In the inaugural episode of Branching Out, Elizabeth Shea interviews Viraj Gandhi– former CEO and founder of Paradyme Inc. – about his 21-year journey from building a local and state contracting business to leading a major federal contractor acquired in 2024. Viraj shares how an unexpected AI partnership propelled the company toward acquisition and reflects on the complexities of cultural fit, emotional readiness, and life after selling a business. Their conversation offers candid insights for founders preparing to navigate both the practical and deeply personal sides of an exit.