You might have a buyer lined up — but that doesn’t mean your exit is guaranteed.

In this episode of Succession Stories, host Laurie Barkman sits down with Jim Carlisle , mergers and acquisitions attorney and chair of the National Growth and Exit Planning Group at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP. With decades of experience guiding business owners through transitions, Jim shares insider insights into why even well-prepared exits can fall apart — and what you can do to avoid common pitfalls.

This conversation is essential for entrepreneurs who want to ensure their hard work pays off, both financially and personally, when it’s time to move on.

"If you don't like how the table is set… overturn the table."
— Jim Carlisle

Jim shares how this powerful mindset — borrowed from House of Cards — has shaped his approach to business deals and problem-solving. When things aren’t working, he encourages leaders to rethink, reinvent, and reset the rules — then march forward with confidence.

• Email: Jim.carlisle@dinsmore.com

• Mobile phone: 412-855-4333

✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook here: https://btsherpa.com/book

This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa®

📣 Write a Review: https://ratethispodcast.com/successionstories

More Resources:

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

Website: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/

Book: https://btsherpa.com/book

Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBusinessTransitionSherpa

What happens when an entrepreneur faces massive failure — and how does that become their greatest asset?

In this powerful episode of Succession Stories, host Laurie Barkman sits down with Brian Marshall, a leadership coach and business advisor who has spent over 40 years guiding entrepreneurs through personal and professional transformation. Brian shares his own deeply personal journey — from launching his first business at age 20, to experiencing devastating loss and failure in 2008, and ultimately building a new life helping others find freedom through ownership of their story.

This conversation is raw, real, and filled with insights about:

• How failure can be the best teacher
• Why vulnerability isn’t weakness — it’s strength
• The importance of planning your exit long before you’re ready to leave
• And why owning your brokenness makes you a better leader

Whether you're facing a crossroads or just looking to lead more authentically, Brian’s story will challenge and inspire you to embrace your past — and shape your future — with courage.

💬 Quote of the Episode:

"Shame keeps entrepreneurs from talking about their real struggles. But hiding failure hurts more than it helps."

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

• Brian Marshall’s Website: https://optimumperformanceplatform.com/
• Connect with Brian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmarshall/
• Brian’s email: bmarshall@yourtgp.com

✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook here: https://btsherpa.com/book

This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa®

📣 Write a Review: https://ratethispodcast.com/successionstories

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

“It's not just part of your personality to be a successful entrepreneur. It takes a lot more than just being a risk-taking delusional optimist.”

Laurie Barkman interviews Gregory Silvano, CEO of Buyist. Greg shares his entrepreneurial journey to founding his own companies, emphasizing resilience, optimism, and pure delusion. They discuss navigating risks, cash flow management in startups, and the strategic value of customer reviews. They also discuss the significant impact of AI across industries and the practicality of ‘good enough’ solutions in business operations. Greg also reflects on key entrepreneurial advice, long-term investment strategies, and maintaining physical health.

Takeaways:

~Cultivate optimism, risk-taking, and a bit of delusional belief in your business. These traits can help overcome challenges and setbacks.

~Explore and implement AI tools to improve efficiency in tasks such as SEO, content creation, and customer support. AI is transforming industries and being an early adopter can provide a competitive edge.

~Regularly review your finances to ensure healthy cash flow. Balance your spending, avoid overextending with debt, and build a financial buffer.

~Spend time on important tasks that drive the business forward. This includes strategic planning, marketing, and customer relationship management.

Connect with Greg Silvano:

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

Website: https://buyist.com/

✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook here: https://btsherpa.com/book

The Entrepreneur Gene is a Succession Stories series sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa®

📣 Write a Review: https://ratethispodcast.com/successionstories

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