You might have a buyer lined up — but that doesn’t mean your exit is guaranteed.

In this episode of Succession Stories, host Laurie Barkman sits down with Jim Carlisle , mergers and acquisitions attorney and chair of the National Growth and Exit Planning Group at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP. With decades of experience guiding business owners through transitions, Jim shares insider insights into why even well-prepared exits can fall apart — and what you can do to avoid common pitfalls - and why it's never too soon to start planning ahead.

This conversation is essential for entrepreneurs who want to ensure their hard work pays off, both financially and personally, when it’s time to move on.

💬 Quote of the Episode:

"If you don't like how the table is set… overturn the table." — Jim Carlisle

Jim shares how this powerful mindset — borrowed from House of Cards — has shaped his approach to business deals and problem-solving. When things aren’t working, he encourages leaders to rethink, reinvent, and reset the rules — then march forward with confidence.

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

• Email: [email protected]

• Mobile phone: 412-855-4333

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

This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa®

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More Resources:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriebarkman/

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