EP76 Building a Business That Supports Your Life with Chad Nikkel

This episode of The Mike Method dives into the emotional side of selling a business and what really happens after an entrepreneur exits. Mike Desjardins sits down with Chad Nikkel, founder and CEO of Bold Instinct and creator of the Business Builder Group, who has started, scaled, and sold 11 companies. Chad shares how one clause in a contract cost him $6.5 million and why that lesson changed his entire approach to business ownership.

Together they explore what Chad calls the “return on life” philosophy, a way of building companies that serve the founder instead of consuming them.

The conversation looks at how burnout quietly shapes most business exits, why a sale that looks like a win can feel like a loss, and how attachment to a business can influence life long after the deal closes.

Chad breaks down the emotional roller coaster many founders are not prepared for and explains how to create a business that grows without depending on you. He also offers practical insight into the transition period after a sale, how to protect your future well-being, and the clause every entrepreneur should understand before signing a deal.

If you have ever thought about selling your company, are building toward an exit, or simply want to fall back in love with your business, this episode will shift how you think about ownership, freedom, and legacy.

Episode Resources:

Chad Nikkel: LinkedIn

Bold Instinct Coaching

ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn

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