Your Next: A Guide to Finding Fulfillment After Your Exit Hosted by Jerome Myers

Jerome Myers - Advisor to exiting founders

Are you a business owner, entrepreneur, or executive who's navigated a successful exit and now finds yourself wondering, “What’s next?” Hosted by Jerome Myers, Your NEXT is the ultimate podcast for those seeking not only financial success but deeper post-exit fulfillment, legacy-building, and a purpose-driven life after stepping away from their business. Each episode unpacks the emotional and psychological journey of life after a business exit, addressing the Founder’s Exit Paradox—the often-overlooked challenges that come with leaving behind the company you’ve built. From grappling with identity loss, self-doubt, and relationship impact to discovering how to turn wealth into a meaningful legacy, Your NEXT provides a blueprint for thriving beyond financial success. Through expert interviews, real-life stories, and actionable strategies, Jerome Myers dives into key topics such as entrepreneur transition, life after business, wealth with meaning, and building a legacy beyond profit. Whether you’re looking to rediscover your purpose, manage uncertainty in the next phase, or simply understand your new identity after exit, Your NEXT is your trusted guide to crafting a fulfilling and impactful next chapter. Join us every week to learn how you can: Reclaim your entrepreneurial purpose and reignite your passions Redefine your identity and self-worth beyond business success Transform financial wealth into lasting impact Navigate personal transitions and enhance relationship dynamics Build a purposeful legacy that resonates far beyond your exit If you’re ready to turn the page and start your next great adventure with confidence and clarity, tune in to Your NEXT: A Guide to Finding Fulfillment After Your Exit. Because fulfillment isn’t the end goal—it’s the journey.

  1. JAN 11

    ICYMI: Why Smart Founders Still Struggle After the Exit - Dr. Michelle Fritsch

    What happens after the deal closes is the question too few founders ask. In this conversation on Your N.E.X.T., Jerome Myers sits down again with Dr. Michelle Fritsch to explore why even highly successful founders feel lost, disconnected, or unprepared after exiting their businesses. Together, they unpack the often-ignored realities of post-exit life—identity loss, health decline, strained relationships, and the myth that money alone creates fulfillment. The conversation also introduces the thinking behind the Exit Ready Summit, a boardroom-style experience designed to help founders prepare not just financially, but personally, relationally, and purposefully for life beyond the business. [00:00 – 07:00] | The Question Founders Avoid Most founders ask when to exit, not who they’ll be afterExits are transformational portals, not just transactions Identity loss is the biggest blind spot in exit planning [07:01 – 14:00] | Why Health Is the First Domino Burnout is often a biological warning, not a mindset failure Chronic stress erodes decision-making long before exits occur Founders often sacrifice sleep, recovery, and relationships to “push through” [14:01 – 21:00] | The Myth That Money Fixes Everything Financial readiness does not replace identity or purposeWealth without structure can magnify loneliness and confusion Time and talent atrophy without intentional direction [21:01 – 28:00] | The Identity Vacuum After the Exit Many founders experience cognitive fog and loss of relevance Structure disappears overnight, leaving emotional free-fall Divorce and relationship breakdowns often spike post-exit [28:01 – 35:00] | Why Purpose Cannot Be an Afterthought Exiting from a business is not the same as exiting to something meaningful Lack of purpose leads to isolation, depression, and disengagement Relationships that once defined daily life often disappear post-exit [35:01 – 42:00] | Who the Exit Ready Summit Is—and Is Not—For Designed for founders who want clarity, not just liquidity Not for those unwilling to be vulnerable or self-reflective Small, boardroom setting enables real conversations Key Quotes “Relevance is one of the first things founders quietly grieve after they exit.” - Dr. Michelle Fritsch Burnout is not a mindset problem. It’s often a biological warning sign.” - Dr. Michelle Fritsch Connect with Dr. Fritsch!Website: properlyourwellness.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michellefritsch Join industry leaders shaping the future and secure your spot at the Exit Planning Summit today! https://exitplanningsummit.com/speakers Exit Ready! A Private Boardroom Experience for Business Owners Preparing to Exit Without Regret! 👉 https://exitreadysummit.com/ Ready for your next chapter?Start Your Assessment Now 👉 https://theexitparadox.com/assessment Leave a Review + Help Others Achieve a Great Legacy If you found this episode valuable, leave us a review and share it with someone who wants to expand their business growth. Your Next is more than a podcast—it’s a community that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and ages, united by a shared passion for personal growth and achieving excellence.  🎧 Explore our previous episodes or learn more about our mission at https://exittoexcellence.com. Your next chapter starts here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    45 min
  2. JAN 4

    Purpose Isn’t Found. It’s Remembered - Jennifer K. Hill

    What happens when success finds you before you think you’re ready for it? In this episode of Your N.E.X.T., Jennifer K. Hill shares her unexpected exit journey and the deeper transformation that followed. From building and selling a company she never intended to create, to redefining identity, purpose, and alignment after the sale, Jennifer unpacks why true fulfillment doesn’t come from brute force or hustle.  This conversation explores connection over control, purpose over performance, and why having the right tools, mentors, and inner clarity can change everything about what comes next. [00:00 – 07:30] The Unexpected Exit Jennifer never planned to build or sell a company, yet received an unsolicited acquisition offerReputation, relationships, and alignment created opportunity without pursuit Exit success came from service, not strategy alone [07:31 – 15:45] Failure, Alignment, and Starting Again Jennifer’s first business failed despite prior corporate success Leaving misaligned environments created space for clarity and growth Alignment means understanding values, motivations, and purpose [15:46 – 25:10] Purpose, Connection, and the Golden Triangle Purpose is deeply personal and uniquely defined by each individual Connection to self enables meaningful connection to others Clarity allows opportunities to come to you rather than being chased [25:11 – 34:40] Mentorship, Humility, and the Tool Belt Jennifer credits long-term mentors for her personal evolution Early resistance to coaching nearly limited her growthTools matter more than talent when navigating leadership and life [34:41 – 44:20] Life After the Exit Jennifer transitioned out earlier than expected due to unforeseen leadership changes Identity separation from the company felt seamless, not painfulLetting go created space for new, creative, and spiritual opportunities [44:21 – 52:30] Living Beyond Fear, Time, and Limitation Perspective determines whether experiences feel hard or effortless Fear becomes a teacher when examined instead of avoided Removing judgment opens a deeper connection and understanding Key Quotes  “Success didn’t come from chasing the exit. It came from alignment.” – Jennifer K. Hill “Purpose isn’t out there. It’s already inside you, waiting to be remembered.” – Jennifer K. Hill Connect with Jennifer!Website:https://jenniferkhill.com/ Website: https://jenhilltribe.com/ Website: https://ctct.me/metabizics/meaningful-morning-mantras/ Join industry leaders shaping the future and secure your spot at the Exit Planning Summit today! https://exitplanningsummit.com/speakers Exit Ready! A Private Boardroom Experience for Business Owners Preparing to Exit Without Regret! 👉 https://exitreadysummit.com/ Ready for your next chapter?Start Your Assessment Now 👉 https://theexitparadox.com/assessment Leave a Review + Help Others Achieve a Great Legacy If you found this episode valuable, leave us a review and share it with someone who wants to expand their business growth. Your Next is more than a podcast—it’s a community that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and ages, united by a shared passion for personal growth and achieving excellence.  🎧 Explore our previous episodes or learn more about our mission at https://exittoexcellence.com. Your next chapter starts here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    52 min
  3. 12/28/2025

    Why Smart Founders Still Struggle After the Exit - Dr. Michelle Fritsch

    What happens after the deal closes is the question too few founders ask. In this conversation on Your N.E.X.T., Jerome Myers sits down again with Dr. Michelle Fritsch to explore why even highly successful founders feel lost, disconnected, or unprepared after exiting their businesses. Together, they unpack the often-ignored realities of post-exit life—identity loss, health decline, strained relationships, and the myth that money alone creates fulfillment. The conversation also introduces the thinking behind the Exit Ready Summit, a boardroom-style experience designed to help founders prepare not just financially, but personally, relationally, and purposefully for life beyond the business. [00:00 – 07:00] | The Question Founders Avoid Most founders ask when to exit, not who they’ll be afterExits are transformational portals, not just transactions Identity loss is the biggest blind spot in exit planning [07:01 – 14:00] | Why Health Is the First Domino Burnout is often a biological warning, not a mindset failure Chronic stress erodes decision-making long before exits occur Founders often sacrifice sleep, recovery, and relationships to “push through” [14:01 – 21:00] | The Myth That Money Fixes Everything Financial readiness does not replace identity or purposeWealth without structure can magnify loneliness and confusion Time and talent atrophy without intentional direction [21:01 – 28:00] | The Identity Vacuum After the Exit Many founders experience cognitive fog and loss of relevance Structure disappears overnight, leaving emotional free-fall Divorce and relationship breakdowns often spike post-exit [28:01 – 35:00] | Why Purpose Cannot Be an Afterthought Exiting from a business is not the same as exiting to something meaningful Lack of purpose leads to isolation, depression, and disengagement Relationships that once defined daily life often disappear post-exit [35:01 – 42:00] | Who the Exit Ready Summit Is—and Is Not—For Designed for founders who want clarity, not just liquidity Not for those unwilling to be vulnerable or self-reflective Small, boardroom setting enables real conversations Key Quotes “Relevance is one of the first things founders quietly grieve after they exit.” - Dr. Michelle Fritsch Burnout is not a mindset problem. It’s often a biological warning sign.” - Dr. Michelle Fritsch Connect with Dr. Fritsch!Website: properlyourwellness.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michellefritsch Join industry leaders shaping the future and secure your spot at the Exit Planning Summit today! https://exitplanningsummit.com/speakers Exit Ready! A Private Boardroom Experience for Business Owners Preparing to Exit Without Regret! 👉 https://exitreadysummit.com/ Ready for your next chapter?Start Your Assessment Now 👉 https://theexitparadox.com/assessment Leave a Review + Help Others Achieve a Great Legacy If you found this episode valuable, leave us a review and share it with someone who wants to expand their business growth. Your Next is more than a podcast—it’s a community that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and ages, united by a shared passion for personal growth and achieving excellence.  🎧 Explore our previous episodes or learn more about our mission at https://exittoexcellence.com. Your next chapter starts here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    47 min
  4. 12/21/2025

    Why Real Estate Matters More Than You Think in an Exit - Jason Bush

    Most founders believe the value of their business lies entirely inside their operating company. In this episode, Jason Bush joins Jerome Myers to challenge that assumption and expose one of the most overlooked exit-planning risks: real estate misalignment. Drawing from Jason’s two exits, his background in engineering, business advisory, and commercial real estate, and his work at Linville Team Partners, this conversation unpacks how poorly structured leases, ownership entities, and rent strategies can quietly destroy enterprise value.  You’ll hear real-world horror stories, surprising valuation math, and a powerful framework for turning real estate from a liability into a strategic wealth-building lever before an exit ever hits the market. [00:00 – 07:00] From Engineering to Exit Clarity Jason shares his early career as a civil engineer and his first successful business exit Why one exit worked and another failed despite strong income The difference between owning a “job” and building a sellable enterprise [07:01 – 15:00] Why Exits Fail Even When the Business Looks Strong Most exits fail due to lack of clarity, not lack of revenue Why a liquidity event rarely changes how people think about life The danger of exiting without a clear “what’s next” [15:01 – 24:00] Brokerage vs Advisory: A Critical Distinction The difference between business brokerage and real estate brokerage Why advisory work starts long before any transaction How advisors miss value when real estate is treated as an afterthought [24:01 – 33:00] The Real Estate Horror Story Every Founder Should Hear A real example where a multimillion-dollar business became unsellable How month-to-month leases can destroy buyer confidence Why M&A advisors often overlook real estate risk until it’s too late [33:01 – 42:00] OpCo, PropCo, and the Valuation Blind Spot Why operating companies and real estate must be separate entities How under-market rent inflates EBITDA but reduces real exit value The hidden cap-rate advantage of moving value into real estate [42:01 – 52:00] Turning Real Estate into Optionality, Not Risk How paying market rent can increase total enterprise value Why real estate is often more valuable than the business itself The power of optionality when exits are structured correctly Key Quotes: “Real estate is often valued at a higher multiple than the business, yet it’s treated like an afterthought.” - Jason Bush  “Most founders don’t realize they have two businesses to exit: the operating company and the real estate.” - Jason Bush Connect with Jason!Website https://www.ltpcommercial.com/brokers/jason-bush/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-bush-value-advisor/ Join industry leaders shaping the future and secure your spot at the Exit Planning Summit today! https://exitplanningsummit.com/speakers Ready for your next chapter?Start Your Assessment Now 👉 https://theexitparadox.com/assessment Leave a Review + Help Others Achieve a Great Legacy If you found this episode valuable, leave us a review and share it with someone who wants to expand their business growth. Your Next is more than a podcast—it’s a community that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and ages, united by a shared passion for personal growth and achieving excellence.  🎧 Explore our previous episodes or learn more about our mission at https://exittoexcellence.com. Your next chapter starts here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    58 min
  5. 12/14/2025

    The Business You Never Left After Your Exit - Jerome Myers

    Many founders believe the exit is the finish line, but what happens after the deal closes often reveals a deeper challenge. In this solo episode, Jerome Myers explores why so many exited founders unknowingly rebuild the very businesses and lifestyles they were desperate to escape. He introduces the concept of the “ghost business” and explains how unprocessed identity loss, fear, and unresolved trauma quietly pull founders back into familiar patterns of overwork and self-imposed prisons.  Through powerful metaphors, real-world observations, and reflective questions, Jerome reframes the exit as a starting line rather than an ending. He offers a path toward clarity, freedom, and intentional post-exit living. [00:00 – 03:15] The Ghost Business That Follows Every Founder Many founders rebuild businesses not from purpose, but from discomfort with stillness The post-exit “next thing” often exists to avoid more profound identity questions Fulfillment is mistaken for activity, leading to busy work instead of meaningful work [03:16 – 06:45] When Identity Is Tied to Output Founders often define their worth by productivity and problem solving Silence after exit can feel like irrelevance rather than freedom Losing daily validation creates anxiety and self-doubt [06:46 – 09:40] Free Time Can Become a Prison Most founders have never truly experienced rest If time is not intentionally allocated, it becomes overwhelming Avoiding what matters most is often disguised as dedication to work [09:41 – 12:55] Trauma, Motivation, and the Ghost of the Past Unprocessed exits function like unresolved trauma Motivation driven by fear replaces inspiration driven by purpose Founders recreate old patterns even when circumstances have changed [12:56 – 15:40] The Signs You Never Really Exited New ventures feel emotionally and operationally familiar The same stress loops and overcommitment reappear A liquidity event without inner change is just a relocation of the prison [15:41 – 20:00] Exiting To Something, Not Just From Something True post-exit success requires a clear North Star Freedom without direction creates drift, not peace The exit is the starting line for identity rebirth, not the end Key Quotes“Motivation runs when fear is chasing you. Inspiration runs because you chose the destination.” - Jerome Myers“Most founders don’t rebuild businesses because they need money. They rebuild them because they don’t know who they are without one.” - Jerome Myers Join industry leaders shaping the future and secure your spot at the Exit Planning Summit today! https://exitplanningsummit.com/speakers Ready for your next chapter?Start Your Assessment Now 👉 https://theexitparadox.com/assessment Leave a Review + Help Others Achieve a Great Legacy If you found this episode valuable, leave us a review and share it with someone who wants to expand their business growth. Your Next is more than a podcast—it’s a community that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and ages, united by a shared passion for personal growth and achieving excellence.  🎧 Explore our previous episodes or learn more about our mission at https://exittoexcellence.com. Your next chapter starts here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    24 min
  6. 12/07/2025

    The Post-Exit Myth: Why Founders Still Feel Empty After “Winning” - Jerome Myers

    Most founders expect happiness to arrive the moment the wire hits. But, as Jerome shares in this powerful solo episode, many founders feel more lost after a successful exit than before it. Even when the deal is smooth, the number is hit, and every professional metric says success, the internal experience can feel hollow. Jerome breaks down why joy does not automatically follow liquidity, why identity and purpose collapse after exiting, and how founders can avoid falling into the Post-Exit Void.  He reveals the psychological sequence that unfolds after the deal closes, the hidden shame founders rarely admit, and a new definition of a successful exit that goes far beyond valuation. If you are building toward a liquidity event or still unraveling after one, this episode will give you clarity, language, and next steps to regain meaning, coherence, and direction.  [00:00 – 03:10] The Myth of Automatic Post-Exit Happiness Founders often assume money will solve everything, but joy after a liquidity event is short-lived Adaptation to newfound wealth happens quickly, leaving many wondering what now Without a plan for life after the exit, the reality feels empty even if the transaction went perfectly [03:11 – 06:20] The Rare Reality of a Successful Exit Very few founders experience a truly fulfilling exit because the odds of long-term business survival are low Exiting into a void, rather than into a purpose, creates regret Shame, invisibility, and fear of sounding ungrateful keep founders from speaking up [06:21 – 09:15] Identity Displacement After the Exit A founder’s identity is tied to being needed, active, and in motion When the business is gone, structure and community disappear with it Having 40 to 60 hours returned each week creates disorientation if unplanned [09:16 – 12:00] Purpose Disruption and the Search for Meaning The business once supplied mission, direction, and a scoreboard Post exit, fear and scarcity can prevent new pursuits from forming Purpose is rooted in people and problems, not in finding a new distraction [12:01 – 14:45] Deconstructing the Fantasy of I Will Be Happy When Liquidity events do not bring lasting relief, completion, or peace An exit is not a finish line. It is the beginning of another chapter Money creates capacity, not identity [14:46 – 18:00] A New Definition of a Successful Exit Success cannot be measured by payout alone. Fulfillment, belonging, and identity must be included Without preparing for life after the transaction, founders may long for the company they left Exit readiness protects founders from forced exits due to death, disease, burnout, or divorce Key Quotes: “Money is capacity, not identity. Time is space, not direction. Freedom is potential, not fulfillment.” - Jerome Myers“Many founders hit their number and still wonder why they feel empty. The exit does not answer the question of who you are.” - Jerome Myers Join industry leaders shaping the future and secure your spot at the Exit Planning Summit today! https://exitplanningsummit.com/speakers Ready for your next chapter?Start Your Assessment Now 👉 https://theexitparadox.com/assessment Leave a Review + Help Others Achieve a Great Legacy If you found this episode valuable, leave us a review and share it with someone who wants to expand their business growth. Your Next is more than a podcast—it’s a community that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and ages, united by a shared passion for personal growth and achieving excellence.  🎧 Explore our previous episodes or learn more about our mission at https://exittoexcellence.com. Your next chapter starts here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    20 min
  7. 11/30/2025

    Pandora’s Box of the Founder’s Exit: The Fears That Sabotage Your Success - Jerome Myers

    Most founders think the hardest part of selling their company is the deal itself. But as Jerome Myers reveals, the real challenge begins in the silence that follows. In this deeply honest solo episode, Jerome breaks down the emotional, identity, and relational fears that make exits so difficult — and why avoiding these truths leads to regret, stalled decisions, and post-exit collapse. Using the metaphor of Pandora’s Box, he explains that what founders fear isn’t the future — it’s finally having to face everything they ignored while building the business. Jerome walks through the hidden fears inside the box, the dangers of avoidance, and the power of strategic identity work. He then shares a founder story that transforms fear into clarity, illustrating how an exit can become a portal to personal evolution rather than an ending. Listeners walk away with a roadmap for beginning the internal work now, and an invitation to access the tools that make a healthy transition possible. [00:00–01:15] The Hidden Struggle Founders Never Talk About Founders publicly speak about strategy — but privately struggle with emotional impact Delays, self-sabotage, and regret often stem from unspoken fears The myth of “just sell the company and life gets better” hides deeper challenges [01:16–02:58] The Post-Exit Bliss Myth Money and time alone don’t create peace or fulfillment Many founders experience emptiness, restlessness, and identity confusion post-exit Silence after the sale can feel louder and more destabilizing than the chaos before [02:59–05:05] What’s Really Inside Pandora’s Box Identity loss: If you’re not the CEO anymore, who are you? Purpose loss: The fires and urgency disappear — and so does direction Relationship reckoning: Exit removes the busyness barrier that kept issues hidden Unrealized dreams: Success may have cost parts of the life you wanted [05:06–06:29] Avoidance: The Silent Exit Killer Avoiding emotional work leads to poor decisions: rushing, undervaluing, or holding too long Spouses and children experience sudden shifts when founders “come home” without purpose Emotional instability during exit negotiations can cost millions [06:30–07:48] Clarity as the Antidote Clarity prevents chaos, not causes it. Frameworks like the Founder’s Exit Paradox and NEO Assessment stabilize foundersThis is strategic identity work, not therapy You cannot build a meaningful “next” without knowing who you’re becoming [07:49–10:00] A Founder’s Story & Your Invitation Forward A successful founder feared the silence after the sale more than the deal itselfOpening the box led to purpose, reconnection, and meaning beyond achievement The work he avoided became his gateway to the life he wanted Key Quotes: “Clarity does not unleash chaos. Clarity prevents it.” - Jerome Myers“Exits aren’t endings. They’re portals to personal evolution.” - Jerome Myers Join industry leaders shaping the future and secure your spot at the Exit Planning Summit today! https://exitplanningsummit.com/speakers Ready for your next chapter?Start Your Assessment Now 👉 https://theexitparadox.com/assessment Leave a Review + Help Others Achieve a Great Legacy If you found this episode valuable, leave us a review and share it with someone who wants to expand their business growth. Your Next is more than a podcast—it’s a community that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and ages, united by a shared passion for personal growth and achieving excellence.  🎧 Explore our previous episodes or learn more about our mission at https://exittoexcellence.com. Your next chapter starts here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    11 min
5
out of 5
64 Ratings

About

Are you a business owner, entrepreneur, or executive who's navigated a successful exit and now finds yourself wondering, “What’s next?” Hosted by Jerome Myers, Your NEXT is the ultimate podcast for those seeking not only financial success but deeper post-exit fulfillment, legacy-building, and a purpose-driven life after stepping away from their business. Each episode unpacks the emotional and psychological journey of life after a business exit, addressing the Founder’s Exit Paradox—the often-overlooked challenges that come with leaving behind the company you’ve built. From grappling with identity loss, self-doubt, and relationship impact to discovering how to turn wealth into a meaningful legacy, Your NEXT provides a blueprint for thriving beyond financial success. Through expert interviews, real-life stories, and actionable strategies, Jerome Myers dives into key topics such as entrepreneur transition, life after business, wealth with meaning, and building a legacy beyond profit. Whether you’re looking to rediscover your purpose, manage uncertainty in the next phase, or simply understand your new identity after exit, Your NEXT is your trusted guide to crafting a fulfilling and impactful next chapter. Join us every week to learn how you can: Reclaim your entrepreneurial purpose and reignite your passions Redefine your identity and self-worth beyond business success Transform financial wealth into lasting impact Navigate personal transitions and enhance relationship dynamics Build a purposeful legacy that resonates far beyond your exit If you’re ready to turn the page and start your next great adventure with confidence and clarity, tune in to Your NEXT: A Guide to Finding Fulfillment After Your Exit. Because fulfillment isn’t the end goal—it’s the journey.