Succession Stories

Laurie Barkman
  • 5.0 (69)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
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

  1. From Corporate Consulting to Entrepreneurial Success - David Newman - The Entrepreneur Gene

    1D AGO

    From Corporate Consulting to Entrepreneurial Success - David Newman - The Entrepreneur Gene

    Welcome to our new sub-show on Succession Stories...The Entrepreneur Gene! In this 1st episode, Host Laurie Barkman interviews David Newman, entrepreneur, author, and sales and marketing expert. David shares his insight into the idea of an entrepreneurial gene, discussing key traits such as being a maverick and a risk-taker. He reflects on his journey from a struggling entrepreneur to a successful mentor, emphasizing the importance of alignment and avoiding distractions in business. David also explores the impact of AI on consulting and shares personal insights and advice for future entrepreneurs. The episode ends with discussing David's passion for retro video games and resources listeners can access for further learning!   Takeaways: Understanding that entrepreneurship often stems from an inherent drive to be mavericks, mavens, and rebels, leaders should recognize and nurture these qualities within themselves. Entrepreneurs often struggle with distractions from multiple ventures. Focusing on how to align efforts under one coherent strategy or "roof" can prevent spreading oneself too thin. Instead of starting entirely new ventures, which David calls hot dog stands, focus on improving and innovating within the current business structure to scale and grow. Embrace technological advancements like AI to improve efficiency but ensure the added value is applied in a human-centric manner. Find mentors, join masterminds, and accept help from peers and successful entrepreneurs early in the journey to accelerate learning and avoid common pitfalls. Before investing heavily in new business ideas (like building logos or websites), sell the concept first to ensure there is market demand. Being part of a community or network can provide support, opportunities for learning, and potential collaborations. Quote of the Show: “The mavericks, the mavens, the rebels, those kinds of people, if that's in their DNA, then they're truly cut out for entrepreneurial success.” - David Newman Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjnewman/ Website: https://doitmarketing.com/   📣 Leave a Review: https://ratethispodcast.com/successionstories   This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® Get your business unstuck so you can grow, scale, and exit while enjoying the journey. ✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook here: https://btsherpa.com/book   More Resources:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriebarkman/ Website: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/ Book: https://btsherpa.com/book Course: https://btsherpa.com/course Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBusinessTransitionSherpa

    30 min
  2. Meet The Entrepreneur Gene, New Feature Series: Trailer with Laurie Barkman

    3D AGO

    Meet The Entrepreneur Gene, New Feature Series: Trailer with Laurie Barkman

    Cheers to 5 years of Succession Stories! On our anniversary, we are excited to introduce our new feature series, The Entrepreneur Gene! A bonus for Succession Stories Podcast listeners! Listen weekly as show host Laurie Barkman talks with founders and CEOs exploring the rewards and challenges of the entrepreneurial path. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!   This Show is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® Get your business unstuck so you can grow, scale, and exit while enjoying the journey. ✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook here: https://btsherpa.com/book   Connect with Laurie Barkman:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriebarkman/ Website: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/ Book: https://btsherpa.com/book Course: https://btsherpa.com/course Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBusinessTransitionSherpa   📣 Leave a Review: https://ratethispodcast.com/successionstories

    6 min
  3. Guiding Entrepreneurs Through Business Exits with Ghislain Gouraige

    MAR 23

    Guiding Entrepreneurs Through Business Exits with Ghislain Gouraige

    Ghislain Gouraige, Partner at NewEdge Wealth, helps ultra-high-net-worth families and entrepreneurs navigate business transitions. Ghislain joins host Laurie Barkman to recap the firm's 2025 Onward Conference held at Carnegie Mellon University and valuable insights to help you prepare before a sale: Success factors to prepare personally and financially How to maximize business value Understanding M&A market trends and roll-up strategies Identifying target companies Characteristics that make industries attractive to consolidators Dive in for insights to preserve wealth, achieve your transition goals, and build a lasting legacy. ____________________________________  This Show is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Learn what every entrepreneur needs to know about making your business more scalable and sellable! ✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook here: https://btsherpa.com/book 👉 Don’t miss Laurie’s expert advice in Success Magazine:  Secure Your Business With Succession Planning | SUCCESS ____________________________________  Connect with Laurie Barkman:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriebarkman/ Website: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/ Book: https://btsherpa.com/book Course: https://btsherpa.com/course Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBusinessTransitionSherpa   Connect with Ghislain Gouraige: Website: https://www.newedgewealth.com/team/ghislain-gouraige/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ghislain-gouraige-5074b220/   For all episodes visit: https://successionstories.com  📣 Leave a Review on Rate This Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/successionstories

    37 min
  4. Finding Your Turning Point: Leadership, Legacy & Life with Jon Goldman

    MAR 16

    Finding Your Turning Point: Leadership, Legacy & Life with Jon Goldman

    What happens when a successful entrepreneur faces his own turning point? In this episode, Laurie Barkman sits down with Jon Goldman, CEO of Turning Point, to discuss his journey from co-owning the innovative promotional products company Lumpy Mail to navigating his own business succession. Jon shares insights on guiding leaders toward discovering their life purpose, aligning personal and company values, and upgrading professional and emotional habits. Tune in for a conversation about transformation, leadership, and building a meaningful legacy. ____________________________________  This Show is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Learn what every entrepreneur needs to know about making your business more scalable and sellable! ✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook here: https://btsherpa.com/book ____________________________________  Connect with Laurie Barkman:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriebarkman/ Website: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/ Book: https://btsherpa.com/book Course: https://btsherpa.com/course Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBusinessTransitionSherpa      Learn more about Jon Goldman: myturningpoint.com      Get the GIFT Framework mentioned on the show! 🔗 LinkedIn: Jon Goldman     For all episodes visit: https://successionstories.com  📣 Leave a Review on Rate This Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/successionstories

    44 min
  5. The ESOP Advantage: Wealth, Legacy & Business Transitions

    MAR 2

    The ESOP Advantage: Wealth, Legacy & Business Transitions

    Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) are one of the best-kept secrets in business succession planning. In this episode, Laurie Barkman sits down with Dan Zugell, Senior Vice President at Business Transition Advisors and a nationally recognized expert in ESOPs, to explore how these plans create financial value, enhance employee engagement, and offer unique transition options for business owners. Dan shares insights on the financial benefits of ESOPs—like tax advantages and wealth creation—as well as the often-overlooked social impact of employee ownership, including reduced turnover and stronger workplace culture. He also debunks common misconceptions, such as the idea that ESOPs require 100% ownership transfer or that they lack exit opportunities. If you’re a business owner considering succession strategies, or simply curious about how ESOPs can transform a company’s future, this episode is for you! 🎧 Tune in now to learn from one of the leading voices in ESOP planning. ____________________________________  This Show is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Learn what every entrepreneur needs to know about making your business more scalable and sellable! ✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook here: https://btsherpa.com/book ____________________________________  Connect with Laurie Barkman:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriebarkman/ Website: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/ Book: https://btsherpa.com/book Course: https://btsherpa.com/course Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBusinessTransitionSherpa   Connect with Dan Zugel: Website:  ESOPs & Succession Strategies | Business Transition Advisors LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-the-esop-man-zugell-a364b87/   For all episodes visit: https://successionstories.com  📣 Leave a Review on Rate This Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/successionstories

    44 min
  6. Your Business Is Not Your Baby: How to Build a Sellable Company

    FEB 21

    Your Business Is Not Your Baby: How to Build a Sellable Company

    Is your business truly valuable—or just another job you’ve created for yourself? In this episode of Succession Stories, Laurie Barkman speaks with Justin Goodbread, award-winning exit planner, best-selling author, and serial entrepreneur who has built and sold six businesses. Justin shares how he doubled the value of his financial services firm in just 18 months, the key to making your business a transferable asset, and why your business isn’t your baby—unless it’s an ugly one. Tune in for actionable insights on scaling, selling, and finding joy beyond the exit. ____________________________________  This Show is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Learn what every entrepreneur needs to know about making your business more scalable and sellable! ✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook here: https://btsherpa.com/book ____________________________________  Connect with Laurie Barkman:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriebarkman/ Website: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/ Book: https://btsherpa.com/book Course: https://btsherpa.com/course Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBusinessTransitionSherpa ____________________________________  Connect with Justin Goodbread: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justingoodbread/ https://www.justingoodbread.com/   For all episodes visit: https://successionstories.com  📣 Leave a Review on Rate This Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/successionstories

    41 min
  7. Built to Last: Family Business Leadership, Matthew Powell

    FEB 12

    Built to Last: Family Business Leadership, Matthew Powell

    Join Matthew Powell, CEO of Century Companies and a fourth-generation family business leader, along with host Laurie Barkman, as they explore the art of building sustainable, multi-generational enterprises. In a world of short-term exits, Matthew champions a different path—creating lasting value for stakeholders by thinking in centuries, not just years. Through insightful conversations with industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts, Built to Last dives into the challenges and triumphs of family businesses, leadership transitions, and fostering a culture of stewardship. Whether you're leading a family enterprise or simply fascinated by legacy-driven leadership, this podcast offers actionable strategies to help businesses flourish for generations to come.   🎙️ Topics include: Navigating leadership transitions in family businesses Building resilience and long-term value Balancing tradition with innovation Fostering the next generation of leadership   Listen now and start building a legacy that lasts! ____________________________________  This Show is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Learn what every entrepreneur needs to know about making your business more scalable and sellable! ✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook here: https://btsherpa.com/book ____________________________________  Connect with Laurie Barkman:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriebarkman/ Website: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/ Book: https://btsherpa.com/book Course: https://btsherpa.com/course Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBusinessTransitionSherpa   Connect with Matthew Powell: Website: Matthew Powell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewwpowell/   For all episodes visit: https://successionstories.com  📣 Leave a Review on Rate This Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/successionstories

    34 min
  8. Scaling Smarter: Mindset Shifts for Sustainable Success with Jennifer Dawn

    JAN 24

    Scaling Smarter: Mindset Shifts for Sustainable Success with Jennifer Dawn

    🎙️ Discover how scaling starts with mindset in this insightful episode of Succession Stories! Laurie Barkman welcomes Jennifer Dawn, a seasoned entrepreneur, business coach, and host of the Happy Productive podcast, to share her journey of building and selling businesses. From launching her first venture at age 8 to founding Quantix, a software company for the attractions and amusement industry, Jennifer reveals what it takes to create a thriving company that’s not just profitable but sustainable and satisfying. In this conversation, Jennifer offers actionable insights on scaling a business by shifting the owner’s mindset, building teams, and transforming companies from the inside out. She also shares personal stories, her approach to solving challenges, and the traits that set successful entrepreneurs apart. Connect with Jennifer Dawn: 🌐 Website: jenniferdawncoaching.com 📚 Podcast: https://jenniferdawncoaching.com/podcast/ 📘 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferdawn/ Listen now for expert advice on scaling smarter and building a lasting legacy!   Succession Stories is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa®    Consider this: 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Learn how to build business value and plan for succession, transition, or selling the business on your terms.    Join the entrepreneur community at https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/ _______________________________________ 📘 THE BUSINESS TRANSITION HANDBOOK: Get a free digital copy of "The Business Transition Handbook: How To Avoid Succession Pitfalls and Create Valuable Exit Options" Download here.   _______________________________________ ❤️  Write a Review on Rate This Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/successionstories

    32 min
See All (186)

Trailer

5
out of 5
69 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Laurie Barkman
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    186
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright @ Laurie Barkman, The Business Transition Sherpa® 2020 - 2025
  • Show Website
    Succession Stories

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada