Vicki Ammundsen didn’t become one of New Zealand’s most sought-after trust and tax lawyers by playing it safe. She’s spent decades helping founders, families, and advisors navigate the uncomfortable questions most people avoid—until it’s too late.In this episode, we explore the hidden cracks in succession planning, the emotional blind spots that derail even the best-laid legacies, and why giving your kids shares in the family business might be the worst gift of all. Vicki shares the patterns she’s seen behind high-stakes exits, multi-generational wealth plans, and business transitions that either protect the founder’s vision — or slowly unravel it.Whether you’re planning to step back or just starting to build something worth passing on, this conversation is a wake-up call to plan with clarity, intention, and courage.
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Symon Thurlow: We 4 X'd our earn-out! Here's how.
Symon Thurlow didn’t set out to sell his business — but when opportunity knocked, he took the deal and stayed on for seven more years. What followed wasn’t just a transition. It was a transformation.In this episode, we unpack what really happens when you scale a niche services business to $20M+, navigate an earnout with zero prep, and lead post-acquisition without losing your identity. From trusting your gut to learning the language of corporate, Symon’s story is proof that exits aren’t just about walking away — they’re about stepping into the next version of yourself.Whether you’re building a business, considering a sale, or already on the inside post-acquisition, this conversation offers grounded insights into navigating the long game.Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joshcomrieSubscribe to the 2 Commas Journal to receive business insights and real exit lessons straight to your inbox http://bit.ly/422vb3oDownload "The Exit Factor: Sell your company for a life-changing sum" https://bit.ly/4oVJoJtVisit https://www.joshcomrie.com/ to see how I can help you on your business journey.
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Ben Forman: I walked away from millions. Here's why I'm at peace.
Ben Forman built an incredible business around storytelling, intuition, and timing. From pioneering New Zealand’s first commercial drone business to selling Wrestler after years of soul-searching, Ben has seen both the magic and the messiness of entrepreneurship.In this episode, we unpack what it really means to build something meaningful, why knowing your “why” can save you millions, and how letting go at the right time can be the most powerful move of all. Whether you're scaling, stalling, or standing at the edge of an exit, Ben’s story is a masterclass in clarity, timing, and staying human in business.Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joshcomrieSubscribe to the 2 Commas Journal to receive business insights and real exit lessons straight to your inbox http://bit.ly/422vb3oDownload "The Exit Factor: Sell your company for a life-changing sum" https://bit.ly/4oVJoJtVisit https://www.joshcomrie.com/ to see how I can help you on your business journey.
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Kimberlee Sweeney: My first divorce wasn't my marriage. It was my business.
Kimberlee Sweeney has seen what tears relationships apart, not just in marriages. As New Zealand’s first divorce coach, she also works with business partners, co-founders, and leadership teams to stop breakdowns before they happen.In this episode, we dive into the psychology of founder dynamics: the unspoken expectations, emotional blind spots, and behavioural patterns that can quietly destroy a great business. From prenups for partnerships to navigating resentment when roles aren’t equal, Kimberlee offers a roadmap for conflict prevention, repair, and clarity, especially when the stakes are high.Whether you're in a co-founder relationship, planning an exit, or leading a team through friction, this conversation will change the way you think about trust, alignment, and emotional due diligence.Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joshcomrieSubscribe to the 2 Commas Journal to receive business insights and real exit lessons straight to your inbox http://bit.ly/422vb3oDownload "The Exit Factor: Sell your company for a life-changing sum" https://bit.ly/4oVJoJtVisit https://www.joshcomrie.com/ to see how I can help you on your business journey.
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Kaz Staples: $15 cereal; Impossible they said! I built the category and my empire.
Kaz Staples didn’t set out to build an iconic food brand—she just wanted to make honest muesli. But over 25 years, she turned Pure Delish into a household name. Along the way, she faced near-collapse during the GFC, fought through burnout, and rebuilt a business on gut instinct and grit.In this episode, we explore what it really takes to lead through chaos, the emotional cost of carrying a company on your back, and what happens when you finally walk away. Whether you’re building something or wondering how to let go, Kaz’s story is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and the power of staying true to your values.Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joshcomrieSubscribe to the 2 Commas Journal to receive business insights and real exit lessons straight to your inbox http://bit.ly/422vb3oDownload "The Exit Factor: Sell your company for a life-changing sum" https://bit.ly/4oVJoJtVisit https://www.joshcomrie.com/ to see how I can help you on your business journey.
About 2 Commas: The $multi-million exit show with Josh Comrie
Welcome to 2 Commas: The $multi-million exit showI've spent over two decades helping founders scale their businesses and achieve successful, multimillion-dollar exits. I've also achieved this myself on multiple occasions. With my experience as an entrepreneur, advisor, and investor, I’ve had the privilege of guiding companies through the highs and lows of business growth and exit strategies.Each episode will bring you the previously untold stories of entrepreneurs who have successfully scaled and exited their businesses for seven-figure (2 comma's) plus returns. You’ll hear more about the journeys, challenges, and pivotal moments that led to these transformative exits. My goal is to inform and inspire founders who are looking to scale their ventures to seven, eight or nine figures and beyond.Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joshcomrieDownload my e-book, "The Exit Factor" and sign up to receive the Business Growth Journal weekly: https://www.joshcomrie.com/the-exit-factor
Listen to 2 Commas: The $multi-million exit show with Josh Comrie, The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
New Zealand