Standing at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean in Maine recently, I was reminded again of the ocean’s power, and that it doesn’t pause for our little lives, our successes or our failures.
John Masefield wrote about the sea:
“Sea-Fever”
I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by;
And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sail’s shaking,
And a grey mist on the sea’s face, and a grey dawn breaking.
I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;
And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.
I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull’s way and the whale’s way where the wind’s like a whetted knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,
And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick’s over.
In a word, John found release, a kind of freedom, in the sea.
Isn’t that what business owners are ultimately searching for?
Freedom to pursue the goals that still stir their hearts.
Freedom to spend time on what matters most.
Freedom from financial worry, and the freedom to answer an inner calling that has been waiting for its moment.
As many Boomers reflect on their lives and legacy, they want more control over the decisions that shape their time, their work, their money, and their dreams. Control first, so they can have freedom next.
Succession and exit planning are how they take the helm. With a clear plan, owners rise above the day-to-day, keep control of the course, and protect what they have built while stepping into what comes next.
The tide is running. Choose your heading before it chooses you.
Claim the helm. Chart your exit on your terms.
That is where true freedom lives.
-Dave
The IQ + EQ of Succession Planning
Exiting a business isn’t just financial…it’s personal. At DS Strategies & Consulting, we blend IQ and EQ to make your transition succeed on every level. IQ covers the technical work: valuations, tax strategy, entity structure, financing, and deal mechanics. EQ addresses the human dynamics that make or break an exit: founder identity, leadership alignment, successor readiness, culture preservation, and clear communication. By addressing both the IQ & the EQ, you keep control as you exit, while your people, your culture and your legacy stay strong.
To learn more, take our free Exit Planning Assessment. It’s designed to reveal your business’ readiness for a successful changeover. Whether you are considering retirement, exploring new ventures, or preparing for the unexpected, our assessment delivers critical insights and outlines the essential components for a smooth exit strategy.
A Sip of Seitter
Weather changes fast on the prairie, and a good legacy plan is like your jacket in July. You may not need it often, but when you do, you are really glad it is there.