Mickey Fain

Most failed transitions have the same root: desperation, fear, or pride. Leaders rush in. Boards skip discernment. And both sides end up burned. In this clip, Ron Henry, our Chief Succession Officer, shares why healthy transitions require more than résumés and interviews. They demand clarity - about calling, culture, and fit. At Ministry Transitions, we help leaders and boards slow down, ask better questions, and build transitions that actually last. Full episode of Life After Ministry now streaming.

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CEOs talk about growth. Leaders act on it. The difference between good companies and great ones? Action. This isn’t just another reel, it’s a call to every visionary ready to rewrite the playbook and build future-proof companies. Don’t watch from the sidelines. Be the leader who makes the move. Let’s talk growth, your next big chapter starts here. 👉https://lnkd.in/dnhy8YcZ #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #FutureProof #DigitalMarketing #ScaleWithImpact #BusinessStrategy #LinkedInLeaders #Entrepreneurship #LeadTheChange #B2BMarketing

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In my last post, I shared a preview of my new series: 10 Signals Your Leadership Bench Is Not Ready. Here is Signal #1: 🔹 Operational debate keeps passing for strategic thinking 🔹 Watch the video to learn more.   If you recognize this signal in your business, reach out and we can explore some immediate ways to shift those discussions. #LeadershipDevelopment #StrategicLeadership #ExecutiveLeadership #LeadershipBench #SuccessionPlanning #OrganizationalEffectiveness #LeadershipMatters #StrategyExecution #BusinessLeadership #LeadershipSkills #ExecutivePresence #ThinkStrategically #OrganizationalGrowth #LeadershipTeams #DecisionMaking #BusinessStrategy #LeadershipInsight #FutureReadyLeaders #HighPerformingTeams #LeadershipConversations

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Whether you're thinking of selling, merging, or buying a business, understanding its true value is critical. Business valuation is not just about the numbers—it’s about recognizing the potential, strengths, and future opportunities. If you get it right, you'll unlock doors to strategic deals. If you miss key steps, you could leave money on the table or overestimate your business's worth. Let's break down the key Dos and Don'ts of business valuation. Dos: 1.) Do Use Professional Valuation Methods: Always rely on tried and tested methods like the Income Approach, Market Approach, or Asset-Based Approach. These techniques offer a comprehensive picture of your business’s value and potential for growth. 2.) Do Consider Future Earnings Potential: Buyers and investors look for future profits, not just historical performance. 3.) Do Include Intangible Assets: Often overlooked, your brand reputation, customer loyalty, and intellectual property can add significant value. 4.) Do Benchmark Against Competitors: Analyzing similar businesses in your industry provides context for your business's worth. It also helps you stay competitive in negotiations. 5.) Do Seek Expert Advice: Valuation isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. A valuation expert will tailor the process to your specific industry, market conditions, and business structure. Don’ts: 1.) Don’t Rely Solely on Financial Statements: While your balance sheets and P&L statements are important, they don’t tell the whole story. Be sure to account for market trends, future projections, and intangible assets. 2.) Don’t Inflate Your Business Value: Overvaluing your business can scare off potential buyers or investors. Be realistic to ensure your business remains an attractive investment. 3.) Don’t Ignore Market Timing: Timing is everything! Don’t proceed with a valuation or sale without considering current market conditions. 4.) Don’t Neglect Your Team: A strong management team is often seen as an asset in business valuations. 5.) Don’t Skip Regular Valuations: Even if you’re not planning on selling right now, it’s wise to get regular valuations. This will help you stay informed about your business’s performance and make strategic adjustments. Your business is unique, and so is its value. At Benchmark Corporate, we specialize in accurate and personalized business valuations to help you make informed decisions, whether you're planning to sell, buy, or grow your business. Call us today at +61 413 703 360 and start the journey toward realizing your business's true potential! #BusinessValuation #MergersAndAcquisitions #BusinessGrowth #BenchmarkCorporate #BusinessStrategy #Entrepreneurs #SmallBusiness #BusinessAdvisors #ValuationExperts

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How Jesus Handled Haters: Business Lessons Discover how Jesus maintained objectivity when facing opposition, and learn to apply this principle in business. We explore the power of objective reasoning and responding to criticism professionally, even with difficult clients. This video provides practical strategies for conflict resolution and maintaining a level-headed approach in challenging situations. #Objectivity #ConflictResolution #BusinessStrategies #Professionalism #Jesus #Bible #Marketing #ClientCommunication #EmotionalIntelligence #Leadership

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What if the true engine of business success isn’t strategy, but culture? 🎙️ New Episode! Culture, Capital & Kindness: Chris Hornbecker on Scaling Leadership In this powerful episode of The Kind Leader Podcast, host Gino Degregori sits down with Chris Hornbecker, Managing Partner at Stronghorn Venture Capital, investor at RightSeat and serial founder who has built and sold multiple companies, including Xgility. With decades of experience leading high-growth ventures across technology and federal sectors, Chris shares how value-driven culture, compassionate honesty, and intentional leadership sustain long-term success far beyond any strategy. 💡 In this episode, you’ll learn how to: • Lead with compassionate honesty instead of “brutal truth” • Build intentional cultures that define success before strategy does • Catch and celebrate desired behaviors in real time • Foster curiosity and empathy as tools for growth • Use culture as the foundation for scaling teams and innovation 🎧 Listen now and discover how kindness, curiosity, and clarity can turn culture into your greatest competitive advantage. 👉 Link in comments. #KindLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #ChrisHornbecker #StronghornVentures #RightSeatAI #CultureDrivenLeadership #CompassionateLeadership #IntentionalLeadership #WorkplaceCulture #TheKindLeaderPodcast

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Today at 9:00am ET on Voices of Leadership, we sit down with Nate Wolfe, CPMR of Manufacturers Marketing for a powerful conversation about mistakes, momentum, and what great leadership really looks like. After making a significant mistake early in his career, Nate expected criticism. Instead, he received perspective, a response that reshaped how he leads in business and in life. This episode is a reminder that strong leaders don’t let mistakes derail progress, they refocus people on what’s going right. AIM/R Listen Here: https://lnkd.in/ghKmCSDU Watch Here : https://lnkd.in/ghcMrVfm

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Even the most resilient leaders can fall into negative patterns of thinking. The PPP to CCC mindset reset is a simple but effective way to reframe tough moments. Start by identifying the real challenge, then ground yourself in your ability to act, and finally, recommit to what matters most. When you master this for yourself, you’re better equipped to help others shift their mindset too. #MicroResilienceTips #PersonalGrowth #LeadershipTools

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Effective succession planning helps maintain stability and continuity, even during leadership changes. Here are 10 strategies for CEOs to plan for their successors and ensure a seamless transition when the time comes. https://buff.ly/3LskyPd

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What if your strategy could attract million-dollar gifts—without asking? Unsolicited major gifts aren’t random. They’re a response. To what? ➡️ A clear plan. ➡️ Bold results. ➡️ A strategy investors believe in. Here’s the test: Does your current strategy deliver on these three “musts”? 1. Money (not just survival, but profits to grow capacity and allow sanity in lean times) 2. People (engaged, aligned, and growing) 3. Results (moving ahead of the status quo) When those three gears spin together, donors notice. So do your peers, partners, and future funders. Read how effective strategies unlock visibility, clarity—and unsolicited gifts. Link in first comment. You don’t need more hustle. You need a strategic roadmap. #nonprofitleadership

What sets successful business leaders apart? Often, it’s not talent or timing, but the willingness to do what others won’t. In this quick TAB Talk video, The Alternative Board (Worldwide) President & CEO Jason Zickerman shares a powerful reminder for every owner who is serious about leading and growing their business. Please give it a watch and let me know what you think. #tabboards #businesscoaching #businessleadership

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Selling is an art and a science. An underrated element of the art that is transitions. If you have ever had a really choppy sales call it is because you have not mastered transitions. Watch this video to solve that problem!

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For your post feast coma induced holiday scrolling pleasure… Strategy 22 presents The Top 10 Most Atrocious Sales Trends Destroying Sales (and the Simple Stuff That Still Actually Works) A sarcastic public service announcement for the Profession Formerly Known As Sales. Let’s begin. 10. The “I Noticed You Recently…” Lie “I noticed you recently posted something…” You noticed nothing, Chad. You ran a trigger search and prayed. Try instead: Read one post. Leave one real comment. Humans > heuristics. 9. AI-Generated Novels in the DMs If your cold outreach reads like a fantasy novel written by ChatGPT on Red Bull, congratulations — you’ve already been muted. Try instead: 2 sentences. A point. A question. Done. 8. Voice Notes From Strangers If I wanted someone breathing into my ear uninvited, I’d date again. Try instead: A single text: “Is this still a problem for you?” Shockingly effective. Zero heavy breathing . 7. “Hey Boss / Champ / Rockstar / Legend” Energy No. Absolutely not. Try instead: Use their actual name. Adults enjoy being addressed like adults. 6. Fake Scarcity & Countdown Timers for a Zoom Call Nothing screams “desperation” like pretending your calendar is a sneaker drop. Try instead: Frame the value, not the vanity. “We help X do Y — want to see if it applies to you?” 5. Sending a Calendar Link Before They Even Respond Ah yes — the digital equivalent of tossing someone car keys and saying “you drive.” Try instead: Ask a real question and wait. Patience converts better than pushiness. 4. “Circling Back / Touching Base / Bumping to the Top” Hell If your follow-up strategy reads like a medical symptom, it’s time to retire it. Try instead: Add new value. Share insight. Move the story forward. 3. The “We Help Companies Just Like Yours” Blanket Statement Translation: “I don’t actually know what you do but fingers crossed you won’t notice.” Try instead: A single, specific observation. “I saw you’re hiring SDRs — usually means X and Y are getting tight. True?” 2. Pretending to Personalize Something That Is Absolutely Not Personalized “I loved your recent blog post…” I didn’t write one. I haven’t written one in 2 years. Try instead: One real detail. That’s it. One. It works. 1. The Worst Offense in Modern Sales… (You’ll have to text me your guess.) But let’s just say it’s the one trend that makes prospects instantly distrust, unsubscribe, and vow never to speak to a salesperson again. And yes — it is absolutely something YOU have done. DM your guess closest gets a free sales framework consultation Happy Gobble Gooble except to anyone who uses the above no pie for you

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Exciting News: The CARVER Leadership Book is Coming Soon! The CARVER Leadership Book is set to launch, bringing you a comprehensive guide on applying the CARVER Methodology to leadership, decision-making, and strategic thinking. Designed for both seasoned leaders and those aspiring to lead, this book offers actionable insights into how the CARVER framework can enhance your leadership approach, improve situational awareness, and help you make precise, high-stakes decisions. Are you ready to elevate your leadership? The CARVER Leadership Book will equip you with the tools to lead with clarity, confidence, and impact in any challenging environment. 🔴Want to learn more? Get first access to the CARVER Leadership Book and discover how it can transform your leadership journey. 👉Click here to learn more and stay updated: https://lnkd.in/eA9_v7pH #CARVERLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #StrategicLeadership #DecisionMaking #LeadershipBook #CARVERMethodology #LeadershipExcellence #LeadershipSuccess

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Boards ask all the right performance questions. But are they asking what actually predicts CEO success? Most evaluations focus heavily on KPIs and miss as much as 80% of what really matters in the CEO role. In this new episode of Courage to Advance, Kim Bohr, President-COO, Speaker, Author talk with Michael Humphries about how boards can rethink CEO evaluations to capture the full picture of leadership impact, not just the numbers. Listen on your favorite podcast platform and share with a board leader or CEO who cares about doing evaluations differently. Apple podcast: https://lnkd.in/gy6GWFbY Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gzwkgYyq #CEOEvaluation #BoardLeadership #ExecutivePerformance

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This video explores a sales strategy that prioritizes trust and personal branding. Many customers are naturally hesitant. Overcoming that resistance requires more than product knowledge; it requires building genuine connections and showcasing authentic expertise. When customers trust the salesperson, they're more likely to trust the product. Ultimately, sales success hinges on the ability to build rapport and establish oneself as a trusted advisor. #SalesStrategy #PersonalBranding #TrustBuilding #CustomerRelations

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The Top 5 Things to Include in Your Succession Plan - and Why They Matter Succession planning - whether you are starting to think about transitioning your business or whether your business is still in growth-mode - is a vital part of your blueprint for your team. When they can see the future, they can envision themselves in it. Conversely if the future is hidden behind the curtain of your mind, all they see is uncertainty or being stuck in the same old role. The bonus of actually doing your succession plan? Not only will you retain and challenge your "A Players," your business will likely increase in value because they have the roadmap - they can see where you (and they) are headed.  Here are the Top 5 Areas to Include: Your Team People run companies. And the most valuable companies are run under management - they don't need owner involvement for things to run right. Top team considerations for succession planning: Is your team stable and motivated? Do they have a high level of trust and respect? How strong is your bench? Are there continency staffing plans in place? Is the environment healthy, accountable and strong - are you playing "offense"? Your Operations & Management Systems Are daily/weekly/monthly etc. reporting systems in place and followed? How clear are your lines of authority and decision-making? How well do your managers manage? Are they doing what you need & expect, or do they need training and accountability? How easy or difficult is it for your team to pivot or respond to unplanned events or situations if necessary? Your Customer Base & Sales Are you over-reliant on a small group of customers, or do you have a broad base of people you work with regularly? Is your team "fishing in the right pond" or fishing for guppies when you need whales? Have you found your true Unique Selling Proposition so you're not competing solely on price? Do you have a healthy mix of recurring income and one- offs? How well is the team retaining customers? What's their lifetime value? Your Growth Strategy How much are you investing in driving the future of your industry - R&D? Is your growth plan down on paper and visited regularly so the whole team is aligned and excited? How are you managing resources to support your current operation and still pursue new markets, products or services? Effective Financial Controls Are you updating your budget and cash flow forecasts regularly? How often are you reviewing financial performance as a team?  How often are you reviewing Balance Sheet performance? BONUS: Your Timing One of the hardest things for people to do is pick an exit date. Think of it like this - your exit date doesn't need to be the date you turn in your keys. Make it the date you want the business to be transferrable - the date it can work without you. If you love what you are doing and want to keep working, you can! Want to learn more? Grab Your FREE Succession Readiness Scorecard here: https://lnkd.in/gDYiiJVH  

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“Lipstick on a pig” looks a lot like false confidence. In this episode of Culturally Sound, Jeff Parnell — seasoned CEO and transition advisor — calls out one of the biggest red flags in business: pretending everything’s fine when it’s clearly not. We unpack: • Why exaggerating your team’s performance erodes trust • The cost of masking client churn and operational gaps • How honesty during diligence builds real credibility • Why leaders must stop selling perfection — and start selling transparency Jeff’s message is clear: Buyers, investors, and employees always figure it out. So skip the charade. Own the mess. Lead with integrity. 🎧 Full episode: https://lnkd.in/eGR4AsXU #LeadershipTruth #IntegrityInBusiness #CulturallySoundPodcast #JeffParnell #BusinessAcquisition #LeadershipHonesty #B2BTransparency #Corethos #MergersAndAcquisitions #FounderLeadership

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