Exit to Excellence: How Founders Can Transition with Purpose and Power
What if the biggest barrier to a successful business exit isn't market conditions or company valuation, but the founder's inability to imagine life without their business?
In this episode, Dr. James Bryant reunites with Jerome Myers, exit strategist and business partner, to explore why 80% of businesses listed for sale never complete their transaction—and why 75% of those who do exit regret their decision. Whether you're an engineering leader building a consultancy, planning your eventual exit, or simply interested in leadership development, this conversation reveals why identity work is just as important as financial planning.
Key Moments in the Episode
02:52 – The Sobering Statistics: Only 20% of listed businesses successfully sell, and 75% regret it
05:00 – The Founder's Exit Paradox: How founders become so intertwined with their business that separation feels impossible
15:10 – The Six Centers of Doubt: Where uncertainty hits hardest for exiting business owners
23:00 – Four Post-Exit Archetypes: Victim, hero, villain, or guide—who will you become?
27:14 – The NEXT Framework: Nourish, Evaluate, eXplore, Transcend
39:19 – Dr. Bryant's Story: How his son's near-death experience crystallized his values
Jerome's Philosophy: Love vs. Fear Decision Making
Core Principle: "Love is the only law. Fear is the opposite of love. When making decisions, we get to pick which emotion drives that decision."
The Six Centers of Doubt Framework:
* Self-Image – Redefining who you are without your business role
* Relationships – 60%+ of daily relationships will change post-exit
* Work – What to do with 30-100 hours previously spent on business
* Health – Reprioritizing wellness in an older body
* Prosperity – Optimizing time, talent, energy, and treasure (not just money)
* Significance – Finding meaning through service to others
Key Takeaways for Technical Leaders
• Identity separation is crucial – Whether transitioning from engineer to leader or founder to post-exit life
• Proactive planning beats reactive – Develop your next identity before you need it
• Systems thinking applies – Treat major transitions like complex engineering projects
• From hero to guide – The most fulfilling path leads to developing others rather than being the main character
Notable Quotes
"You can't become the person in the moment. You have to be the person when the moment arrives." — Jerome Myers
"We want to help somebody exit to something instead of exit from their company." — Jerome Myers
Guest Information
Jerome Myers – Exit Strategist & Transformation Guide
Helps founders exit with clarity and confidence, focusing on post-exit fulfillment rather than just transaction completion. Author of "Exit to Excellence: Your Journey to Your Next."
Website:
https://exittoexcellence.com
LinkedIn:
Jerome Myers
Previous Episode:
Listen here
About Engineer Your Success
Engineer Your Success equips technical professionals and business owners to become confident, purpose-driven leaders who thrive at work and at home.
Through executive coaching, business consulting, and strategic content solutions, we help you:
* Lead with clarity and communicate with impact
* Build aligned systems that support your values
* Avoid burnout while achieving professional success
* Transform from technical expert to influential leader
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