Run the Numbers I sold a company, and then fired myself immediately
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Jun 28, 2025 Mike Wu, founder of Hire Frame and host of the What Worked podcast, interviews CJ Gustafson, a former CFO turned full-time content creator. They dive into CJ's journey after selling his company and immediately firing himself. The conversation highlights the pivotal role of supportive partners in entrepreneurship and the creative process behind his newsletter, Looking for Leverage. They also discuss the struggles of audience engagement and the significance of compound effort in achieving success. Their insights into the intersection of finance and content creation are both engaging and thought-provoking.
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Journey to Successful Company Sale
- CJ Gustafson started as a relatively young CFO and helped quadruple revenue and build a durable, profitable company before selling it.
- The experience involved intense work and emotions as they prepared for the acquisition and liquidity event.
CFO Exit Feels Like Breakup
- CJ knew CFOs usually get fired after acquisition but stayed positive about his next chapter.
- He compared the experience to breaking up with a loved company while moving to new ventures.
Value Support in Career Moves
- Lean on supportive partners when making big career leaps.
- Understanding the worst-case scenario helps you overcome fear of failure.