Scale to Exit with Alejandra Santos

In this powerful episode of Scale to Exit, Alejandra Santos sits down with Sha Nacino to break down the real reason people say yes in business—it’s not logic, it’s connection. Discover how empathy, authenticity, and simply making people feel understood can instantly shift your sales outcomes. Whether scaling a startup or building a legacy brand, this conversation will change how you sell and lead.

Because in the end? People don’t b...

What does becoming a CEO at 20 and a COO by 24 take? For Victoria Pelletier, it’s grit, strategy, and a serious dose of emotional intelligence. In this episode of Scale to Exit, we dive into her journey through mergers and acquisitions—on both sides of the table—and what she looks for in a business before making a deal. We also talk leadership that lasts, brand value that sells, and why EQ might be your secret weapon for scale. Buc...

Product-market fit is just the beginning. In this episode, I’m joined by Peter Cohan—author, investor, and creator of the Value Pyramid—to explore what it takes to grow a business built to last. We explore the layers of the Value Pyramid and how founders can climb from basic survival to sustained strategic advantage.

Peter explains the difference between visionary and reckless leadership, why empathy is essential in crisis, and how...

​In this episode, we sit down with Sofia Castillo, a Guatemalan innovator and entrepreneur recognized as one of Forbes' Top 100 Powerful Women in Central America. Sofia shares her journey from founding her first tech startup without knowing exits were possible to her current venture, core-code.io, a technological talent accelerator empowering Central American youth to launch careers in technology. We delve into her experiences buil...

In this episode of Scale to Exit, I sit down with Justin Goodbread to discuss value acceleration strategies—what they are, why they matter, and how business owners can implement them to maximize their companies' worth.

We tackle overcoming doubts that hold entrepreneurs back, shifting from reactive decision-making to proactive, long-term planning, and ensuring that your business isn't just surviving but built to thrive for the futu...

In this episode of Scale to Exit, we sit down with Cherrisse Curtis to discuss the impact of tariffs and trade agreements on businesses, the pros and cons of bootstrapping versus fundraising, and key strategies for scaling a company toward a successful exit. Whether you're an entrepreneur weighing funding options or a business owner navigating global trade challenges, this episode is packed with insights to help you make informed d...

In this episode of Scale to Exit, we explore why waiting for a private equity (PE) firm to increase your business value after an exit is a costly mistake. Learn how to take control of your business’s value before you sell so you can walk away with a higher payday. I’ll break down the key drivers of business value, common mistakes owners make when selling, and practical strategies to maximize your valuation. Don’t leave money on the...

In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Romanko to explore her inspiring journey as a woman in the world of venture capital. Sarah shares valuable lessons from her career, offering a candid look at what to do—and what to avoid—when fundraising. Whether you're a startup founder looking to make your pitch stand out or an entrepreneur seeking to understand what VCs prioritize, Sarah's insights will guide you through the process. Tune i...

Tradara McLaurine joins us for an inspiring conversation about redefining success, overcoming self-imposed limits, and aligning with your “why.” She shares her personal shift from fearing failure to facing the complexities of fearing success and the ways that mindset can hold us back. We dive into the power of setting boundaries, saying “no” without guilt, and breaking free from validation-seeking and over-apologizing. This episode...

In this episode, we sit down with David H. Crean, a seasoned mergers and acquisitions (M&A) expert, to explore the intricacies of scaling your business and positioning it for a successful exit. David shares valuable insights into the various types of buyers in the market—from strategic to financial buyers—and how understanding their motivations can maximize your business's value. Whether you're looking to scale or prepare for a...

In this episode, I sit down with Sandra White, an Internationally Certified Master Mindset Coach and expert in Emotional Intelligence (EQ), to dive into the power of emotional intelligence in leadership and how it can transform how you run your business. We explore the concept of 'Transitioning' your business to a new buyer starting with the end in mind and working backward to position your business for the ideal exit. Whether you'...

In this episode of Scale to Exit, host Alejandra Santos and Barbara Weltman dive into the crucial steps business owners should take from the beginning to prepare for a successful exit. They explore common challenges entrepreneurs face when scaling their businesses and how to overcome them. The conversation also highlights the unique considerations for women business owners, including what to prioritize in agreements and critical fa...

In this episode of Scale to Exit, we dive deep into the power of personal healing and development with Mark Mostaed. We explore how healing yourself is essential for making your dreams a reality and attracting the right relationships—both in your personal life and business. Mark shares his journey and insights on how working on yourself impacts the growth of your business, ultimately enabling you to scale and exit successfully. Tun...

In this episode of Scale to Exit, we explore how strong leadership and a positive organizational culture can significantly impact the value of your business as you prepare for an exit.  We use Simon Sinek's "Leaders Eat Last" as a reference to becoming a strong leader who prioritizes their team. We also discuss critical strategies for building trust, fostering a motivated team, and creating a thriving work environment that buyers w...

In this episode of Scale to Exit, we’re getting into the nitty-gritty of building a rock-solid foundation for scaling your business without losing your sanity or sacrificing quality. We start by exploring why it begins with you, the leader, and how your mindset and personal growth set the tone for sustainable business growth. From there, we dive into building the right team and culture to weather the challenges of rapid expansion a...

Welcome to this fantastic community of scale-to-exit entrepreneurs. This is the platform where you will gain valuable insights, tools, and stories to help you propel forward.

Our journey begins with a personal introduction from Alejandra Santos. She'll share her career, her scaling mistakes, and the passion that drives her, creating a personal connection with you. She then explains the different types of buyers when considering an ...