightening episode of the Work You Love podcast, host Danielle Mizrachi sits down with Jerome Myers, founder of Exit to Excellence, to explore what really happens after success. Jerome reveals the emotional aftermath of selling a business—the Exit Paradox—and how he helps founders rediscover meaning beyond money. Together, they unpack why fulfillment, not achievement, is the real finish line, and how to align work with your purpose, joy, and impact. Listeners will leave with a renewed perspective on success: that true wealth isn’t measured in dollars, but in the difference you make and the peace you carry. [00:00 – 07:00] The Exit Paradox Jerome shares how he helps founders rediscover meaning after selling their companies The “Exit Paradox”: the grief, loss, and disorientation many feel after achieving financial success His first exit from corporate life revealed the emotional void behind professional wins [07:00 – 13:00] When Success Feels Empty Jerome recounts how a billionaire’s public confession revealed a shared struggle among high achievers Research confirmed that post-exit depression is common but rarely discussed The emptiness of “doing” without “being”—learning to untangle identity from occupation [13:00 – 19:00] Redefining Work and Wealth Jerome breaks down the “first four exits” every founder must navigate The unglamorous reality of being a “Chief Everything Officer” The true measure of success: building a business that operates without you [19:00 – 25:00] The Freedom to Pivot Danielle and Jerome discuss how to find joy in work again The “Four I’s of Fulfillment”: Interest, Income, Influence, and Impact How to align your career or business with your unique gifts and purpose [25:00 – 31:00] From Liquidity to Legacy The final evolution of a founder: shifting from accumulation to contribution Jerome’s call to help others avoid the regret 75% of founders face post-sale Legacy isn’t the company you sell—it’s the lives you impact afterward [31:00 – 35:00] Living the Work You Love Why fulfillment—not money—is the real game Letting curiosity, generosity, and community guide your next step Simple but powerful reflection: “Does what I’m doing matter to me?” Key Quotes:“Fulfillment is the game. It doesn’t matter how much money you have if you can’t find joy in what you do.” - Jerome Myers“We’re human beings, not human doings.” -Jerome MyersConnect with Danielle!LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-mizrachi-56058983/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@work_you_love Join industry leaders shaping the future and secure your spot at the Exit Planning Summit today! https://exitplanningsummit.com/speakers Ready for your next chapter?Start Your Assessment Now 👉 https://theexitparadox.com/assessment Leave a Review + Help Others Achieve a Great Legacy If you found this episode valuable, leave us a review and share it with someone who wants to expand their business growth. Your Next is more than a podcast—it’s a community that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and ages, united by a shared passion for personal growth and achieving excellence.  🎧 Explore our previous episodes or learn more about our mission at https://exittoexcellence.com. Your next chapter starts here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most founders think they’ll know when they’re ready to exit, but readiness doesn’t arrive with an offer sheet. It’s forged in the years before the deal, through every decision made when no one’s watching. In this powerful episode, Jerome Myers exposes the hidden gap between financial readiness and founder readiness, where many leaders lose more than money: they lose purpose, relationships, and identity. You’ll discover why waiting feels safe but quietly destroys value, how to recognize when you’ve already started your next exit, and how to build the muscle of readiness long before the market, or life, forces your hand. This isn’t about selling your business. It’s about designing your evolution.[00:00 – 04:00] The Illusion of Readiness Exit readiness is more than revenue or valuation; it’s about emotional and operational alignment Many founders mistake momentum for readiness, avoiding the deeper work of letting go Readiness must be trained like a muscle, not treated as a milestone [04:00 – 08:00] The Real Cost of Waiting A founder-dependent company loses up to 50% of its value Avoidance creates silent erosion—financial, relational, and personal The cost of unreadiness shows up in distance from loved ones and disconnection from self Freedom fades when your title becomes your identity [08:00 – 12:00] Building True Readiness Three pillars of readiness: Operational, Emotional, Strategic Operational: Can the business run without you? Emotionally: Can you let go without losing yourself? Strategic: Don’t just plan what you’re leaving—plan what you’re stepping into Introduces the NEXT Framework: Nourish → Evaluate → Explore → Transcend [12:00 – 15:00] Designing the Next Chapter Complete the Exit Readiness Assessment to measure alignment in seven key areas Clarity—not cash—reveals whether you’re truly ready Reclaim one hour a week for “future design.” Protect it like a board meeting with your future self Curiosity—not capital—is the founder’s greatest asset [15:00 – 17:00] Evolving by Design Readiness is built through reflection, honest conversation, and consistency Say it out loud: “I’m beginning to think about what comes next” Don’t wait for the crisis to evolve; create momentum while you still have leverage “The best exits aren’t timed—they’re earned” Key Quotes: “Readiness isn’t a moment—it’s a muscle.” - Jerome Myers “Waiting feels safe until it costs everything that actually matters.” - Jerome Myers  Join industry leaders shaping the future and secure your spot at the Exit Planning Summit today! https://exitplanningsummit.com/speakers Ready for your next chapter?Start Your Assessment Now 👉 https://theexitparadox.com/assessment Leave a Review + Help Others Achieve a Great Legacy If you found this episode valuable, leave us a review and share it with someone who wants to expand their business growth. Your Next is more than a podcast—it’s a community that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and ages, united by a shared passion for personal growth and achieving excellence.  🎧 Explore our previous episodes or learn more about our mission at https://exittoexcellence.com. Your next chapter starts here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the very mindset that built your success is now the thing keeping you stuck? In this episode, Jerome Myers, America’s Leading Exit Authority, breaks down the five most common objections founders tell themselves after exiting their businesses and reveals what they truly are: fear wearing logic’s clothes. From waiting for clarity to fearing the wrong move, Jerome reframes each belief and shares how to move from hesitation to evolution. If you’ve built your empire and now find yourself wondering what’s next, this episode is your mirror, not your map for rediscovering meaning and momentum beyond the business. [00:00 – 01:00] The Portal Beyond the Exit Exiting isn’t the end — it’s the beginning of personal evolution Control and certainty no longer serve this new chapter The Founder’s Exit Paradox: the same habits that brought success now create stagnation [01:00 – 02:00] Objection #1: “I Just Need More Clarity” “I need clarity” is often avoidance disguised as prudence Movement creates clarity — not waiting Frameworks like The Next Intensive exist to turn confusion into alignment [02:00 – 03:00] Objection #2: “I Can Figure This Out on My Own” You can’t solve internal questions with external tools Post-exit growth requires mirrors, not maps You’ve always had advisors for your business — why not for your life? [03:00 – 03:55] Objection #3: “Now’s Not the Right Time” Waiting for “the right time” only hardens your old identity The longer you delay, the harder reinvention becomes The right time isn’t when things settle — it’s when you decide to evolve [03:55 – 04:47] Objection #4: “I’m Not Sure This Is for Me” Restlessness isn’t ingratitude — it’s potential trying to get your attention You’re not broken for wanting more; you’re built for evolution Purpose isn’t a “should”; it’s a signal [04:47 – 05:00] Objection #5: “I Don’t Want to Make the Wrong Move” This stage is about rediscovering meaning, not managing risk Progress, not perfection, is the new currency There are no wrong moves — only feedback Key Quotes “You need mirrors, not maps.” - Jerome Myers “The right time isn’t when things settle down — it’s when you realize they won’t until you do.”  - Jerome Myers Join industry leaders shaping the future and secure your spot at the Exit Planning Summit today! https://exitplanningsummit.com/speakers Ready for your next chapter?Start Your Assessment Now 👉 https://theexitparadox.com/assessment Leave a Review + Help Others Achieve a Great Legacy If you found this episode valuable, leave us a review and share it with someone who wants to expand their business growth. Your Next is more than a podcast—it’s a community that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and ages, united by a shared passion for personal growth and achieving excellence.  🎧 Explore our previous episodes or learn more about our mission at https://exittoexcellence.com. Your next chapter starts here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most founders chase the exit as if it’s the ultimate destination. But what happens when the deal closes and you’re left asking, "Who am I without my business?" In this crossover episode from The Amazing Marketing Show, Jerome Myers joins hosts Dmitri Smirnov and Chris Gray to reveal why 75 percent of business owners regret selling their companies, and what the other 25 percent did differently. Jerome shares hard-won wisdom on exit readiness, identity, purpose, and redefining wealth beyond money. He invites listeners to see freedom not as walking away from something, but as stepping into the next meaningful chapter. 00:00 – 04:15 The Reality Behind Business Exits Only 25% of founders who sell their company feel no regret Success without purpose can lead to depression, not freedom True exit readiness requires planning on both financial and emotional fronts 04:16 – 09:30 Loneliness After the Exit Up to 60% of personal relationships fade after leaving a company Without intentional community, many founders experience isolation Redefine your “Top Five” relationships for the post-exit phase 09:31 – 17:45 Identity, Self-Acceptance, and the Founder’s Paradox Many founders only feel loved through achievement—a “scar of success” Real acceptance begins with forgiveness and releasing old expectations Your worth isn’t tied to titles, deals, or results—it’s intrinsic 17:46 – 26:15 From Exit to Impact Jerome shares his own painful corporate exit and the six centers of doubt: identity, relationships, health, prosperity, motivation, and significance Purpose-driven legacy starts when you exit to something, not from it “Enough” isn’t stagnation, it’s the foundation of real freedom 26:16 – 34:00 Freedom, Legacy, and the Power of Choice Real wealth is the ability to choose how you use your time, talent, and treasure Money is a tool; freedom is the measure True success is living a life that others want to honor and remember 34:01 – 47:00 Exit Readiness and Higher-Level Leadership Jerome’s Exit Readiness Assessment measures seven areas of preparedness Great leaders focus on the upper tiers of Maslow’s hierarchy: impact, fulfillment, transcendence Marketing that proves understanding creates trust faster than persuasion. Key Quotes: “Only 25% of people who sell their company don’t regret it.” - Jerome Myers “It’s not about doing more, it’s about becoming more. - Jerome Myers Connect with the Amazing Marketing Show!  Website: https://amazingmarketingshow.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTBn-qDCWMXR7jrHiE1YvXg Ready for your next chapter?Start Your Assessment Now 👉 https://theexitparadox.com/assessment Leave a Review + Help Others Achieve a Great Legacy If you found this episode valuable, leave us a review and share it with someone who wants to expand their business growth. Your Next is more than a podcast—it’s a community that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and ages, united by a shared passion for personal growth and achieving excellence.  🎧 Explore our previous episodes or learn more about our mission at https://exittoexcellence.com. Your next chapter starts here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Exiting a business is never just about the deal, it’s about who you become on the other side. In this episode, Jerome Myers, America’s Leading Exit Authority, explores the unseen emotional and psychological realities of selling a company. From the illusion of control to the founder’s exit paradox, Jerome explains why independence can’t carry you through the transition and why trust, guidance, and proven frameworks are essential for a fulfilling next chapter.  If you’re approaching an exit, or even just thinking about it, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and invite you to prepare in a way that safeguards not only your wealth, but also your peace, relationships, and purpose. [00:00 – 01:09] Introduction to Business Exits Exits are more than transactions; they’re transformations Many founders believe they can handle the process alone Independence created success, but it can also create blind spots [01:09 – 03:06] Illusion of Control & The Trust Gap Control brings results in business, but doesn’t guarantee clarity in exits Spreadsheets can model finances, but not emotions Past betrayals create fear and isolation, blocking growth Real safety comes from trust—self, others, and frameworks [03:06 – 04:47] The Founder’s Exit Paradox & The Guarantee Fallacy Selling your company also means letting go of the version of yourself it represents Perfect deals can still leave founders unfulfilled Chasing guarantees fuels regret; preparation reduces it Exiting alone costs more than money—it risks peace, clarity, and purpose [04:47 – 06:26] Common Objections and Misconceptions Privacy vs. secrecy: why keeping plans hidden creates isolation “No one understands my business,”—but the process is about you, not the business “I just need one more deal”—a dangerous trap leading to burnout“I don’t trust anyone”—trust is the doorway to healing and legacy [06:26 –08:11] Invitation to Action & Next Steps Independence built your empire, but interdependence builds legacy You don’t need another consultant—you need a guide and a framework Take the Exit Readiness Assessment to discover where you stand Explore The Next Intensive to gain clarity in the emotional, strategic, and financial dimensions of your transition Key Quotes: “The exit isn’t just a transaction, it’s a transformation, and no one transforms alone.” - Jerome Myers “Independence built your empire, but interdependence will build your legacy.” - Jerome Myers Ready for your next chapter?Start Your Assessment Now 👉 https://theexitparadox.com/assessment Leave a Review + Help Others Achieve a Great Legacy If you found this episode valuable, leave us a review and share it with someone who wants to expand their business growth. Your Next is more than a podcast—it’s a community that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and ages, united by a shared passion for personal growth and achieving excellence.  🎧 Explore our previous episodes or learn more about our mission at https://exittoexcellence.com. Your next chapter starts here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You got the money. Now what? That’s the question too many founders face when the wire hits and the silence sets in. In this episode of Your Next, the mic flips, as Jeroeme sits down with JR Lay for a no-BS conversation about what really happens after you sell your business. Spoiler: it’s not champagne and sunsets. The discussion revolves around The Founder’s Exit Paradox, that sinking feeling of confusion, disconnection, and loss that arises when the work is gone, yet you're still searching for meaning and worth. This is for every visionary who built a mountain, reached the top, and thought, “Is this it?” Jerome shares his raw, personal journey through post-exit chaos, identity unraveling, and the scars that success leaves behind, and how he helps other high-achieving founders find meaning after the money. If you’re building toward an exit, don’t just listen to this episode; study it. [00:00 – 12:00] Time Over Money Why tracking days off beats tracking dollars The hidden cost of chasing success How entrepreneurs trade presence for provision Time is your most valuable asset; treat it like one [12:01 – 20:00] After the Exit What no one tells you about the emotional crash The Founder’s Exit Paradox: money in the bank, purpose on empty Identity, fear, and the myth of “finally relaxing” Why exiting from is never enough, you need an exit to [20:01 – 33:00] Energy, Identity, and Attachment How mismanaged energy leads to implosion The trap of tying your self-worth to your business Childhood attachment styles are playing out in your exit From significance through status, to significance through service [33:01 – End] Scars, Significance, and Exit Readiness The 5 hidden scars driving high achievers Why success without purpose leaves you empty Exit readiness is personal, not just financial Take the free assessment to map your next chapter Key Quotes: “Money is just a tool, no different than hammers or saws in a shed.” – Jerome Myers “The title that you had gave you the illusion of significance.” – Jerome Myers Connect with JR! LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jrwlay YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LevelUpBusinessVideos Ready for your next chapter? Start Your Assessment Now 👉 https://theexitparadox.com/assessment Leave a Review + Help Others Achieve a Great Legacy If you found this episode valuable, leave us a review and share it with someone who wants to expand their business growth. Your Next is more than a podcast—it’s a community that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and ages, united by a shared passion for personal growth and achieving excellence.  🎧 Explore our previous episodes or learn more about our mission at https://exittoexcellence.com. Your next chapter starts here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Selling your business won’t save you if you’re not ready for what comes after, and most founders aren’t. Less than 1% of women founders successfully exit their businesses. That story is changing, and Carrie Kerpen is leading the movement. In this episode of Your Next, I sit down with Carrie Kerpen, founder of The Whisper Group and a successful agency exit veteran, to explore how women are rewriting the rules of business, building companies designed to sell, and creating exits that unlock freedom, legacy, and purpose. We go deep into the reality of life after a big sale: the loss of identity, the challenges of integration, and the path to reclaiming power on your own terms. If you’ve ever wondered what happens after the wire hits, this conversation will change how you think about exits. Press play now, and step into the conversation that could redefine how you see your next chapter. [00:00 – 12:00] The Agency and the Exit Carrie’s journey from co-founding Likable to an 8-figure exit How Built to Sell became her roadmap to acquisition Why do women approach exits differently than men [12:01 – 20:00] Life After the Sale The emotional crash that follows even a successful exit The reality of working for “the mothership” after selling Why community and support matter most post-exit [20:01 – 25:00] The 3 Ds + B Every Founder Faces The 3 Ds that threaten every founder: Divorce, Death, and Disability, plus the B: Burnout Why lump sums bring more fear than freedom if you’re not prepared How The Whisper Group equips women for the full journey, not just the transaction [25:01 – End] Building a Sellable Business and Lasting Legacy The three biggest mistakes that kill value Carrie’s WHISPER framework for creating a sellable business Why legacy is built through resilience, profit, and purpose Key Quotes: “Nobody was really speaking to them in a way that matters.” - Carrie Kerpen “Women-owned businesses, fully female-founded businesses, account for fewer than 1% of total exits.” - Carrie Kerpen Connect with Carrie! LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/carriekerpen Website:  carriekerpen.com/ Ready for your next chapter? Start Your Assessment Now 👉 https://theexitparadox.com/assessment Leave a Review + Help Others Achieve a Great Legacy If you found this episode valuable, leave us a review and share it with someone who wants to expand their business growth. Your Next is more than a podcast—it’s a community that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and ages, united by a shared passion for personal growth and achieving excellence.  🎧 Explore our previous episodes or learn more about our mission at https://exittoexcellence.com. Your next chapter starts here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You planned the deal. You closed the transaction. Everyone’s congratulating you. But then... silence. In this revealing solo episode, Jerome Myers explores the Founder’s Exit Paradox, that unexpected disconnect between financial success and emotional fulfillment. Through real stories and powerful insights, Jerome shares why so many high-performing founders regret their exits and what you can do to avoid that fate. If you’ve sold your business or are planning to, this episode offers the roadmap to reclaim clarity, purpose, and peace on the other side. Tune in now to discover what you really need to prepare for, before, during, and after the exit. [00:00 – 02:00] The Regret No One Talks About 75% of founders regret their exit Why selling your business is more than just a financial move The Exit Paradox explained [02:01 – 04:45] Four Founders, Same Pattern James, Sarah, David, and Maria: different exits, same emotional fallout What financial success can't fix How identity, relationships, and purpose suffer when unprepared [04:46 – 06:30] What Most Advisors Miss Why traditional deal-making leaves founders unready The 6 Centers of Doubt: the real threat to your post-exit fulfillment The emotional cost of ignoring the inner transition [06:31 – 08:30] Exit to Excellence: A Different Approach Readiness Assessments, NEO Profiles, and the Freedom Compass Measuring clarity, alignment, and energy, not just money A roadmap to identity and legacy beyond the business [08:31 – End] Real Results, Real Transformation 30–50% jump in exit readiness in 90 days 80% report reduced stress and fear of irrelevance Why clarity and confidence, not just capital, define a successful exit Key Quotes: “Freedom stretches in every direction, but that very freedom can feel like a prison.” – Jerome Myers “You don’t cling to the wreckage of your old identity. You step through the portal into freedom: clear, confident, and aligned.” – Jerome Myers Ready for your next chapter? Start Your Assessment Now 👉 https://theexitparadox.com/assessment Leave a Review + Help Others Achieve a Great Legacy If you found this episode valuable, leave us a review and share it with someone who wants to expand their business growth. Your Next is more than a podcast—it’s a community that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and ages, united by a shared passion for personal growth and achieving excellence.  🎧 Explore our previous episodes or learn more about our mission at https://exittoexcellence.com. Your next chapter starts here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You sold it. You won. So why does it still feel hollow? In this deeply emotional and life-changing solo episode, Jerome Myers dismantles one of the most seductive lies in high performance: “I’ll be happy when…” Through the raw and revealing story of James, a founder who reached the summit only to find it silent, Jerome explores the emotional collapse that often follows external success. This isn’t just about exits. It’s about identity, meaning, and the quiet ache of disconnection. This episode is your invitation to pause, reflect, and realign. If you've ever said, “I’ll be happy when…” this conversation will challenge everything you thought you knew about success and might just change your life. [00:00 – 03:00] The Happiness Horizon Trap “I’ll be happy when…”  -  the emotional illusion Why milestone-chasing masks deeper emptiness The horizon always moves until you stop chasing [03:01 – 06:30] The Exit Paradox in Action Why freedom often feels like invisibility The emotional fallout after success What founders truly miss after the deal closes [06:31 – 08:30] Timing vs. Readiness When market windows close before you’re “ready” How waiting for happiness can cost you more than money A lesson from 2021–2023 exits you can’t ignore [08:31 – 10:30] Stop Chasing. Start Aligning Why alignment is the new definition of wealth The emotional safety in clarity 3 powerful questions to reconnect with what matters [10:31 – End] The Path to Real Fulfillment From exit strategy to life strategy The tools that create emotional stability post-exit Design a legacy rooted in influence, not just income Key Quotes: “I've seen founders who waited for the exit to fix everything, only to wake up with money in the bank and the emptiness in their hearts.” - Jerome Myers “Happiness doesn't live in the next milestone. It lives in clarity. It lives in alignment, and it lives in the influence you create every day.” – Jerome Myers Ready for your next chapter? Start Your Assessment Now 👉 https://theexitparadox.com/assessment Leave a Review + Help Others Achieve a Great Legacy If you found this episode valuable, leave us a review and share it with someone who wants to expand their business growth. Your Next is more than a podcast—it’s a community that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and ages, united by a shared passion for personal growth and achieving excellence.  🎧 Explore our previous episodes or learn more about our mission at https://exittoexcellence.com. Your next chapter starts here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wealth fades. Legacy endures when it’s rooted in more than money. In this episode, Jerome Myers sits down with Charlie Garcia, a West Point graduate, decorated combat veteran, entrepreneur, and managing member of R360, one of the world’s most exclusive communities of ultra-successful families. Charlie introduces the F.I.S.H.E.S. Framework (Financial, Intellectual, Social, Human, Emotional, and Spiritual capital), a guide for shaping a legacy that goes beyond accumulation into alignment and impact. From his military discipline to global philanthropy and the creation of R360, Charlie reveals why true wealth is measured not in what you keep, but in what you give, nurture, and leave behind. Tune in now to learn how to move from business owner to Legacy Builder. [00:00 – 12:00] Introducing Charlie Garcia & the F.I.S.H.E.S. Framework Charlie’s journey from military service to entrepreneurship and leadership at R360 The six forms of capital that shape a flourishing life Why legacy is about alignment, not accumulation [12:01 – 24:00] Writing, Speaking, and the Power of Ideas Charlie’s upcoming book and the role of storytelling in shaping culture MarketWatch column “Charlie Garcia’s Market Sense” and his satirical approach to finance How humor and honesty open deeper conversations about wealth and meaning [24:01 – 36:00] R360: The World’s Most Exclusive Legacy Community What sets R360 apart, and why even billionaires get turned down Designing 100-year family plans across financial, emotional, and spiritual dimensions Preparing the next generation through the Rising Leader Program [36:01 – 48:00] Purpose, Resilience, and the Next Mountain How members reinvent themselves after business exits Using entrepreneurial skills for philanthropy and global impact Why purpose, not profit, fuels the next chapter [48:01 – End] Faith, Mentorship, and Building a Force for Good Charlie’s perspective on Matthew 25:14 and God-given purpose Mentorship, coaching, and accountability as keys to growth Inspiring stories of resilience and possibility Key Quotes: “Legacy is not about accumulation, but alignment.” – Charlie Garcia “Everybody comes with a unique gift they can use to help others.” – Charlie Garcia Connect with Charlie! LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/charlespgarcia Website:  http://R360Global.com Ready for your next chapter? Start Your Assessment Now 👉 https://theexitparadox.com/assessment Leave a Review + Help Others Achieve a Great Legacy If you found this episode valuable, leave us a review and share it with someone who wants to expand their business growth. Your Next is more than a podcast—it’s a community that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and ages, united by a shared passion for personal growth and achieving excellence.  🎧 Explore our previous episodes or learn more about our mission at https://exittoexcellence.com. Your next chapter starts here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The greatest risk to your business exit is relational. When you exit your business, it’s not just a transaction. It is an emotional shift that can ripple through your marriage, your family, and your identity. In this episode, Jerome Myers speaks with Ruschelle Khanna, psychotherapist and author of Inherited Trauma and Family Wealth, about the emotional complexity of exiting a business and why unspoken dynamics can quietly sabotage even the best-laid plans. Listen now to discover how to protect both your legacy and your relationships. [00:00 – 13:00] Exit as Emotional Death Why a business exit mirrors grief and identity loss Common signs of resistance: sabotage, denial, and clinging to control The emotional weight on both the exiting founder and the heir [13:01 – 26:00] Marriage, Misalignment, and Mutual Resentment How exits reveal cracks in communication and shared meaning What Gottman’s 7 Principles reveal about post-exit stress Why many spouses feel excluded, even when they say they’re fine [26:01 – 36:00] Emotional Needs and Adult Tantrums HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired): decoding emotional outbursts Reparenting your partner: how trauma shows up in conflict Why emotional regulation is critical in post-exit life [36:01 – 50:00] Family Tension and Generational Distance How adult children emotionally react to legacy decisions Spotting the signs of withdrawal, resentment, or performative agreement Avoidance, silence, and the cost of not asking hard questions [50:01 – End] Trauma, Transition, and Transcendence The 5 trauma liabilities: chaos, procrastination, fawning, and more Inheriting more than money, modeling emotional clarity Choosing joy, presence, and intentionality in your next chapter Key Quotes: “A business exit is a tiny death.” – Ruschelle Khanna “The definition of a healthy mind is to be able to hold onto two ideas at the same time.” – Ruschelle Khanna Connect with Ruschelle! LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/ruschelle-khanna-lifestyle-for-legacy Website:  https://www.lifestyleforlegacy.com/ Ready for your next chapter? Start Your Assessment Now 👉 https://theexitparadox.com/assessment Leave a Review + Help Others Achieve a Great Legacy If you found this episode valuable, leave us a review and share it with someone who wants to expand their business growth. Your Next is more than a podcast—it’s a community that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and ages, united by a shared passion for personal growth and achieving excellence.  🎧 Explore our previous episodes or learn more about our mission at https://exittoexcellence.com. Your next chapter starts here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The biggest threat to your family business is the unspoken tension inside your family. Jerome Myers talks with Amy Wirtz, senior consultant at The Family Business Consulting Group and Exit Planner of the Year, about navigating family succession with clarity and compassion. With deep experience as a lawyer, mediator, and strategist, Amy offers real-world wisdom for business owners struggling to pass the torch without burning bridges. Listen now for frameworks that demystify legacy, reveal blind spots, and offer new ways forward. [00:00 – 12:00] Family Businesses Aren’t Broken Why family businesses matter more than you think The emotional dream behind succession What sparks (and delays) transition planning Owners think about it long before they talk about it Outside advisors often prompt the first move [12:01 – 24:00] Power, Voice, and Money Ownership is power Equal shares ≠ equal results Gifting vs earning the business Who gets to vote, who gets a say When silence costs more than taxes [24:01 – 36:00] Ego, Exit, and Expectations Letting go is harder than you expect The myth of "work optional" retirement Why selling to your kids might be best Salary vs financial freedom What happens when you don't diversify [36:01 – 46:00] New Generation, New Vision Founders vs. next-gen work styles The “lazy” label, and what’s behind it Redefining hustle in a digital world Lifestyle over grind Learning from past downturns [46:01 – End] The Process Behind the Plan Amy’s consulting roadmap Building healthy governance systems Coaching families through tough transitions Why change takes time Empowering families to lead their future Key Quotes: “You work for your money. You don’t get money just because you’re an owner.” – Amy Wirtz “There is help out there for family businesses. They're really smart, capable people who actually support the backbone of the economy.” – Amy Wirtz Connect with Amy! Website: thefbcg.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amywirtzcepa Ready for your next chapter? Start Your Assessment Now 👉 https://theexitparadox.com/assessment Leave a Review + Help Others Achieve a Great Legacy If you found this episode valuable, leave us a review and share it with someone who wants to expand their business growth. Your Next is more than a podcast—it’s a community that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and ages, united by a shared passion for personal growth and achieving excellence. 🎧 Explore our previous episodes or learn more about our mission at https://exittoexcellence.com. Your next chapter starts here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when the finish line finally arrives, only to leave you asking, What now? Jerome Myers talks with Tad Fallows, founder of Long Angle, about building and selling a company on his terms and the surprising challenges of life after the deal. They reveal the truth about “work optional” wealth, finding meaning beyond money, and what comes after you win. Listen now to uncover life after success. [00:00 – 12:00] From Harvard to High Growth Tad’s unconventional path from Ivy League to McKinsey to co-founding a SaaS company in an unlikely market Why early success is more about relationships than résumés How bootstrapping through the 2008 downturn shaped his approach to risk [12:01 – 24:00] Scaling Without Selling Out Growing 40–50% every year without venture capital Why an unsolicited offer wasn’t enough to pull the trigger How a year of preparation expanded their market story and increased exit value [24:01 – 36:00] The Exit on His Terms Choosing the right buyer over the highest bidder Why does Tad want all of his chips off the table, not half The surprising upside of post-sale stock grants [36:01 – 46:00] Building Long Angle The sudden wealth questions no one prepares you for: estate planning, alternative assets, and raising grounded kids Why peer-to-peer wisdom beats Wall Street advice How a Slack channel for friends became a thriving founder community [46:01 – End] Redefining “What’s Next” The Founder’s Exit Paradox: when money solves the math but not the meaning Why purpose doesn’t have to be permanent to be valid Finding fulfillment in family, community, and building again Key Quotes: “If you have 10 times as much wealth, you’re probably 2x as happy.” – Tad Fallows “The hardest part of the exit is what happens next.” – Tad Fallows Connect with Tad: Website: longangle.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/fallows Don’t miss The Entrepreneur Event of the Season, the $100M Money Models Book Launch streaming live on YouTube, Aug 16, 2025.  Register Here for Free 👉 https://shop.acquisition.com/pages/register?via=jerome11 Ready for your next chapter? Start Your Assessment Now 👉 https://theexitparadox.com/assessment Leave a Review + Help Others Achieve a Great Legacy If you found this episode valuable, leave us a review and share it with someone who wants to expand their business growth. Your Next is more than a podcast—it’s a community that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and ages, united by a shared passion for personal growth and achieving excellence.  🎧 Explore our previous episodes or learn more about our mission at https://exittoexcellence.com. Your next chapter starts here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You built it. You exited. Now what? In this raw and revelatory solo episode, Jerome Myers introduces the Founder’s Trauma Tree:  a framework that exposes the emotional crash most Apex performers aren’t prepared for after the exit. Through the real-life story of James, a founder who spiraled into anxiety six months after his 8-figure win, Jerome reveals why success doesn't silence inner wounds; it amplifies them. And more importantly, how you can begin to heal. There’s a story beneath your success:  one about pressure, pain, and the parts of you that never got to breathe. This is where healing begins. Success checked every box, but something still feels off? This is the conversation that explains why. [00:00 – 04:30] When Success Feels Like Collapse The post-exit silence no one prepares you for Why founders often mistake trauma symptoms for personality Introducing the Founder’s Exit Paradox [04:31 – 08:00] The Founder’s Trauma Tree PTSD, anxiety, addiction: what lies beneath these symptoms A visual model of the emotional fallout after high achievement Why does unprocessed pain surface only after the pressure lifts [08:01 – 10:30] Coping or Healing? The 4 escape strategies: busyness, deal-chasing, giving, isolation Why these distractions work—until they don’t The lie of high performance as emotional wellness [10:31 – 14:30] Growing the Healing Tree What emotional integration means post-exit From numbness to nourishment: James’ healing journey How to grow peace, purpose, and legacy from the inside out [14:31 – End] Beyond the Paradox The 6 Centers of Doubt: self-image, relationships, work, health, prosperity, significance From survival mode to alignment An invitation to stop pretending and start becoming Key Quotes: “What you’re feeling isn’t failure, it’s feedback.” – Jerome Myers “Your identity is not your title. Your value is not your valuation. Your worth was never up for negotiation.” – Jerome Myers Ready for your next chapter? Start Your Assessment Now 👉 https://theexitparadox.com/assessment Leave a Review + Help Others Achieve a Great Legacy If you found this episode valuable, leave us a review and share it with someone who wants to expand their business growth. Your Next is more than a podcast—it’s a community that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and ages, united by a shared passion for personal growth and achieving excellence.  🎧 Explore our previous episodes or learn more about our mission at https://exittoexcellence.com. Your next chapter starts here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices