In this episode of Branching Out, Elizabeth Shea is joined by Karl Sigerist, author of Selling Your Canadian Business, a book written for founders contemplating the sale of their privately owned, lower middle market Canadian business. Drawing on decades of experience as an operator, buyer, seller, and advisor, Karl offers nuanced insight into why most deals fail, how lack of early planning can leave value on the table, and why founders must answer the question “why do I want to sell?” long before going to market and use this “why” to anchor the entire process. His practical advice on prudent advisor selection, emotional readiness, maintaining clean books, and recognizing the value of your brand applies to founders everywhere contemplating or navigating a transition into the next chapter.

Ab Emam shares how WDG evolved from a single website project for a friend into a full-scale, midmarket agency he deliberately built for sale. He breaks down why founders should plan years before they initiate a transaction, why hiring the right business banker can dramatically change your multiple, and why leadership teams need to keep their eye on the ball long after receiving the letter of intent. Ab also speaks candidly about the identity shift that founders can experience after closing and the importance of putting a strong operator in place. This episode is a practical, founder-to-founder look at selling with intention and keeping your head in the game until the ink is dry.

In this episode of Branching Out, Elizabeth Shea sits down with Jim Datovech, former CEO of LKC Technologies, to explore the long road from acquiring a medical device company to refining the product and orchestrating a successful exit. Jim shares how a deal that died at the last minute unexpectedly validated the company’s scalability and paved the way for a stronger deal months later. He offers candid insights on disciplined spending, legal preparedness, the importance of marketing to suitors, and why founders must align their expectations with market reality. This episode is a must-listen for leaders looking for practical advice to navigate a highly regulated industry.