Serve Strong Finish Strong

In this episode I'd like to take you on a journey from the skies above Ohio to the solid ground of life's realities. I will share my transformative experience of static line skydiving, a leap that was never on my bucket list but became a profound metaphor for life, fear, and legacy. Through the recounting of my jump, I draw parallels between the adrenaline-fueled moments of free fall and the daily challenges and triumphs faced by business owners. This episode is not just about skydi...

In this episode, we dive deep into the pivotal moments of business and life transitions with insights from retired founder Steve McKee, who recently embarked on a new chapter after selling his company of 27 years. Steve shares his enthusiasm for what lies ahead and reflects on the critical principles of navigating turns in both business and personal spheres. The discussion emphasizes the importance of preparation and recognizing the opportune moments for change, shedding light on how these pr...

In this episode I chat with Ash Atkinson about business valuation, growth strategies, and exit options. Ash discusses the importance of considering more than just revenue when valuing a business, including strategic, organizational, employee, customer, financial, and what he calls ESG factors. He emphasizes the need for documentation to support all aspects of a company's operations and values. The conversation covers how business owners can increase their options beyond just an exit by f...

Do you want your business to thrive without you?Are you considering launching something new in your 4th quarter?In this episode, my guest, Paige Arnof-Fenn and I dive deep into the world of branding and how that can help you succeed professionally and personally. Our conversation highlights branding as a promise of a consistent experience, vital for making a business stand out. We discuss the significance of both personal and corporate branding, conducting a communications audit and SWOT...

This episode is a thought-provoking conversation with Mike Provance, focusing on the challenges and strategies of managing business growth and operational performance, especially pertinent for mid-life business owners. We talk about the complexities that growth stage companies face, emphasizing the need for stability and predictability which often gets overlooked in the early stages of business development. Mike highlights the significance of adaptive planning, echoing Mike Tyson's famous wor...

In this episode my guest, Lysle Wickersham, and I dive into the pivotal role of branding in business performance. We discuss how branding, more than just a logo or slogan, is a strategic foundation that connects emotionally with audiences, significantly impacting a company's value. More value, greater options for an exit down the road.The discussion then shifts to the relationship between branding, business strategy, and market research. It underscores the necessity of aligning the business o...

Are you nearing your 4th quarter of life and looking to secure your business legacy or start a new venture? Understanding and protecting your intellectual property (IP) is more crucial than you might think. In this episode, I talk with Matthew Asbell about the complexities of IP in the business world, a topic that holds real significance for entrepreneurs over 50. We discuss the essence of IP, encompassing creative works and branding, and its critical role in ensuring the value and uniqu...

In this episode we address the complexities of aging memory, Alzheimer's, and the latest in treatment advancements. The discussion kicks off with an exploration of memory changes associated with normal aging, distinguishing these from Alzheimer's disease. We discuss the impact of lifestyle factors like alcohol, sleep, and new medications on memory preservation and Alzheimer's risk. There are subtle differences in memory loss experienced in normal aging, such as forgetfulness and word-fin...

In today's episode I hope to take you on a transformative journey exploring personal and professional growth in your 40s and 50s. Anchored by a thought-provoking quote from Antoine de Saint Exupéry, this episode emphasizes the importance of cultivating a deep desire for growth and success, beyond just following instructions. It's about igniting a passion for relentless pursuit of goals. I discuss the significance of a spirit-filled approach to strategic planning, emphasizing that without pass...

In this episode I do a dive deep with my guest, Marc Borrelli, into the critical importance of understanding a business's core customer. We explore how accurately identifying and comprehending the core customer is not just about demographics or market segmentation, but about genuinely understanding their needs, wants, and pain points. This understanding is pivotal for devising a successful business strategy and creating a unique market differentiation which contributes to a company that can t...