PODCAST · business
Scale to Exit™ with Alejandra Santos
by Alejandra Santos
Are you an aspiring business owner with big dreams and a vision? Then this is your podcast. Alejandra Santos is a seasoned business owner, strategist, Fractional COFO, and Certified Exit Planner who has helped hundreds of businesses scale lean and prepare for an exit. In this podcast, she shares the secret sauce of what makes a business valuable, interviews successful entrepreneurs, and shares mistakes so you can get the roadmap you need to build or scale your company for an exit. Alejandra Santos is the proud owner and CEO of Into the Next Consulting™, The Educated CEO™, Comeverge™, and the Scale to Exit podcast™. Connect with her on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/aalejandrasantos and www.thealejandrasantos.com Is your business truly scale-ready or exit-ready? Discover the answer with our proprietary Scale and Exit Readiness Index™
Episodes
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How to Align Yourself to Your Type of Exit with Alejandra Santos
Not every exit looks like selling your company for millions — and not every founder wants that. In this solo episode, Alejandra Santos breaks down the different types of exits founders and business owners can pursue — from strategic sales and recapitalizations to management buyouts, family...
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Bootstrapped to Exit: How Justin Gray Built, Sold & Now Backs Founders
Serial entrepreneur turned VC, Justin Gray, joins Alejandra to unpack how he built LeadMD from a bedroom idea to $17M in revenue, exited at the top of the market, and why his operator-immersive VC model bets on singles, doubles, and triples, not unicorn lottery tickets. We get tactical on making...
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Turning Big Vision into Real Results: How to Align Your Team Using the Balanced Scorecard with Alejandra Santos
Every founder starts with a vision, but somewhere between the whiteboard and the workday, that vision gets lost in the noise of operations. In this episode, Alejandra Santos breaks down how to use the Balanced Scorecard to turn your vision and mission into a living, breathing strategy that guides...
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From Red Picnic Basket to 6 Locations: How Amy Chinian Is Disrupting Lice Care
In this conversation, Amy shares how an “itchy” crisis during pregnancy led to the creation of a purpose-driven company with six locations, a private-label product line, and thousands of happy families. We cover the real costs of Amazon, why YouTube & micro-influencers are next, how to keep rent...
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Exit Strategy as a Business Strategy for Hiring & Retaining Employees with Alejandra Santos
Exit planning isn’t something you only think about when you’re ready to sell it’s something you build every single day through the choices you make about your team. In this solo episode of Scale to Exit, Alejandra Santos dives deep into why employees are one of the most important and overlooked...
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Preserve the Win: Risk-Smart Wealth Moves Before (and After) Your Exit with Tim Smith
In this Scale to Exit episode, Alejandra Santos delves into a conversation with certified financial advisor and entrepreneur Tim Smith on how to preserve the big win well before a sale and long after the close. Tim unpacks the money misconceptions many owners bring from the boardroom to Wall...
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Get Out of the Way of Your Own Business Success with Alejandra Santos
Scaling a business isn’t just about revenue, funding, or strategy—it’s about clearing the hidden blocks that keep you stuck. In this episode of Scale to Exit, Alejandra Santos breaks down the four biggest invisible barriers that prevent founders from growing and positioning their businesses for...
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From Coas to Cadence with Rachel Losser, How to Keep Your Team Aligned while Scaling.
On this episode of Scale to Exit, Alejandra sits down with Rachel Lasser, Founder & CEO of Lasser Consulting, a project delivery powerhouse serving companies from high-growth SMBs to $1B+ enterprises. Rachel breaks down why “great delivery” is the ultimate growth lever—and how even large...
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Exit Strategy as Business Strategy for Every Day Decision Making with Alejandra Santos
On this solo episode Alejandra Santos shares how to incorporate exit strategy as business strategy for every day decision making. You will learn: 1-How to stop chasing new clients and instead nurture the ones you have 2- How to understand the value each client brings and how to make them come…
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How to Exit your Business Properly if you own Real Estate with Caleb David
In this episode of Scale to Exit, host Alejandra Santos sits down with Caleb David, Commercial Director at Keller Williams and seasoned real estate broker, to explore the hidden side of business exits: your real estate. From negotiating leases to positioning properties for investors, Caleb shares...
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5 Scaling Shifts Every Business Owner Must Make Now with Alejandra Santos
Most business owners hit a ceiling not because the market isn’t there but because they’re stuck working in the business instead of building one that can run, scale, and eventually sell without them. In this solo episode of Scale to Exit, I break down the five critical shifts you need to make to...
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How to Get Out of Your Own Way and Scale Faster with Curtis McCullom
In this conversation with leadership coach and mindset strategist Curtis McCullom, we explore the intersection of neuroscience, sales, and transformation. Curtis shares the core lessons he learned from personal development legends like Tony Robbins, Zig Ziglar, and Jim Rohn, and how he uses those...
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Scaling with Purpose, Exiting with Impact with Colin McIntosh of Sheets & Giggles
In this episode of Scale to Exit, I sit down with the brilliantly bold Colin McIntosh — a serial entrepreneur with an unforgettable sense of humor and a sharp sense of purpose. From launching the viral eucalyptus bedding brand Sheets & Giggles (which scaled to $1M/month in sales in just two…
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The Owner's Delegation Dilemma: How to Detach Without Losing Control with Alejandra Santos
Are you wearing all the hats in your business: rainmaker, operator, decision-maker, and firefighter? If so, you’re not alone, but you are the bottleneck. In this solo episode of Scale to Exit, I dive into what I call the Owner’s Delegation Dilemma, why founders struggle to let go, how it stalls...
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From Bootstraps to Big Brands: Denise Aguilar on Marketing That Converts
In this energizing episode of Scale to Exit, Alejandra sits down with Denise Aguilar, a global marketing strategist, startup advisor, and 2025 honoree of the 40 Under 40 award, to explore the real strategies that drive visibility, revenue, and long-term growth. As a first-generation Afro-Latina...
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Think Like an Investor: Scaling, Acquiring, and Exiting with Saul Cohen
In this episode of Scale to Exit, we’re joined by entrepreneur and investor Saul Cohen, who shares how founders can unlock growth by thinking beyond building and into buying. From navigating non-tech industries to funding acquisitions and preparing for an exit, Saul delivers actionable insight…
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Funding Smarter: How Asset-Based Lending Can Fuel Growth Without Dilution with Marshall Lebovits
In this episode of Scale to Exit, Alejandra sits down with Marshall to unpack the world of non-traditional lending, with a special focus on asset-based lending. Whether you're scaling, stabilizing, or preparing for an exit, understanding how to fund your business without giving up equity is a...
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Know Your Value Gap – Why Your Business Isn’t Worth What You Think with Alejandra Santos
In this solo episode, I dive into one of the most misunderstood but critical topics for any business owner: valuation. You might think your business is worth $5M, but is it really? I’m breaking down what drives business value, the most common gaps between perceived and actual worth, and how to...
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Know Your Valuation, Know Your Why: Scaling Smart in the Climate Economy with Josh Dorfman
In this episode of Scale to Exit, we sit down with Josh Dorfman, sustainability founder and investor, to unpack what it takes to scale mission-driven companies in the climate economy. Josh shares the behind-the-scenes journey of co-founding Planted, a vertically integrated, carbon-negative…
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From Disruption to Exit: Building Brands That Scale with Nicole Collins
In this episode of Scale to Exit, we sit down with beauty industry disruptor and serial entrepreneur Nicole Collins, a powerhouse behind brands like ipsy, YUME, and the revolutionary 213Deli. Nicole shares her journey from being a beauty-obsessed kid in L.A. to co-founding some of the most...
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From Bankruptcy to an 8 Figure Exit: Joyce Marter on Exiting a Purpose Driven Business
What does going from rock bottom to an eight-figure business exit take? In this deeply inspiring episode, psychotherapist and bestselling author Joyce Marter shares her incredible journey from financial ruin to founding and scaling a mental health practice that sold for $8 million. She opens up...
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The Power of the Pivot: Building a Brand That Scales with You with Cheryl Robinson
What do great leaders, successful founders, and magnetic brands share? They master the art of the pivot, and they know how to tell their story. In this episode of Scale to Exit, Dr. Cheryl Robinson, an international speaker, Forbes contributor, and founder of Creative Renegade Media, shares the...
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Seed Fundraising with No Revenue: How to Price Your Round & Get to Yes with Alejandra Santos
Raising your first round with zero revenue? This episode is your roadmap. I’m breaking down what investors care about at the seed stage, how to justify your valuation without numbers, and the one mistake that could ruin your next round before it starts. Raising capital before you’ve made your…
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The Freedom Threshold: Scaling Wealth, Leadership & Legacy with Jeff Socha
What does it really mean to scale your business and wealth with intention? In this episode, Alejandra sits down with Harvard tax strategist and elite financial advisor Jeff Socha to unpack the mindset, strategy, and structure behind building a life and a business that thrives beyond your...
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Exit Smart: M&A Strategies, Buyer Types, and Building a Sellable Business with Jonathan Wilson
You don’t build a business to run it forever — you make it so someone wants to buy it. In this episode of Scale to Exit, we sit down with Jonathan Wilson, a licensed investment banker, M&A advisor, and founder of Dubb Value Creation, to discuss preparing for a successful business exit. We dive...
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"Rewiring the Startup Ecosystem: Inclusive Capital, Climate Innovation, and the Future of Venture with Juliana Garaiza
In this powerhouse episode, we sit down with Juliana Garaizar, Founding Partner of Energy Tech Nexus and a trailblazing force in inclusive investing, to explore the shifting landscape of startup funding. From breaking down the flaws in the traditional VC model to championing underrepresented...
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Are You Building Value or Killing It? How Talent Strategy Impacts Your Exit
Is your workforce strategy setting your business up for a successful exit, or silently killing its value? In this episode of Scale to Exit, we sit down with Edie Goldberg, Ph.D., a nationally recognized expert in talent strategy and the future of work. Edie shares powerful insights from her books...
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Why People Buy: The Power of Human Connection in Sales with Sha Nacino
In this powerful episode of Scale to Exit, Alejandra Santos sits down with Sha Nacino to break down the real reason people say yes in business—it’s not logic, it’s connection. Discover how empathy, authenticity, and simply making people feel understood can instantly shift your sales outcomes....
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CEO at 20, COO by 24: Victoria Pelletier on Buying Businesses and Leading with EQ
What does becoming a CEO at 20 and a COO by 24 take? For Victoria Pelletier, it’s grit, strategy, and a serious dose of emotional intelligence. In this episode of Scale to Exit, we dive into her journey through mergers and acquisitions—on both sides of the table—and what she looks for in a…
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Rebrand or Be Replaced: Patrice Williams-Lindo on Thriving in a Modern Work Jungle
Is your business having an identity crisis? Patrice Williams-Lindo, CEO of Career Nomad, joins Scale to Exit to talk surviving economic curveballs, rebranding like a pro, and her RNA Framework (no, not that RNA—we’re not in bio class). From mindset shifts to mastering digital skills, this episode...
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Beyond Product-Market Fit: Peter Cohan’s Value Pyramid for Strategic Growth
Product-market fit is just the beginning. In this episode, I’m joined by Peter Cohan—author, investor, and creator of the Value Pyramid—to explore what it takes to grow a business built to last. We explore the layers of the Value Pyramid and how founders can climb from basic survival to sustained...
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Why Timing Matters: 2025 M&A Trends to Know Prior to Exiting your Business with Alejandra Santos
Thinking about selling your business or going public? In this episode, I break down 2025 M&A and IPO trends — and why the timing of your exit could make or break your deal. We will also cover what every founder should be doing now to prepare. Don’t miss this. You can connect with Alejandra…
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From Startup Exit to Impact: Sofia Castillo on Tech, Leadership & Empowering Guatemala
In this episode, we sit down with Sofia Castillo, a Guatemalan innovator and entrepreneur recognized as one of Forbes' Top 100 Powerful Women in Central America. Sofia shares her journey from founding her first tech startup without knowing exits were possible to her current venture…
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Value Acceleration Strategies & Future-Proofing Your Business with Justin Goodbread
In this episode of Scale to Exit, I sit down with Justin Goodbread to discuss value acceleration strategies—what they are, why they matter, and how business owners can implement them to maximize their companies' worth. We tackle overcoming doubts that hold entrepreneurs back, shifting from…
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Scale To Exit with Cherrise Curtis: Navigating Tariffs, Bootstrapping and Expanding for an Exit
In this episode of Scale to Exit, we sit down with Cherrisse Curtis to discuss the impact of tariffs and trade agreements on businesses, the pros and cons of bootstrapping versus fundraising, and key strategies for scaling a company toward a successful exit. Whether you're an entrepreneur…
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Maximize Your Business Value Before You Sell: Don’t Let PE Firms Take Your Profits
In this episode of Scale to Exit, we explore why waiting for a private equity (PE) firm to increase your business value after an exit is a costly mistake. Learn how to take control of your business’s value before you sell so you can walk away with a higher payday. I’ll break down the key drivers…
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Navigating the VC Landscape with Sarah Romanko: Her Inspiring Journey into VC as a Woman and Fundraising Tips for Founders
In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Romanko to explore her inspiring journey as a woman in the world of venture capital. Sarah shares valuable lessons from her career, offering a candid look at what to do—and what to avoid—when fundraising. Whether you're a startup founder looking to make your...
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From Fear of Failure to Fear of Success: Embracing Your Why with Tradara McLaurine
Tradara McLaurine joins us for an inspiring conversation about redefining success, overcoming self-imposed limits, and aligning with your “why.” She shares her personal shift from fearing failure to facing the complexities of fearing success and the ways that mindset can hold us back. We dive…
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Unlocking M&A Success: Scaling, Exiting, and Understanding Why the Right Type of Buyer is the Most Critical Decision You Will Make
In this episode, we sit down with David H. Crean, a seasoned mergers and acquisitions (M&A) expert, to explore the intricacies of scaling your business and positioning it for a successful exit. David shares valuable insights into the various types of buyers in the market—from strategic to…
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Leading with Emotional Intelligence: Transition Your Business to a New Buyer with Sandra White"
In this episode, I sit down with Sandra White, an Internationally Certified Master Mindset Coach and expert in Emotional Intelligence (EQ), to dive into the power of emotional intelligence in leadership and how it can transform how you run your business. We explore the concept of 'Transitioning'...
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Setting up your business infrastructure for an exit with Barbara Weltman
In this episode of Scale to Exit, host Alejandra Santos and Barbara Weltman dive into the crucial steps business owners should take from the beginning to prepare for a successful exit. They explore common challenges entrepreneurs face when scaling their businesses and how to overcome them. The...
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Healing for Success: How Personal Development Drives Business Valuation with Mark Mostaed
In this episode of Scale to Exit, we dive deep into the power of personal healing and development with Mark Mostaed. We explore how healing yourself is essential for making your dreams a reality and attracting the right relationships—both in your personal life and business. Mark shares his…
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The Team and Company's Culture Will Either Make or Break Your Business Valuation
In this episode of Scale to Exit, we explore how strong leadership and a positive organizational culture can significantly impact the value of your business as you prepare for an exit. We use Simon Sinek's "Leaders Eat Last" as a reference to becoming a strong leader who prioritizes their team.…
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Episode 2: Scaling Smarter part 1: "Laying the Groundwork for Scalable Success"
In this episode of Scale to Exit, we’re getting into the nitty-gritty of building a rock-solid foundation for scaling your business without losing your sanity or sacrificing quality. We start by exploring why it begins with you, the leader, and how your mindset and personal growth set the tone…
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Scale to Exit Episode 1: Introduction and Different Types of Buyers
Welcome to this fantastic community of scale-to-exit entrepreneurs. This is the platform where you will gain valuable insights, tools, and stories to help you propel forward. Our journey begins with a personal introduction from Alejandra Santos. She'll share her career, her scaling mistakes, and...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Are you an aspiring business owner with big dreams and a vision? Then this is your podcast. Alejandra Santos is a seasoned business owner, strategist, Fractional COFO, and Certified Exit Planner who has helped hundreds of businesses scale lean and prepare for an exit. In this podcast, she shares the secret sauce of what makes a business valuable, interviews successful entrepreneurs, and shares mistakes so you can get the roadmap you need to build or scale your company for an exit.
Alejandra Santos is the proud owner and CEO of Into the Next Consulting™, The Educated CEO™, Comeverge™, and the Scale to Exit podcast™.
Connect with her on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/aalejandrasantos and www.thealejandrasantos.com
Is your business truly scale-ready or exit-ready? Discover the answer with our proprietary Scale and Exit Readiness Index™
HOSTED BY
Alejandra Santos
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Scale to Exit™ with Alejandra Santos have?
Scale to Exit™ with Alejandra Santos currently has 45 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Scale to Exit™ with Alejandra Santos about?
Are you an aspiring business owner with big dreams and a vision? Then this is your podcast. Alejandra Santos is a seasoned business owner, strategist, Fractional COFO, and Certified Exit Planner who has helped hundreds of businesses scale lean and prepare for an exit. In this podcast, she shares...
How often does Scale to Exit™ with Alejandra Santos release new episodes?
Scale to Exit™ with Alejandra Santos has 45 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Scale to Exit™ with Alejandra Santos?
You can listen to Scale to Exit™ with Alejandra Santos on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Scale to Exit™ with Alejandra Santos?
Scale to Exit™ with Alejandra Santos is created and hosted by Alejandra Santos.
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