Your Next: A Guide to Finding Fulfillment After Your Exit Hosted by Jerome Myers

What if your business could attract the right buyer before you’re even ready to sell?

In this episode, exit strategist Lorraine McGregor reveals why only 1–2% of businesses ever sell and how to ensure yours is one of them. She breaks down the hidden reasons exits fail, the mindset shifts founders must make, and what buyers are looking for.

If you think buyers will show up when you’re ready, think again. This is a must-listen for any founder considering exit, even years in advance.

[00:00 – 07:00] The Harsh Truth About Business Exits

• Why most small businesses never sell

• M&A myths: Buyers don’t show up when you’re ready, they buy when it suits them

• How Lorraine discovered the “black box” language of M&A

[07:00 – 16:00] Why Buyers Walk Away

• Internal chaos kills deals: unresolved partner conflicts and weak management teams

• The real reason exit planners and M&A brokers won’t take you on as a client

• What does it mean to “become the business your buyer is looking for” 

[16:00 – 27:00] Understanding the Mind of the Buyer

• The four kinds of buyers, and how each one evaluates your business

• Why “earning your price” is better than demanding your price

• Funded searchers vs. zero-money-down acquirers: the opportunity and the risk

[27:00 – 38:00] From Projections to Proof

• Why trailing financials alone aren’t enough

• The myth of the magical pro forma: how real buyers view projections

• Creating certainty in your operations to justify a higher valuation

[38:00 – 45:00] The Exit Starts with Mindset

• The biggest mistake: building a business with no clear end in mind

• How to build a company that outlasts you

• Why being “sellable” means building value for both you and the buyer

Key Quotes:

“Buyers don’t buy your past, they buy your future. And they need certainty about that future.” — Lorraine McGregor

“Be sellable, all the time. That’s the best thing you can do for your legacy.” — Lorraine McGregor

Connect with Lorraine!

Website: https://www.spiritwest.com

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorrainemcgregor

Ready for your next chapter?

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Your next chapter starts here!

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What if your team, not your revenue, is the key to a successful business exit?

In Part 2 of the Regret-Proof series, Jerome Myers and Maria Forbes of Stratis Human Capital Solutions explore how people issues like misalignment, legacy hires, and founder-dependence quietly drain business value.

Learn how to turn your workforce into your strongest asset, whether you’re years from selling or fielding offers now.

[00:00 – 04:30] Why Human Capital Is the Missing Link in Exit Planning

• Human capital is a strategic value driver, not just HR
• Buyers assess workforce strength, leadership alignment, and role clarity
• Growth and exit readiness should be aligned and simultaneous

[04:30 – 08:30] Alignment: The First People Challenge

• “Cloning yourself” limits innovation and scalability
• Misalignment hinders synergy, efficiency, and growth
• True alignment means matching instincts and strengths to roles

[08:30 – 13:30] Hiring Habits: Staff vs. Stakeholders

• Staff support the owner’s goals; stakeholders co-own company growth
• Stakeholder teams drive autonomy, performance, and purpose
• Hiring habits must evolve to boost retention and enterprise value

[13:30 – 18:00] Growth Bottlenecks: Managing Alone Won’t Scale

• Top-down leadership reduces agility and resilience
• Distributed leadership unlocks execution and team potential
• Role mapping supports clarity, development, and onboarding

[18:00 – 26:00] Regret-Proofing Through People Strategy

• Outdated systems and poor onboarding weaken enterprise value
• A healthy, independent, connected workforce attracts buyers
• Start early to ensure your exit results in pride, not regret

Key Quotes:

“Alignment is a value driver. When you’re in good alignment, a potential buyer can see that.” — Maria Forbes

“If you’re calling them staff, then they are your supporters. If you’re calling them your team, then they’re stakeholders in the growth of your company.”— Maria Forbes

Connect with David!

Website: https://getonthevaluetrack.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidshavzin/

Connect with Maria!

Website: https://firepowerteams.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariacforbes/

Ready for your next chapter?

Start Your Assessment Now 👉 https://theexitparadox.com/assessment

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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!

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What if selling your business could be the proudest moment of your career, not your biggest regret?

In this episode, Jerome Myers talks with David Shavzin, founder of The Value Track and co-founder of the Exit Planning Exchange Atlanta. With decades of experience in exit planning and M&A, David shares why so many entrepreneurs feel disappointed after selling, and how you can avoid it.

Discover how to think like a buyer, increase your business’s transferable value, and prepare for a successful, meaningful exit.

If you’re ready to transition from business owner to legacy builder, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

[00:00 – 07:50] The Cost of Poor Planning

• 75% of owners regret selling, early planning is the antidote
• Baby Boomer wealth transfer = huge opportunities + huge risks
• Lack of preparation = loss of personal and generational wealth

[07:50 – 23:50] Own the Buyer’s Mindset

• Big myths busted: quick exits, easy deals, setting your price
• Buyers pay for cash flow, not dreams
• Make yourself irrelevant to maximize business value

[23:50 – 33:00] Valuation Truths and the Realities of Selling Your Business

• Industry multiples mislead, true value is complex and specific
• Expect a 9–18-month sales process full of due diligence landmines
• Clean financials and strong prep = higher price and faster close

[33:00 – 42:00] Flex Your Exit: Deal Structures and Dream Teams

• Not all exits are cash-outs,  mergers, internal transitions, and family sales matter
• Flexible structures win
• Assemble your exit dream team early: M&A advisor, CPA, attorney, financial planner

[42:00 – 46:00] How to Regret-Proof Your Business Sale

• Get laser-clear on personal and financial goals
• Build a company that thrives without you
• Start planning NOW, the future-you will thank you

Key Quotes:

“Think like a buyer as you grow your company.” — David Shavzin

“If you want to sell your company successfully, your goal should be to make yourself irrelevant.” — David Shavzin

Connect with David! 

Website: https://getonthevaluetrack.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidshavzin/

Connect with Maria! 

Website: https://firepowerteams.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariacforbes/

Ready for your next chapter?

Start Your Assessment Now 👉 https://theexitparadox.com/assessment

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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!

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What does it look like to engineer a business that serves your life—and not the other way around?

Matthew Jarvis, founder of Jarvis Financial and co-founder of The Perfect RIA, built a thriving financial advisory firm designed for freedom. In this episode, Matthew opens up about building a “lifestyle practice,” navigating the emotional landmines of succession, and making bold moves (like taking 150+ days off a year!) without sacrificing business performance.

Expect honest stories about designing a business around your values, preparing for exit from day one, and why impact, not just income, should be the endgame.

If you’re looking to exit right, not just exit rich, this episode will shift your thinking.

[01:13 – 08:12] Design Your Life First

• Life by Design: Matthew shares how he built a business to support his ideal lifestyle
• Lifestyle Practice: Intentional client selection and lean operations
• Personal Metrics: Why time off mattered more than AUM growth
• Early Vision: Planning for exit even in the early years of growth

[08:12 – 18:49] Exiting on Purpose

• Succession Strategy: Hand-picking his successor with the intention
• Founder Ego: Wrestling with identity and letting go of being “the guy”
• Trust and Letting Go: Setting the team up for success post-transition
• The Real Timeline: Why a clean break was the healthiest move

[18:49 – 29:06] Impact Over Income

• Beyond the Check: How purpose played into exit planning
• The Perfect RIA: Building a second business to help others escape the grind
• Systems + Values: Operational freedom with a high-integrity culture
• Mission Alignment: The joy of helping others build lifestyle practices

[29:06 – 38:55] Life After Exit

• Rhythms Post-Exit: How Matthew structures his time now
• Avoiding the Void: Creating new challenges to stay engaged
• Family + Freedom: Prioritizing relationships and global experiences
• Reinvention: The exit isn’t the end, it’s the beginning of significance

[38:55 – 46:00] Advice for Founders

• Start With Why: Design your business with your life in mind
• Get a Coach: The power of external insight
• Exit Readiness: Don’t wait until burnout to start the process
• Leave a Legacy: Measure success by your impact, not just your income

Key Quotes:

“If willpower were enough, we wouldn’t have this discussion. I need a forcing mechanism.”— Matthew Jarvis

“Successful people do things again and again. If I do those things, I’ll probably get similar results.”— Matthew Jarvis

Connect with Matthew!

Website: https://www.theperfectria.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpjarvis/

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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. 

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Most people think money is the biggest barrier to leaving their job—but they’re wrong. In this powerful mastermind session, Jerome Myers joins real estate investors and corporate pros to reveal the real cost of walking away: emotional, mental, and operational.

Drawing from his leap from corporate at the peak of success, Jerome shares hard-earned lessons on why most exits fail, the myths of passive income, and what truly makes wealth worth building.

If you’re dreaming of leaving your W2 or already have, this conversation will shake your assumptions and refocus your purpose.

Press play and discover what it takes to build a life of freedom and fulfillment.

[00:00 – 04:57] Real People at the Edge of a Leap

• Investor intros: career paths and exit goals
• Common thread: W2 jobs and uncertainty
• Jerome sets the tone for real talk

[04:58 – 11:45] Jerome’s Exit Story

• Built a $20M division—then told to downsize
• Choose values over comfort and quit
• Faced with cash flow struggles with no plan

[11:46 – 20:59] Freedom Numbers & False Starts

• Most don’t know their real “freedom number.”
• Passive income takes time and capital
• Going from six figures to zero is a real risk
• Know what life—not lifestyle—costs

[21:00 – 34:15] Chief Everything Officer

• Startup life is messy, lonely, and intense
• You’ll do everything—from admin to investor calls
• Visibility is leverage, not vanity
• Faceless brands fail in today’s market

[34:16 – 48:15] Purpose Over Passive

• Real estate cash flow isn’t instant
• Wealth comes from exits and expertise
• Consulting often beats syndication
• Purpose fuels fulfillment; money alone doesn’t

[48:16 – 59:00] Doubt, Purpose & the Real Work

• Doubt lingers, even with a plan
• Mission matters more than ego
• Money without purpose leads nowhere
• We exit to do our real work

Key Quotes:

“The biggest mistake I made in my transition from an employee to a founder was trying to build a faceless brand.” – Jerome Myers 

“The only way your life ever matters is if you are positively impacting the lives of other people.” – Jerome Myers

Ready for your next chapter?

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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. 

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What happens when your business becomes your identity, and you sell it?

Julie Cole, co-founder of Mabel’s Labels, went from lawyering to label-making, raising six kids while helping build a household name from her sister’s basement. She opens up about the unexpected acquisition, how her team navigated co-founder dynamics, and the emotional complexity of stepping back while staying connected to the brand.

Expect stories of scrappy beginnings, smart business moves, the real challenges of exiting with multiple partners, and how to redefine purpose after the deal is done. If you’ve ever wondered what success looks like on the other side of the sale, this conversation pulls back the curtain. 

[01:26 – 07:26] From Basement to Brand

• Intro & Vision: Julie introduces herself and the idea
• Bootstrapping: Four founders and personal drive kickstarted the venture
• Real Need: A product born from personal challenges
• Validation: Early word-of-mouth proved the concept

[07:26 – 16:44] Building the Machine

• Team Dynamics: Clear roles and communication were key
• Growth: Evolving from the basement to professional facilities
• Market Response: Early press and customer love validated the idea
• Scaling: Strategic hires helped avoid burnout and silos

[16:44 – 24:18] Exit Strategy in Real Time

• Acquisition Offer: Avery’s unexpected proposal turned real fast
• Valuation: Negotiated to reflect future growth
• Due Diligence: Smooth process with the right advisors
• Transition: Julie shifted to a brand evangelist role post-sale

[24:18 – 32:00] Life After Exit

• Identity Shift: Founders faced new emotional challenges
• New Paths: Some moved into coaching, real estate, and mentoring
• Relationship Changes: Less frequent, but meaningful connections remain
• Community: Speaking and mentorship filled the post-exit gap

[32:00 – 43:00] Legacy Building for Founders

• Plan Early: Your exit strategy shapes your growth
• Advisors Matter: Surround yourself with trusted experts
• Stay Focused: Avoid deal fatigue; keep the business thriving

Key Quotes:

“When you start your company, you should be thinking about your exit… That’s your JOB.” — Julie Cole

“Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you—and never try to navigate a sale on your own.” — Julie Cole

Connect with Julie!

Website:  https://mabelslabels.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-cole-llb-ma-3794671/

Ready for your next chapter?

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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. 

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How do high-earning professionals maximize their financial opportunities while avoiding common tax pitfalls? In this insightful conversation, Jerome Myers sits down with Steven Jarvis, a tax strategist dedicated to helping business owners and professionals confidently navigate tax planning. Steven shares actionable strategies to optimize tax savings, uncover overlooked deductions, and build a proactive approach to financial planning. 

Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just getting started, this episode will equip you with the knowledge to make tax-smart decisions that align with your financial goals.

[00:00 – 06:42] The Importance of Proactive Tax Planning

• Avoiding Common Mistakes – Why waiting until tax season can cost you thousands
• Mindset Shift – Taxes are not just an annual burden but an ongoing financial strategy
• Collaboration is Key – Working with CPAs and financial advisors can uncover hidden opportunities

[06:43 – 14:28]  Maximizing Deductions & Reducing Liability

• Hidden Tax Savings – How to identify deductions that most professionals overlook
• Business Structuring – The impact of entity selection on tax efficiency.
• Retirement Contributions – Leveraging retirement accounts for long-term tax benefits

[14:29 – 22:15]  Common Tax Myths Debunked

• Myth: “I’m Too Small for Tax Planning” – Why every income level benefits from strategy
• The Audit Fear Factor – Understanding IRS red flags versus legitimate deductions
• Write-Offs vs. Cash Flow – Why a deduction doesn’t mean “free money”

[22:16 – 30:04]  Long-Term Wealth Strategies Through Tax Planning

• Tax-Efficient Investing – Maximizing returns while minimizing tax burdens
• Estate & Legacy Planning – Setting up structures that benefit future generations
• Giving Strategically – How philanthropy and tax planning intersect

[30:05 – 38:51]  Practical Steps to Implement Right Now

• Reviewing Past Returns – Uncovering missed deductions and amending returns
• Quarterly Tax Planning – Avoiding surprises and optimizing cash flow
• Building a Tax Strategy Team – Why collaboration creates the best outcomes

Key Quotes:

“Tax planning isn’t about avoiding taxes—it’s about paying exactly what you owe, not a penny more.” – Steven Jarvis

“The best way to get ahead on taxes is to think about them long term.” –  Steven Jarvis

🚀 Ready to Take Control of Your Exit Strategy? 🚀

Don’t leave your business exit to chance! Join The Ultimate Exit Playbook and gain the insights, strategies, and tools to build a profitable, stress-free exit plan. Whether you’re years away or planning your next big move, this event is your roadmap to success.

Avail your spot now! 👉 https://theperfectriaevents.com/06-02-25-ultimate-exit-playbook

Connect with Steven!

Website: https://retirementtaxservices.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenajarvis/

Ready for your next chapter?

Start Your Assessment Now 👉 https://theexitparadox.com/assessment

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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!

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Selling a business is often seen as the ultimate victory, but what happens when the excitement fades and uncertainty sets in? In this episode, Jerome Myers, America’s leading exit authority, uncovers founders’ emotional and psychological challenges after selling their businesses. Many assume financial freedom will bring fulfillment, only to feel lost, disconnected, or restless. Jerome reveals the hidden traps of the exit journey and provides actionable insights to help founders transition with clarity and purpose.

 Learn how to avoid the everyday post-exit struggles and step confidently into your next chapter.

[00:00 – 06:45] The Founder’s Exit Paradox

• Exiting a business isn’t just a financial transaction—it’s a personal transformation.
• Many founders assume wealth will bring fulfillment, but the reality is often differen.t
• The sudden loss of structure, identity, and purpose can be overwhelming
• Planning beyond the financials and preparing for emotional shifts is the key to a successful exit

[06:46 – 15:58] The Wealth & Purpose Trap

• Financial freedom doesn’t automatically provide meaning or direction
• Without a structured plan, founders either jump into distractions or drift aimlessly
• True fulfillment comes from intentionally designing a life that aligns with personal values
• Success and fulfillment are different— wealth doesn’t guarantee happiness

[15:59 – 25:22] Identity Crisis: Who Am I Without My Business?

• Your business shaped your daily routine, social circles, and sense of significance.
• Post-exit, many founders struggle with a loss of identity
• Some overcorrect by launching another company too soon, while others remain limbo
• The key is to separate your identity from your business before the exit

[25:23 – 37:44] The Six Centers of Doubt

• Founders experience post-exit uncertainty in six key areas
• Preparing for these challenges in advance prevents post-exit regret

[37:45 – 47:20] Designing a Fulfilling Next Chapter

• Avoid the trap of waiting until after the exit to figure out what’s next
• Define what success looks like beyond financial wealth
• Structure your post-exit life intentionally—focus on contribution, growth, and purpose
• Take the Exit Readiness Assessment to prepare for a smooth transition

Key Quotes:

“Freedom without purpose is just emptiness.” – Jerome Myers

“Success and fulfillment are not the same—you can win the game and still feel like something is missing.” – Jerome Myers

“When money is no longer the problem, you realize how many of your real challenges were never about money in the first place.” – Jerome Myers

Ready for your next chapter?

Start Your Assessment Now 👉 https://theexitparadox.com/assessment

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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!

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What if selling your business didn’t bring the fulfillment you expected? While most discussions around business exits focus on valuation, deal structures, and financial freedom, few address the emotional toll that follows. In this episode, Jerome Myers, America’s leading exit authority, unpacks the silent costs of selling a business—the identity crisis, emotional void, and six centers of doubt that can leave founders feeling lost. He shares why 75% of entrepreneurs regret their exits and reveals a four-step framework to help navigate post-exit life with clarity and purpose.

If you’re planning an exit or struggling with what comes next, this episode is your guide to designing a fulfilling next chapter.

[00:00 – 01:15] Introduction: The Emotional Toll of Selling Your Business

• Exiting a business isn’t just financial—it’s personal and emotional
• Many founders feel lost, questioning their identity after selling
• This episode uncovers what happens emotionally after an exit

[01:16 – 03:09] The Six Centers of Doubt Every Founder Faces

• Self-Image: “Who am I without my business?”
• Relationships: “Do I still belong if my network was tied to my company?”
• Work: “I need something to do, but what?”
• Health: “I sacrificed my well-being—can I fix it now?”
• Prosperity: “I have time and money, but am I using them wisely?”
• Significance: “What is my impact beyond the business I built?”

[03:10 – 04:44] Why 75% of Founders Regret Their Exit

• Without a clear post-exit vision, many founders fall into one of two traps
• A company doesn’t automatically bring fulfillment—it must be intentionally designed

[04:45 – 06:00] The Four-Step Process to Exit with Clarity

• Nourish: Take time to recover and reflect
• Explore: Identify what truly excites and fulfills you
• Evaluate: Test new paths before committing too soon
• Transcend: Step thoroughly into your next chapter with confidence

[06:01 – 06:54] Taking Action: Designing Your Next Chapter

• The key to a successful exit is preparing beyond financials
• Jerome’s Exit Readiness Assessment helps founders determine if they’re genuinely exit-ready
• Instead of suffering in silence, founders should proactively plan for their next phase

Key Quotes:

“The moment you sell, you’re not just exiting a company—you’re exiting an identity.” – Jerome Myers

“You either design your next chapter with intention or drift into regret.” – Jerome Myers

Ready for your next chapter?

Start Your Assessment Now 👉 https://theexitparadox.com/assessment

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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!

You sold your business… now what?

No one warns you about the identity crisis, the void, or the doubts that creep in after the deal is done. 75% of entrepreneurs regret their exit but it doesn’t have to be that way.

In this episode, I break down the hidden costs of selling and share my four-step framework to help you navigate what’s next with clarity and purpose.

Don’t let your exit become your regret.

🎧 Listen now:

#BusinessExit #LifeAfterExit #BeyondTheDeal

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Success often comes at a cost. In this episode, Jerome Myers explores the Five Scars of Success—key life experiences that shape high-achieving entrepreneurs: conditional love, suicidal ideation, financial ruin, near-death experiences, and early loss of a loved one. While these experiences fuel ambition, they can also make business exits emotionally complex. Jerome shares how to reframe these scars to build a fulfilling next chapter beyond business ownership.

[00:00 – 01:00] Introduction & The Five Scars of Success

• A reminder to check in on others.
• Success is often shaped by personal struggles.
• Exiting a business is about more than money.

[01:01 – 03:00] Scar #1: Conditional Love

• Achievementis tied to receiving love.
• Creates a need for external validation.
• Must redefine self-worth beyond success.

[03:01 – 04:30] Scar #2: Suicidal Ideation

• High-pressure success leads to dark moments.
• Many founders struggle in silence.
• Support systems are crucial.

[04:31 – 06:00] Scar #3: Financial Ruin

• Many experience major financial loss.
• Fear of failure fuels relentless drive.
• Rebuilding is possible with resilience.

[06:01 – 07:30] Scar #4: Near-Death Experience

• Facing mortality changes perspective.
• Creates urgency to leave an impact.
• Can lead to overworking and burnout.

[07:31 – 09:00] Scar #5: Early Loss of a Loved One

• Loss fuels the drive for legacy.
• First businesses often aren’t true legacies.
• Purpose must go beyond financial success.

[09:01 – 11:00] How These Scars Affect Exiting a Business

• More scars make letting go harder.
• Identity is often tied to business.
• Exits should be about fulfillment, not loss.

[11:01 – 12:30] Moving Forward: Healing & Redefining Success

• These scars shape, but don’t define, us.
• Healing means using them as fuel.
• The exit is just the start of something greater.

Key Quotes:

“Healing isn’t about forgetting the scars—it’s about using them to fuel your next chapter.”

“Most founders don’t realize that their first business isn’t their legacy; it’s what they build after they exit.”

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!

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