Succession Stories
Succession Stories is an award-winning podcast guiding entrepreneurs from transition to transaction hosted by Laurie Barkman, The Business Transition Sherpa®. Succession Stories explores the entrepreneurial stages of a business from growth to maturity focusing on value creation, exit planning, succession, and M&A for owner-led companies. If you are an entrepreneur looking for inspiration to create a more valuable business, or an owner who wants to figure out the best way to transition or sell their closely held company, this podcast is for you. Hosted by Laurie Barkman, Amazon best-selling author of "The Business Transition Handbook: How to Avoid Transition Pitfalls and Create Valuable Exit Options." Learn more about Laurie's strategic business transition planning and M&A advisory services by visiting: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com
Episodes
“I'm guilty of having always had the feeling of being proud, but not satisfied with my accomplishments. Once I get to one goal, I’m ready to move on to the next.” - Harry Haywood
Host Laurie Barkman chats with Harry Haywood, President of HBS Solutions Inc. Harry shares insights on the importance of resilience, creativity, and overcoming criticism. With over 15 years of experience, he discusses the challenges of managing growth, bui...
“The fundamental things are being incredibly optimistic, having the confidence to believe that not only is your idea a good idea, but that you can actually pull it off, and you have to have thick skin.” - Jessica Kenyon
Host Laurie Barkman interviews Jessica Kenyon, CEO of The Conafay Group. Jessica shares her thoughts on key entrepreneurial traits like optimism, confidence, and resilience.
The discussion covers her unconventional ...
“Have the confidence to say, "I believe in my mission and my purpose, and no matter what is in front of me, I will overcome those obstacles.” - Dr. Harry Cohen
Host Laurie Barkman interviews Harry Cohen, President and CEO of Sunny Owl Productions and author of “Be the Sun, Not the Salt.”
Learn the essential traits that differentia...
Welcome to The Entrepreneur Gene! Host Laurie Barkman dives into the fascinating world of aerospace with Aleksandra Bogunovic, CEO of AeroThreads. Aleks turned her passion for sewing and fabrication into a thriving business that creates thermal blankets for spacecraft with materials that literally go to space!
In this episode, we explore:
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You might have a buyer lined up — but that doesn’t mean your exit is guaranteed.
In this episode of Succession Stories, host Laurie Barkman sits down with Jim Carlisle , mergers and acquisitions attorney and chair of the National Growth and Exit Planning Group at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP. With decades of experience guiding business owners through transitions, Jim shares insider insights into why even well-prep...
What happens when an entrepreneur faces massive failure — and how does that become their greatest asset?
In this powerful episode of Succession Stories, host Laurie Barkman sits down with Brian Marshall, a leadership coach and business advisor who has spent over 40 years guiding entrepreneurs through personal and professional transformation. Brian shares his own deeply personal journey — from launching hi...
“It's not just part of your personality to be a successful entrepreneur. It takes a lot more than just being a risk-taking delusional optimist.”
Laurie Barkman interviews Gregory Silvano, CEO of Buyist. Greg shares his entrepreneurial journey to founding his own companies, emphasizin...
What happens when an entire executive team retires at once? How do you ensure leadership continuity, preserve company culture, and protect long-term value?
In this episode of Succession Stories, host Laurie Barkman sits down with Mark L. Vincent, founder of Design Group International and expert in process consulting and leadership transitions. Together, they explore how leaders can build organizations that...
“There's going to be times where people are going to doubt you and they might be envious of your success, but I think if you're tenacious and you believe in yourself, that'll get you a long way.” - Taylor Abbett
What makes your business memorable? What sets it apart—not just in the marketplace, but in the minds of customers, employees, investors, and potential buyers?
Laurie Barkman sits down with Paul Furiga, founder and chief storyteller at Word Write Agency and author of Finding Your Capital S Story. Together, they explore how storytelling isn’t just entertainment—it’s a strategic tool that can elevate your bra...
“As one takes the journey, you start to make decisions that when collected become the components that are foundational to being an entrepreneur.” - Charlie Buscarino
“Every entrepreneur sees that in trial, there's treasure.” - Dean Minuto
Host Laurie Barkman interviews Dean Minuto, President of YESCALATE. Dean shares his insights on entrepreneurship and the development of crucial skills necessary for success. The discussion emphasizes the importance of asking the right questions to learn in business and Dean elaborates on building muscle in entrepreneurship through learning and community....“I always knew I wanted to do something where I was the person deciding my own destiny, but it's not for everyone.” - Susan Quinn
Host Laurie Barkman welcomes Susan Quinn, CEO and President of Circle S Studio. The conversation first explores whether entrepreneurial traits are inherited or nurtured. Susan shares her family's history of business ownership, her journey to founding her own consulting firm, and the values that dri...What does it take to build stronger teams and more effective leaders? For Ken Bogard and Grace Gavin, it begins with a commitment to honesty.
Laurie Barkman sits down with Ken and Grace—co-founders of Know Honesty and authors of the new book by the same name—for a compelling conversation about the role of open communication in business success.
Dedicated to enhancing professional lives and sim...
“You don't want to be in the role of telling people what to do, but it's encouraging people to do what you think is right, but also being open to learn from them.” - Bill Spohn
In this episode of The Entrepreneur Gene, host Laurie Barkman welcomes Bill Spohn, President and CEO of Tru Tech Tools, to discuss the characteristics of the entrepreneurial mindset, the intersection of engineering and entrepreneurship, and his career ...Is your “Fourth Quarter” of life filled with purpose—or just pressure? Executive coach Scott Couchenour helps leaders over 50 design a future they won’t regret. In this episode of Succession Stories, host Laurie Barkman talks with Scott about his journey from burnout to breakthrough, and how he now guides others through mid-life reinvention with intention and clarity.
Perfect for business o...
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