Built to Sell Radio Ep 481 After the Deal: What 70 Founders Reveal About Generational Wealth, the Achievement Trap & the Happiness Illusion
8 snips
Feb 14, 2025 John Rood, who sold his company Next Step Test Prep to private equity and authored 'Beyond the Exit', shares invaluable insights from interviewing 70 founders about life after an exit. He reveals how many founders grapple with the 'achievement trap' and redefine personal fulfillment beyond financial success. The conversation dives into the complexities of generational wealth, the emotional challenges post-exit, and emphasizes the importance of prioritizing family and values over relentless wealth accumulation.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Post-Exit Work Reality
- John Rood worked two years post-sale in the private equity-owned business with new responsibilities and roles.
- He initially didn't plan post-exit life, facing stress questioning the need for another business.
Grieving the Entrepreneurial Ego
- Leaving a business requires grieving a loss of the entrepreneurial ego and constant growth.
- People wrongly expect next ventures must be bigger, but happiness depends more on mindset than business size.
Redirect Entrepreneurial Drive
- Redirect your drive and ego toward meaningful pursuits like hobbies or passions post-exit.
- Engaging deeply in interests can replace business intensity and provide personal fulfillment.
