You got the money. Now what?
That’s the question too many founders face when the wire hits and the silence sets in.
In this episode of Your Next, the mic flips, as Jeroeme sits down with JR Lay for a no-BS conversation about what really happens after you sell your business. Spoiler: it’s not champagne and sunsets.
The discussion revolves around The Founder’s Exit Paradox, that sinking feeling of confusion, disconnection, and loss that arises when the work is gone, yet you're still searching for meaning and worth. This is for every visionary who built a mountain, reached the top, and thought, “Is this it?”
Jerome shares his raw, personal journey through post-exit chaos, identity unraveling, and the scars that success leaves behind, and how he helps other high-achieving founders find meaning after the money.
If you’re building toward an exit, don’t just listen to this episode; study it.
[00:00 – 12:00] Time Over Money
Why tracking days off beats tracking dollars
The hidden cost of chasing success
How entrepreneurs trade presence for provision
Time is your most valuable asset; treat it like one
[12:01 – 20:00] After the Exit
What no one tells you about the emotional crash
The Founder’s Exit Paradox: money in the bank, purpose on empty
Identity, fear, and the myth of “finally relaxing”
Why exiting from is never enough, you need an exit to
[20:01 – 33:00] Energy, Identity, and Attachment
How mismanaged energy leads to implosion
The trap of tying your self-worth to your business
Childhood attachment styles are playing out in your exit
From significance through status, to significance through service
[33:01 – End] Scars, Significance, and Exit Readiness
The 5 hidden scars driving high achievers
Why success without purpose leaves you empty
Exit readiness is personal, not just financial
Take the free assessment to map your next chapter
Key Quotes:
“Money is just a tool, no different than hammers or saws in a shed.” – Jerome Myers
“The title that you had gave you the illusion of significance.” – Jerome Myers
Connect with JR!
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jrwlay
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LevelUpBusinessVideos
Ready for your next chapter?
Start Your Assessment Now 👉 https://theexitparadox.com/assessment
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