{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Selling Your Business: What Nobody Tells You About Letting Go","description":"Episode 224  Released January 8, 2026 This week I\u2019m joined by James Gardner, a fellow Vistage member who\u2019s been on quite a journey \u2013 from building a manufacturing business with his brother over nearly two decades, through its sale, to running a funeral director businesses in Kent. James now mentors business owners through acquisitions, post-acquisition challenges, and the transition out of businesses. What struck me most was James\u2019s honesty about the emotional reality of selling a business. We hear the success stories \u2013 the champagne corks, the celebration \u2013 but rarely what comes next. James opens up about what he describes as the worst 18 months of his life, despite having more money in the bank than ever before. From Dressing Table to International Business James\u2019s story begins around 2000, when his brother spotted a gap in the market. His first few days in business were spent at his sister-in-law\u2019s dressing table with a laptop and a fax machine. From there, they moved to a leaky farm building, then a garden shed they\u2019d insulated themselves. They grew internationally, with James flying to their US operation 13 times in one year. These things sound glamorous but really aren\u2019t, he reflects \u2013 time away from family, friends, and other opportunities. But they worked hard, treated people well, and delivered on every promise. The Sale \u2013 and What Came After When the right buyer came along \u2013 one who could preserve jobs and accelerate their plans \u2013 the brothers took the leap. They were lucky to be on the same page; family partnerships often break down. James stayed on after the sale through a gentleman\u2019s agreement. Senior positions were promised. The reality didn\u2019t match the brochure. The first 6 to 18 months were the unhappiest of his life. He had more money than ever, yet felt imprisoned. The golden handcuffs, as he calls them \u2013 yes, they\u2019re gold, but you\u2019re still handcuffed. What resonated with me was his reflection on control. When you\u2019ve built something, oversight and strategy flow through you. Then suddenly, that stops. You may be mentally ready to hand over, but are you emotionally prepared? As James put it: \u2018You\u2019re literally handing your baby over to somebody else to raise, whilst you\u2019re still in the room.\u2019 Rolling the Dice Again Things eventually improved, and James went on to run the larger UK department. But he asked himself: do I want to do this for another 25 years, or roll the dice? In 2019, he chose to move on. Wanting something recession-proof, he remembered working as a trainee funeral director years earlier and approached that same business owner. Ten days after signing in March 2020, the country went into lockdown. He now runs four funeral directors in Kent. Key Insights It\u2019s people, people, people. Treat your team well first. Then your customers. Then \u2013 and this often gets forgotten \u2013 your suppliers. When something goes wrong, you want to be at the top of their list. Plan your exit properly. A short handover works better than staying on indefinitely. And if you don\u2019t have a plan for life after the sale, the sudden absence of purpose can be devastating. Communication is everything. The root cause of most relationship breakdowns is communication. Having someone in your corner to sound-check decisions is invaluable. Connect with James James now mentors business owners through acquisitions, post-acquisition challenges, and the transition out of businesses. Website: amazing3dgoals.com (that\u2019s the number 3) LinkedIn: James Gardner Youtube: Amazing Leaders   James\u2019s story reminds us that business people are not immune. We have highbrow ideas about building something, but we\u2019re not always ready to let it go. The sale can look like the ultimate success, but the emotional journey is far more complex than the financial transaction. Ready to be a better you in 2026? Is something troubling you? Playing on your mind or feels as if it\u2019s stuck somehow? Are you tired of problems that you can\u2019t seem to solve? Or are you at a crossroads because things just aren\u2019t the way you want at work or maybe in the home? Does it feel like a struggle? Do you have unrealistic pressures on you? Are there many issues, but you aren\u2019t sure what to do first. Or do you need to get your head clear so that you can focus? Whether things just aren\u2019t going right, or you\u2019re struggling with a specific problem, I can help. Through 1-on-1 meetings, (whether face to face, or online), I build a better you. But I aim to do so in 3 sessions, or less. My focus is always on delivering results quickly. To learn more, just reach out and we can set up a time for a free exploratory call to discuss how I could help you. ","author_name":"The Executive Edge","author_url":"http:\/\/suefirthltd.com","html":"