#55 James Leslie-Watt - How to Structure Your Business for Success

Welcome back to the Emajin Golf Podcast: Beyond the 19th! In this episode, Raj sits down with James Leslie-Watt, Managing Partner at Corson Fiske Group, for a deep and practical conversation about how business owners can effectively manage risk and future-proof their companies from day one. From his unconventional start in hospitality to building a career spanning law, finance, and advisory, James shares a wealth of experience on what truly makes a business resilient, from getting the right structure in place, to safeguarding intellectual property and planning for a successful exit. He explains why so many founders fall into the trap of poor structuring, missing shareholder agreements, and unprotected IP, and how these oversights can turn into major headaches later. Drawing from real-world examples, James highlights how simple, proactive steps can protect your assets, minimise risk, and set your business up for long-term success. The conversation also delves into the role of AI in advisory and insolvency, how technology is reshaping business operations, and why human insight and empathy still matter most in helping clients navigate financial challenges. Whether you're just starting out or planning your next phase of growth, risk is ever-present. And this episode is full of insights on securing the longevity of your business.