Excuse Me Sir?

What happens when you’ve worked inside the world’s most powerful brands --- and decide to step outside the system entirely?In this episode of Excuse Me Sir, Lacey sits down with Perry, former brand operator for Paris Hilton, Airbnb, and Tinder, to unpack what she learned working inside globally influential brands and why she ultimately chose to build her own.This isn’t a conversation about marketing tactics or brand aesthetics.It’s a conversation about who owns the narrative, how power actually moves behind the scenes, and what happens when women stop building “on brand” and start building with intent, leverage, and continuity.We explore:- What it’s really like working inside iconic, culture-shaping brands- How narrative control creates power (and who usually benefits from it)- The invisible cost of being an operator inside someone else’s vision- The shift from building brands for others to building a life on her own terms- Where wellness, identity, and ownership intersect for modern womenThis episode is for women who’ve done everything “right” — built the résumé, worked with the big names, played the game — and are now asking a deeper question: What am I actually building… and who does it belong to?MORE ABOUT PERRY HOWELLPerry Howell is a wellness entrepreneur, media creator, and marketing leader building scalable wellness programs and experiences at the intersection of community, content, and mindful living.With over a decade of experience leading global brand strategy for companies including HBO, SiriusXM, Tinder, and Paris Hilton’s 11:11 Media, Perry has been recognized on Adweek New York’s Future Is Female list for her innovation, impact, and leadership in modern media and marketing. Globally educated at The London School of Economics, Miami University, and The University of Sydney, Perry holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and a Master of Business Administration. Perry is the founder of Pilates Gang, a wellness events and media platform that blends movement, community, and culture through signature pilates experiences, curated wellness partnerships, and pop-ups hosted in collaboration with leading studios. Pilates Gang reimagines boutique fitness as a scalable, community-driven wellness experience.She is also the host and creator of Core & Commerce, a wellness and business media platform exploring how modern wellness brands grow, evolve, and reach wider audiences. Through podcast conversations, behind-the-scenes content, and industry insights, Perry sits down with founders, executives, and creatives shaping the future of wellness, fitness, and mindful entrepreneurship.Through her platforms, Perry helps wellness brands, studios, and organizations think bigger about how they show up, turning events, content, and programs into scalable media experiences that drive connection, visibility, and long-term impact.FIND PERRY HERE Website - http://www.perryhowell.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/perryhowell/Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/perrymhowell/

What if the biggest thing holding women back from building generational wealth through M&A isn’t capital — but access to the right conversations, networks, and legal strategy?In this episode of Excuse Me Sir, Lacey Madison sits down with Leslee Cohen, founder of All Rise Lawyers and one of the most experienced women in M&A and corporate law, to dismantle the myths, power dynamics, and quiet deal-killers that disproportionately affect women buyers and sellers.From Wall Street boardrooms to lower middle market deals, Leslee has seen it all — and in this conversation, she breaks down:why women are often less prepared for transactions (even when they’re more capable),how legal strategy can either protect or destroy a deal, andwhat women must start doing differently if they want real leverage, control, and continuity.This is not a surface-level conversation about “confidence.”This is a practical, tactical, and deeply honest walkthrough of the M&A process — from LOI to closing — through a female lens.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by legal, intimidated by deal-making, or unsure how to protect yourself while still honouring relationships — this episode is required listening.----------------ABOUT THE GUEST Leslee Cohen is the founder and Managing Partner of AllRise Legal Counsel.  AllRise concentrates its transactional practice in securities and startup law, corporate finance, technology law, mergers and acquisitions and general corporate law. It represents clients across many industries from consumer products to technology companies to healthcare businesses to real estate firms.Leslee started her practice at a Wall Street firm in 1992, spent 13 years honing her skills at a large firm based in Chicago and left to form AllRise in 2010.  AllRise was founded on Leslee’s desire to work with earlier stage and smaller businesses.  Each of its attorneys is big firm trained and experienced.Leslee has been named by Illinois Super Lawyers as a Top 100 Lawyers in the State of Illinois and Top 50 Women Lawyers in the State of Illinois, corporate finance and securities, every year since 2010, a Leading Lawyer in mergers & acquisitions, securities and venture finance every year since 2007, the Advocate of the Year by the Small Business Advocacy Council in 2019, an Enterprising Woman of the Year by Enterprising Women Magazine in 2023 and an Entreprenista Top 100 in 2024.  She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Small Business Advocacy Council, a co-founder of the Coalition of Women’s Initiatives in Law, a speaker and mentor for the Good Food Accelerator, the Hatchery, LegalPad, the Founders Institute and Workbox, and involved with the Chicago Job Creators Grant organization and GirlCon, which supports high school girls interested in careers in technology. Leslee received her B.A. from the University of Michigan and her J.D. from New York University School of Law. 📍 Learn more: www.allriselawyers.com🔗 Connect: LinkedIn-----------------KEY TAKEAWAYSM&A is not transactional — it’s relational...But relationships do not replace legal protection.Women are not risk-averse — they’re risk-aware...The problem is being socialised to prioritise harmony over leverage.The LOI is where power is set....If you get this wrong, everything downstream becomes harder and more expensive.Lawyers should support deals — not dominate them...The best outcomes happen when business owners stay actively involved.Lifestyle buying limits generational outcomes...Scale, add-ons, and strategic thinking change the game.

Most women aren’t “risk-averse.” They’re risk-aware and often risk-accurate. But there’s a third category nobody talks about: risk-stalled.In this episode, Lacey breaks down why the internet debate about women and risk misses the real problem: time-to-action. She explains how women’s diligence and caution can produce better outcomes after a decision is made but how identity readiness, perceived legitimacy, and the search for certainty can quietly delay action for months or years.In M&A, time isn’t passive... it changes valuations, multiples, deal availability, and your financial future.If you’ve been thinking about buying a business for 3 to 24+ months without taking action, this episode is your wake-up call and your next step.Primary TakeawaysWomen aren’t too risk-averse for M&A. The bigger problem is risk stagnation.Most research measures results after decisions but ignores the time it takes women to feel “allowed” to decide.There are three risk buckets:Risk-averse: avoids risk altogetherRisk-aware/accurate: evaluates risk and moves with itRisk-stalled: hyper-aware of downside → rumination → no actionMen pay for mistakes. Women pay for waiting.In M&A, time changes the market: multiples rise, deal costs increase, opportunity shrinks.Women often tie worth to income, not ownership — but generational wealth comes from equity and assets.You don’t need more information — you need guidance, proximity, and a decision container.Ownership is something you can enter, not something you must earn.The goal is to shorten the gap between: “I’ve thought about it” → “I took action.”Episode Timeline (Suggested Timestamps)00:00 — Closing hook: risk awareness vs risk stagnation + “Be the first”00:41 — Episode intent: from “am I ready?” to “what’s my next step?”01:15 — The online debate: risk-averse vs risk-aware02:16 — Risk aware → risk accurate: diligence, diversification, calibration03:10 — Couples + ego motivations: safety nets vs status chasing03:50 — Investing study: men trade more, underperform; women hold and win04:35 — Why women stabilise markets: diligence reduces hype-driven volatility06:31 — The missing variable: identity readiness + legitimacy + time-to-decision08:49 — The 3 buckets: risk averse / aware / stalled11:07 — The real problem: information threshold + “earn vs enter” ownership13:17 — The cost of delay: multiples rise, purchase prices increase15:35 — The takeaway: shorten time between thought and action17:00 — CTA: if you’ve been stuck 3–24 months, book the call17:51 — Outro: reviews + where to find LaceyPrimary Keywordspsychology of becoming a buyerwomen and risk tolerancewomen in M&Abuying a business mindsetinvestor mindset for womenacquisition readinessgenerational wealth for womenrisk stagnationrisk awareness vs risk aversionSecondary Keywordsfemale founders investingwomen building wealth through ownershipbusiness acquisition strategyM&A mindset shifttime-to-decision gender gapdecision paralysis entrepreneurshipdeal multiples EBITDAbuyer vs founder identityhow to think like a buyerIf you’ve been thinking about buying a business for 3 to 24+ months and still haven’t taken action — your next step is simple: talk to someone who can contain the decision.📍 Book a call with Lacey📍 Follow on Instagram: @laceymadison_⭐ Leave a review (not just stars leave a comment so we can improve + shape guests)

What if you could shortcut a decade of trial, error, and startup hustle and step directly into new ownership in a fraction of the time? In this episode, we unveil the 8-step blueprint for how female founders can build generational wealth through mergers & acquisitions.From shifting your identity from founder to capital allocator, to structuring deals that protect your legacy, this episode breaks down how women can use M&A to create lasting economic power, not just for themselves, but for their families, communities, and futures.Whether you're acquisition-curious or ready to make your first offer, this is the roadmap no one ever gave you.Key TakeawaysOwnership > Hustle: Generational wealth doesn’t come from grinding; it comes from equity and continuity.Your First Acquisition Is a Wealth Engine: Stabilise, optimise, then stack.Cash Flow Is Your Compounding Fuel: Buy businesses that pay you, fund your next move, and survive without your daily hustle.Women Are Matriarchs of Capital: You can use acquisitions to fund not just your lifestyle, but your lineage.Continuity Capitalism Is the New Playbook: Build wealth by inheriting and improving, not always starting over.💬 Loved this episode? Share your favourite step on IG/LinkedIn and tag us🎧 Coming next: Deal Structuring 101: How to Buy a Business Without $100K in the Bank--------women in business, acquisitions, generational wealth, capital allocation, female entrepreneurs, business buying, investment strategies, wealth building, M&A, financial empowerment

In this episode of the Excuse Me, Sir podcast, Lacey Madison discusses the critical importance of ownership for women in today's socio-economic landscape. The conversation explores the socio-economic arguments for women's ownership, the impact of women in business on workplace culture, and the mindset shift required to embrace ownership. Lacey also contrasts the benefits of acquiring existing businesses versus starting new ones from scratch, highlighting the advantages of established operations and the potential for accelerated growth. TakeawaysThis is your ownership era, focusing on power and wealth.Women need to engage in business acquisitions.Ownership is crucial for closing the wealth gap.Women are underrepresented in business ownership and revenue.Acquisitions can reduce time and risk in business growth.Women reinvest more into their communities than men.Ownership reshapes workplace culture and employee treatment.Caution in business decisions can lead to better outcomes.The current wealth transfer presents a unique opportunity for women.Cultural attitudes towards women in wealth are changing.Chapters00:00 Welcome to the New Era01:30 The Importance of Ownership for Women05:33 Socio-Economic Arguments for Women's Ownership07:36 Closing the Wealth Gap through Acquisitions11:01 The Greatest Wealth Transfer in History14:17 The Impact of Women in Business Ownership18:18 Changing Workplace Culture through Ownership20:08 The Importance of Ownership in Economic Power24:25 Acquisitions vs. Startups: A Safer Path to Success32:22 Mindset Shift: Embracing Ownership and Investment37:04 Cultural Shifts: Women Redefining Wealth and Capitalism

In this podcast episode I am walking you through How to Play the Long Game Like a Capital Strategist! Don't make the same mistakes as everyone else that is keeping them broke...think differently, move differently, build differently.

In this conversation, Lacey discusses the critical decision-making process for founders regarding whether to pivot their business strategies or remain patient and consistent. She emphasizes the importance of understanding market dynamics, consumer behavior, and the need for small refinements rather than drastic changes. Lacey provides tactical questions to help entrepreneurs assess their strategies and highlights the significance of building trust through consistency in messaging and offerings. The conversation serves as a guide for founders to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship, especially in challenging market conditions.TakeawaysFounders often struggle with the decision to pivot or stay patient.Chasing short-term wins can hinder long-term success.Small refinements can lead to significant results.Frequent pivots can damage audience trust and credibility.Understanding market dynamics is crucial for decision-making.Emotional resilience is key in navigating business challenges.Data-driven decisions are more effective than fear-based ones.Creative fatigue can be mistaken for misalignment.Consistency in messaging builds consumer trust.Patience and optimization are essential for sustainable growth.Keywordsbusiness strategy, pivoting, patience, consistency, market dynamics, decision making, creative fatigue, trust, entrepreneurship, growthWANT MORE OF LACEY?FOLLOW LACEY ON IG. HERE. WORK WITH US HERE.

In this season-opening episode, Lacey takes you behind the scenes of what it really means to have built a billion-dollar career portfolio — and why that number doesn’t impress her nearly as much as you’d think.She also shares the very human evolution that led her to walk away from the “guru” archetype — and instead, stand as a guide for the women rewriting the rules of business.This is the episode where we lay it all down with what this new season of the podcast is here to actually give youSpoiler: it's not just more noise, it’s clarity, proximity, depth, and transformation for female founders ready to build the kind of businesses that don’t break when you grow.If you’ve ever looked at someone “successful” and wondered what’s really going on behind the highlight reel, this is the one to press play on.🎧 Welcome to your next era. Let’s begin.WANT MORE?Follow Lacey on Instagram ⁠HERE⁠.Work with Us HERE.

This is the episode you didn’t know you needed. Today, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing the real strategies, habits, and mindset shifts that helped me build not just one but THREE multi-million dollar companies—all before turning 23. No fluff. No sugar-coating. Just raw, actionable takeaways from the trenches of entrepreneurship. From the decisions that skyrocketed my growth to the unconventional moves that made the biggest impact, this episode is packed with 50 game-changing insights you can take and run with today. Whether you’re building your first 6-figure business, scaling to 7 figures, or just dreaming bigger for 2025, this episode is designed to:👉 Show you what’s possible when you move differently.👉 Challenge the way you think about leadership, sales, and scaling.👉 Give you specific actions to implement right now to grow your business. If you’ve been searching for clarity, inspiration, or just a roadmap to build something extraordinary, you’ve found it. Get ready to learn:✨ The mindset shifts that make or break successful entrepreneurs.✨ The systems and structures I relied on to scale faster and smarter.✨ Why it’s not about working harder—it’s about working differently. Press play, grab your notebook, and let’s make 2025 the year you build the business you’ve always dreamed of. JOIN SBA MASTERMIND HERE. ( GROWTH & SCALING TO MULTI 6,7,8 FIGURES ) JOIN SBA MINIMIND HERE. ( FOUNDATIONS FOCUS )

In this game-changing episode, we’re flipping the script on the end-of-year grind. December isn’t about cranking out deliverables—it’s about setting yourself up for unparalleled growth in 2025. I’m walking you step-by-step through a comprehensive business audit designed to help you identify the bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and blind spots holding you back. Whether you’re navigating inconsistent sales, overwhelmed by day-to-day tasks, or feeling disconnected from your big vision, this episode will give you the clarity, confidence, and strategy you need to move into the new year with power and precision. What You’ll Learn: Why slowing down now accelerates your growth later. The exact steps to audit every area of your business (think: sales, marketing, operations, leadership, and more). The mindset shifts and strategies required to step into your CEO role and scale with confidence. Why the CONTROL training is your secret weapon for closing out 2024 strong and making daily sales your norm in 2025. If you’re ready to lead, scale, and dominate 2025, this episode is your starting point. PODCAST BREAKDOWN Why December is not the time to push harder—it’s the time to prepare smarter. The importance of slowing down to speed up. Overview of the Extract, Pioneer, Activate, Convert methodology. How this framework helps you identify what’s holding you back and create a plan to overcome it. The Step-by-Step Business Audit How to identify which issues to tackle first. The impact of focusing on revenue, time, and energy priorities. WANT TO FIX YOUR SALES & MARKETING LEAKS?? GRAB CONTROL FOR JUST $33 + THE BONUS TRAININGS FOR JUST $47 I want to invite you to take this momentum and turn it into action with my CONTROL Training. If inconsistent sales, ghosting leads, or handling objections are keeping you stuck, this is the exact process I’ve used to help founders create daily, predictable revenue without burning out. CONTROL isn’t just another sales framework—it’s the step-by-step method to master your sales skills, close clients with confidence, and build a system that scales beyond you. 🎯 Here’s what you’ll learn: The 5-part process to take a lead from inquiry to close. How to diagnose sales process leaks and fix them fast. The secrets to keeping your buyer engaged throughout the entire process. If you’re ready to fix your sales bottlenecks and make 2025 the year of unstoppable growth grab CONTROL + THE TRAININGS FOR JUST $80 TODAY

In this weeks episode we are joined by the Wonderful Danielle Willaims, Talking about how the metrics we currently use for M&A success are the reason most Large Enterprise M&As fail....yet...SMBs usually do it right... People are at the heart of Post Acquisition, Integration Success. And today we unpack HOW YOU can leverage Danielle's Principles to make your next acquisition, one that sticks. MORE OF DANIELLE - Follow Danielle on Linkedin HERE. Follow Danielle on IG HERE. MORE OF LACEY & SIR. VENTURES™ - Join the ICYMI Newsletter Straight to your inbox Each Week HERE. SIR. VENTURES READY FOR INVESTMENT OR EQUITY BASED ADVISORY?   SIR. BUSINESS ACADEMY™ YOUR BLUEPRINT TO BUSINESS MASTERY & SCALABLE SUCCESS The First Angel Aligned Community, Social House & Incubator Series giving female founders the unfair advantage they need to build, grow, scale and sell conglomerate companies.   VENTURA™ WANT TO FOLLOW THE JOURNEY? JOIN THE WAITLIST

In this weeks SOLO episode...I know...just me today! We are diving into some top-of-mind thoughts and ramblings that have been coming up for me while building my 5th company Ventura™ and thoughts that have been coming up alot for clients to. We are diving into all things mental resilience & toughness, remaining agile and leaning on our networks to overcome adversity and unexpected challenges in entrepreneurship. Drop the hardest thing you went through in business and how you got through it in the comments below!! JOIN THE WRITTEN ICYMI STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX HERE. SIR. VENTURES READY FOR INVESTMENT OR EQUITY-BASED ADVISORY? SIR. BUSINESS ACADEMY™ YOUR BLUEPRINT TO BUSINESS MASTERY & SCALABLE SUCCESS - The First Angel Aligned Community, Social House & Incubator Series giving female founders the unfair advantage they need to build, grow, scale and sell conglomerate companies. VENTURA™ WANT TO FOLLOW THE JOURNEY? JOIN THE WAITLIST ⁠ JOIN THE NEW VENTURA LISTINGS HERE.⁠

Join my Dear Friend and I, Jen Hartman in today's episodes where you get front-row seats to learn from the real hard truths, lessons and insights Jen had to go through while attempting to acquire her first Comapny. Founder of Neat the Agency, a Marketing, PR & Creative Agency that has partnered with over 280+ Startups & Fortune 500 Companies...Jen is hell-bent on taking NEAT to the next level and plans on leveraging Acquisitions to fuel the companies growth, serve their clients or deeply and aid her in her efforts to building a Billion Dollar Company. WANT MORE OF JEN? FIND HER ON INSTAGRAM HERE. FIND HER ON LINKEDIN HERE. WANT MORE OF LACEY & THE EXCUSE ME SIR. TEAM? JOIN THE WRITTEN ICYMI STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX HERE. SIR. VENTURES READY FOR INVESTMENT OR EQUITY-BASED ADVISORY? SIR. BUSINESS ACADEMY™ YOUR BLUEPRINT TO BUSINESS MASTERY & SCALABLE SUCCESS VENTURA™ WANT TO FOLLOW THE JOURNEY? JOIN THE WAITLIST

Candy Kemp is a Serial Entrepreneur, Mama of 4 and a tenacious founder who has been starting, building, growing, scaling and selling companies for over the last decade in some of the most unconventional ways. Candy reminds us all of how simple building & selling businesses can me when you let it, she truly believes you can have it all and today through the lens of her latest company @SUPPLE SKIN CO's acquisition, she is giving you the tell-all. Want more of Candy? Tune into her Podcast HERE. Follow her on Instagram HERE. Find ways to work with Candy HERE. WANT MORE OF LACEY & SIR.? FOLLOW THE HOST LACEY HERE. SEEKING FUNDING? A NEW ADVISOR OR A BOARD MEMBER? HERE. WANT TO LEARN HOW TO BUILD, GROW, SCALE AND SELL COMPANIES FOR JUST $99/M ( NO LOCK IN? ) HERE.

Welcome back to the "Excuse Me Sir." podcast! In our highly anticipated comeback episode, host Lacey Madison kicks off the new season with a powerful discussion on the evolving landscape of female entrepreneurship. Join us as we dive into the latest trends shaping the business world in 2023-2024, explore key statistics, and share inspiring success stories of women who are redefining what it means to be part of the elite 1%. Lacey also provides an insightful forecast on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for female founders in 2024. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why we are making a comeback What has changed since our last Season + What you can Expect Key statistics highlighting the growth and influence of women-owned businesses. An in-depth look at the hurdles female entrepreneurs face and the incredible opportunities available for growth and innovation. Tune in for a mix of unfiltered stories, strategic insights, and bold conversations that will empower you to lead, innovate, and thrive. This episode sets the stage for an exciting season ahead, filled with practical advice and transformative insights. Let’s reinvent the game together! Subscribe, listen, and join the movement today! FIND US ON INSTAGRAM THE HOST - https://www.instagram.com/laceymadison_ SIR. VENTURES™ - https://www.instagram.com/sir.ventures SUBSCRIBE TO THE FREE ICYMI NEWSLETTER HERE.