Exit Without Giving Up

What if your business didn’t need to get bigger to be better? What if scaling didn’t mean selling out — or burning out?

In this episode, I’m joined by Stephanie Hayes, a business architect and exit strategist who helps small and mid-sized business owners design growth around who they are — not just what the market says they should be.

We dig into the unexpected side of exit planning, including:

• Why exit strategies aren’t just for big companies

• The 3 types of founders who think they want to sell (but maybe don’t)

• What operational exits look like — and why they’re so freeing

• 9 types of assets you might already have in your business

• The real reason most founders feel “done” — and how to reconnect with purpose

• Why aligning your business to your values changes everything

Stephanie also breaks down the different kinds of exits — from clean sales to employee buyouts — and how to work out which one actually fits your future.

If you're feeling stuck, misaligned, or unsure of what scaling should look like, this episode will give you clarity, options, and a fresh way to value what you've already built.

🔗 Resources & Mentions:

🎧 Listen now on your favourite podcast platform: https://pod.link/1804985577

• Stephanie’s website: https://stephaniehayes.biz

• Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn: Stephanie Hayes

• Richard’s website: https://richard-lee.co.uk