Author: Scott Couchenour

Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify 75% of business owners were unsatisfied with how they exited their business after a year removed. And 5% were not happy with the payout. The research project that revealed those numbers led to a body of work that identified specific drivers of a happy exit. One such driver is called “Future Vision” Future Vision is defined this way: Why do you want to exit your business? What do you plan to do after you leave your business? Many owners decide to sell because they need to retire or take care of their health. Those are valid reasons to…

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Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into a captivating business tale. The relationship between Alcoa and their vendor, LW Nash (the company my grandfather began), serves as a vivid illustration of the pitfalls a company can face when dependencies are unchecked. This story also showcases the importance and resilience of the Switzerland Structure from John Warrillow’s Value Builder System. The inherent risks of over-reliance on any single customer, vendor, or employee and the strategies businesses can employ to protect themselves. “When one vendor knows too much, the power dynamics shift, and the risks for your business amplify.” “The…

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Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify In this inspiring episode, I chat with Lois McGuire, a 75-year-old dynamo who defied the typical norms of retirement. Lois’s zest for life and her determination to create her own path is the embodiment of the 4th quarter freedom we often talk about on Serve Strong Finish Strong. Key Points: 1. **Lois’s Early Retirement Life: Why traditional retirement wasn’t a fit for her and how she struggled with the monotony of living day-to-day without a purpose. 2. The Spark of Inspiration: Lois shares the story behind her children’s book – the idea, the inspiration, and the process of…

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Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify “It’s a good busy.” How many times have you said or thought that? If you’re like me, I bet many times. Busyness has become a badge of honor among business owners. But it’s astounding what being over-busy is doing to the value of our businesses. In this episode, we’ll talk about the reasons why we’re so busy and what you can start doing the moment you finish listening. Take action. Don’t let your busyness keep your business from thriving. To learn more, visit: www.servingstrong.com Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: www.missionmatters.com/author/scott-couchenour

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Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify What’s behind the title of the show, “Serve Strong Finish Strong”? In this episode, I introduce a slight pivot in the direction of the podcast. Founders of businesses who are in their 50’s and older have a unique set of circumstances. These situations span both their professional and personal lives. The show will begin to address these unique circumstances. I will explain why the pivot and what you can expect of the future episodes. I will also address what to do if you are not a business founder. To learn more, visit: www.servingstrong.com Listen to more episodes on…

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Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify What’s behind the title of the show, “Serve Strong Finish Strong”? In this episode, I introduce a slight pivot in the direction of the podcast. Founders of businesses who are in their 50’s and older have a unique set of circumstances. These situations span both their professional and personal lives. The show will begin to address these unique circumstances. I will explain why the pivot and what you can expect of the future episodes. I will also address what to do if you are not a business founder. To learn more, visit: www.servingstrong.com Listen to more episodes on…

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Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify In this episode, we’re diving deep into an often under-discussed aspect of midlife reality: caring for aging parents with dementia. This is a journey filled with love, challenges, and resilience, and I know many of the listeners are walking this path right now. I understand it can be a delicate balance, trying to navigate your career, personal life, and the responsibility of caring for loved ones. To shed light on this issue, I have an inspiring guest who’s transforming the way we think about and offer support to those dealing with dementia. This episode promises to be enlightening…

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Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify Stay with me here. We are going to delve into the world of manufacturing. You may be wondering, what in the world does manufacturing have to do with designing a fantastic 4th quarter? Well, my guest is all about asking why. And asking why is a powerful skill as you grow up. Curiosity and reflection. These are skills that become increasingly important as we age. Without it, we enter the dark abyss of decline without helpful context. Listen to what Ginette shares and ask yourself, “Am I recovering that curiosity and wonder I once had as a child?”…

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Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify Planning for the future. It’s a necessary part of growing up. Some might say it’s a necessary evil and would rather just live by the seat on your pants. But there is a distinct difference in living life by default and living life by design. My guest has enough knowledge for a 4-hour episode. But we’re going to keep it to the normal length and pick his brain for as much information as we can. As you listen, be thinking about how you can make a few adjustments in your planning for your own future. My guest, Brandon…

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Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify In this enlightening episode, we delve into the world of “corporate refugees” – those who have escaped the constraints of traditional 9-5 roles to pursue work that truly ignites their passion. We explore their journey to finding fulfilling work that not only brings joy but also ensures financial stability. My guest, David Shriner-Cahn, shares his expert insights on how to transition from a secure but unfulfilling job to a career that aligns with your passion and values. Together, we discuss what causes high-achieving professionals to leave a corporate cocoon after 20+ years. We talk about the fears associated…

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Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify Sometimes you are so happy you can’t stand it. Sometimes you’re so angry you could spit. Other times you are scared out of our wits and fearful. Other times you are completely and utterly nervous and anxious. What is it about these emotions and can we understand them enough that they have no rule over us? My guest offers a way to regain your agency when it comes to your emotions. You don’t have to let them rule you. Listen as we talk about 3 actionable steps you can take the minute you finish listening to the episode.…

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Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify Have you ever felt like you were happy, but….? There was something gnawing at your spirit and you thought maybe it means a change in your life? How do you know if it’s real? If it is real, how do you make the change? My guest and I talked about how this dynamic is a real thing in people who are approaching, or currently in, their 3rd quarter (40-50’s). Listen as Steve articulates how to know if a shift is worth pursuing in your life. Steve Jefferys spent 18 years working in the advertising industry in London helping…

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