I'm A Millionaire! So Now What?

In part two of this three-part series, Colleen welcomes back Jennifer Williams to explore the financial power behind Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs). This isn't just a values-based feel-good exit. EOTs now offer significant tax advantages that can rival, and even exceed, traditional business sale routes. From how to qualify for the new $10M lifetime capital gains exemption to why Canada introduced this legislation, Jennifer breaks it all down - plus, the importance of doing it right with guidance from experts.   ✨ Key Highlights and Timestamps  

Host: Colleen O'Connell-Campbell Guest: Jennifer Williams, Founder of Firefly Insights   In part one of a three-part series, Colleen sits down with Jennifer Williams, a passionate advocate for employee ownership and founder of Firefly Insights. This episode explores how business owners can transition their companies to employees - preserving their legacy, values, and community roots - expanding their options beyond the default of private equity or selling to competitors.   Jennifer shares why employee ownership is gaining traction in Canada, how it can stabilize businesses post-exit, and why it's not just a succession plan - it's a cultural shift.   ✨ Highlights and Time Stamps  1:45 - Why Jennifer left nonprofit work and fell in love with people-first business 5:30 - The Canadian exit landscape: Baby boomers and the private equity squeeze 10:10 - When ownership transitions go wrong (and what to do instead) 14:05 - How employee ownership compares to family succession 20:40 - Common emotional challenges for exiting founders 26:30 - Governance isn't anarchy: Structuring roles and responsibilities 31:10 - The two-phase process of transitioning to employee ownership 38:50 - Best-fit industries and how to start the conversation  

Welcome back, Self Made Nation! In this episode, I reconnect with Brock Murray, co-founder of seoplus+, to explore a topic that's fast becoming essential to business exit strategy: how to identify, measure, and maximize the value of your digital assets.   Brock shares how seoplus+ developed a proprietary Digital Asset Valuation program designed to help business owners understand the true value of their online presence - think websites, social media, ad accounts, email lists, and more.    Why does it matter?  Because overlooking these digital touchpoints can impact your exit multiple in ways most entrepreneurs don't anticipate.   Together, we walk through real-world M&A scenarios where missing domains, poor redirect strategy, or underappreciated traffic cost companies real dollars post-sale. Whether you're planning an exit in 12 months or 5 years, my conversation with Brock will help you make smarter decisions - starting now.   Episode Highlights  

In this episode, I sit down with seasoned M&A expert Eric Cardinal - a true connector in Canada's investment and business exit ecosystem. With decades of experience in investment banking, private equity, and corporate finance, Eric shares how relationships, preparation, and AI-driven intelligence are reshaping the exit journey for business owners.   We dig into the power of networks like the M&A Club, the practical benefits of using AI to prepare for due diligence, and the often-overlooked realities around professional fees, timing, and tax strategy.   Whether you're two years away from an exit - or ten - this conversation is packed with value you can act on right now.  

Ever wonder how businesses scale successfully - or why some promising companies unexpectedly falter? In this enlightening episode of ‘The Cash Rich Exit Podcast', host Colleen sits down with Shady Abboud, CEO of Unloop Accounting and Founder of Storyline Financial. Shady specializes in helping businesses turn complex financial data into actionable insights that drive strategic growth and profitable exits.   From identifying red flags in your cash flow to understanding the crucial difference between accounting and finance, Shady breaks down key concepts every entrepreneur needs to grasp. This conversation will equip you with essential tools to make informed decisions, ensuring your business doesn't just survive but thrives and achieves a cash-rich exit.   Key highlights from this episode:  

Taxes may not be the most exciting topic, but mastering tax planning is crucial for entrepreneurs aiming for a cash-rich business exit. In this insightful episode, host Colleen O'Connell-Campbell sits down with Mike Nazarov, a seasoned tax partner at KPMG Canada, to decode Canadian tax updates and share essential strategies for structuring your Canadian-controlled private corporation.   Here's what you can expect from this episode:   

Welcome, Self-Made Nation! Today on The Cash Rich Exit Podcast, we talk about a crucial but often overlooked aspect of business ownership - estate planning. Colleen O'Connell-Campbell is joined by Erin Kelley, estate planning lawyer at Cooligan Yehia LLP, to discuss how business owners can secure their legacy for future generations.  

Welcome back to The Cash Rich Exit Podcast with me, your host, Colleen O'Connell-Campbell. Today, we're spending time in the world of governance and leadership with Jennifer Mondoux, Managing Partner, CEO, and Founder of MondouxRollins Partners Inc. and the visionary behind Canada's Best Private Boards (also known as The Boardies).   Jennifer has a rich background – she started in journalism and then moved into helping companies find the right leaders. She really understands how important good governance is for private companies that want to grow and succeed. Because of her experience in executive search, placing leaders, and even coming up with new governance models, she has a lot of valuable advice for business owners, especially those who are thinking about selling their company - and making a cash-rich exit.   In this episode, we discuss   The Evolution of Leadership Talent Solutions: Jennifer's journey from media and PR to becoming a trusted advisor for mid-market private enterprises.   The Importance of Governance in Private Companies: Why private companies need to embrace governance for sustainable growth and value creation.   The Birth of The Boardies: How Jennifer identified a gap in recognizing governance excellence in private companies and launched Canada's Best Private Boards.   Building Effective Advisory and Fiduciary Boards: Tips on selecting the right board members and leveraging external perspectives for business growth.   Creating a Playbook for Governance: The importance of sharing best practices and developing playbooks to guide other leaders in setting up effective governance structures.   Fun, Frank Advice from Jennifer: "What do you have to lose by thinking about people who can help you in a different capacity? It's an opportunity to build relationships, learn, and grow – maybe even have some fun along the way."   Listen, Learn, and Apply   If you're a founder, CEO, or part of the Self Made Nation planning your cash-rich exit, this episode is packed with actionable insights to learn how to transform governance into a growth engine for your business!   Ready to leverage governance for growth? Nominate yourself or your company for Canada's Best Private Boards at boardies.ca and learn more about how governance can impact your exit strategy.   Thinking about your own cash-rich exit? I'm offering a complimentary 1:1 Wealth Gap Analysis to help you bridge the gap between your business success and personal financial freedom. Let's map out a strategic plan that maximizes your wealth while keeping your legacy safe.   Connect with me, Colleen O'Connell-Campbell, on LinkedIn or reach out via email to schedule your session. Let's get you ready for your next big move! Enjoyed this episode? Please leave a 5-star rating to support the podcast and help us continue bringing valuable insights to the Self Made Nation. *** The Cash Rich Exit Podcast is brought to you by O'Connell-Campbell Wealth Management at RBC Dominion Securities.   All opinions expressed by the host, Colleen O'Connell-Campbell, and podcast guests are solely their own opinions and do not reflect the opinion of RBC Dominion Securities.   This podcast is for informational purposes only before taking any action based on information in this podcast you should consult with a qualified professional.   Colleen O'Connell-Campbell is a Wealth Advisor at RBC Dominion Securities, a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund.

Welcome back to The Cash Rich Exit Podcast! I'm your host, Colleen O'Connell-Campbell, Wealth Advisor. In today's episode, I'm joined by Katherine Cooligan, a distinguished family law specialist and founding partner at Cooligan Yehia, LLP. With over 30 years of experience in family law, Katherine shares critical insights on how business owners can safeguard their assets and plan for potential family law challenges - including separation, divorce, and intergenerational wealth transfers.  

Welcome to The Cash Rich Exit Podcast! I'm your host, Colleen O'Connell-Campbell, Wealth Advisor. In this episode, I'm joined by Lois Graveline, founder and CEO of Harmonia Philanthropy, to explore the true value of charitable giving beyond tax savings. Lois brings over 30 years of experience in the charitable sector and is passionate about driving meaningful impact for both individuals and businesses.  

Welcome to The Cash Rich Exit Podcast! I'm Colleen O'Connell-Campbell, Wealth Advisor and your host. Today, we're joined by a seasoned entrepreneur, Marc Gingras, whose impressive journey spans startups, venture capital, and productivity innovation. Marc is the co-founder of Bloks and, in his own words, “student of entrepreneurship”, continually evolving and applying lessons from each stage of his career.  

Join us on The Cash Rich Exit Podcast for a special roundup of the best "Fun, Frank Advice" shared by our incredible guests this year. I'm Colleen O'Connell-Campbell, Wealth Advisor at RBC Dominion Securities and your host, guiding you - visionary leaders of the Self-Made Nation - through strategies for building, scaling, and planning your intentional cash-rich exit.   In this celebratory episode, we reflect on the wisdom, inspiration, and actionable insights offered by our guests throughout the year. From lessons on resilience and vulnerability to practical advice on preparing for an exit, this episode is packed with candid, transformative moments that will empower you to head into 2025 with confidence and clarity.  

Welcome back to ‘The Cash Rich Exit Podcast'! I'm your host, Colleen O'Connell-Campbell, Wealth Advisor. My guest today is Brad Ezard, a seasoned M&A expert and corporate lawyer with extensive experience in private equity, business restructuring, and transaction management. As a partner at Confederation M&A in Ottawa, Brad specializes in helping traditional and service-based businesses navigate the complexities of mergers and acquisitions.  

Welcome back to The Cash Rich Exit Podcast! I'm your host Colleen O'Connell-Campbell, here to guide you, the Self-Made Nation, through the strategies and stories that lead to successful business exits. In this episode, I'm joined by Boris Petkovic, Director at Sampford Advisors Inc., a leading M&A advisory firm specializing in technology companies.   We chat about the dynamic world of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the tech sector, with insights tailored to entrepreneurs and founders aiming for a cash-rich exit.  

Welcome back to The Cash Rich Exit Podcast! I'm your host, Colleen O'Connell-Campbell, Wealth Advisor. In this episode, we wrap up our enlightening three-part series with leadership coach Eric Deschamps. We talk about one of the most personal aspects of an entrepreneurial exit: redefining identity and purpose beyond the business.  

Welcome back to ‘The Cash Rich Exit Podcast'! I'm your host, Colleen O'Connell-Campbell, Wealth Advisor. Today, we continue our conversation with Eric Deschamps, a leadership and business coach who talks about the often-overlooked issue of loneliness in leadership. Eric brings insights on how to navigate isolation, especially for those at the top who may feel the weight of leading, without a peer group to lean on.  

Welcome back to The Cash Rich Exit Podcast! I'm your host, Colleen O'Connell-Campbell, Wealth Advisor to business owners working towards a cash rich exit. In today's episode, we kick off part one of a three-part conversation with business and leadership coach, Eric Deschamps. Eric brings a wealth of knowledge, sharing insights into maintaining work-life balance - though, as you'll hear, he prefers the term "work-life rhythm".  

Welcome back to The Cash Rich Exit Podcast! I'm your host, Colleen O'Connell-Campbell, Wealth Advisor. In today's episode, I sit down with Lily Bond, the inspiring young entrepreneur behind Spyze Girls, who launched her business as a teenager and turned it into a thriving brand. As an entrepreneur in her 20's, Lily has already faced immense challenges and learned how to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape, offering valuable insights for seasoned business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs alike.  

Welcome to The Cash Rich Exit Podcast, where we discuss the entrepreneurial journey from inception through to a successful exit. I'm Colleen O'Connell-Campbell, your host and Wealth Advisor at RBC Dominion Securities. Today, we're joined by Sheena Brady, the dynamic founder of tease, a company that's redefining wellness with its unique tea and botanical-infused essentials.  

Welcome (back) to The Cash Rich Exit Podcast! I'm Colleen O'Connell-Campbell, your host and Wealth Advisor, dedicated to guiding you, the Self Made Nation, through the pivotal transitions of your entrepreneurial journey.   Today, I'm calling your attention to a topic that is perhaps not as talked about as it should be by Canadian CEOs, founders, and business owners: preparing for a future where selling your business might not be an option. It's a reality that 91% of business owners over 55 are facing without a formal succession plan.   In this episode I'll give you the primer you need to start planning.  

Hello, Self-Made Nation! I'm your host Colleen O'Connell-Campbell, Wealth Advisor. As we wind up the summer, we're rounding out our powerful book club series, where we've sailed through the investment strategies of some of the great financial minds.  

Welcome to The Cash Rich Exit Podcast, I'm Colleen O'Connell-Campbell, your host and Wealth Advisor. On this podcast, we talk about the entrepreneurial journey, from the inception of a business idea through to a wealth-focused exit. Today marks our third and final episode in a ‘book club' series focused on transformative investment philosophies, joined by Alicia Castellino, Senior Relationship Manager at Dimensional Fund Advisors.   We read "Trillions" by Robin Wigglesworth, a book that chronicles the revolutionary rise of index funds and ETFs, instruments that have reshaped the investment landscape. This narrative is a tale of financial innovation and a testament to the power of disruption and simplicity - themes resonant with every entrepreneur.   Key Insights from 'Trillions':  

Hello, Self Made Nation, and welcome back to The Cash Rich Exit Podcast. I'm your host, Colleen O'Connell-Campbell, Wealth Advisor. As we celebrate our 300th episode today - a true milestone - I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for joining me on this journey. Your engagement and feedback have transformed this podcast into a beacon for entrepreneurs aiming for a prosperous and intentional business exit. A Cash Rich Exit!   For this milestone episode we continue our focus on investment philosophy. I am joined by Alicia Castellino, Senior Relationship Manager of Dimensional Fund Advisors, as we read an investment classic, "A Random Walk Down Wall Street" by Burton Malkiel. This book it's a masterclass in understanding market behavior and harnessing it to support the wealth you've earned through your business.  

Welcome to The Cash Rich Exit Podcast, where we talk about the full spectrum of the entrepreneurial journey with a keen eye on successful, planned exits. I'm your host, Colleen O'Connell-Campbell, here to guide you through building a thriving business designed for a prosperous future. In today's episode, I emphasize the importance of an investment philosophy as a cornerstone of financial success and stability.   I'm joined by Alicia Castelino, Senior Relationship Manager of the Wealth Management Group at Dimensional Fund Advisors Canada. We're kicking off our book club trilogy by studying "The Intelligent Investor - The Definitive Book on Value Investing" by Benjamin Graham.   Hit play now because here's a glimpse into what we cover:  

Welcome to The Cash Rich Exit Podcast! I'm your host, Colleen O'Connell-Campbell, here to guide ambitious entrepreneurs through the complexities of building a business designed for a prosperous and fulfilling exit. Today marks the beginning of a special series - our summer book club!  

Welcome to The Cash Rich Exit Podcast, where I, Colleen O'Connell-Campbell, guide you - ambitious CEOs, founders, and business owners - through critical entrepreneurial financial transitions. Today's episode is especially important for those of you over the age of 40 with a significant T4 income, as we explore an exceptional tool for securing your financial future: the Individual Pension Plan (IPP).  

Welcome to The Cash Rich Exit Podcast! I'm your host, Colleen O'Connell-Campbell, and today, we're visiting the agribusiness world with Lisa Courtney Lloyd, Vice President of Business Development at Market Maker Agriculture. With her extensive background in corporate strategy and marketing, Lisa offers invaluable insights into navigating the complex landscape of mergers and acquisitions within the agribusiness sector.  

Welcome to The Cash Rich Exit Podcast. I'm your host, Colleen O'Connell-Campbell, Wealth Advisor. In today's episode, my guest is Michael Black, a strategist and partner at Richter Consulting. Michael brings a wealth of experience in helping business owners strategically position their businesses for an optimal exit.   Michael and I discuss:  

Welcome to The Cash Rich Exit Podcast. I'm Colleen O'Connell-Campbell, your host and Wealth Advisor. Today, dissecting an important question: Is vulnerability in leadership a weakness or a strength?  

Welcome to The Cash Rich Exit Podcast, where we explore the full spectrum of the entrepreneurial journey, focusing on creating planned, prosperous exits. I'm your host, Colleen O'Connell-Campbell, here to guide you through the nuances of building a thriving business with an eye towards a future exit.  

Welcome to episode 292 of The Cash Rich Exit Podcast, with your host Colleen O'Connell-Campbell. Today, we dive into the intriguing intersection of art and commerce with our guest, Rémi Thériault, renowned photographer and the visionary behind the House of Common Studio.   Rémi shares his unique journey from capturing evocative moments through his lens to establishing a brand that stands out in the creative industry. His approach to building a legacy that extends beyond personal fame to a collaborative and sustainable business model offers invaluable insights for entrepreneurs looking to blend artistic passion with commercial acumen.  

Welcome to a new episode of The Cash Rich Exit Podcast, where host Colleen O'Connell-Campbell chats with Mark Lerohl, the visionary behind First Tracks Capital. This episode delves into the minds of investors and what they seek in companies, offering a unique viewpoint for business owners eyeing a prosperous exit.   Here are some highlights you should expect - so hit play!  

Welcome to another insight-packed episode of The Cash Rich Exit Podcast. Today, our host Colleen O'Connell-Campbell is joined by Robert Bezede, Director of Corporate Finance at Norton McMullen. Together, they explore essential strategies for successful business exits.   In this episode, you'll hear:  

Welcome to the latest episode of the 'The Cash Rich Exit Podcast', where we delve into the pivotal world of business valuation, mergers, and acquisitions. In this episode, our host, Colleen O'Connell-Campbell, is joined by the insightful Guylaine Ure from Sunbelt Business Brokers. Guylaine brings her extensive experience as a certified business intermediary and real estate agent, offering unique perspectives for small to mid-market M&A clients.   On the episode, Colleen and Guylaine discuss:  

  On today's episode of The Cash Rich Exit Podcast, supply chain M&A expert Pete Stefanovich joins host Colleen O'Connell-Campbell for an in-depth discussion on exiting logistics businesses.

Welcome back to The Cash Rich Exit Podcast. I'm your host Colleen-O'Connell-Campbell. In today's episode, I chat with Scott Duke. Scott is a serial entrepreneur who has started 11 companies, sat on 20 boards, and advised hundreds of businesses. He's here to share his tested exit strategy insights. Dive in for the scoop on how:    ☀️ Running a business has exciting ups but also difficult downs. It takes time and effort to achieve over $1 million in revenue.  

Selling your business can be complex, but the rewards of a lucrative exit make it well worth the effort. Jean-François Murphy has brokered over $2 billion in deals, and today he's here to chat with host Colleen O'Connell-Campbell on The Cash Rich Exit Podcast.  

Welcome back to the podcast! I'm your host Colleen O'Connell-Campbell, and in this episode, I wrap up our summer book club series on investment philosophy. In this series, featuring guest Alicia Castelino in parts, we reviewed 3 classic books on investing: The Intelligent Investor, A Random Walk Down Wall Street, and Trillions.   Tune in to refocus on investing principles to apply to your business including:  

Welcome back with the last episode of our book club trilogy on investment philosophy, here at the "I'm a Millionaire. So, Now What?" podcast. In this episode I am joined by Alicia Castelino, Senior Relationship Manager of the Wealth Management Group at Dimensional Fund Advisors Canada. We bring you insights from the book Trillions by Robin Wigglesworth   This is the TRUE story of “how a band of wall street renegades invented the index fund and forever changed finance forever” While that may sound like movie script, this books is one of the 3 foundational investing books I recommend all members of the Self-made Nation read as you define and execute your investment philosophy.   Key takeaways from this episode:  

Hello! I'm Colleen O'Connell-Campbell, back with another exciting episode of "I'm a Millionaire. So, Now What?" In this episode you'll find the second installment

Welcome to another exciting episode of "I'm a Millionaire. So, Now What?" with me, your host, Colleen O'Connell-Campbell. Here, I'm in conversation with Alicia Castelino, Senior Relationship Manager of the Wealth Management Group at Dimensional Fund Advisors Canada.   

"I'm a millionaire. So, now what?" - the go-to podcast for entrepreneurs planning a cash-rich exit - is back! In this episode, I had an insightful chat with Janine Rogan. Janine is a Certified Professional Accountant (CPA), a seasoned TEDx speaker, and a renowned author. Her groundbreaking book, "Pink Tax," is a crucial exploration of the economic inequalities women face, and it is her research and insights from this book that we'll be delving into today.    Beyond these roles, Janine is also the founder and CEO of the Wealth Building Academy Inc., an organization that's dedicated to building financial literacy and wealth. Join me as we unpack Janine's research, her book, and her perspectives on empowering women in finance.   We cover: