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The Exit Ready Business | Business Exit Strategy, Exit Planning, Selling a Business
By Amy Sussex | Business Exit Strategist for Canadian FoundersBusinessEntrepreneurshipEducationHow ToManagement
The Exit Ready Business | Business Exit Strategy, Exit Planning, Selling a Business episodes
- 62: Beyond the Mom Hustle: Entrepreneurship, Self-Care & Finding Yourself with Crystal Shadwell
In this inspiring episode of You Are Your Business, Amy chats with Crystal Shadwell who is an educator, speaker, and co-founder of Something Beyond Mom. They chat about real-life challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, motherhood, and self-discovery.
Crystal opens up about her journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, sparked by a moment of clarity at a High Vibe Women event. She shares how she built a community to support women in reclaiming their identity beyond motherhood, and how she manages the ever-evolving balance between family, corporate life, business, and personal growth.
Together, Amy and Crystal explore:
- The realities of balancing work, motherhood, and ambition
- How to set boundaries and overcome mom guilt
- The power of community and vulnerability in business
- Behind the scenes of the Team Crew Podcast -co-hosted with her husband
- Crystal’s speaking journey, dream collaborations, and how she’s amplifying her voice
This episode is a powerful reminder that you’re more than the roles you play and that carving out time for yourself is not only possible, but essential.
Connect with Crystal
www.crystalshadwell.com
https://www.instagram.com/crystalshadwell/
https://www.instagram.com/teamcrewpodcast/
https://www.instagram.com/somethingbeyondmom/
Resources
Websitehttps://thebusinessmanagementco.com/
Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/amy.sussex/
Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@TheBusinessManagementCo
A few of my fav things:
(please note these are affiliate links)
Dubsado
dubsado.com/?c=amybmc
Monarch Community
https://www.themonarchandco.com/a/2147532567/xoEjY7G2
Social Business Club
https://thesocialbusinessclub.ca/
Code AMY to get it for $1 trial month
41 min - 61: Mastering Authentic Sales with Kirsten Schmidtke
Amy met Kirsten at a @highvibewomen brunch as well as say her speak at their recent event. It was wondering to connect with her on the podcast. Kirsten Schmidtke, a sales and success coach known for her powerful, heart-centered approach to sales. Kirsten shares her journey from corporate tech sales to entrepreneurial success, highlighting the pivotal moments that led her to a career focused on empowering high-achieving leaders.
Kirsten discusses the mindset shifts that transformed her sales approach, from viewing sales as a service to leading conversations with authenticity. She shares three powerful mindset shifts for entrepreneurs looking to master sales:
- Sales as Service: Focus on serving clients, not pitching.
- Client-Centered Conversations: Prioritize the client’s needs and desires.
- Sales as Leadership: Approach every conversation as an opportunity to lead, not just sell.
Kirsten also emphasizes the importance of not outsourcing sales too early and shares her proven framework for high-ticket sales. She dives into effective outreach strategies, overcoming objections with grace, and maintaining a clear sales process that aligns with one's values.
Tune in to learn how to redefine your sales approach, cultivate authentic connections, and scale your business without compromising your integrity.
Connect with Kirsten
https://www.kirstenschmidtke.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstenschmidtke/
https://www.instagram.com/kirstenschmidtke/
Resources
Websitehttps://thebusinessmanagementco.com/
Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/amy.sussex/
Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@TheBusinessManagementCo
A few of my fav things:
(please note these are affiliate links)
Buzzsprout
https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2271913
Descript
https://get.descript.com/Amy
Dubsado
dubsado.com/?c=amybmc
Monarch Community
https://www.themonarchandco.com/a/2147532567/xoEjY7G2
Social Business Club
https://thesocialbusinessclub.ca/
Code AMY to get it for $1 trial month
38 min - 60: Optimize Your Business
In this episode, brief episode I share importance of commitment when deciding to use organizational tools like Asana. I share to assess your willingness to change and utilize these tools effectively. I share some tips for solo entrepreneurs who need to communicate effectively with their small team.
Resources
Websitehttps://thebusinessmanagementco.com/
Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/amy.sussex/
Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@TheBusinessManagementCo
4 min - 59: Money, Mortgages & Mindset: Redefining Financial Success with Joline Cloutier
In this episode of You Are Your Business, I chat with Joline, a mortgage broker with a passion for making mortgage financing fun and efficient. She shares her journey from marketing student to mortgage broker and the dynamics of working alongside her husband. She dives into the misconceptions around income and financial stability, emphasizing the importance of understanding true net worth over perceived wealth. Joline shares why just because you can buy it, doesn’t mean you should and how to avoid lifestyle inflation. Joline shares her podcast, The Money Buddha Podcast, where she connects with entrepreneurs who follow what lights them up in life and business. If you’re an entrepreneur navigating finances, mortgages, and money mindset, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiration.
Connect with Joline
https://www.cloutiermortgages.ca/
https://www.instagram.com/jolinecloutier/
https://www.facebook.com/Cloutiermortgages
Resources
Websitehttps://thebusinessmanagementco.com/
Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/amy.sussex/
Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@TheBusinessManagementCo
A few of my fav things:
(please note these are affiliate links)
Buzzsprout
https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2271913
Descript
https://get.descript.com/Amy
Dubsado
dubsado.com/?c=amybmc
Monarch Community
https://www.themonarchandco.com/a/2147532567/xoEjY7G2
Social Business Club
https://thesocialbusinessclub.ca/
Code AMY to get it for $1 trial month
43 min - 58: Marketing that Moves the Needle: A Conversation with Kelsey Reidl
In this episode of You Are Your Business, I chat with marketing strategist, podcast host, and small business coach Kelsey Reidl to unpack her inspiring journey from corporate marketing to entrepreneurial freedom.
Together, Amy and Kelsey dive into practical strategies for building consistency in marketing and business operations, the power of content creation in the age of AI, and why every business owner needs a clear marketing funnel. Kelsey offers real examples, including a client success story that highlights the power of staying the course with content on platforms like LinkedIn.
They also explore the often-overlooked power of in-person networking, the boundaries between personal and business branding, and how to balance visibility with sustainability. Whether you're looking to tighten up your marketing efforts or step more confidently into your brand, this episode is packed with wisdom you can act on today.
Connect with Kelsey
https://www.instagram.com/kelseyreidl/
https://www.kelseyreidl.com/
https://www.kelseyreidl.com/podcast
Resources
Websitehttps://thebusinessmanagementco.com/
Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/amy.sussex/
Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@TheBusinessManagementCo
A few of my fav things:
(please note these are affiliate links)
Buzzsprout
https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2271913
Descript
https://get.descript.com/Amy
Dubsado
dubsado.com/?c=amybmc
Monarch Community
https://www.themonarchandco.com/a/2147532567/xoEjY7G2
Social Business Club
https://thesocialbusinessclub.ca/
Code AMY to get it for $1 trial month
43 min - 57: The Business of Being You: A Human Design Deep Dive with Jenn Walker
Jenn Walker has kayaked with Monkeys in Thailand, sailed the Nile in Egypt, summited Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, jumped out of a plane twice, and completed a 50-mile UltraMarathon once just to see if she could.
That exuberance for life extends to her business where she helps heart-centered entrepreneurs tap into their limitless power and potential so that they can make the impact that they are meant to make in our World.
A high-energy perspective shifter with unwavering positivity, Jenn’s philosophy is that business is a vehicle for massive
In this episode of 'You're Your Business Podcast,' I chat with Jenn who I recently met at a retreat. She is a mindset coach with a passion for energetics and human design. We discuss Jen's journey from a sales career to becoming a full-time coach, integrating human design into her practice. Jen explains the different human design types and how understanding these can help individuals align better with their true selves and make impactful decisions. We also discuss the practical applications of human design in personal and professional life, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and listening to one's own intuition.Connect with Jenn Walker
www.diveheartfirst.com
https://instagram.com/diveheartfirst
Take advantage of a session with Jenn.
https://www.diveheartfirst.com/humandesign
111OFF (use this code to receive $111 off)
Resources
Websitehttps://thebusinessmanagementco.com/
Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/amy.sussex/
Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@TheBusinessManagementCo
A few of my fav things:
(please note these are affiliate links)
Buzzsprout
https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2271913
Descript
https://get.descript.com/Amy
Dubsado
dubsado.com/?c=amybmc
Monarch Community
https://www.themonarchandco.com/a/2147532567/xoEjY7G2
Social Business Club
https://thesocialbusinessclub.ca/
Code AMY to get it for $1 trial month
41 min - 56: Dare to Declare: How Vision Boards Can Change Your Life with Debbi Sluys
I’m joined by the incredible Debbi Sluys, founder of Dare to Declare™, an empowering academy certifying coaches and entrepreneurs to lead transformational vision board experiences.
Debbi Sluys empowers people to live their best lives and be the best professional they can be, by discovering their vision, balancing their lives, and realizing their inner power. Debbi is founder of the Dare to Declare™ Academy, which certifies coaches and entrepreneurs to lead impactful vision board experiences for their clients.
Debbi shares her inspiring journey from Child Care Director to visionary leader, coach, and podcast host, helping thousands of women declare their truth and boldly design the life of their dreams.
We dive deep into the soul behind vision boards, how they expand our brain’s capacity to dream big, and why declaring your vision out loud is a game-changer for both your life and business.
Debbi Shares:
- Debbi’s inspiring leap from childcare leadership to becoming a vision board expert and coach.
- Why visualizing your goals isn’t fluffy — it’s neuroscience-backed magic.
- The role of masterminds, community, and personal development in creating lasting success.
- Debbi’s personal manifesting milestones
- How to harness affirmations, high-vibe habits, and vision boards to manifest your dreams.
- Actionable tips for starting your own vision practice, even if you feel like you don’t have time or clarity.
Connect with Debbi
https://debbisluys.com/
https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/daretodeclarepod
https://www.instagram.com/debbisluys/
Resources
Websitehttps://thebusinessmanagementco.com/
Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/amy.sussex/
Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@TheBusinessManagementCo
A few of my fav things:
(please note these are affiliate links)
Buzzsprout
https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2271913
Dubsado
dubsado.com/?c=amybmc
Monarch Community
https://www.themonarchandco.com/a/2147532567/xoEjY7G2
Social Business Club
https://thesocialbusinessclub.ca/
Code AMY to get it for $1 trial month
50 min - 55: Part 2 From Side Hustle to CEO: Elle’s BTS Leap Into Full-Time Entrepreneurship
Amy reconnects with Elle, owner of The Atrium, a thriving coworking space in St. Thomas, Ontario. This time, they dive into the pivotal chapter of Elle’s journey—her bold move from juggling a full-time job and part-time business to fully stepping into her role as CEO.
Elle gets real about what it took to make the transition: the financial planning, mindset shifts, and personal growth that laid the foundation for long-term success. She shares how dedicating herself fully to The Atrium led to unexpected wins, greater clarity, and a stronger sense of purpose.
Connect with Elle:
https://www.instagram.com/elle.crevits/
https://www.instagram.com/workattheatrium/
https://www.ellecrevits.com/
https://workattheatrium.com/
Free Day pass code: YOUAREYOURBIZ, which can be used to register for a Free Day here: https://workattheatrium.com/pricing/#day-pass
Connect with Amy Sussex
https://www.instagram.com/amy.sussex/
https://thebusinessmanagementco.com/
35 min - 54: Part 1 Building More Than a Business: Coworking, Community & the Long Game with Elle Crevits
In this episode of You Are Your Business, Amy sits down with Elle, the owner behind The Atrium, a beautiful coworking space in St. Thomas, Ontario. Elle shares her unique path to purchasing the business during the pandemic and how she balances entrepreneurship with her full-time role as a small business advisor at the St. Thomas Small Business Center.
Together, Amy and Elle dive into the realities of starting, growing, and sustaining a business. From the self-serve model that makes The Atrium stand out to the importance of creating community spaces for entrepreneurs, Elle offers insights that are both practical and inspiring. They also talk about the behind-the-scenes systems that help businesses thrive long-term—especially when you’re not always there.
Whether you're in the early stages of business or navigating growth, this episode is full of honest advice, real talk about balancing multiple roles, and a reminder to be patient and authentic in your journey.
Local to St. Thomas? Don’t miss Elle’s generous offer of a free day pass to experience The Atrium coworking space. Details below.
Connect with Elle:
https://www.instagram.com/elle.crevits/
https://www.instagram.com/workattheatrium/
https://www.ellecrevits.com/
https://workattheatrium.com/
Free Day pass code: YOUAREYOURBIZ, which can be used to register for a Free Day here: https://workattheatrium.com/pricing/#day-pass
Connect with Amy Sussex
https://www.instagram.com/amy.sussex/
https://thebusinessmanagementco.com/
38 min - 53: From Trauma to Triumph: Mastering Emotional Resilience in Business Ariel Balfour
In this episode Amy chats with Ariel who is the founder of Trauma 2 Triumph Coaching Inc. She helps entrepreneurs overcome limiting beliefs, self-sabotage, and emotional blocks to unlock their ultimate potential.
Ariel shares her journey from childhood entrepreneur to multi-faceted coach, blending ancient wisdom, modern modalities, and warrior resilience to create transformative healing experiences. She introduces us to the powerful technique, R.R.E.S.T. (Rapid Reprogramming Emotional Stress Technique), which integrates elements of NLP, EMDR, and hypnosis.
We also dive into:
- Healing the unseen: Identifying and overcoming hidden blocks to success
- How family dynamics and generational trauma impact entrepreneurship
- The connection between emotional regulation and business growth
- Ariel’s new program designed to help parents and kids master emotional regulation
- Practical strategies for self-awareness and control in both personal and professional life
Connect with Ariel:
- Website: www.thearielbalfour.com
- Instagram: @thearielbalfour
- TikTok: @t2tmama
- Facebook: Ariel Sommers
Resources & Offers:
- Free Parent & Kid Emotional Regulation PDF: Download Here
- Self Healers Sanctuary Membership: Join Here
Connect with Amy Sussex
https://www.instagram.com/amy.sussex/
https://thebusinessmanagementco.com/
48 min
About The Exit Ready Business | Business Exit Strategy, Exit Planning, Selling a Business
From the publisher's feed
Are you thinking about your business exit strategy, wondering when to start exit planning, or trying to build a Canadian business that could actually run and one day sell without…
you?
Maybe selling your business is still years away. Maybe an exit is starting to feel much closer. Or maybe you simply know that too much of your company’s value, knowledge, decision-making, client relationships, and day-to-day operations still depend on you.
If you stepped away tomorrow, you’re not entirely sure what would happen.
If that sounds familiar, you’re in the right place.
The Exit Ready Business is for Canadian founders who want to build a stronger, more valuable business today while creating more options for what comes next. Whether your future includes stepping back, succession, or selling a business, you’ll learn how to reduce founder dependency, strengthen your business operations, build better business systems, and intentionally increase business value long before you’re ready to leave.
I’m Amy Sussex, a Business Exit Strategist who helps founder-led businesses prepare for a future beyond their founder.
This work is personal for me. I grew up watching my parents build our family business, and years later, I watched them make the decision to sell it. Seeing that transition up close gave me an understanding of just how much is wrapped up in leaving a business you’ve spent years building not only financially, but personally too. It’s a big part of why I care so much about helping founders think about their exit earlier, so when the time comes, they can step into whatever is next feeling prepared, confident, and good about the decisions they’ve made.
Because exit readiness doesn’t begin when you call a broker or decide it’s time to sell.
It begins years earlier.
It’s in the systems you build, the knowledge you document, the team you develop, the numbers you understand, the responsibilities you let go of, and the decisions you make about where the value of your business lives.
Each week, we’ll talk about the operational side of building a business worth buying. From business succession planning and business valuation to SOPs, leadership, systems, transferability, team structure, and preparing a business for sale, we’ll look at what makes a business easier to operate today and more valuable and transferable tomorrow.
You’ll also hear conversations with Canadian founders and experts across the exit ecosystem about what it really takes to prepare a business for its next chapter and what founders can start doing long before they’re ready to make that move.
The goal isn’t simply to build a successful business.
It’s to build one that gives you choices.
If you want more freedom from your business now and more options for what happens to it later, hit play and subscribe to The Exit Ready Business.
Start here:
Take the Is Your Business Worth Buying? Quiz to discover how ready your business is to operate, transfer, or eventually sell without you: https://www.thebusinessmanagementco.com/isyourbusinessworthbuying
Learn more about working with me: thebusinessmanagementco.com
Connect with me: https://www.instagram.com/amy.sussex/