Nick Bradley

Most founders build great businesses but leave millions on the table when they exit.

Why? You’ve been optimizing for revenue, not enterprise value.

By the time you’re ready to sell, the issues that destroy multiples are already baked in - and buyers see them immediately.

I install the operational infrastructure and growth systems that prepare founder-led businesses for 8-9 figure exits.

Not “exit prep” in your final six months. This is 12-36 month transformation work.

The 3 Exits Every Founder Must Complete:

1. Exit the Chaos - Build systems so the business runs on infrastructure, not heroics

2. Exit the Operations - Develop leadership so you’re CEO, not operator

3. Exit the Business - Sell for premium multiples

Most founders are still trapped in Exit #1 when they decide to sell.

My Background:

I spent 10 years as a Private Equity CEO and Operating Partner across 27 transactions totaling over $5 billion in exits. I’ve sat on both sides of the table - building businesses and evaluating them for acquisition.

I’m also the author of Exit for Millions, the #1 bestselling book on building businesses for premium exit.

How I Work:

It starts with a Strategic Consult - a half-day intensive where I show you what your business is worth today, what it could be worth tomorrow, what’s limiting your value, and the roadmap to exit for big multiples.

From there, we work together through a structured 1-3 year partnership where I install the operational infrastructure and growth systems that transform your business into an institutional-grade asset ready for premium exit.

Ready to find out what your business is worth?

DM me or email jenna@highvalueexit.com

CEO & Founder, Exit Specialist / Business Scale-Up Mentor

We Help Successful CEOs, Founders, & Entrepreneurs Build High Value, High-Impact, Exitable Businesses.

​Our passion is empowering growth-minded business owners to scale rapidly towards a high-value exit and ultimately, freedom.

That’s why we’ve developed exclusive masterminds, full-service partnerships, and dedicated support to accelerate your impact, and give you back the power and control you deserve.

Our Scale-to-Sale Methodology is the result of 60+ years of combined experience with private equity firms and business transactions, designed specifically for rapid scale toward financial independence.

In working with us, you will gain the focus, direction, and momentum to intentionally and consistently grow your company’s value…

Giving you the leverage and power you need to generate rapid, impressive growth, and with it, the freedom to live your life on your terms.

PE firms aren't geniuses. They just know something you don't.

How to turn $10M into $50M in 3-5 years while you're grinding for 15% growth.

After 12 years in PE, I'm going to give you their playbook.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻:

𝟭. 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵

Not just any growth. Predictable, repeatable, scalable growth through systems.

You know, the boring stuff founders avoid because it's not sexy.

𝟮. 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻

PE firms are ruthless about EBITDA. Cut waste. Optimize pricing.

A 3-point margin improvement on $20M = $600K added to valuation. That's real money, not vanity metrics.

𝟯. 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴

Strategic debt accelerates growth without diluting equity. PE uses leverage intelligently.

Most founders are terrified of debt. PE firms use it like rocket fuel.

𝟰. 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗔𝗰𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

This is where monster returns happen. I was part of a 12-acquisition roll-up that exited for $2B at 14x.

While you're obsessing over organic growth, someone's building an empire through M&A.

𝟱. 𝗠𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻

Move from 4x to 8x by becoming more attractive than competitors. Better systems. Stronger team. Lower risk.

Same business. Double the exit price.

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀:

Most founders pull one lever: revenue.

PE firms pull all five simultaneously.

That's how they create 5x returns in 36 months while you're grinding for 15% annual growth.

You don't need to sell to PE to use this playbook.

Start pulling all five levers. Systematically.

That's how you build a business buyers fight over.

𝗪𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝟱 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀? 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁? 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄.

#FounderJourney #ExitPlanning #InvestorGradeBusiness #HighValueBusiness #PrivateEquity #BusinessExit

I help founders build investor-grade businesses that achieve 8-9 figure exits | Former Private Equity CEO & Operating Partner | Mentor & Board Advisor | $5B+ in Exits

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Adam Strong

The Business Strategist

The Business Strategist podcast shares business lessons over the past 30 years from award-winning business strategist, bestselling author, serial entrepreneur and podcast host Adam Strong. What makes this podcast different from others is we strategise, brainstorm and innovate through my solo episodes or with industry experts. 

The Business Strategist is in the Top 1.5% global rankings and is listened to people in over 50 countries globally. Want to promote your business globally? Why not become a sponsor of the show. DM to start a conversation.

Sign up to our podcast community here: http://bit.ly/business-strategist-podcast

Have a podcast and looking for a top speaker? Adam gets far more requests than he has time to fulfil, email podcast@adamstrong.net for your requests

The Business Strategist Podcast 

>>>For Founders & CEOs of 6–7 figure businesses who feel like the business is running them instead of the other way around:

You’re the bottleneck. Every decision, every fire, every client problem comes back to you.

Growth feels heavy. Revenue’s up, but so is your stress.

You want freedom — but stepping back feels risky.

The 90-Day Founders Exit Accelerator was built for leaders like you.

👉 Step out of the daily grind without breaking your business.
👉 Build scalable systems and a leadership team that can actually run the show.
👉 Craft a clear, actionable exit strategy so you can scale and prepare for freedom.

This isn’t about theory or cookie-cutter masterminds. It’s about giving you a CEO-level roadmap to create a business that works without you — so you can finally move from operator to strategic leader to exit-ready founder.

The promise? In 90 days, you’ll have the clarity, structure, and confidence to unlock your next chapter. To register your interest join our waitlist for our next cohort link here: https://theexitaccelerator.scoreapp.com

Founder

Are you interested in creating exponential growth? 
Are you looking to strengthen your culture through human connection?
Are you seeking clarity that will unlock success?

Now is the time to build upon your hard work and go from working in the business to working on the business.
For your sake, and that of your business, you owe it to yourself to step back, think deeper and regain your focus.

Join an immersive business retreat designed to enhance your business, leadership and wellbeing.

Where you'll be able to clear your head, learn, reflect and share with inspiring business leaders and entrepreneurs who have faced the same challenges as you.

Four days to create exponential growth both personally and professionally. 

4 Days of sun, fun and next level learning in Northern Cyprus. 

Interested in learning more? Click on the link below and apply today

Chief Experience Officer

Attract And Convert Prospects Into Ideal Clients in Six Days Or Less With Simple Strategies For Entrepreneurs Who Want To Increase Their Authority, Impact And Income

Interested in learning how you can fill your calendar with qualified prospects? Join the challenge now by clicking on the link: https://www.theclientattractionchallenge.com/sign-up-page56208899

The Unlimited Client Attraction Challenge 

The Game Changers 

Are you looking to create exponential growth in your business? 
The international best selling book 'Play the game' outlines 18 strategies from game-changing leaders and disruptors on how to break the cycle that stunts your business growth. 

Topics cover franchising, the importance of speaking the same language, connection alchemy, elevating your leadership and many more. 
Order your copy off Amazon or other good leading bookstores 
https://bit.ly/play-the-game-book

Best Selling Author of 'Play the game, how to win in today's changing environment'  

www.adamstrong.net

>>>For Established 6-7 Figure Entrepreneurs And Business Owners
Are you stuck in your business? What more impact and influence? Built a business that relies on you? The thing that keeps my clients up at night is trying to figure out how they can free themselves from their business so they can have more freedom to become more influential and impactful. If this is you take the exit readiness assessment below. 

I SOLVE THIS.
We have created the exit readiness assessment for CEO's and founders who want to accelerate their exit take the assessment today. Go to https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com to see how exit ready you are

Business Strategist

Mediterranean Dream Homes

Have you ever dreamed about owning a luxury property in the sun? Do you enjoy a fun lifestyle, good food and culture? Looking for a long term investment for generations to come?

> For property investors>
The big questions I get from most investers looking at property abraod is my investment safe and secure? Our mission at Mediterranean Dream Homes is to help our clients feel safe and secure when purchasing property in the Mediterranean. We believe in building long term relationships through trust, understanding and the need to create a hand holding approach. We want our clients to feel thrilled and excited about their dream lifestyle they could have. We treat our client’s money as if it was our own. 
Property prices start at only £50,000 for more information please click here: https://rb.gy/1sx0pq

Author of Fit body fit business

Fit body fit business is an updated version of my 1st book 'Move it or lose it'. The foreword is written by 7 times NY times best selling author Sharon Lechter who co-authored 'The cash flow quadrant' 'Rich-dad poor dad and wrote 'Think and grow rich for women'. 
The book is for CEOs, business owners or decision makers that want to achieve:
- Less sickness absence
- Increase profits
- Increase productivity and performance 
- Happier customers and employees
- A competitive advantage
- Increased profits  
Click on the video link below for more information or to make a purchase go https://www.adamstrong.net/product/fit-body-fit-business/

Book Author

Author of Move it or Lose it

Get my book on how to enhance productivity and performance for employees and entrepreneurs. Take control of your health and get more clarity in your business or career. Get your copy by emailing hello@adamstrong.net

Clean Ocean Alliance

Did you know it is estimated there will be more plastic in the Ocean compared to fish? 

After living in the Mediterranean for 7+ months I became irritated and angry with the amount of Ocean plastic being washed up on the shore. 
Everyday me and my family would take a refuse sack and collect plastic from the local beach. As an enthusiast of watersports, I just don't want to be surrounded with floating plastic not to mention the damaging effects its having on the wildlife. The impact its having under the Ocean is shocking and quite upsetting. I've said enough is enough something needs to be done. 
Clean Ocean Alliance is leading the way to solve Ocean plastic pollution using AI, renewable energy and data. 
Using AI, navigation buoys are able to communicate to our ships that helps us to focus in areas of interest. Clean Ocean Alliance's mission is to collect data in real time and to collect and recycle ocean plastic that can be used to manufacture recycled products for poorer nations.   

All of our ships use hydrogen energy, solar and wind power. 

We are raising pre-seed funding of £100,000 to create our first prototype. We have applied for SEIS (TBC) giving investors tax relief of up to 50%, we have created 5 different revenue models for investors. To request a pitch deck email hello@adamstrong.net 

Join our movement by going to https://theoceanic.net/

For press and media go to hello@adamstrong.net

#Oceanplastic #Environment #renewableenergy

Founder and Visionary

The Game Changers Experience 

The Game Changers Experience are deep dive conversations with some of leading business disruptors, Olympic athletes, sports personalities, celebrities, entrepreneurs, influencers and movers and shakers from around the world.

You will learn the insights about the winning principals in mindset, productivity, marketing, branding, entrepreneurship, business strategy and more. Entwining elite sports with entrepreneurship. 

The show is hosted by Ultra-High Personal Productivity Authority, Business Strategist, Former Elite Athlete, Author and Public Speaker Adam Strong. 

The Game Changers Experience will take your life and your business to the next level as part of the mission of serving entrepreneurial communities globally and impact 100,000 entrepreneurs to become a game changer. 

Change Is Always Painful...

You are the physical embodiment of change. We invent. We create. We change.

Have a podcast and looking for a top speaker? Adam gets far more requests than he has time to fulfil, please click on the link and fill in the form to request Adam to speak on your podcast or virtual event https://adamstrong.net/adam-strong-podcast-request/

The Game Changers Experience Podcast 

The Business Accelerator Challenge 

Before the pandemic hit my consultancy relied too much on referrals and introductions, lead generation was a challenge and I felt like our message was not getting past the noise. 

As a keynote speaker all my work dried up when countries went into lockdown and travel became difficult. I knew there were others in that same position all wanting to gain visibility by other means such as podcasting, YouTube and summits, the big challenge is your competing against the masses for those opportunities. 

After many interviews with distressed business owners and entrepreneurs I came up with the vision of helping 100,000 people to go from survive to thrive. 
I created a vision and launched the game changers summit 32 speakers over 30 days of value driven content. In just 7 weeks we generated 2147 leads, £50k+ new business and I got to collaborate with some of the biggest thought leaders from around the world.  

Over the past 2 years we have been testing and finetuning this model and are now ready to teach this 6-7 figure blueprint that will accelerate your business to the next level. 

If you're looking to achieve a competitive edge by gaining visibility, creating impact and position yourself as an influencer or thought leader in your industry then join us for the '5 Day Business Accelerator Challenge'. 

Learn more and secure your seat by clicking https://www.businessacceleratorchallenge.com/sign-up-5day-challenge

#howtogrowabusiness #growingabusiness #entrepreneurship

Elite Corporate Fitness

>>>For Corporates 
You know how challenging to run a business, keep your employees engaged and your shareholders happy?

I SOLVE THIS. 

I do this both in the short term by reducing absenteeism and presenteeism by 25% and in the long term improve retention through my programme ‘STRONG, a highly effective 5 step process combining fitness, mindset, energy management, work-life balance and team development.
 
We offer projections on how much money we can make/save your company by implementing our strategies designed to improve performance by up to 300% after implementing our ‘Strong’ program, click on the link to schedule a call with me www.meetme.so/AdamStrong >>>

Are you a founder dreaming of true freedom, greater impact, and influence—but feeling trapped in the daily grind?

I understand the challenges you face, and I'm here to help you break free.

Do You Relate to These Struggles?

1) Trapped in the Trenches: Many founders spend too much time in operations, building a business that relies entirely on them rather than on robust systems.

2) Lack of Strategic Clarity: Your vision is grand, yet turning it into a high-growth roadmap can feel overwhelming.

3) Overwhelmed & Overworked: The weight of endless responsibilities keeps you from embracing creative leadership.

4) Unrealised Influence: You know your brand has immense potential, but it isn’t making the impact you deserve.

5) No Path to Exit: You yearn for the freedom an exit could offer, but the right systems and team alignment remain elusive.

Why Work With Me?
I’ve been where you are. Overcoming my own challenges—from a difficult upbringing to sharing stages with icons like John Travolta—has shaped my journey. With over 30 years as a business strategist, I specialise in helping ambitious founders like you transform obstacles into opportunities.

My approach is simple:

- High-Performance Mindset: Empowering you to think bigger and act bolder.

- Practical Strategy: Crafting actionable, high-growth roadmaps tailored to your vision.

- Simplified Business Models: I help simplify your business model, making it leaner, more efficient, and ultimately, more profitable.

- Strategic Positioning & Branding: Amplifying your influence so your brand truly stands out.

How I Can Help You:
I guide founders in moving from hands-on operators to visionary leaders. Together, we will focus on:

1) Clarity & Direction: Developing a clear, actionable plan to drive your business forward.

2) Accountability: Keeping you on track to ensure lasting change.

3) Systems & Structures: Building a business that runs smoothly—even when you're not there.

4) Legacy & Exit Planning: Whether you're aiming to build a lasting legacy or planning an exit, I'll help set the stage for true freedom.

Imagine stepping back from day-to-day operations to focus on the big-picture goals that inspired you to start your business. Envision the influence, respect, and freedom that come from leading a thriving, scalable enterprise.

Ready to Reclaim Your Time and Multiply Your Impact?
If you're prepared to transform your business from a demanding job into a streamlined, profitable asset, let's connect. 

Interested in scaling and exiting your business drop me an email hello@adamstrong.net or DM for info

>>>For Six/ Seven Figure Business Owners
Would you like to discover greater clarity and direction in your business?
Do you need more accountability to help you fast track your results?
Would you like to achieve freedom and build a business on your terms?

I SOLVE THIS.
 
The Game Changers Inner Circle is a mastermind programme for six/ seven figure business owners that are ready to scale their business. Every business is different there isn’t a one size fits all approach . Through our mastermind programme we offer insight and prospectives to challenge your ideas 💡 and way of thinking. Our programme is built on three principles human connection, collaboration and community.  
The inner circle is by VIP invitation only. Through a combination of strategy, masterminding and accountability we aim to provide our clients with the tools for creating exponential growth. Interested in learning more? Then join waiting list for more info https://www.thebusinessstrategist.global/inner-circle-application

How to become a LinkedIn Top Voice:
Step 1: Get an F in English.
This is the true story of how I did it.

It sounds like a joke, but it’s not.

My teacher told me I had no grasp of the language.

While all the other kids thrived, I felt genuinely left behind.
I felt so stupid.
I couldn’t understand punctuation.
I couldn’t grasp grammar.
I definitely couldn’t articulate an expressive thought.

I knew what I wanted to say, but I couldn’t put it into words.

So I decided I was just… not a writer.

Fast forward to today: 
→ 3 best-selling books 
→ LinkedIn Top Voice for the past 2 years (with under 3k followers) 
→ 12–18% engagement on most of my posts

I didn’t magically get smarter.
I didn’t suddenly become a grammar wizard. 
I just built a system.

I stopped trying to be a great writer and focused on being a clear communicator.

Most founders don’t fail on LinkedIn because they’re bad at English.
They fail because they have no process. 
They sit down, wing it, post… crickets.
Then they decide: 'Content doesn’t work for me.'

It’s not a talent problem. It’s a process problem.

Here’s the 5-step system I use every week to create content that actually connects:

1) Plan on Sunday

On Sunday evening, I look at what worked and what didn’t. I ask why, then map ideas and angles for the week ahead. No blank-page panic here. I start the week with a clear roadmap.

2) Set the content mix

I decide what each post is for. My rhythm: 4 posts to drive engagement (stories, insights, belief shifts) then 1 post that’s action-oriented (newsletter, offer, DM).

3) Ditch the guesswork; use a framework.

I never start with an empty page. 
I pick a framework: Problem → Diagnosis → Treatment Plan or Lara Acosta's SLAY framework (Story → Lesson → Action → You). 

Structure keeps my thinking clear and stops my posts becoming a brain dump.

4) Hook + heart, written how I talk

I write several versions of the first line until one grabs me: Bold. Curious. Lived from experience. Then I add a personal story (like that F in English) and write like I speak. Short sentences. Simple language. No fluff.

5) Let AI be the coach, not the author

I draft the post first. Then I ask AI to critique it for clarity and flow. 
I use tools like AuthoredUp to check readability and tidy the final 10%. 
AI doesn’t replace my voice. It just sharpens it.

Writing isn’t something you’re born good at.
It’s a skill. And a system.

Writing is like the gym – you only get stronger if you show up and do the reps.

Looking at this 5-step system, which one do you need the most right now? (1–5)

Drop a number in the comments and tell me where you’re stuck – I might turn the most common one into my next post. 👇

7–8 Figure Exits in 12–24 Months | Strategic Exit Advisor to M&A Law Firms | Founder’s First Choice | Top 1.5% Global Podcast Host, 3 x Bestselling Author

99% of people on LinkedIn are hunters. 
The top 1% are farmers.

The hunter’s inbox: 
“Quick chat?” 
“Loved your profile…” 
“I can 10x your revenue…”

It’s a minefield of spammers, desperate sellers, and transactional asks. 
It’s a turnoff.

The farmer’s strategy: 
play the long game. 
Sow seeds. 
Nurture relationships. 
Build relational capital.

It’s not the quickest way to grow. 
It’s the only way to build something that lasts.

This week I met with the incredible Morag Barrett (No. 2 leadership expert on Inc.’s list and a best-selling author).

We didn’t just meet. We’ve known each other for 3 years. And it started with my podcast.

→ 2023: Morag was a fantastic guest. 
→ Today: we’re planning her return episode. 
→ 2026: we’re exploring a very exciting collaboration (announcements soon).

All of this… from one podcast. 
Because I’m not interested in having guests. 
I’m interested in what’s possible when you build something real.

Stop hunting. Start farming.

What’s the best opportunity you’ve ever got from a long-term relationship (not a cold pitch)?

If people are “doing their own thing”…
it’s not a people problem. 
It’s a strategy problem.

This is the scaling trap for most founders: 
You grow from 8 to 25 to 40.
And suddenly… Everyone works differently. 
Meetings multiply. 
New hires don’t get it. 
You're repeating yourself.

It feels like a culture issue. 
It isn’t.

As Alex Brueckmann told me: Culture has to serve strategy. You can't build culture in a vacuum.

No strategy means: → No clarity on where you're going. → No clarity on how to work. → No culture that actually drives performance.

Here's how to fix it. My 5-point action list for founders:
1. Mission: Why you exist (in one sentence).
2. Vision: What winning looks like in 36 months.
3. Priorities: Your 3 "must-dos" this year (and what to 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱).
4. Behaviours: How your team acts to win.
5. Scoreboard: The 1-3 numbers everyone sees weekly. (track the data for accountability) 

Get this right → culture tightens. 
Get this wrong → culture (and cash) burns.

Which of those 5 points is your biggest gap right now?
(1, 2, 3, 4, or 5?)

Drop the number in the comments. 👇

P:S: Listen to the full episode, link in the comments 

---

Enjoyed this post? Follow me 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 for more tips and insights on scaling, exits, and leadership.

“This business is my baby. I’m never going to sell it.”
I hear this all the time.

I was speaking to a founder last week—let’s call her Jessica who said exactly that.
“It’s my calling. Why would I ever want to exit?”

I get it. I really do. 

But I asked her one simple question:
"Will staying in the business forever move you closer to… or further away from your ultimate vision?"

She paused. Gulped.

That’s when it hit her.

It hit me years ago too.

When I first started out, an exit wasn’t even in my vocabulary. 
I just wanted to grow, earn, and make an impact.
But over time, my why changed.

It’s no longer about income. 
It’s about legacy.

I started asking myself:
What will my impact be when I’m no longer around? 
How many founders can I help scale and exit before I exit?

And here’s the paradox I realised:
If I stayed stuck inside my own business… I’d never have the freedom to fulfil my mission.

You can’t scale your legacy if you’re still chained to the day-to-day.

Here’s the brutal truth:
You don’t need to want an exit.
But you do need to build like someone who could.

Because:
• Life happens.
• Health changes.
• Markets shift.
• Opportunities come knocking.

An exit strategy isn’t about walking away. 
It’s about building a business that can thrive without you.
Even if it’s your baby.

Here's a quick 5-point audit I use with clients to assess exit readiness:

1. Clarity – Can your team make decisions without you? Is the vision clear enough to be executed without interpretation?
2. Self-Mastery – Are you still the Chief Doer… or the Chief Visionary? (If you’re exhausted, you already know the answer.)
3. Team – Do you trust your team to run the day-to-day? Or are you still the final say on everything?
4. Growth Engine – Can you generate leads and clients without you being involved?
5. Systemisation – Could you take 4 weeks off and have the business run like clockwork?

Which number (1–5) is your biggest bottleneck right now?

Freedom has a cost.
Most founders don’t fear failure. 
They fear becoming irrelevant.

That was me.

I didn’t fear handing over control. 
I wasn’t afraid to hire people better than me. 
I didn’t even mind doing everything—until I realised I was addicted to it.

Busy meant valuable. 
Being needed felt like proof I mattered. 
But underneath that? 
A fear that was stuck in my sub-conscious 

If I wasn’t running a business... who was I?

My business gave me purpose. 
Or so I thought.
It was never about control. 
It was about identity.

Letting go felt like losing a part of me. 
So I had to face that fear. 
And reframe what freedom really meant.

Here’s what helped me:
1. If I had more time—what would I do with it?
2. What legacy do I actually want to leave behind?
3. How do I want people to feel when they think of me?
4. Is this really my calling—or just my ego talking?
5. What am I afraid people will no longer say about me if I step back?

Hard questions. 
But they brought real clarity.
Turns out, freedom isn’t found in being in everything. 
It’s in trusting others, letting go, and choosing impact over importance.

Because real leadership? 
It’s not about what you hold onto. 
It’s what you’re brave enough to hand over.

Letting go of my "busy" identity was the hardest part.
What do you find it hardest to let go of?

---
Follow me Adam Strong for more insight on building, scaling, and exiting-without losing your sanity

Your business is worth more than your P&L shows. 
But no one's going to tell you that.

You've poured your life into this business. 
Blood, sweat, and maybe some tears. 🩸💧
You know it's worth more.

But the spreadsheets? 
They don't tell the whole story.
They don't show the late nights. 
The culture you built. 
The reputation you earned.

So when it's time to think about an exit, you hit a wall.
Buyers look at the P&L. "They're... okay." "The numbers aren't special."
How do you get them to pay the premium you deserve?

Here's where most sellers get stuck:
The False Belief: Average financials = average valuation.

Wrong.

I recently sat down with strategy expert Alex Brueckmann, and he completely flipped this on its head.

Smart buyers look past the financials.
They're not just buying your client list.
They're hunting for one thing: Your Strategy.

They see a unique niche that's underutilised. 
They see your special sauce. 
And they know they have the resources to scale it 10x.

Your 'okay' financials + their leverage = massive opportunity.

That's what they pay a premium for.

Smart investors aren't asking How much did you make?

They're asking:
→ Is your market position truly unique? 
→ How are you actually differentiated? 
→ Is your 'special sauce' scalable?

Stop. Read that last one again.

They aren't buying your past performance. 
They're buying the potential of your strategy.

They're not buying your service. 
They're buying your identity.
So forget the balance sheet for a second.

How strong is your business strategy?

---

Huge thanks to Alex Brueckmann for these insights. Full conversation on the podcast — link in comments. 👇

Are you running a business, or just a high-paying job? A job ends the moment you stop working. 
A business is an asset that works for you.

The difference? An exit strategy.

I spoke with a founder, David, last week. 
30 years of grit. 30 years of building. And now? 
He's winding it all down.

Why? 

He never built a plan to exit.
He's convinced "no one sees value in his hard graft." So, his legacy disappears. 
His team starts job-hunting. His clients are left high and dry.

This is a silent epidemic. 
Too many founders focus on running the business, not building an asset.

Your hard work is not the same as your equity. 
Your profit is not the same as your transferable value.

It's a brutal truth: If your business can't thrive without you, you don't have a sellable company. You have a very demanding job.

But you can fix this.

We built a 10-minute 'Exit Readiness Assessment' that diagnoses your business. 

It gives you a personalised report showing exactly which areas you need to focus on (Ops? Marketing? Team?) so you can make the first steps towards exiting your business... and which areas are trapping you

Don't let your 30-year legacy become a 30-day wind-down. Don't be David.

Want the free assessment? 

Comment ‘EXIT’ below 👇 and I’ll DM you with the link 🔗

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