Yesterday, I had the opportunity to speak at the Post-Exit Founders Virtual Conference, an event that brought together over 500 founders navigating their post-exit journeys. Hosted by Barack Kaufman from Vine Ventures, Max Pog from Venture Studio Family, and Connor Tomkies at Entrepreneurial Cooperative, this gathering provided an incredible space to share, learn, and reflect on what’s next after an exit. The day was filled with powerful talks from thought leaders like Shaan Puri, co-host of My First Million, and Zane Lackey, General Partner at Andreessen Horowitz, each bringing unique post-exit perspectives.
My presentation, "Downshifting: Navigating Transition with Intention," was a deep dive into personal exploration drawn from Downshift’s curriculum. I focused on embodied experiments as a way to meet life with openness, allowing curiosity to guide us forward. Unlike rigid goals, these experiments help us lean into uncertainty, learning and adapting as we go, moving us closer to authentic fulfillment. Though my presentation was brief, it sparked meaningful conversations around the role of intentional experiments in navigating uncertainty and discovering what feels true.
Here are the slides I presented:
This conference was an inspiring reminder of the value of community in the post-exit space. Founders who have achieved financial success now face new questions: How do I find meaning beyond my past roles? What new challenges can I embrace that align with my values? The diversity of backgrounds and the range of exit figures—from six to ten digits—highlighted the universality of these questions.
As a transition guide, I often see the profound identity shifts founders encounter after selling a business they’ve devoted years to building. After pouring so much of themselves into their companies, stepping away can leave them feeling unmoored, facing unexpected challenges around self-worth and purpose. Many founders ask, “Who am I without the title, the role, or the daily challenges I once knew so well?” This phase can be as daunting as it is liberating, prompting questions about personal fulfillment, legacy, and making an impact that aligns with their values. In guiding clients through these transitions, I see firsthand the tension between a sense of accomplishment and a quieter, often unspoken struggle to redefine identity outside of past achievements.
It was a privilege to be part of this community of founders, to share the Downshift approach, and to learn from others dedicated to growth and impact. If any of this resonates with you or if you have questions about my talk, I'd love to connect.