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

What happens when an entire executive team retires at once? How do you ensure leadership continuity, preserve company culture, and protect long-term value?

In this episode of Succession Stories, host Laurie Barkman sits down with Mark L. Vincent, founder of Design Group International and expert in process consulting and leadership transitions. Together, they explore how leaders can build organizations that thrive beyond their tenure — not just structurally, but emotionally and culturally.

Mark shares insights from his own journey leading a firm through succession planning after personal loss, and later transitioning out of his own role. He reveals the critical importance of emotional intelligence, peer-based advising, and intentional development of future leaders.

This conversation is essential for entrepreneurs, executives, and advisors who want to ensure their business doesn’t just survive — it continues to grow and reflect its original values long after the current leaders move on.

💬 Quote of the Episode:

"Firm with process and soft with people."

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Mark Vincent: https://linktr.ee/marklvincent

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

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

This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa®

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