Dreamcatchers

The greatest risk to your business exit is relational. When you exit your business, it’s not just a transaction. It is an emotional shift that can ripple through your marriage, your family, and your identity. In this episode, Jerome Myers speaks with Ruschelle Khanna, psychotherapist and author of Inherited Trauma and Family Wealth, about the emotional complexity of exiting a business and why unspoken dynamics can quietly sabotage even the best-laid plans. Listen now to discover how to protect both your legacy and your relationships. [00:00 – 13:00] Exit as Emotional Death Why a business exit mirrors grief and identity loss Common signs of resistance: sabotage, denial, and clinging to control The emotional weight on both the exiting founder and the heir [13:01 – 26:00] Marriage, Misalignment, and Mutual Resentment How exits reveal cracks in communication and shared meaning What Gottman’s 7 Principles reveal about post-exit stress Why many spouses feel excluded, even when they say t

The biggest threat to your family business is the unspoken tension inside your family. Jerome Myers talks with Amy Wirtz, senior consultant at The Family Business Consulting Group and Exit Planner of the Year, about navigating family succession with clarity and compassion. With deep experience as a lawyer, mediator, and strategist, Amy offers real-world wisdom for business owners struggling to pass the torch without burning bridges. Listen now for frameworks that demystify legacy, reveal blind spots, and offer new ways forward. [00:00 – 12:00] Family Businesses Aren’t Broken Why family businesses matter more than you think The emotional dream behind succession What sparks (and delays) transition planning Owners think about it long before they talk about it Outside advisors often prompt the first move [12:01 – 24:00] Power, Voice, and Money Ownership is power Equal shares ≠ equal results Gifting vs earning the business Who gets to vote, who gets a say When silence c

What happens when the finish line finally arrives, only to leave you asking, What now? Jerome Myers talks with Tad Fallows, founder of Long Angle, about building and selling a company on his terms and the surprising challenges of life after the deal. They reveal the truth about “work optional” wealth, finding meaning beyond money, and what comes after you win. Listen now to uncover life after success. [00:00 – 12:00] From Harvard to High Growth Tad’s unconventional path from Ivy League to McKinsey to co-founding a SaaS company in an unlikely market Why early success is more about relationships than résumés How bootstrapping through the 2008 downturn shaped his approach to risk [12:01 – 24:00] Scaling Without Selling Out Growing 40–50% every year without venture capital Why an unsolicited offer wasn’t enough to pull the trigger How a year of preparation expanded their market story and increased exit value [24:01 – 36:00] The Exit on His Terms Choosing the rig

You built it. You exited. Now what? In this raw and revelatory solo episode, Jerome Myers introduces the Founder’s Trauma Tree:  a framework that exposes the emotional crash most Apex performers aren’t prepared for after the exit. Through the real-life story of James, a founder who spiraled into anxiety six months after his 8-figure win, Jerome reveals why success doesn't silence inner wounds; it amplifies them. And more importantly, how you can begin to heal. There’s a story beneath your success:  one about pressure, pain, and the parts of you that never got to breathe. This is where healing begins. Success checked every box, but something still feels off? This is the conversation that explains why. [00:00 – 04:30] When Success Feels Like Collapse The post-exit silence no one prepares you for Why founders often mistake trauma symptoms for personality Introducing the Founder’s Exit Paradox [04:31 – 08:00] The Founder’s Trauma Tree PTSD, anxiety, addiction: what lies beneath

What happens when the success you’ve chased your whole life finally shows up, and it doesn’t feel like enough? In this thought-provoking episode, Jerome Myers talks with Calvin Correli, founder of Simplero and long-time spiritual explorer, about what comes after the exit. They talk through the emotional crash that can follow financial success, why most people are secretly afraid of feeling safe, and how founders can stop waiting for money to permit them to feel fulfilled. This episode is about more than business. It’s about learning how to live well, right now. Listen in and start rewriting the story you’ve been living by. [00:00 – 12:00] The $300M Moment That Didn’t Fix Anything The email that started it all: a founder with a $300M offer and deep unhappiness Why the usual playbook of success stops working after a big win How entrepreneurship often reflects our search for something deeper [12:01 – 24:00] Hidden Fears and Emotional Shortcuts Why do people put off feeling the w

Most high achievers are dangerously unprepared for life after the exit. In this revealing episode, Jerome Myers sits down with Dr. Michelle Fritsch, a board-certified geriatric pharmacist and founder of Propel Your Wellness, to discuss the hidden dangers that follow success. From loss of identity to relationship breakdowns and rapid health decline, Dr. Fritsch exposes what happens after the business card disappears, and what you can do to prevent it. If you think your freedom phase will last forever, think again.  Tune in now to learn how to design a life of wellness, purpose, and clarity beyond the exit. [00:00 – 12:00] Freedom Doesn’t Last Forever Why most people hit a wall 6–12 months after their exit The false security of hobbies, travel, and to-do lists Preventable reasons brilliant people fade after retirement [12:01 – 24:00] The Dangerous Assumptions We Carry Why doctors don’t know as much about you as you think The unexpected collapse of key relationships

Not every “no” sounds like a no. Some sound like “I need to talk to my advisor” or “I’m just tired.”  In this eye-opening solo episode, Jerome Myers peels back the polite excuses founders often give and gets real about the resistance that’s quietly keeping you stuck. If you've ever hovered over the “Book the Intensive” button or convinced yourself now’s not the right time, this episode holds up a mirror and asks: Are you willing to stop circling the life you want and finally step into it? If you’re looking for clarity, this is your moment. [00:00 – 02:00] Sitting in the Gray Space Why founders pause at the edge of transformation Understanding indecision as quiet resistance What keeps people hovering without action [02:01 – 04:00] Common Objections That Mask Fear Avoiding action by blaming timing Doubting the process will work Deferring the decision to others [04:01 – 06:30] What’s Going On Avoiding stillness to escape deeper truths Relying on

Your most meaningful moments begin after the exit. In this deeply personal solo episode, Jerome Myers reflects on the first half of 2025, not just what was accomplished, but what was transformed. Through unexpected moments of presence and alignment, he shares what life looks like when success is no longer the goal, but the foundation for something more. Whether you’re post-exit or preparing for one, this episode offers a rare, honest look at what comes next. [00:00 – 03:30] From Metrics to Meaning Reflecting on accomplishments beyond the surface Reframing the scoreboard of success Choosing alignment over endless achievement [03:31 – 06:30] The Silence After Success Confronting stillness after the summit Understanding the Founder’s Exit Paradox Beginning the inner work of reinvention [06:31 – 09:30] Moments That Redefine You Family milestones and legacy in action Letting joy lead through travel and play Finding aliveness through presence, not performance [09:31 –

Why do successful founders disappear when they're on the edge of true personal growth? In this powerful solo episode, Jerome Myers unpacks the fear that holds many high achievers back, not fear of failure, but fear of being seen. He explores how achievement can become emotional armor and what it really takes to step into purpose after the exit. If you’ve ever felt lost after success, this episode offers the clarity, courage, and next steps you need. Listen now and start your next chapter with intention. [00:00 – 03:00] You Are Not Broken, You Are in Transition The internal calling beyond success The NEO Assessment as a personal mirror Starting the journey into clarity [03:01 – 07:00] The Hidden Side of the Exit Paradox Why founders disappear after success The moment when identity begins to unravel Fear disguised as logic and timing [07:01 – 10:00] When Identity Becomes Armor Achievement as emotional protection The illusion of fulfillment through productivity

What happens when the check clears, and you still feel empty? In this powerful episode, Jerome Myers talks with Rick Martinez, a former ER nurse, Army officer, and founder who scaled a 600-person healthcare company and exited successfully, only to face an identity crisis no one warned him about. From ER shifts to military deployment to crying in his car after a $500K payday, Rick shares what happens after the win and why fulfillment matters more than freedom. If you’ve ever asked, “Is this all there is?”, this episode is for you. [00:00 – 12:00] Still in Scrubs: The Entrepreneur Who Kept Showing Up Why Rick still picks up ER shifts decades into success His transition from staff nurse to contractor to employer How one conversation in a hospital skybridge launched a business [12:01 – 21:00] Building Something Bigger (Without Realizing It) From $8/hour raises to doubling his income overnight Creating an agency by accident and growing to 600 employees The systems that scaled withou

What if trauma isn’t just in your head, but in your cells, your gut, your immune system? In this electrifying conversation, Jerome Myers is joined by Dr. Don Wood, the founder of the Inspired Performance Institute and creator of TIPP, a neuroscience-based program for trauma resolution. What begins as a deeply personal story about saving his daughter’s life turns into a profound revelation: most of what we treat with pills could be solved by healing the mind. If you’ve ever been told to just “manage” your anxiety, stress, or diagnosis, this episode is your wake-up call. [00:00 – 12:00] Trauma Is the Root, Not the Symptom “Medication is like giving tissue for a runny nose, what caused it?” Trauma often underlies anxiety, addiction, and even autoimmune disease Dr. Wood’s daughter's Crohn’s and lung disorder stemmed from childhood trauma, not just biology [12:01 – 22:00] The Brain Isn’t Broken, It’s Protecting You The subconscious runs 95% of your daily life and doesn’t unde

What happens after the founder exits? Too often, regret, confusion, and loss of identity. In this powerful session from the Exit Planning Institute, Jerome Myers delivers a wake-up call:  most exit plans ignore the human element. While others focus on finances and operations, Jerome highlights the missing pillar: personal planning. Press play and rethink what it means to exit with excellence. [00:00 – 12:00] Exit is Inevitable, But Fulfillment is Not 100% of founders will exit: “Sell it, give it away, or close it.” Most advisors ignore personal planning, but it’s what leads to regret “The stool wobbles without the third leg. We’re building incomplete exits.” [12:01 – 25:00] The Founder’s Exit Paradox The paradox: rich and free, but lost “They decouple their identity from the business and enter a void.” Common regrets: loss of purpose, isolation, status drop, boredom Why does money only solve 2 of the 5 levels in Maslow’s hierarchy [25:01 – 38:00] Six Centers of Doubt: The

What if your exit could be the beginning of your best story, not the end? In this deep-dive workshop-style episode, Jerome Myers reunites with Homer Smith, financial strategist and founder of Konvergent Wealth, to unpack the financial and emotional blueprint for achieving true post-exit success. Whether you’re years from selling your business or already navigating offers, this episode delivers the playbook for preserving family wealth and personal purpose. If you're a business owner asking, "What's next?" — this one's for you. [00:00 – 12:00] Two Paths After the Sale Why 70% of businesses brought to market don’t sell—and how to avoid being one of them The post-sale "tragedy" no one talks about “Only about 6% of owners who go to market are highly satisfied with the outcome.” The three pillars of a successful exit: business readiness, market readiness, and owner readiness [12:01 – 26:00] The Real Reasons Founders Miss Out Unrealistic valuations and the myths around multiples Why

What if your biggest failures were the stepping stones to your greatest impact? In this raw and revealing episode, Jerome Myers sits down with Kasim Aslam,  serial entrepreneur and founder of the world’s top-ranked Google Ads agency,  to unpack his journey from troubled teen to 8-figure exit. With unmatched candor, Kasim shares the highs, the hard truths, and why his life’s mission today is centered on global employment, not just profit. If you’ve ever felt stuck, burned out, or unsure of what’s next, listen closely. [00:00 – 12:10] Two Exits, One Framework Building the #1 Google Ads agency Productizing services for scale The behind-the-scenes of an 8-figure exit [12:11 – 22:45] Integrity Over Everything Why most agencies fail their clients Saying no to the wrong deals How honesty fuels demand and client trust [22:46 – 34:00] The Rocky Road to Reinvention Growing up in poverty and crime Losing everything in the '08 crash Finding purpose through f

What if you could add $1M to your exit, without working extra years? Jerome Myers talks with Mahen Gundecha, a seasoned dealmaker, about how timing, positioning, and rolled equity can boost your exit value. Learn why most exits fail, what buyers want, and how to avoid costly delays. A must-listen for any founder thinking about an exit, now or years from now. [00:00 – 12:58] Mahen’s Global Journey + The Wake-Up Call for Founders From Tanzania to Toronto to Pennsylvania: Mahen’s backstory Why unplanned exits leave millions on the table The value of starting exit prep years before you're ready [12:59 – 24:32] What Makes a Business Truly Sellable Why only 20% of listed businesses ever sell Founder dependency: the hidden value killer How rolled equity can add major upside post-sale [24:33 – 36:25] Market Forces You Can’t Ignore: Consolidation + Competition What happens when your competitor is acquired by private equity Why does consolidation raise the r

What if your business could attract the right buyer before you're even ready to sell? In this episode, exit strategist Lorraine McGregor reveals why only 1–2% of businesses ever sell and how to ensure yours is one of them. She breaks down the hidden reasons exits fail, the mindset shifts founders must make, and what buyers are looking for. If you think buyers will show up when you're ready, think again. This is a must-listen for any founder considering exit, even years in advance. [00:00 – 07:00] The Harsh Truth About Business Exits Why most small businesses never sell M&A myths: Buyers don’t show up when you’re ready, they buy when it suits them How Lorraine discovered the “black box” language of M&A [07:00 – 16:00] Why Buyers Walk Away Internal chaos kills deals: unresolved partner conflicts and weak management teams The real reason exit planners and M&A brokers won’t take you on as a client What does it mean to “become the business your buyer is looking for” 

What if your team, not your revenue, is the key to a successful business exit? In Part 2 of the Regret-Proof series, Jerome Myers and Maria Forbes of Stratis Human Capital Solutions explore how people issues like misalignment, legacy hires, and founder-dependence quietly drain business value. Learn how to turn your workforce into your strongest asset, whether you’re years from selling or fielding offers now. [00:00 – 04:30] Why Human Capital Is the Missing Link in Exit Planning Human capital is a strategic value driver, not just HR Buyers assess workforce strength, leadership alignment, and role clarity Growth and exit readiness should be aligned and simultaneous [04:30 – 08:30] Alignment: The First People Challenge “Cloning yourself” limits innovation and scalability Misalignment hinders synergy, efficiency, and growth True alignment means matching instincts and strengths to roles [08:30 – 13:30] Hiring Habits: Staff vs. Stakeholders Staff support the owner'

What if selling your business could be the proudest moment of your career, not your biggest regret? In this episode, Jerome Myers talks with David Shavzin, founder of The Value Track and co-founder of the Exit Planning Exchange Atlanta. With decades of experience in exit planning and M&A, David shares why so many entrepreneurs feel disappointed after selling, and how you can avoid it. Discover how to think like a buyer, increase your business's transferable value, and prepare for a successful, meaningful exit. If you’re ready to transition from business owner to legacy builder, you won’t want to miss this conversation. [00:00 – 07:50] The Cost of Poor Planning 75% of owners regret selling, early planning is the antidote Baby Boomer wealth transfer = huge opportunities + huge risks Lack of preparation = loss of personal and generational wealth [07:50 – 23:50] Own the Buyer’s Mindset Big myths busted: quick exits, easy deals, setting your price Buyers pay for cash flow, not dreams

What does it look like to engineer a business that serves your life—and not the other way around? Matthew Jarvis, founder of Jarvis Financial and co-founder of The Perfect RIA, built a thriving financial advisory firm designed for freedom. In this episode, Matthew opens up about building a “lifestyle practice,” navigating the emotional landmines of succession, and making bold moves (like taking 150+ days off a year!) without sacrificing business performance. Expect honest stories about designing a business around your values, preparing for exit from day one, and why impact, not just income, should be the endgame. If you're looking to exit right, not just exit rich, this episode will shift your thinking. [01:13 – 08:12] Design Your Life First Life by Design: Matthew shares how he built a business to support his ideal lifestyle Lifestyle Practice: Intentional client selection and lean operations Personal Metrics: Why time off mattered more than AUM growth Early Vision: Planning for exit even in the ear

Most people think money is the biggest barrier to leaving their job—but they’re wrong. In this powerful mastermind session, Jerome Myers joins real estate investors and corporate pros to reveal the real cost of walking away: emotional, mental, and operational. Drawing from his leap from corporate at the peak of success, Jerome shares hard-earned lessons on why most exits fail, the myths of passive income, and what truly makes wealth worth building. If you're dreaming of leaving your W2 or already have, this conversation will shake your assumptions and refocus your purpose. Press play and discover what it takes to build a life of freedom and fulfillment. [00:00 – 04:57] Real People at the Edge of a Leap Investor intros: career paths and exit goals Common thread: W2 jobs and uncertainty Jerome sets the tone for real talk [04:58 – 11:45] Jerome’s Exit Story Built a $20M division—then told to downsize Choose values over comfort and quit Faced with cash flow struggles with no pl