PODCAST — COMING SOON — Early 2026

The Exit Ready Podcast

Real Founders. Real Exits. Real Lessons.

What You'll Get:

What if you could learn from founders who've already done what you're planning to do?

Most business owners enter the exit process blind, learning expensive lessons in real-time, often when it's too late to fix them.

The Exit Ready Podcast changes that.

Hosted by Michael Contento, CEPA, serial entrepreneur, exit planner, and founder of Simple Mystery, this show brings you inside the minds of founders who've built, scaled, and successfully exited their businesses.

No theory. No fluff. Just real conversations about what actually worked, what didn't, and what they'd do differently.

What You'll Hear:

Founder Exit Stories

Unfiltered conversations with entrepreneurs who've sold their companies, the wins, the mistakes, the surprises, and the lessons learned.

Buyer Perspectives

Rare insights from the other side of the table, what acquirers look for, what kills deals, and how to position your business for maximum value.

Strategic Frameworks

Deep dives into proven methodologies like the ÉLAN Method, the Live on Four Framework, and the 4 Intangible C's.

Exit Planning in Action

Practical guidance on building personal, financial, and business readiness, the three legs every successful exit requires.

M&A Market Intelligence

What's happening in the deal landscape, emerging trends, and how to navigate an ever-changing market.

Want Early Access?

Be the first to know when we launch. Sign up now and you'll get:

✅ Early access to the first 3 episodes before public release

✅ Behind-the-scenes content and episode extras

✅ Exclusive invitation to submit questions for upcoming guests

✅ Monthly recap of key insights and frameworks from recent episodes

✅ First chance to nominate guests or suggest episode topics

Why This Podcast Exists

"I've built and sold multiple businesses across technology, healthcare, hospitality, and real estate. Along the way, I made costly mistakes that could have been avoided if I'd had access to the experiences of those who came before me. This podcast is designed to give you that advantage, so you can build smarter, exit better, and avoid the landmines I didn't see coming."

— Michael Contento, Host

Who This Is For:

  • Founders building toward an exit (even if it's years away)

  • Business owners who want to learn from real exit experiences

  • Entrepreneurs evaluating M&A opportunities (buy or sell side)

  • Leaders who believe preparation beats improvisation

Episode Topics We're Planning:

  • "From $0 to Acquisition: The My Blue Umbrella Story"

  • "Why Most Exits Fail Before They Start (And How to Avoid It)"

  • "What Buyers Really Look For in Due Diligence"

  • "Building a Business That Runs Without You"

  • "The Psychology of Letting Go: The Emotional Side of Exit"

  • "Buy-Side Mistakes: When Acquisitions Destroy Value Instead of Creating It"

  • "The Three Legs of Exit Readiness: Why One Weak Leg Topples Everything"

  • "Fractional Leadership: When to Bring in Strategic Partners"