EP 307 Leadership and Loneliness – Finding Connection at the Top
Release Date: 11/05/2024
The Cash Rich Exit Podcast
In this final segment of a powerful three-part conversation, Colleen O’Connell-Campbell and Jennifer Williams explore the community-level impact of employee ownership for Canadian business owners - beyond the dollars and deal terms. If you're a founder who wants to leave behind more than just a net worth number, this episode offers compelling reasons to consider how your exit plan could strengthen your community, not just your portfolio. Key Highlights 💼 Employee-Owned Companies = Stability During Volatility Data shows these businesses are more likely to retain staff...
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In part two of this three-part series, Colleen welcomes back to explore the financial power behind Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs). This isn't just a values-based feel-good exit. EOTs now offer significant tax advantages that can rival, and even exceed, traditional business sale routes. From how to qualify for the new $10M lifetime capital gains exemption to why Canada introduced this legislation, Jennifer breaks it all down - plus, the importance of doing it right with guidance from experts. ✨ Key Highlights and Timestamps 🕓 02:35 Why the federal government introduced...
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Host: Colleen O’Connell-Campbell Guest: Jennifer Williams, Founder of Firefly Insights In part one of a three-part series, Colleen sits down with , a passionate advocate for employee ownership and founder of Firefly Insights. This episode explores how business owners can transition their companies to employees - preserving their legacy, values, and community roots - expanding their options beyond the default of private equity or selling to competitors. Jennifer shares why employee ownership is gaining traction in Canada, how it can stabilize businesses post-exit, and why it’s...
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👋 at RBC Dominion Securities In this episode, host Colleen O’Connell-Campbell, Wealth Advisor, sits down with , CEO of , and a pioneer in bringing Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) to Canada. Tiara explains how EOTs offer a compelling, tax-efficient option for business owners who want to protect their legacy, empower their employees, and still achieve full value in an exit - without selling to a third party or private equity. Tiara shares how she helped champion Canada's EOT legislation, inspired by robust models in the US and UK, and outlines how Canadian business owners can now...
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Welcome back, Self Made Nation! In this episode, I reconnect with , co-founder of seoplus+, to explore a topic that’s fast becoming essential to business exit strategy: how to identify, measure, and maximize the value of your digital assets. Brock shares how seoplus+ developed a proprietary Digital Asset Valuation program designed to help business owners understand the true value of their online presence - think websites, social media, ad accounts, email lists, and more. Why does it matter? Because overlooking these digital touchpoints can impact your exit multiple...
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In this episode, I sit down with seasoned M&A expert - a true connector in Canada’s investment and business exit ecosystem. With decades of experience in investment banking, private equity, and corporate finance, Eric shares how relationships, preparation, and AI-driven intelligence are reshaping the exit journey for business owners. We dig into the power of networks like the M&A Club, the practical benefits of using AI to prepare for due diligence, and the often-overlooked realities around professional fees, timing, and tax strategy. Whether you’re two years away...
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Ever wonder how businesses scale successfully - or why some promising companies unexpectedly falter? In this enlightening episode of ‘The Cash Rich Exit Podcast’, host Colleen sits down with , CEO of Unloop Accounting and Founder of Storyline Financial. Shady specializes in helping businesses turn complex financial data into actionable insights that drive strategic growth and profitable exits. From identifying red flags in your cash flow to understanding the crucial difference between accounting and finance, Shady breaks down key concepts every entrepreneur needs to grasp. This...
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Taxes may not be the most exciting topic, but mastering tax planning is crucial for entrepreneurs aiming for a cash-rich business exit. In this insightful episode, host sits down with Mike Nazarov, a seasoned tax partner at KPMG Canada, to decode Canadian tax updates and share essential strategies for structuring your Canadian-controlled private corporation. Here's what you can expect from this episode: 🔑 Practical insights into the recent capital gains inclusion rate changes in Canada. 📈 Tips for optimizing your business structure for maximum tax...
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Welcome, Self-Made Nation! Today on The Cash Rich Exit Podcast, we talk about a crucial but often overlooked aspect of business ownership - estate planning. is joined by , estate planning lawyer at Cooligan Yehia LLP, to discuss how business owners can secure their legacy for future generations. 🏢 Why estate planning matters for business owners – Your business is one of your biggest assets. Without a solid estate plan, succession can become complicated, costly, and emotionally taxing for your loved ones. 📜 Essential estate planning documents – Wills, powers of...
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Welcome back to The Cash Rich Exit Podcast with me, your host, . Today, we're spending time in the world of governance and leadership with , Managing Partner, CEO, and Founder of MondouxRollins Partners Inc. and the visionary behind Canada's Best Private Boards (also known as The Boardies). Jennifer has a rich background – she started in journalism and then moved into helping companies find the right leaders. She really understands how important good governance is for private companies that want to grow and succeed. Because of her experience in executive search, placing leaders, and...
info_outlineWelcome back to ‘The Cash Rich Exit Podcast’! I’m your host, Colleen O'Connell-Campbell, Wealth Advisor. Today, we continue our conversation with Eric Deschamps, a leadership and business coach who talks about the often-overlooked issue of loneliness in leadership. Eric brings insights on how to navigate isolation, especially for those at the top who may feel the weight of leading, without a peer group to lean on.
🌟 Redefining Leadership Loneliness: Eric opens up about the reality of isolation many leaders experience, describing it as a "silent pandemic," especially for men who may lack a support system outside of work. He emphasizes that leadership is about making hard decisions AND about finding the courage to seek connection and support.
🧠 Navigating the "Lone Wolf" Mindset: We explore the common “lone wolf” mindset often encouraged in leadership, where self-reliance becomes a double-edged sword. Eric explains the difference between standing strong in solitude when necessary and living in prolonged isolation, which can negatively impact both personal and professional growth.
💪 Strategies for Overcoming Isolation: Eric shares actionable advice on creating a network of support, finding mentors, and establishing an inner circle for meaningful connection. He stresses the importance of reaching out, sharing vulnerabilities, and moving from self-imposed isolation to a mindset of connection and openness.
💼 Key Takeaways for the Self-Made Nation:
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Loneliness Isn’t Permanent: Recognize that isolation can be a temporary phase and that you have the power to change it.
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Embrace Vulnerability: True connection begins when you’re willing to show your authentic self.
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Find your People: Seek a community or mentor group to share both your challenges and triumphs.
Thank you for listening to this valuable discussion, and stay tuned for the final part of our series with Eric. As you hit play on this episode, please drop me a 5-star rating. Your support helps more entrepreneurs find this valuable content.
Starting to think about your exit from your business?
Join me for a one-on-one wealth gap analysis and let’s craft a strategy that supports both your financial goals and your journey toward a balanced, fulfilling exit. Reach out to me on LinkedIn or email to schedule a time for us to connect.
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The Cash Rich Exit Podcast is brought to you by O’Connell-Campbell Wealth Management at RBC Dominion Securities.
All opinions expressed by the host, Colleen O’Connell-Campbell, and podcast guests are solely their own opinions and do not reflect the opinion of RBC Dominion Securities.
This podcast is for informational purposes only before taking any action based on information in this podcast you should consult with a qualified professional.
Colleen O’Connell-Campbell is a Wealth Advisor at RBC Dominion Securities, a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund.