In this bite-size episode, Paul speaks with Marc O’Dwyer, former CEO of Big Red Cloud, about the emotional reality of selling a business after more than three decades of ownership. Marc shares why he was determined to avoid an earn-out, how he held firm for a clean exit with 100% payment upfront, and the role that clarity, focus, and daily mental rehearsal played in making that outcome possible. He talks openly about the surprising emotional impact of stepping away — the relief, the sudden spaciousness, and the awareness that while the financial pressure is gone, a new question emerges: What now?
Marc reflects on how identity is tied to business ownership, how freedom is often misunderstood, and why many business owners unintentionally swap one form of pressure for another. He also discusses the importance of not rushing into the next commitment after an exit, giving yourself time to adjust, and allowing space for purpose to naturally evolve. This is a grounded, honest look at the part of entrepreneurship that most people think they want — and what it actually feels like when it arrives.
Links to full episode:
https://youtu.be/Sot6gCuUAYA?si=DEtcq790mZoRjrZ6
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1D0WHiD5lZ6XQMmFFyTEuf?si=I-lVe7c0QQG01iVIn7v8wQ
About the host:
Paul Ryan is an entrepreneur, 8 figure business owner, mentor, podcaster and creator of the 1-Hour CEO and Life Code Program. As a CEO, Paul has a depth of 'real life' experience of what it takes to be successful in business and life.
Connect with the host:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-ryan-9a98774/
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