The Founder's Identity Crisis: Who Are You After the Exit?

Welcome back to another edition of The Wise Exit!

In today's issue, we're covering:

1. The Founder's Identity Crisis: Who Are You After the Exit?

2. How to Value a Service Business (A Complete Guide).

3. Why Planning Your Exit Isn't Business Betrayal.

Let's dive in!

The Founder's Identity Crisis: Who Are You After the Exit?

I want to talk about something founders rarely discuss - the emotional rollercoaster that occurs after you sell your business.

When you've poured years, maybe decades, into building something, your identity becomes deeply intertwined with your role as founder and CEO.

Then suddenly, it's gone.

The early morning strategy sessions, the late-night problem-solving, the constant decision-making — all replaced with ... what exactly?

Many founders find themselves asking: "If I'm not the CEO anymore, who am I?"

The truth is that this identity shift can be more challenging than the actual sale process. You might feel a mix of:

• Loss of purpose and direction.

• Relief mixed with unexpected guilt.

• Uncertainty about your next chapter.

• A strange emptiness in your daily routine.

But this "identity crisis" is actually an opportunity for reinvention.

Think of it as a blank canvas.

You've already proven you can build something from nothing.

Now you get to do it again, but this time, the something you're building is your next chapter.

The key is to start planning this transition long before the exit.

Begin exploring new interests, roles, and possibilities while you're still running your company.

Because the best transitions aren't about letting go of who you were. They're about expanding who you can become.

Featured Blog 📰

Struggling to put a number on your service business? Our latest blog breaks down exactly how to value your company properly.

We cover:

• Four proven valuation methods for service businesses.

• Key metrics buyers actually care about.

• How to value intangible assets.

• Common valuation mistakes to avoid.

Check out "How to Value a Service Business: Methods, Key Factors & More" on our blog.

M&A Tips from Brian Dukes 💡

Do you know what it feels like to cheat on your business?

Think about selling it.

I talk with a lot of founders who tell me:

• "I've never thought seriously about selling"

• "I'm not ready for that conversation"

• "I'm worried about what will my team think"

But every founder exits, whether they plan to or not.

Read the full post on LinkedIn.

That's all for this week!

Remember, planning your exit isn't betraying your business. It's protecting your legacy.

Best,

Brian Dukes