Most founders think they’ll know when they’re ready to exit, but readiness doesn’t arrive with an offer sheet. It’s forged in the years before the deal, through every decision made when no one’s watching. In this powerful episode, Jerome Myers exposes the hidden gap between financial readiness and founder readiness, where many leaders lose more than money: they lose purpose, relationships, and identity. You’ll discover why waiting feels safe but quietly destroys value, how to recognize when you’ve already started your next exit, and how to build the muscle of readiness long before the market, or life, forces your hand. This isn’t about selling your business. It’s about designing your evolution.[00:00 – 04:00] The Illusion of Readiness Exit readiness is more than revenue or valuation; it’s about emotional and operational alignment Many founders mistake momentum for readiness, avoiding the deeper work of letting go Readiness must be trained like a muscle, not treated as a milestone [04:00 – 08:00] The Real Cost of Waiting A founder-dependent company loses up to 50% of its value Avoidance creates silent erosion—financial, relational, and personal The cost of unreadiness shows up in distance from loved ones and disconnection from self Freedom fades when your title becomes your identity [08:00 – 12:00] Building True Readiness Three pillars of readiness: Operational, Emotional, Strategic Operational: Can the business run without you? Emotionally: Can you let go without losing yourself? Strategic: Don’t just plan what you’re leaving—plan what you’re stepping into Introduces the NEXT Framework: Nourish → Evaluate → Explore → Transcend [12:00 – 15:00] Designing the Next Chapter Complete the Exit Readiness Assessment to measure alignment in seven key areas Clarity—not cash—reveals whether you’re truly ready Reclaim one hour a week for “future design.” Protect it like a board meeting with your future self Curiosity—not capital—is the founder’s greatest asset [15:00 – 17:00] Evolving by Design Readiness is built through reflection, honest conversation, and consistency Say it out loud: “I’m beginning to think about what comes next” Don’t wait for the crisis to evolve; create momentum while you still have leverage “The best exits aren’t timed—they’re earned” Key Quotes: “Readiness isn’t a moment—it’s a muscle.” - Jerome Myers “Waiting feels safe until it costs everything that actually matters.” - Jerome Myers  Join industry leaders shaping the future and secure your spot at the Exit Planning Summit today! https://exitplanningsummit.com/speakers Ready for your next chapter?Start Your Assessment Now 👉 https://theexitparadox.com/assessment Leave a Review + Help Others Achieve a Great Legacy If you found this episode valuable, leave us a review and share it with someone who wants to expand their business growth. Your Next is more than a podcast—it’s a community that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and ages, united by a shared passion for personal growth and achieving excellence.  🎧 Explore our previous episodes or learn more about our mission at https://exittoexcellence.com. Your next chapter starts here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices