Scale to Exit™ with Alejandra Santos

Beyond Product-Market Fit: Peter Cohan’s Value Pyramid for Strategic Growth

Product-market fit is just the beginning. In this episode, I’m joined by Peter Cohan—author, investor, and creator of the Value Pyramid—to explore what it takes to grow a business built to last. We explore the layers of the Value Pyramid and how founders can climb from basic survival to sustained strategic advantage.
Peter explains the difference between visionary and reckless leadership, why empathy is essential in crisis, and how to avoid the mental traps of cognitive lock-in. We also explore the founder’s dual identity as both sprinter and marathoner, and share real cautionary tales from startups that got growth wrong. If you're serious about scaling with intention, not just speed, this episode is your roadmap.
You can find Peter Cohan https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-cohan/
You can find his books on Brain Rush

Why Timing Matters: 2025 M&A Trends to Know Prior to Exiting your Business with Alejandra Santos

Thinking about selling your business or going public? In this episode, I break down 2025 M&A and IPO trends — and why the timing of your exit could make or break your deal. We will also cover what every founder should be doing now to prepare. Don’t miss this.
 
You can connect with Alejandra Santos: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aalejandrasantos/ www.intothenext.com www.theeducatedceo.com

From Startup Exit to Impact: Sofia Castillo on Tech, Leadership & Empowering Guatemala

​In this episode, we sit down with Sofia Castillo, a Guatemalan innovator and entrepreneur recognized as one of Forbes' Top 100 Powerful Women in Central America. Sofia shares her journey from founding her first tech startup without knowing exits were possible to her current venture, core-code.io, a technological talent accelerator empowering Central American youth to launch careers in technology. We delve into her experiences building tech in Silicon Valley, her commitment to regional development, and her role as a woman leader supporting Guatemala's growth.
 
You can find Sofia Castillo at
Sofia Castillo | LinkedIn

Value Acceleration Strategies & Future-Proofing Your Business with Justin Goodbread

In this episode of Scale to Exit, I sit down with Justin Goodbread to discuss value acceleration strategies—what they are, why they matter, and how business owners can implement them to maximize their companies' worth.
We tackle overcoming doubts that hold entrepreneurs back, shifting from reactive decision-making to proactive, long-term planning, and ensuring that your business isn't just surviving but built to thrive for the future. Whether you're looking to scale, exit, or strengthen your company's foundation, this conversation is packed with insights to help you make smarter, more strategic moves.
🔹 How to identify and increase the value drivers in your business🔹 The mindset shifts required to overcome uncertainty and take action🔹 Strategies to make your company more resilient and attractive to buyers🔹 Future-proofing your business against market shifts
If you're serious about growing and safeguarding your business's future, you won’t want to miss this episode.
🎧 Tune in now!
You can find Justin Goodbread
https://www.linkedin.com/in/justingoodbread https://www.justingoodbread.com/ https://www.justingoodbread.com/your-babys-ugly/ https://www.justingoodbread.com/ultimate-sale-book/

Scale To Exit with Cherrise Curtis: Navigating Tariffs, Bootstrapping and Expanding for an Exit

In this episode of Scale to Exit, we sit down with Cherrisse Curtis to discuss the impact of tariffs and trade agreements on businesses, the pros and cons of bootstrapping versus fundraising, and key strategies for scaling a company toward a successful exit. Whether you're an entrepreneur weighing funding options or a business owner navigating global trade challenges, this episode is packed with insights to help you make informed decisions and build a valuable, scalable business. Tune in now! Available on all platforms, don't forget to subscribe! You can find Cherrise Curtis at:
https://www.instagram.com/theofficial.cherrisecurtis https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherrise2022/

Maximize Your Business Value Before You Sell: Don’t Let PE Firms Take Your Profits

In this episode of Scale to Exit, we explore why waiting for a private equity (PE) firm to increase your business value after an exit is a costly mistake. Learn how to take control of your business’s value before you sell so you can walk away with a higher payday. I’ll break down the key drivers of business value, common mistakes owners make when selling, and practical strategies to maximize your valuation. Don’t leave money on the table—tune in and discover how to position your business for the most profitable exit possible.

Navigating the VC Landscape with Sarah Romanko: Her Inspiring Journey into VC as a Woman and Fundraising Tips for Founders

In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Romanko to explore her inspiring journey as a woman in the world of venture capital. Sarah shares valuable lessons from her career, offering a candid look at what to do—and what to avoid—when fundraising. Whether you're a startup founder looking to make your pitch stand out or an entrepreneur seeking to understand what VCs prioritize, Sarah's insights will guide you through the process. Tune in to hear what she looks for in a startup and how founders can position themselves for success in today's competitive funding landscape.

From Fear of Failure to Fear of Success: Embracing Your Why with Tradara McLaurine

Tradara McLaurine joins us for an inspiring conversation about redefining success, overcoming self-imposed limits, and aligning with your “why.” She shares her personal shift from fearing failure to facing the complexities of fearing success and the ways that mindset can hold us back. We dive into the power of setting boundaries, saying “no” without guilt, and breaking free from validation-seeking and over-apologizing. This episode offers a candid look at stepping into your authentic self and seizing the opportunities that align with your purpose.

Unlocking M&A Success: Scaling, Exiting, and Understanding Why the Right Type of Buyer is the Most Critical Decision You Will Make

In this episode, we sit down with David H. Crean, a seasoned mergers and acquisitions (M&A) expert, to explore the intricacies of scaling your business and positioning it for a successful exit. David shares valuable insights into the various types of buyers in the market—from strategic to financial buyers—and how understanding their motivations can maximize your business's value. Whether you're looking to scale or prepare for an exit, this episode is packed with practical advice for entrepreneurs ready to take the next step. Tune in to learn how to navigate the M&A landscape and achieve your exit goals strategically.

Leading with Emotional Intelligence: Transition Your Business to a New Buyer with Sandra White"

In this episode, I sit down with Sandra White, an Internationally Certified Master Mindset Coach and expert in Emotional Intelligence (EQ), to dive into the power of emotional intelligence in leadership and how it can transform how you run your business. We explore the concept of 'Transitioning' your business to a new buyer starting with the end in mind and working backward to position your business for the ideal exit. Whether you're preparing to scale, exit, or improve leadership skills, this conversation provides key insights on how to lead with emotional intelligence and strategically align your business for future success.