Igor Portugal: The accidental CEO: when startups, divorce, and M&A collide!
Igor Portugal spent two decades mastering markets—leading hedge fund strategies and managing billions in capital. But when the industry no longer aligned with his values, he made a rare move in finance: a voluntary, intentional exit. No dramatic blow-up. Just a calculated decision to leave while ahead.In this episode, we unpack how to know when it’s time to exit, the strategy behind leaving a high-performing career, and why Igor believes your best trade might be walking away. Whether you're planning your next move or rethinking what long-term success looks like, this conversation is a masterclass in exiting on your own terms.Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joshcomrieDownload my e-book, "The Exit Factor: Sell your company for a life-changing sum" and sign up to receive the Business Growth Journal fortnightly: https://www.joshcomrie.com/the-exit-factor
--------
1:19:56
Shane Brealey: Impatience, integrity, impact - Brealey on giving it away!
Shane Brealey doesn’t just build buildings—he builds movements. After leading Multiplex NZ and founding NZStrong, he made what he calls his “Jerry Maguire” exit: walking away from corporate power to do things on his own terms. Since then, he’s gone from construction heavyweight to housing reformer, using his deep industry knowledge to deliver affordable, high-quality homes through NZ Living and now Simplicity Living.In this episode, I sat down with Shane to unpack the psychology of leaving big business, the truth about what most developers get wrong, and why he believes the best deals aren’t the biggest—they’re the ones that change lives. Whether you’ve exited already or are thinking about what’s next, this one’s a blueprint for building again—with more clarity, impact, and heart.Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joshcomrieDownload my e-book, "The Exit Factor: Sell your company for a life-changing sum" and sign up to receive the Business Growth Journal fortnightly: https://www.joshcomrie.com/the-exit-factor
--------
1:12:55
Debra Hall: “We don’t hire female Engineers...” Challenge accepted!
Debra Hall is a serial founder, governance expert, and one of New Zealand’s most respected angel investors. She sold her award-winning market research firm, Research Solutions, to global giant Synovate, and now mentors founders on building exit-ready businesses.In this episode, we dive into the emotional rollercoaster of selling your company, why strong governance drives higher valuations, and how to shift from founder to boardroom force. Whether you're scaling, selling, or starting over—this conversation is packed with real-world lessons from both sides of the exit.Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joshcomrieDownload my e-book, "The Exit Factor: Sell your company for a life-changing sum" and sign up to receive the Business Growth Journal fortnightly: https://www.joshcomrie.com/the-exit-factor
--------
1:25:05
Linda Jenkinson: How to think (and scale) like a billionaire!
Linda Jenkinson is a serial entrepreneur, impact investor, and the first New Zealand woman to list a company on the NASDAQ. In this episode, she unpacks what it takes to scale globally, lead across continents, and create businesses that drive both profit and purpose.From managing hundreds of thousands of gig workers to building companies that solve real-world problems, Linda reveals the mindset shifts, leadership challenges, and personal sacrifices behind bold entrepreneurship — and what she's doing now to empower the next generation.Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joshcomrieDownload my e-book, "The Exit Factor: Sell your company for a life-changing sum" and sign up to receive the Business Growth Journal fortnightly: https://www.joshcomrie.com/the-exit-factor
--------
1:42:00
Roy Crane: Altitude, attitude, & adaptation: Lessons from a life in flight
Roy Crane is a seasoned entrepreneur who turned his helicopter training business into a thriving enterprise before successfully navigating a high-stakes exit. In this episode, Roy shares powerful insights on the emotional toll of selling your business, the strategic moves that sealed the deal, and how to redefine your purpose post-exit. Whether you're planning to sell or scaling for growth, Roy’s journey offers invaluable lessons on resilience, leadership, and life after letting go.Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joshcomrieDownload my e-book, "The Exit Factor: Sell your company for a life-changing sum" and sign up to receive the Business Growth Journal fortnightly: https://www.joshcomrie.com/the-exit-factor
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
New Zealand