Episode 83 - The Entrepreneur’s Exit Blueprint: Lessons in M&A, Private Equity, and Growth

Hey there - are you thinking of selling your business someday? If so, this episode of Potential to Powerhouse, is vital for you to hear.  Sarah Chambless, powerhouse M&A mega star, brings you a goldmine of insights, she is a corporate partner at Fenwick & West. This conversation is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, especially those looking to scale, exit, or simply plan ahead for their business's future. Sarah’s no-nonsense approach to navigating the complex world of M&A, private equity, and exit strategies will leave you feeling informed and hyper vigilant! 

Sarah's personal journey from aspiring musician to high-stakes lawyer is a testament to the power of pivoting and following your passion. With her wealth of experience guiding fast-growing startup founders is her true passion; Sarah offers invaluable advice on preparing your business for success—whether you're planning for an exit or simply laying the groundwork for long-term growth.

Episode Highlights:

• The Inevitable Exit: Why every business owner needs to think about their exit strategy—sooner rather than later. Yes, every single business will exit. The question is how, for how much $$$, and when… plan for it to make it the best exit possible.
• M&A Playbook Unveiled: A breakdown of private equity deals, rollovers, capital calls, and avoiding retrades.
• Women in Business: Sarah's passion for empowering female founders to take control of their financial destiny.
• Legal and Financial Essentials: How to prepare your business with audited financials and the right legal counsel.
• Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Why time kills deals and how to keep the upper hand during negotiations.
• Building Generational Value: Creating lasting value for your family and community through smart exit planning. 

Key Takeaways:

Guess what?!? EVERY business will face an exit—whether it’s through a sale, IPO, or wind down. Sarah Chambless emphasizes the importance of preparation, from clean financials to solid legal advice, and how female founders, in particular, can set themselves up for success. The earlier you start planning, the more control you have over your business's future. Sarah’s insights are a wake-up call for any entrepreneur who hasn’t yet considered their long-term exit strategy.

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