How can a leader step away from the company they’ve built without losing their sense of purpose or identity? In this conversation, Robert Glazer shares his unique approach to business exits. Rather than abruptly walking away, Robert took a gradual approach to stepping down from his role as CEO. He discusses the emotional and strategic challenges of slowing down, the importance of succession planning, and how to find purpose beyond leadership. What happens when the hustle ends? How can you transition smoothly without losing your sense of self?

Listen to this episode to hear Robert’s insights on creating a thoughtful exit plan that prioritizes personal well-being and business success.

[00:00 - 03:03] Welcoming Robert and Intentional Focus

• How perception shifts with an intentional focus in business and life
• Setting the stage for discussions on business exits and transitions

[03:04 - 08:07] Robert’s Exit Strategy and Succession Planning

• Phased exit from Acceleration Partners and preparing personally
• Steps Robert took to ensure a smooth, ego-free leadership handover

[08:08 - 16:31] Finding the Right Financial Partner

• Criteria for selecting the right financial partner for growth
• It is important to align values and cultural fit with the company’s future

[16:32 - 24:45] The Emotional Impact of Exiting

• Coping with the loss of leverage and identity after stepping down
• Robert found a new purpose through writing and speaking

[24:46 - 34:59] Health and Well-Being After Deceleration

• The mental and physical toll of slowing down after years of hustle
• Practical advice for founders managing this transition

[35:00 - 45:07] Lessons and Final Thoughts

• How time off improved Robert’s well-being and shifted his focus
• The importance of health, family, and planning for the future

Key Quotes:

“The people who thought they could just walk away on day one are usually unhappy. You need to plan a gradual exit.” - Robert Glazer

“When I realized I didn’t want to run this business forever and it was getting too big, I knew I needed a partner to allow for a gradual drawdown.” - Robert Glazer

Connect with Robert!

Website:https://robertglazer.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glazer/

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Dreamcatchers is a welcoming group focused on personal growth rather than fitting into a specific demographic. It attracts a diverse crowd from various backgrounds and ages, united by the desire to achieve more. Learn more at https://exittoexcellence.com/

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