Exit Coach Radio

Read the 5-minute summary for this episode and many others at owl.ceo. The OWL (Owner Wisdom Library) turns insights from more than 1,200 Exit Coach Radio interviews into short, practical lessons for business owners on growth, leadership, operations, and exit planning. What steps can families take now to reduce stress, avoid probate, and prepare for difficult life transitions with confidence? In this episode of Exit Coach Radio, Bill Black talks with Rod Hatley of Hatley Law Group about practical estate planning strategies that can help families make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary legal and emotional strain. Drawing from both professional experience and personal experience with a lengthy probate process in his own family, Rod explains why proactive planning matters and how the right documents can protect loved ones when life changes unexpectedly. This conversation goes beyond what happens after death and looks at estate planning as a broader transition-planning tool. Rod discusses what can happen if you or a loved one becomes hospitalized or is no longer able to make financial, legal, or healthcare decisions. He explains why families should have updated documents in place, how asset protection fits into the planning process, and why a plan should be dynamic rather than something created once and forgotten. Rod also shares practical guidance on the difference between a will and a trust, the importance of reviewing and updating your plan regularly, and why fear often keeps people from taking the steps they know they should take. His message is clear: estate planning is not about expecting the worst, but about making responsible choices that leave your family in a stronger position. This episode is especially valuable for business owners, family leaders, and individuals who want to reduce confusion, protect assets, and prepare their families for the future with less stress and greater clarity. Topics include: estate planning basics wills and trusts probate avoidance asset protection planning for incapacity and transition Listen for more conversations on leadership, growth, succession, and exit planning through Exit Coach Radio. Join Bill Black for his weekly humor column at BlackPapers: https://Blackpapers.substack.com #ExitCoachRadio #EstatePlanning #FamilyLegacy      

Read the 5-minute summary for this episode at owl.ceo. The OWL (Owner Wisdom Library) turns insights from more than 1,200 Exit Coach Radio interviews into short, practical lessons for business owners on growth, leadership, operations, and exit planning. What mountain are you climbing, and does it still align with the life and leadership journey you want? In this episode of Exit Coach Radio, Bill Black talks with Tony Martignetti, leadership coach, entrepreneur, and former finance and strategy executive, about purpose-driven leadership, navigating change, and helping leaders unlock their true potential. Tony shares how leaders can find greater clarity, become more fully present, and make more intentional decisions about their careers, businesses, and lives. Drawing from his experience in coaching, finance, strategy, and entrepreneurship, he offers perspective on what it means to lead with inspired purpose and why self-awareness matters so much during times of transition and growth. This conversation is especially valuable for business owners, executives, and professionals who are asking deeper questions about direction, fulfillment, leadership impact, and what comes next. It is also relevant for leaders navigating change who want to align success with meaning rather than simply momentum. Topics include: purpose-driven leadership clarity and self-awareness leadership during change personal and professional growth inspired decision-making Listen for more conversations on leadership, growth, succession, and exit planning through Exit Coach Radio. Join Bill Black for his weekly humor column at BlackPapers: https://Blackpapers.substack.com #ExitCoachRadio #LeadershipDevelopment #PurposeDriven    

                      Read the 5-minute summary for this episode and many others at owl.ceo. The OWL (Owner Wisdom Library) turns insights from more than 1,200 Exit Coach Radio interviews into short, practical lessons for business owners on growth, leadership, operations, and exit planning.    Lynne Strang explains the benefits of being an entrepreneur at an older age. The main advantage? Who you know.     

Read the 5-minute summary for this episode and many others at owl.ceo. The OWL (Owner Wisdom Library) turns insights from more than 1,200 Exit Coach Radio interviews into short, practical lessons for business owners on growth, leadership, operations, and exit planning. What does it take to build a high-performing virtual team when people are working apart but still need to perform together? In this episode of Exit Coach Radio, Bill Black talks with Jeremy Lurey of Chief Exec Coach and Family Legacy First about how leaders can build stronger virtual teams, improve productivity, and maintain healthy team culture in a remote work environment. Jeremy brings long-standing experience to this conversation, having started building successful virtual teams years ago when an earthquake made traditional commuting impossible for many employees. Jeremy explains that virtual teams are still teams at their core, but they require more intentional leadership, clearer processes, and a stronger reliance on communication and technology. He shares practical strategies for helping remote teams stay aligned, productive, and engaged, while also addressing the human side of change, flexibility, and adaptation. This conversation is especially useful for business owners, CEOs, managers, and leadership teams navigating hybrid or remote work environments. Jeremy offers perspective on how to inspire high performance from a distance, why structure matters more in virtual settings, and how leaders can create conditions where employees feel both supported and accountable. The discussion also highlights the importance of understanding and flexibility during times of disruption. As more organizations adapt to remote and virtual work models, leaders need practical ways to strengthen communication, trust, and performance across teams that may no longer share the same physical space. Topics include: building high-performing virtual teams remote leadership productivity in virtual workplaces team communication and structure flexibility and team engagement Listen for more conversations on leadership, growth, succession, and exit planning through Exit Coach Radio. Join Bill Black for his weekly humor column at BlackPapers: https://Blackpapers.substack.com #ExitCoachRadio #LeadershipDevelopment #Vistage  

              Read the 5-minute summary for this episode and many others at owl.ceo. The OWL (Owner Wisdom Library) turns insights from more than 1,200 Exit Coach Radio interviews into short, practical lessons for business owners on growth, leadership, operations, and exit planning. How can better teamwork and stronger leadership help a company uncover new business opportunities? In this episode of Exit Coach Radio, Bill Black talks with Mike Goodfriend, President of Goodfriend & Associates, about leadership development, team alignment, and the practical strategies that help organizations work more effectively together. As a leadership coach, teamwork engineer, and meeting facilitator, Mike helps teams strengthen collaboration, improve strategic thinking, and create better conditions for growth. Mike shares how he works with organizations to help teams become more cohesive and better equipped to identify and pursue business opportunities. He explains the thinking behind his “Teamwork Sharks” workshops, which use a fun, competitive format to teach leaders how to present business plans more effectively, think more strategically, and engage more fully as a team. The conversation also highlights the role of data analytics in leadership and decision-making. Mike discusses why detailed data can be a game changer when used well and how strong leadership values from the top down influence company performance. This episode is especially useful for business owners, CEOs, and leadership teams who want to improve team performance, sharpen strategy, and create a stronger culture of accountability and opportunity. Topics include: leadership development teamwork and team alignment strategic thinking data-driven decision-making business opportunity development Listen for more conversations on leadership, growth, succession, and exit planning through Exit Coach Radio. Join Bill Black for his weekly humor column at BlackPapers: https://Blackpapers.substack.com #ExitCoachRadio #LeadershipDevelopment #Vistage  

                  Read the 5-minute summary for this episode and many others at owl.ceo. The OWL (Owner Wisdom Library) turns insights from more than 1,200 Exit Coach Radio interviews into short, practical lessons for business owners on growth, leadership, operations, and exit planning. What does it really take to build a $100 million company, and why should business owners think at that level in the first place? In this episode of Exit Coach Radio, Bill Black talks with William De Temple, Founder of Build A $100 Million Company, about the mindset, strategy, and leadership required to build a business at a much higher level than most owners initially imagine. Drawing on more than 40 years of experience in business coaching and training, William shares why aiming for $100 million can change the way an owner thinks, plans, and leads. This conversation explores why William recommends such a large target instead of a more modest goal like $5 million or $10 million. He explains how bigger thinking can reshape strategic decision-making, create stronger growth disciplines, and push owners to build companies with greater scalability, stronger systems, and more valuable long-term potential. Rather than treating growth as a matter of incremental progress alone, William encourages owners to adopt a larger vision that forces the business to mature. Bill and William also discuss the key ingredients required to build a company at that scale. The episode highlights the importance of leadership, focus, and the specific capabilities owners need to develop if they want to move from a small or mid-sized business into a more significant growth trajectory. This is not just about revenue goals. It is about building an organization that can support larger opportunity, attract the right people, and perform at a higher level. This episode is especially valuable for entrepreneurs, CEOs, and growth-minded business owners who want to think more strategically, lead more intentionally, and build a company with larger-scale potential. It is also a strong fit for Vistage-style audiences focused on growth, leadership, scalability, and long-term business value. Topics include: scaling a business to $100 million growth strategy for business owners leadership and vision business scalability thinking bigger as an entrepreneur Listen for more conversations on leadership, growth, succession, and exit planning through Exit Coach Radio. Join Bill Black for his weekly humor column at BlackPapers: https://Blackpapers.substack.com #ExitCoachRadio #BusinessGrowth #Vistage    

Read the 5-minute summary for this episode and many others at owl.ceo. The OWL (Owner Wisdom Library) turns insights from more than 1,200 Exit Coach Radio interviews into short, practical lessons for business owners on growth, leadership, operations, and exit planning.   Jim Brubaker shares his ideas and tips regarding Exit Planning, including the need to know your target and the need to have a strong "Plan B".  

Read the 5-minute summary for this episode and many others at owl.ceo. The OWL (Owner Wisdom Library) turns insights from more than 1,200 Exit Coach Radio interviews into short, practical lessons for business owners on growth, leadership, operations, and exit planning. How does perception influence leadership, career growth, and the ability to step into your full potential? In this episode of Exit Coach Radio, Bill Black talks with Mary Anne Kochut of Champions For Success, LLC. about leadership, communication, executive coaching, change management, and the personal journey from corporate professional to entrepreneur. Drawing from her broad background as an author, coach, speaker, adjunct professor, and management development professional, Mary Anne shares insights on how people can better understand the gap between how they see themselves and how they are perceived by others. The conversation explores themes of self-empowerment, professional growth, and personal transition. Mary Anne discusses the importance of communication, confidence, and perspective in leadership, along with the mindset shifts that can help people become more effective in their careers and more intentional in shaping the life they want. Her experience in coaching, facilitation, and change management makes this a valuable discussion for professionals navigating leadership responsibilities, career change, or entrepreneurial transition. This episode is especially relevant for executives, business owners, managers, and professionals seeking stronger leadership presence, clearer communication, and greater self-awareness in times of change. Topics include: leadership development self-empowerment executive coaching communication and perception career transition Listen for more conversations on leadership, growth, succession, and exit planning through Exit Coach Radio. Join Bill Black for his weekly humor column at BlackPapers: https://Blackpapers.substack.com #ExitCoachRadio #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveCoaching    

  Read the 5-minute summary for this episode and many others at owl.ceo. The OWL (Owner Wisdom Library) turns insights from more than 1,200 Exit Coach Radio interviews into short, practical lessons for business owners on growth, leadership, operations, and exit planning. With a 10-year radio career overlapping 20 years in business consulting, marketing, and branding, Lisa Caprelli strategically uses content and message branding to grow companies. Known for inspiring business leaders to be innovative, she has helped businesses grow, including Fortune 500 companies. Her media career has included The Business Experience Show, The Free Money Hour, and other programs on stations like 97.1 FM, KFWB, KNX 1070, KFMB, and KABC, as well as real estate finance and motivational books. Be sure and pick up a copy of her book "Color Your Message" on Amazon!  

Read the 5-minute summary for this episode and many others at owl.ceo. The OWL (Owner Wisdom Library) turns insights from more than 1,200 Exit Coach Radio interviews into short, practical lessons for business owners on growth, leadership, operations, and exit planning. What does exit planning look like through the eyes of a CFO, and how can business owners know whether they are truly ready? In this episode of Exit Coach Radio, Bill Black talks with Jim Doty of Doty Consulting about exit planning readiness from a CFO’s perspective. Drawing on real client situations, Jim shares practical insights into the financial, operational, and leadership issues that can affect a company’s ability to prepare for a successful transition. This conversation highlights the role a CFO can play in helping owners understand the true state of their business, identify risks, improve financial visibility, and prepare for the demands of a future sale or ownership transition. Jim discusses the kinds of readiness gaps that often appear beneath the surface and why early planning can help owners improve value, reduce surprises, and make better strategic decisions. This episode is especially valuable for business owners, CEOs, and leadership teams who want to strengthen the financial side of their company before pursuing succession, exit planning, or a sale. It also offers useful perspective for companies that may be growing well operationally but have not yet fully aligned their financial systems, reporting, and decision-making with long-term transition goals. Topics include: exit planning readiness CFO perspective on business transition financial visibility and reporting risk assessment succession and sale preparation Listen for more conversations on leadership, growth, succession, and exit planning through Exit Coach Radio. Join Bill Black for his weekly humor column at BlackPapers: https://Blackpapers.substack.com #ExitCoachRadio #ExitPlanning #CFOInsights    

              Read the 5-minute summary for this episode and many others at owl.ceo. The OWL (Owner Wisdom Library) turns insights from more than 1,200 Exit Coach Radio interviews into short, practical lessons for business owners on growth, leadership, operations, and exit planning. Peter Mehit is the COO of Custom Business Planning and Solutions. Today, he will discuss the most important times to have a business plan.  Questions Answered:  1) What are the three times you need a business plan? 2) Why is it important to focus on your exit early? 3) What can people do if they are nearing the time they want to get out of their business and they haven't planned?  Contact Info:  Website: www.custombps.com Email: [email protected]    

                      Read the 5-minute summary for this episode and many others at owl.ceo. The OWL (Owner Wisdom Library) turns insights from more than 1,200 Exit Coach Radio interviews into short, practical lessons for business owners on growth, leadership, operations, and exit planning.     The Galliard Family Business Advisor Institute was founded to ensure that small family-owned and closely held businesses across the country had access to the help they need to keep their businesses thriving while they undergo the significant transition in leadership.       

                        Read the 5-minute summary for this episode and many others at owl.ceo. The OWL (Owner Wisdom Library) turns insights from more than 1,200 Exit Coach Radio interviews into short, practical lessons for business owners on growth, leadership, operations, and exit planning.     Jasmine Sandler is a global digital marketing and sales consultant and trainer in the areas of Online Branding, SEO and B2B Social Media. She has been the CEO of a Digital Agency since 2006, and has a niche service that she provides for CEOs and small business owners called Personal Branding Online. Jasmine recently published her 3rd book called "How to Brand Yourself Online Like A CEO" with a related Social Branding Course for business owners.  Website: www.jasminesandler.com      

              Read the 5-minute summary for this episode and many others at owl.ceo. The OWL (Owner Wisdom Library) turns insights from more than 1,200 Exit Coach Radio interviews into short, practical lessons for business owners on growth, leadership, operations, and exit planning. How should leaders handle a workplace issue when the facts are unclear and the stakes are high? In this episode of Exit Coach Radio, Bill Black talks with Hattye Knight, human resources professional, author, speaker, radio host, and trainer, about one of the most important and sensitive responsibilities in employee relations: conducting a fact-finding investigation. Drawing on her extensive background in HR and workplace issues, Hattye shares practical insight into how organizations can respond more effectively when concerns arise involving employees, policy, conduct, or workplace conflict. This conversation explores the purpose of a fact-finding investigation and why getting the process right matters so much. Hattye explains how leaders and HR professionals can approach an investigation with fairness, objectivity, and professionalism while gathering the information needed to make sound decisions. She also discusses the importance of documentation, communication, and consistency when handling employee relations matters. For business owners, executives, managers, and HR leaders, this episode offers useful perspective on how to reduce risk, protect workplace trust, and address issues in a way that is both responsible and respectful. It is especially relevant for organizations that want to strengthen leadership judgment, improve internal processes, and handle sensitive employee situations with greater confidence. Hattye also brings a unique perspective as the author of Against Company Policy, an HR suspense novel, combining real-world experience with a deep understanding of workplace dynamics and policy-related challenges. Topics include: fact-finding investigations employee relations HR best practices workplace policy issues leadership and risk management Listen for more conversations on leadership, growth, succession, and exit planning through Exit Coach Radio. Join Bill Black for his weekly humor column at BlackPapers: https://Blackpapers.substack.com #ExitCoachRadio #HumanResources #LeadershipDevelopment  

Read the 5-minute summary for this episode and many others at owl.ceo. The OWL (Owner Wisdom Library) turns insights from more than 1,200 Exit Coach Radio interviews into short, practical lessons for business owners on growth, leadership, operations, and exit planning. Many people don't live up to their potential because they "play it small". Patti Cotton of The Cotton Group, Inc., discusses why that is and what you can do to "play it Big"!

Read the 5-minute summary for this episode and many others at owl.ceo. The OWL (Owner Wisdom Library) turns insights from more than 1,200 Exit Coach Radio interviews into short, practical lessons for business owners on growth, leadership, operations, and exit planning. Carol Marzouk, CEO of Leadership 'N' Soul discusses why there is low trust and destructive conflict in the workplace, and what to do about it.      

              Read the 5-minute summary for this episode and many others at owl.ceo. The OWL (Owner Wisdom Library) turns insights from more than 1,200 Exit Coach Radio interviews into short, practical lessons for business owners on growth, leadership, operations, and exit planning. KenSanginario  is the Founder of Corporate Value Metrics, LLC and he has developed a cloud-based tool to help business owners increase their business value by 50-100% over the next 3-5 years. Go to his website to find out about the "Value Opportunity Profile".    

              Read the 5-minute summary for this episode and many others at owl.ceo. The OWL (Owner Wisdom Library) turns insights from more than 1,200 Exit Coach Radio interviews into short, practical lessons for business owners on growth, leadership, operations, and exit planning. How can the right question change the way a person thinks, leads, and moves forward? In this episode of Exit Coach Radio, Bill Black talks with Moty Koppes, a Master Certified Executive Coach, about the power of coaching questions and why they can create real change in both business and life. Moty explains that great coaching is not simply about asking for answers. It is about asking questions powerful enough to shift a person’s frame of reference, challenge limiting beliefs, and open up a new understanding of who they are and what they are capable of. This conversation explores what makes executive coaching different from advice-giving, consulting, or problem-solving alone. Moty shares how people often come into coaching already thinking deeply about their goals or challenges, yet remain stuck in the same patterns of thought. The breakthrough comes when a question helps them see themselves, their assumptions, and their possibilities in a new way. That shift in perspective can unlock clarity, confidence, and forward movement. For business owners, executives, and professionals, this episode offers valuable insight into leadership development, self-awareness, and the role coaching can play in personal and professional transformation. It is especially relevant for leaders who want to improve decision-making, strengthen mindset, and understand how better questions can lead to better results. This discussion is also a strong reminder that growth does not always begin with the right answer. Sometimes it begins with the right question. Topics include: executive coaching powerful questions mindset and belief shifts leadership development personal and professional growth Listen for more conversations on leadership, growth, succession, and exit planning through Exit Coach Radio. Join Bill Black for his weekly humor column at BlackPapers: https://Blackpapers.substack.com #ExitCoachRadio #ExecutiveCoaching #LeadershipDevelopment  

Read the 5-minute summary for this episode and many others at owl.ceo. The OWL (Owner Wisdom Library) turns insights from more than 1,200 Exit Coach Radio interviews into short, practical lessons for business owners on growth, leadership, operations, and exit planning. Janne Ohtonen is in the business of Customer Experiences and is going to talk about Customer Experience Strategies. Questions discussed: What makes customer experiences so important? How can companies ensure they are producing remarkable customer experiences? What happens for organizations that do not put proper effort in customer experiences? Offer: Free online video training series for creating your own customer experience blueprint at http://bit.ly/cebbillblack Contact info: Email Address [email protected] Website http://addvalueto.me  

  Read the 5-minute summary for this episode and many others at owl.ceo. The OWL (Owner Wisdom Library) turns insights from more than 1,200 Exit Coach Radio interviews into short, practical lessons for business owners on growth, leadership, operations, and exit planning. Tess Cox, Principal of Tess Cox and Associates, has a myriad of skills, but ultimately aims to assist others in personal and professional transformational change. She believes that choice, not chance, determines your destiny. Feedback is crucial to self-awareness, and self-awareness allows us to grow more effectively. Coaching is essential to maximizing our potential.  In her interview, Tess not only shares the 5 C’s of leadership, but also redefines the term leader. She stresses the importance of work-life congruency and aligning both to fit our personalities. Above all, Tess discusses the need to have a well-defined personal philosophy in order to continually make more confident decisions. Tess also shares a few examples of how she has helped her clients experience the outcomes they desire when working with and influencing others. The wisdom shared by Tess could improve your entire life, as well as your business, and should not be passed over.  

Read the 5-minute summary for this episode and many others at owl.ceo. The OWL (Owner Wisdom Library) turns insights from more than 1,200 Exit Coach Radio interviews into short, practical lessons for business owners on growth, leadership, operations, and exit planning. Smart Advantage is the only marketing and management consultancy focused exclusively on identifying and communicating the most important element of successful competition – your competitive advantage – from your target market’s perspective. Today, we will be discussing the importance of differentiating yourself from your competition. Questions Asked:  1. What prompted you to write your book, Creating Competitive Advantage? 2. What does Smart Advantage do and who are your ideal clients? 3. What results do your clients see after an engagement with Smart Advantage?     

Read the 5-minute summary for this episode and many others at owl.ceo. The OWL (Owner Wisdom Library) turns insights from more than 1,200 Exit Coach Radio interviews into short, practical lessons for business owners on growth, leadership, operations, and exit planning. Dyanne Ross-Hanson, Founder of Exit Planning Strategies, LLC, works with owners of privately held businesses to develop intentional ownership transition plans. She started Exit Planning Strategies, LLC, 10 years ago and has 30+ years of experience in the financial services industry. This work is Dyanne’s passion, and she considers objective expert consulting, independent of predetermined outcome or product, to be absolutely essential in exit planning. The sale of a business can be the single most significant financial event in someone’s life, the business owner needs to be prepared.  In her interview, Dyanne reasons that exit planning is not a single event, but rather a process. Without a plan, business owners who have put years of effort into their livelihood are leaving the transaction up to chance. She deep dives the notion that the most valuable component of the transaction are the key employees. Additionally, she shares valuable strategies for incentivizing key employees to stay post-transfer. Dyanne also discusses the difference between key employees and employees in key positions, which are not always the same thing. Twenty minutes is barely enough time to scratch the surface of Dyanne’s expertise.         

Read the 5-minute summary for this episode and many others at owl.ceo. The OWL (Owner Wisdom Library) turns insights from more than 1,200 Exit Coach Radio interviews into short, practical lessons for business owners on growth, leadership, operations, and exit planning. Barry Moniak is an Organizational Therapist at End In Mind. His topic is Synergistic Culture and he will discuss interdependence.  Questions Answered:  1) What does it take to have a synergistic outcome?  2) What is interdependence? 3) Why do we resist interdependence?  Contact Info:  Website: endinmind.com           

              Read the 5-minute summary for this episode and many others at owl.ceo. The OWL (Owner Wisdom Library) turns insights from more than 1,200 Exit Coach Radio interviews into short, practical lessons for business owners on growth, leadership, operations, and exit planning.   The KPI Guy is dedicated to bringing actionable KPIs to small and medium business. We turn data to dollars by designing, implementing and optimizing business performance metrics. You can't manage what you don't measure. Website: kpiguy.com  Email: [email protected]  

              Hema Dey, of Iffel International, discusses the mechanics of an effective marketing program. Transcript:  Bill: We asked marketing strategist Hema Dey for some key ideas and strategies for business owners to think about when developing their marketing plan. Hema: Marketing is like a war game, so you really need to understand the landscape of the people that you want to sell to, and who your competitors are. We always produce a functional marketing plan. Another thesis, which is three months worth of work, but something that you can actually  go out and say, right, roughy, this is your target market, here are your threats, your competitors, and what you’re up against, and really measure what those gaps are to make sure that the sales model, and I know a lot of people see the word “sales” as a big taboo word, but a business cannot survive without sales and if you apply that right across even the professional service sector…if people can actually put a sales organization within their business, then I think they’ve got it right.   

Adrianna Smith and Lana Hout, Provisors members and Brokers at First Choice Business Brokers, specialize in industry-agnostic business sales for transactions under $25M. After meeting at USC, they found themselves continuously applying for the same finance jobs and eventually working at competing firms. They briefly worked at the same firm and ultimately seized the opportunity to start their own branch of First Choice Business Brokers together 6 years ago. Together, Adrianna and Lana help business owners prepare for sales by driving up their business value. In their interview, we go in-depth about what to expect before and after a sale, as well as how to best prepare. Adrianna and Lana discuss the impact of COVID on buyers and sellers, as well as how to deal with some of the setbacks. They share powerful tips for driving up business value, common mistakes business owners make leading up to a sale, and ways you can become more attractive to buyers. Adrianna and Lana’s information will help you build a much stronger business, whether you plan to sell or not. 1-Minute Sections: 5:59-7:09: Impacts happening to sellers due to Covid and how they might prove value. 9:12-10:18: Some factors which can drastically affect the value of a business. 11:14-12:06: Flexibility can increase value as business will be more operable despite circumstances - becomes more attractive to buyers.  13:12-14:15: The necessity of incorporating technology in order to be more attractive to buyers. 16:46-17:41: Reasons why you shouldn’t scale back, and should sell your business at its high point.  

Read the 5-minute summary for this episode and many others at owl.ceo. The OWL (Owner Wisdom Library) turns insights from more than 1,200 Exit Coach Radio interviews into short, practical lessons for business owners on growth, leadership, operations, and exit planning. Janna Hoiberg discusses tips and ideas for Family businesses. This time, we focus on challenges of preparing the business and family members for leadership transition. 

Read the 5-minute summary for this episode and many others at owl.ceo. The OWL (Owner Wisdom Library) turns insights from more than 1,200 Exit Coach Radio interviews into short, practical lessons for business owners on growth, leadership, operations, and exit planning. Brian Kinahan is a business coach who helps CEOs and business owners improve business performance and prepare for an eventual sale or generational transfer. His philosophy: run your business like you're going to sell it, even if you're not.    Questions Asked:    1) Are there steps an owner can take in the short term to increase the selling price of a business?  2) Aside from being ready for the transaction process, how does financial performance affect valuation?  3) What else can an owner do to have a significant impact on the price a buyer will pay for the business?     

Read the 5-minute summary for this episode and many others at owl.ceo. The OWL (Owner Wisdom Library) turns insights from more than 1,200 Exit Coach Radio interviews into short, practical lessons for business owners on growth, leadership, operations, and exit planning. Chuck Blakeman discusses re-evaluating our business structure to maximize efficiency and decision making.     

                Read the 5-minute summary for this episode and many others at owl.ceo. The OWL (Owner Wisdom Library) turns insights from more than 1,200 Exit Coach Radio interviews into short, practical lessons for business owners on growth, leadership, operations, and exit planning.   Quick tips from Tom Gledhill. Transcript: Bill: What are some of the major buyer types of businesses out there? It’s important to understand the differences, here’s Tom Glehill. Tom: Buyer types, that I’ve identified and I use, are: you’ve got your strategic buyers and then you’ve got your sophisticated financial buyers, which are basically pegs and small investment groups. And then you’ve got your lifestyle buyers, which basically are people that are buying a job. The bottom of the heap you’ve got your industrial buyers. Now these are people like you and me perhaps, that run a company and you’re looking for something that you can purchase, an asset you can purchase, and pay at a rock bottom price. And when they come knocking on your door, you have to be very careful. Best thing you can do is get professional help at that point in time, so those are the four buyer’s types that I’ve identified.   

              Read the 5-minute summary for this episode and many others at owl.ceo. The OWL (Owner Wisdom Library) turns insights from more than 1,200 Exit Coach Radio interviews into short, practical lessons for business owners on growth, leadership, operations, and exit planning.   What does it take to build a company culture that improves performance and lasts through change? In this episode of Exit Coach Radio, Bill Black talks with Dr. Kenneth Majer, author, speaker, and consultant, about how values-driven leadership can strengthen corporate culture, improve organizational alignment, and help companies outperform their competition. Ken shares insights from more than 30 years of working with businesses of all sizes on change management, communication, leadership development, and management training. This conversation is especially valuable for business owners, executives, and leadership teams focused on sustainable growth, succession, and long-term enterprise value. Topics include: values-driven culture leadership alignment change management organizational performance business strategy and growth Learn more about Ken Majer: Website: www.kenmajer.com Listen for more conversations on leadership, growth, succession, and exit planning through Exit Coach Radio. Join Bill Black for his weekly humor column at BlackPapers: https://Blackpapers.substack.com #ExitCoachRadio #LeadershipCulture #BusinessGrowth  

              Read the 5-minute summary for this episode and many others at owl.ceo. The OWL (Owner Wisdom Library) turns insights from more than 1,200 Exit Coach Radio interviews into short, practical lessons for business owners on growth, leadership, operations, and exit planning. Morrie Shechtman is a Chairman of Fifth Wave Leadership, a company that deals the Human Capital Consulting. Today, he will discuss the topic of ending mediocrity in business.  Questions Answered:  1) What's the only competitive advantage left?  2) Why do most leaders and their companies underachieve?  3) Why are there no "business problems"? Contact Info:  Website: www.fifthwaveleadership.com Email: [email protected]          

Read the 5-minute summary for this episode and many others at owl.ceo. The OWL (Owner Wisdom Library) turns insights from more than 1,200 Exit Coach Radio interviews into short, practical lessons for business owners on growth, leadership, operations, and exit planning.   TAB is a Peer Advisory Board that brings small groups of business owners together to discuss their most pressing challenges and in turn offer each other advice on how to overcome those challenges. Questions Answered:  1. What are Peer Advisory Boards? 2. How do Peer Advisory Boards help business owners? 3. What are the most common challenges business owners face?       Join Bill Black for his weekly humor column at https://Blackpapers.substack.com    

Read the 5-minute summary for this episode and many others at owl.ceo. The OWL (Owner Wisdom Library) turns insights from more than 1,200 Exit Coach Radio interviews into short, practical lessons for business owners on growth, leadership, operations, and exit planning. What is relationship networking, and why does it make such a difference in both business and career success? In this episode of Exit Coach Radio, Bill Black talks with Michelle Tillis Lederman, author, speaker, communications trainer, executive coach, and CEO of Executive Essentials, about the power of relationship networking and why it matters far beyond simply collecting contacts. Michelle explains how meaningful professional relationships can influence opportunities, trust, collaboration, and long-term results in both business and personal growth. This conversation explores the difference between transactional networking and relationship-based networking. Michelle shares why real connection matters, how professionals can build stronger relationships with more authenticity, and why communication skills play such an important role in creating lasting value. For business owners, executives, and professionals, this discussion offers practical insight into how relationships can open doors, strengthen leadership, and support better outcomes over time. The episode is especially useful for leaders who want to grow their influence, improve communication, and build a network that is rooted in trust rather than simple exchange. It is also relevant for entrepreneurs and professionals looking to strengthen business development, referral relationships, and strategic connections. Topics include: relationship networking professional communication executive coaching business relationship building personal and professional growth Listen for more conversations on leadership, growth, succession, and exit planning through Exit Coach Radio. Join Bill Black for his weekly humor column at BlackPapers: https://Blackpapers.substack.com #ExitCoachRadio #LeadershipDevelopment #RelationshipNetworking        

Read the 5-minute summary for this episode and many others at owl.ceo. The OWL (Owner Wisdom Library) turns insights from more than 1,200 Exit Coach Radio interviews into short, practical lessons for business owners on growth, leadership, operations, and exit planning. What can leaders and teams learn from true survival stories, extreme adversity, and people who succeeded against the odds? In this episode of Exit Coach Radio, Bill Black talks with Jillian Murphy of Vistage and The Syncretics Group about leadership, teamwork, and the surprising business lessons found in compelling real-world adventure and survival stories. Jillian’s work connects the challenges people face at “the edge” with the challenges leaders and teams face in business, helping organizations see pressure, uncertainty, and teamwork in a fresh and memorable way. Jillian shares stories of people who came together under intense circumstances, stayed focused on long-term outcomes, and found ways to overcome seemingly impossible situations. These examples offer more than inspiration. They provide practical lessons in leadership, resilience, creativity, teamwork, and perspective. By looking at survival situations through a business lens, leaders can better understand how teams respond under stress and what it takes to keep moving toward a goal when the path becomes difficult. The conversation also highlights several key ideas that apply directly to business. Jillian discusses how leaders can use short-term wins to support long-term goals, why optimism must be balanced with realism, and how tenacious creativity can help teams perform when conditions are uncertain. She shows how stories from extreme situations can make everyday operational challenges easier to understand and address with more clarity and confidence. This episode is especially valuable for business owners, CEOs, managers, and leadership teams who want to strengthen teamwork, improve perspective under pressure, and become more intentional about how they lead through challenge and change. It is also a strong fit for Vistage-style audiences focused on leadership effectiveness, team development, and long-term strategic thinking. Topics include: leadership under pressure teamwork and resilience long-term goals and short-term wins optimism and realism in leadership creative problem-solving Listen for more conversations on leadership, growth, succession, and exit planning through Exit Coach Radio. Join Bill Black for his weekly humor column at BlackPapers: https://Blackpapers.substack.com #ExitCoachRadio #LeadershipDevelopment #Vistage        

  Read the 5-minute summary for this episode and many others at owl.ceo. The OWL (Owner Wisdom Library) turns insights from more than 1,200 Exit Coach Radio interviews into short, practical lessons for business owners on growth, leadership, operations, and exit planning. What does it take to protect your lifestyle after selling your business, and why should personal financial planning be part of every exit strategy? In this episode of Exit Coach Radio, Bill Black talks with Patrick Carroll of Obsidian Planning Solutions about the personal financial side of exit planning and why it matters so much to business owners preparing for a transition. As an experienced exit planning professional and member of the BEI group of Exit Planners, Patrick helps owners think beyond the transaction itself and focus on what life needs to look like after the sale. Patrick explains why business owners often need another advisor at the table, even when they already have trusted professionals in place. He discusses how different advisors may handle legal, tax, valuation, or operational issues, but not always the full picture of how a sale supports the owner’s personal lifestyle goals. That gap can create risk if the numbers from the business side do not align with the owner’s long-term financial needs. The conversation also covers Patrick’s step-by-step Lifestyle Protector Program and why he created it. He shares practical insight into helping owners define success, understand what they need from a sale, and prepare financially for the years that follow. This episode is especially useful for entrepreneurs, family business owners, and leadership teams who want to make smarter decisions before a sale, succession event, or ownership transition. If you are building an exit plan, this discussion is a strong reminder that a successful transaction is not just about maximizing value. It is also about making sure the outcome supports the life you want to live next. Topics include: post-sale lifestyle planning personal financial readiness exit planning strategy business owner financial goals transition planning Listen for more conversations on leadership, growth, succession, and exit planning through Exit Coach Radio. Join Bill Black for his weekly humor column at BlackPapers: https://Blackpapers.substack.com #ExitCoachRadio #ExitPlanning #FinancialReadiness    

            Read the 5-minute summary for this episode and many others at owl.ceo. The OWL (Owner Wisdom Library) turns insights from more than 1,200 Exit Coach Radio interviews into short, practical lessons for business owners on growth, leadership, operations, and exit planning. What is the owner’s trap, and why do so many business owners end up stuck inside the businesses they worked so hard to build? In this episode of Exit Coach Radio, Bill Black talks with Michael Shea, President of AdviCoach, about one of the most common growth obstacles for privately held companies: the owner’s trap. Michael explains what happens when a business becomes too dependent on the owner’s time, decisions, energy, and problem-solving, and why that dependence can quietly limit growth, reduce freedom, and make the company harder to scale or eventually sell. This conversation explores how owners fall into the trap, often by doing too much themselves, staying too involved in daily operations, or holding onto responsibilities that should be delegated. While many owners genuinely love their businesses and enjoy being deeply involved, Michael explains the downside of spending all of your time and energy in the company instead of building a business that can perform more independently. Over time, that pattern can create bottlenecks, leadership gaps, and burnout, while also reducing the company’s transferable value. Michael also shares practical perspective on how owners can begin to break free. The discussion highlights the importance of delegation, stronger systems, better leadership development, and a more intentional approach to building a company that does not rely on one person for everything. This episode is especially valuable for entrepreneurs, business owners, and CEOs who want to improve performance, regain time, strengthen scalability, and create a healthier path toward growth or future exit. Topics include: the owner’s trap owner dependence in business business scalability delegation and leadership building transferable business value Listen for more conversations on leadership, growth, succession, and exit planning through Exit Coach Radio. Join Bill Black for his weekly humor column at BlackPapers: https://Blackpapers.substack.com #ExitCoachRadio #OwnerReadiness #Vistage    

Read the 5-minute summary for this episode and many others at owl.ceo. The OWL (Owner Wisdom Library) turns insights from more than 1,200 Exit Coach Radio interviews into short, practical lessons for business owners on growth, leadership, operations, and exit planning. What does burnout look like before it becomes a crisis, and what can leaders do to prevent it in themselves and their teams? In this episode of Exit Coach Radio, Bill Black talks with Christina Haxton, Founder and CEO of Sustainable Leadership, Inc., about burnout, stress, engagement, and the leadership habits that help create healthier and more sustainable workplaces. As a licensed marriage and family therapist who worked closely with burned-out executives, Christina brings both clinical insight and practical business relevance to this important conversation. Christina explains how many leaders wait too long to address stress, often taking action only after a wake-up call from a doctor, a loved one, or a serious decline in performance and well-being. Her mission is to help people recognize the warning signs earlier and take proactive steps before burnout reaches a damaging level. In this discussion, she shares five common warning signs of burnout and offers practical ways leaders can improve stress management, connection, and workplace culture. The conversation also highlights the role of leadership in shaping a healthier organization. Christina discusses why disconnection inside a company can increase stress and reduce engagement, and why more cohesive, connected cultures are not only healthier for people but also stronger for business performance and long-term value. This episode is especially valuable for business owners, CEOs, managers, and leadership teams who want to improve employee well-being, reduce burnout risk, strengthen culture, and lead with greater awareness and sustainability. Topics include: burnout warning signs stress management for leaders employee engagement healthy workplace culture sustainable leadership Listen for more conversations on leadership, growth, succession, and exit planning through Exit Coach Radio. Join Bill Black for his weekly humor column at BlackPapers: https://Blackpapers.substack.com #ExitCoachRadio #LeadershipDevelopment #BurnoutPrevention      

Read the 5-minute summary for this episode and many others at owl.ceo. The OWL (Owner Wisdom Library) turns insights from more than 1,200 Exit Coach Radio interviews into short, practical lessons for business owners on growth, leadership, operations, and exit planning. How do you start a business from zero without guessing what the market wants? In this episode of Exit Coach Radio, Bill Black talks with Dane Maxwell, author of Start From Zero and founder of The Foundation, about a different approach to entrepreneurship and business growth. Dane shares why many aspiring entrepreneurs fail by building a product first and hoping customers will show up, and why a more effective strategy is to begin by listening closely to what people actually need and are willing to pay for. Dane explains how his own entrepreneurial journey began with a desire to move beyond traditional employment and build income streams rooted in freedom, purpose, and better opportunity. He has since focused much of his work on helping underdogs and first-time founders start businesses in a more practical and less risky way. His perspective is especially useful for people who want to launch something meaningful but do not want to waste time and money building the wrong solution. This conversation explores a core business principle that remains highly relevant: people buy results, not mechanisms. Dane discusses how entrepreneurs can reduce risk by identifying the outcomes customers truly want, validating demand early, and then creating solutions around those needs. Instead of relying on assumptions, he encourages founders to let the market shape the offer from the beginning. This episode is especially valuable for entrepreneurs, business owners, and aspiring founders who want to create new revenue opportunities, start smarter, and build a business around real demand rather than hope. It is also highly relevant for leaders interested in innovation, market validation, and practical growth strategy. Topics include: starting a business from zero customer-driven entrepreneurship validating market demand reducing startup risk building a business around results Listen for more conversations on leadership, growth, succession, and exit planning through Exit Coach Radio. Join Bill Black for his weekly humor column at BlackPapers: https://Blackpapers.substack.com #ExitCoachRadio #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth  

                      Read the 5-minute summary for this episode and many others at owl.ceo. The OWL (Owner Wisdom Library) turns insights from more than 1,200 Exit Coach Radio interviews into short, practical lessons for business owners on growth, leadership, operations, and exit planning.   Greg Nutter from Soloquent Inc, helps small and mid-sized business owners solve revenue growth problems for companies that sell products or services either through a direct sales force or through a reseller channel. Please share this interview with your Social Media contacts!        

Read the 5-minute summary for this episode and many others at owl.ceo. The OWL (Owner Wisdom Library) turns insights from more than 1,200 Exit Coach Radio interviews into short, practical lessons for business owners on growth, leadership, operations, and exit planning. How much does your health influence your outlook on life, energy, and ability to lead well? In this episode of Exit Coach Radio, Bill Black talks with frequent guest Dr. Jerry Kornfeld about practical health strategies that can help people improve the way they feel, think, and approach life. Drawing on medical insight and a strong ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, Dr. Kornfeld shares information that can help listeners better understand the connection between physical health, mindset, and overall well-being. This conversation explores how small changes in health habits and daily awareness can have a meaningful impact on mood, resilience, and quality of life. Dr. Kornfeld discusses strategies that may help people feel more balanced, more optimistic, and better equipped to handle the demands of business, leadership, and everyday living. His perspective is especially valuable for those who want to be proactive about their health rather than waiting for a bigger problem to force action. For business owners, executives, and professionals, this episode offers a helpful reminder that performance and perspective are closely tied to personal well-being. A stronger outlook does not happen by accident. It often begins with better understanding, healthier choices, and a willingness to pay attention to what the body and mind need. This episode is especially relevant for leaders and lifelong learners who want to improve personal wellness, sustain energy, and bring a healthier mindset into both work and life. Topics include: health and mindset improving outlook on life personal well-being resilience and energy proactive wellness strategies Listen for more conversations on leadership, growth, succession, and exit planning through Exit Coach Radio. Join Bill Black for his weekly humor column at BlackPapers: https://Blackpapers.substack.com #ExitCoachRadio #PersonalWellness #LeadershipDevelopment    

Read the full 5-minute lesson and explore the OWL library at owl.ceo  

Vistage Speaker Julie Anderson of Your Best Mind helps inspire positive changes in her clients by using a scientific approach. After studying psychoneuroimmunology, she created Your Best Mind as a medium to bring this mind-improving information to people of any background. Her work focuses on the science behind the psychology of why we are the way we are. By understanding our brain’s natural tendencies, we can use better practice when communicating.  Julie discusses the notion that we all have different brain personalities and how this can contribute to misunderstandings in the workplace. She urges business owners to look within before identifying problems with the group as a whole. A vast majority of employees don’t feel they are a part of their company. Communication tailored to brain personality may help in succession planning as employees will feel more connected and more likely to stick around. This information is something that could make or break your company over the course of years, don’t miss out on Julie’s interview.    Read the full 5-minute lesson and explore the OWL library at owl.ceo Join Bill Black for his weekly humor column at https://Blackpapers.substack.com    

Read the full 5-minute lesson and explore the OWL library at owl.ceo

              Read the 5-minute summary for this episode and many others at owl.ceo. The OWL (Owner Wisdom Library) turns insights from more than 1,200 Exit Coach Radio interviews into short, practical lessons for business owners on growth, leadership, operations, and exit planning. How can a business owner increase the value of a company before going to market, and what happens when there is a structured process behind that goal? In this episode of Exit Coach Radio, Bill Black talks with Tawnya Gilreath of LA Business Pros about a 12-month Value Driver process designed to help owners improve business value before a sale. Tawnya explains how her team works with business owners to identify weaknesses, strengthen operations, build systems and processes, and improve the factors that buyers look for when evaluating a company. The conversation focuses on a practical question many owners face: should you sell now, or spend time making the business stronger first? Tawnya shares why some owners are too burned out to wait, but why those who can invest a year in value-building work may be able to see a significantly better outcome. She describes how the process is designed to increase the value of the business from its starting valuation and why improving fundamentals can lead to a more attractive and more transferable company. Bill and Tawnya also discuss the financial impact of this approach using a simple example. If a business begins with a value of $2 million, a 30% increase would raise that value to $2.6 million over 12 months. Tawnya explains how her firm stands behind the process and how their guarantee is structured, including a refund of consulting fees if the agreed increase is not fully achieved. That makes this a compelling discussion for owners who want to understand how systems, processes, and preparation can directly affect sale value. This episode is especially relevant for business owners, CEOs, and advisors focused on exit planning, value growth, sale readiness, and improving the marketability of a business before a transition. Topics include: increasing business value before sale exit planning and sale readiness value drivers systems and process improvement transferable business value Listen for more conversations on leadership, growth, succession, and exit planning through Exit Coach Radio. Join Bill Black for his weekly humor column at BlackPapers: https://Blackpapers.substack.com #ExitCoachRadio #BusinessValuation #Vistage  

Read the full 5-minute lesson and explore the OWL library at owl.ceo

                  Most business consequences do not arrive all at once. A shortcut may solve a problem today. A half-truth may smooth over a difficult conversation. A policy exception may feel practical under pressure. But those decisions rarely stay isolated. They shape standards. Teams notice what gets excused. Repeated compromises become habits, and habits become culture. That is why ethics in business is not just about personal integrity. It is an operational issue. Owners teach the organization how to behave through what they allow, justify, and repeat. A useful question before any pressured decision is simple: What does this choice set in motion? That shift helps leaders think beyond the immediate result and consider the longer-term effect on trust, performance, and value. Read the full lesson and access the Action Plan at owl.ceo    

Read the full 5-minute lesson and explore the OWL library at owl.ceo

Read the 5-minute summary for this episode and many others at owl.ceo. The OWL (Owner Wisdom Library) turns insights from more than 1,200 Exit Coach Radio interviews into short, practical lessons for business owners on growth, leadership, operations, and exit planning. What is conversational capacity, and why does it matter so much when teams are under pressure? In this episode of Exit Coach Radio, Bill Black talks with Craig Weber, author of Conversational Capacity: The Secret to Building Successful Teams that Perform When the Pressure is On, about the role communication plays in leadership, management, and teamwork. Craig explains how conversational capacity helps teams stay productive, candid, and balanced during high-stakes discussions, especially when pressure, disagreement, or uncertainty are present. This conversation explores what conversational capacity really means and why it can be so difficult for organizations to build. Craig shares how many teams struggle to maintain open, constructive dialogue when emotions rise or opinions differ, and why that breakdown can damage decision-making, trust, and performance. He also explains what leaders can do to create a healthier communication culture where people are able to speak honestly, listen carefully, and stay engaged without becoming defensive or shutting down. For business owners, executives, managers, and leadership teams, this episode offers practical value around improving team communication, navigating conflict more effectively, and building stronger alignment across the organization. It is especially relevant for leaders who want their teams to perform well not just when things are easy, but when the pressure is on. Topics include: conversational capacity leadership communication team performance under pressure conflict and dialogue management and teamwork Listen for more conversations on leadership, growth, succession, and exit planning through Exit Coach Radio. Join Bill Black for his weekly humor column at BlackPapers: https://Blackpapers.substack.com #ExitCoachRadio #LeadershipDevelopment #Vistage      

              Read the 5-minute summary for this episode and many others at owl.ceo. The OWL (Owner Wisdom Library) turns insights from more than 1,200 Exit Coach Radio interviews into short, practical lessons for business owners on growth, leadership, operations, and exit planning. What makes some teams highly effective while others struggle to gain traction? In this episode of Exit Coach Radio, Bill Black talks with Pam Reyes, Business and Leadership Advisor, about how to build cohesive high-performance teams that work better together, deliver stronger results, and support long-term business success. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience leading cross-functional teams, Pam shares practical insight into what helps teams perform at a higher level and why strengths-based leadership can make such a meaningful difference. This conversation explores how leaders can identify and develop team strengths, improve alignment, and create a more productive workplace culture. Pam explains how cohesive teams can help organizations increase profitability, reduce turnover, and improve collaboration across departments. She also offers perspective on why some teams seem to be firing on all cylinders while others remain stuck in inefficiency, conflict, or inconsistency. This episode is especially valuable for business owners, CEOs, managers, and leadership teams who want to improve team performance, strengthen culture, and create an organization where people can contribute at their best. It is also highly relevant for Vistage-style audiences focused on leadership effectiveness, people strategy, and business growth. Topics include: high-performance teams strengths-based leadership team cohesion employee retention profitability through better teamwork Listen for more conversations on leadership, growth, succession, and exit planning through Exit Coach Radio. Join Bill Black for his weekly humor column at BlackPapers: https://Blackpapers.substack.com #ExitCoachRadio #LeadershipDevelopment #Vistage