A Chat with Entrepreneur Michael McAllister

Last week I caught up with Michael McAllister about his entrepreneurial experience from founding of The CE Shop, an online e-learning provider, to exit. (DM me for a link to the full interview). We talked about not just his business achievements, including a life-changing transaction in 2020, but also the personal growth that came along with them.

Here are some of the highlights—

From Employee to Entrepreneur

Michael grew up in an entrepreneurial family. “I always knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur,” Michael shared. “I was never a good employee per se. I had other ways of doing things.” His path to starting his own business was not straightforward, but it was driven by a clear understanding that he needed to create something on his terms. After ten years in technology sales and marketing, Michael found himself building a business model that resonated with his vision.

“I actually built a spreadsheet with all the characteristics of a business that I wanted,” he said. Evaluating different opportunities, he found a business in Texas providing licensing education through mail-order materials. Although he didn’t end up buying that business, it inspired him to create his own.

Navigating Challenges While Staying True to Core Values

One significant lesson from Michael’s journey is the importance of aligning business decisions with core values. He recounted a pivotal moment when he turned down an attractive deal because it didn’t align with the company’s values. “Listening to your gut and knowing what you have is amazing is crucial. We ended up waiting, and it paid off. Covid hit, our business doubled, and we later secured a deal that was twice the original offer.”

The Inner Journey of Entrepreneurship

“The entrepreneurial journey is really the entrepreneur’s inner journey,” Michael emphasized. This intertwined nature of personal growth and business success became evident as he discussed the challenges of balancing work with personal life. “I was physically present but not always emotionally connected,” he admitted, highlighting the sacrifices made along the way.

Michael’s drive was partly fueled by a desire to overcome a sense of lack he felt growing up. “I know that part of my soul’s journey was to say, ‘Okay, we’re done with that.’ I wanted to give everyone in my family some breathing space,” he said.

Life After the Exit

Post-exit, Michael has focused on supporting early-stage companies and entrepreneurs, stressing the importance of self-awareness and alignment with personal values. “I have no interest in investing in anything just to make money. It needs to be rooted in something greater.”

Looking Forward

Michael is taking a relaxed approach to his next steps, letting things unfold naturally. “I’m really committed to letting it emerge, to show up,” he said, showing a shift from his previous, more driven approach. He believes in the power of manifesting one’s vision. “We are powerful beyond our own awareness,” he said.

He recounted a story about his early days working in a small, cold office in Fargo, North Dakota, dreaming of a prosperous business with a view of the Rocky Mountains. “Sure enough, in 2014, we moved the business to Denver and rented a spectacular office with a view of the mountains,” he said.

Join Us on September 17

I’m excited to announce that Michael and several other entrepreneurs will join us for a special event on September 17. We’ll dive deeper into their experiences, their insights, their words of caution. Don’t miss this chance to learn from those who have navigated the ups and downs of entrepreneurship with wisdom and resilience.

We will be making room for a limited number of entrepreneurs to join us live for this invitation-only virtual event. The recording will be made available to anyone who requests it.

If you’ve like to be considered, please reply “founder” in the comments below or send me a DM.

We’ll be sharing more stories from inspiring entrepreneurs in the weeks to come.

#founder #founders #exit

During this week of the 4th of July, I’ve been reflecting on my relationship with time off. It’s an important topic, especially for those of us running businesses.

What’s your relationship with time off? There are a few common approaches that you might find familiar:

The Non-Stop Worker

Some people don’t take time off at all. They see the absence of others as an opportunity to catch up on work. They feel grateful for the quiet time that allows them to get ahead. While this might seem productive, it can be detrimental in the long run.

The Halfway Vacationer

Others manage to take time off but stay connected. They check emails, respond to texts, and remain available to their teams. Physically, they might be away, but mentally, they never truly disconnect. This approach prevents them from fully recharging.

The True Escapist

Then there are those who genuinely get away. I recently worked with a client who went to Europe for two weeks with her family. She checked in with work only once. This true disconnection allowed her to reset and return refreshed.

The Necessity of Stepping Away

Taking time off is crucial for your brain and overall well-being. It helps you break out of the constant stress response, where you’re always in crisis mode. When you genuinely relax and reset, your thoughts shift. You see possibilities that you wouldn’t normally notice.

Not A Productivity Hack

I’m not suggesting you use rest as a tool to become more productive or creative. It doesn’t work that way. However, when you truly step back, unexpected insights emerge. These moments can change how you see the world, yourself, potential investors, clients, or employees.

Embrace the Opportunity

This week might not be the perfect time for everyone to step away due to the holiday’s timing. But summer offers plenty of opportunities to get away. The more you embrace these moments, the more relaxed, refreshed, and insightful you’ll be when you return to your business.

Going Deeper

Does this resonate with you? Let’s continue this conversation. Reach out and let’s explore how you can find the balance between work and truly recharging.

And if you’re a founder who is within three years of an exit, let me know. We have a special event coming up September 17 that you will want to be part of.

#founder #founders #exit

If you’re not asking these questions now, you will certainly be asking them later.

1. Why did you get into your business in the first place?
2. How has that changed?
3. How is leading your business different now than what you originally expected?
4. How easy or difficult has it been?
5. What do you continue to struggle with?
6. How is your marriage? Your relationships? Your health?
7. What does your dream exit look like?
8. What problems will your dream exit solve for you?
9. What will it be like the day after your exit?
10. What will you be doing one year after your exit? Five years? Ten?

What if…

What if you KNEW how other founders, post-exit, answer these questions?

What if you could ASK those founders anything you’d like?

A Special Event is Coming in September

On Tuesday September 17 at noon eastern, I will be moderating a panel of founders who have had and advised dozens of exits between them.

Would you like to make sure you get an invitation?

Respond “FOUNDER” below and I or someone on my team will send you the info and make sure you’re include.

And be sure to keep an eye on my posts between now and then—hit the bell to make sure you don’t miss any! I’ll be talking with lots of founders about all of these topics.

#founder #founders #exit

SPECIAL EVENT on July 9!

For most founders, acquisition of their company is the ultimate goal.

Whether for financial gain, outward accomplishment, or internal fulfillment, the dream of growth and exit is a powerful force.

But what is really on the other side of that dream?

Does an exit truly deliver what founders envision?

Is the journey worth the sacrifice?

Does it need to be so difficult?

Join us on Tuesday, July 9th, at 12 pm Eastern for After the Exit: Is There Happiness Beyond the Deal?

This panel discussion will feature successful serial entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals who serve founders before and after their exits.

This will be a unique opportunity to learn from those who have been to the other side and to get a real sense of what awaits.

You will hear directly from experts with hundreds of exits among them.

Join us if you want to:

⁃ Get a backstage pass to what life looks like after an exit.

⁃ Walk away with strategies for maximizing satisfaction.

⁃ Learn ways to navigate the emotional ups and downs of the process.

⁃ Explore the possibility of finding joy along the journey AND afterwards.

Live attendance is limited, with preference given to founders currently on the path to growth and exit, as well as those who have recently exited. A replay will be available for all.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain invaluable insights that will prepare you for a fulfilling journey during and after your exit.

Please comment “Otherside” below to receive the registration link via DM.

I’m looking forward to this great conversation.

#founder #founders #exit