

From Search Misery to Successful CEO
Oct 28, 2021
Steve Divitkos, a former private equity investor turned entrepreneur, shares his journey from the solitude of business searching to becoming a successful CEO. He discusses the emotional toll of acquisition, advising on the importance of managing loneliness and imposter syndrome. Steve addresses myths around entrepreneurship, emphasizing risk mitigation over mere risk-taking. He offers practical tips for new CEOs, detailing what to prioritize in the first two weeks and the significance of building strong relationships with sellers for smoother transitions.
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Entrepreneurs Are Risk Mitigators
- Entrepreneurs are not born risk takers but risk mitigators.
- Search funds provide a mitigated risk path to entrepreneurship compared to starting a business from scratch.
Prepare for Search Loneliness
- Expect the search process to be lonely and full of rejection.
- Prepare for little feedback and the fear of failure increasing with time.
Manage Post-Acquisition Seller Relations
- Manage seller relationships carefully after acquisition to protect company culture.
- Prepare for possible early relationship difficulties despite lengthy negotiations.