Mike Carden, Will Palmer, and James McCarthy each built, scaled, and sold SaaS companies in very different ways — but all with lessons that matter for founders today. From surviving the GFC with no cash, to putting profitability ahead of vanity growth, to mastering the art of storytelling as a sales weapon, their experiences cut through the myths of startup success.

This “best of” episode isn’t polished theory. It’s real stories, hard scars, and the kind of wisdom you only get from the trenches of building and exiting. If you’re starting, scaling, or staring down an exit, you’ll find insights here worth stealing.

Vicki Ammundsen didn’t become one of New Zealand’s most sought-after trust and tax lawyers by playing it safe. She’s spent decades helping founders, families, and advisors navigate the uncomfortable questions most people avoid—until it’s too late.

In this episode, we explore the hidden cracks in succession planning, the emotional blind spots that derail even the best-laid legacies, and why giving your kids shares in the family business might be the worst gift of all. Vicki shares the patterns she’s seen behind high-stakes exits, multi-generational wealth plans, and business transitions that either protect the founder’s vision — or slowly unravel it.

Whether you’re planning to step back or just starting to build something worth passing on, this conversation is a wake-up call to plan with clarity, intention, and courage.

Symon Thurlow didn’t set out to sell his business — but when opportunity knocked, he took the deal and stayed on for seven more years. What followed wasn’t just a transition. It was a transformation.

In this episode, we unpack what really happens when you scale a niche services business to $20M+, navigate an earnout with zero prep, and lead post-acquisition without losing your identity. From trusting your gut to learning the language of corporate, Symon’s story is proof that exits aren’t just about walking away — they’re about stepping into the next version of yourself.

Whether you’re building a business, considering a sale, or already on the inside post-acquisition, this conversation offers grounded insights into navigating the long game.

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Visit https://www.joshcomrie.com/ to see how I can help you on your business journey.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠