Ep 25. From Golden Handcuffs to Freedom & Fortune with Nick Bradley
Building a business is one thing. Building a business that sells? That’s a whole different game.
In this episode of The Legacy Branding Podcast, I sit down with Nick Bradley, world-renowned author, speaker, and business growth expert, to unpack what it really takes to build and sell a high-value company.
With over a decade in private equity, 100+ acquisitions, 26 exits, and more than $5 billion in value created, Nick doesn’t just talk strategy, he’s lived it.
We dive into the critical difference between a lifestyle business and a performance business, and why so many founders unknowingly build companies that are nearly impossible to sell. Nick shares how to reverse-engineer your ideal exit, what private equity is actually looking for, and the often-overlooked factors that influence your valuation far beyond EBITDA.
But it’s not just about strategy or spreadsheets.
We also explore why founders need 12–36 months to prepare, not just the business but themselves. Because letting go is rarely simple, and the emotional readiness is just as important as the financials.
If you’ve ever dreamed of selling your business for 8 or 9 figures, or simply want more freedom and impact, this one’s a must-listen.
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Nick Bradley is a globally recognized business growth expert, author, and speaker who has made it his mission to help entrepreneurs build, scale, and sell high-value companies.
With over a decade in private equity, Nick has been behind more than 100 acquisitions and 26 exits, driving over $5 billion in value. His insights come not just from theory, but from real, high-stakes experience. He’s also the host of one of the UK’s top-ranked business podcasts, downloaded over a million times in 130+ countries.
Today, he works closely with founders, CEOs, and investors to transform businesses—and lives—through intentional growth and strategic, life-changing exits.
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00:00 – Meet Nick Bradley
02:00 – From Teen Founder to Corporate Exec
06:00 – Purpose Awakened
10:00 – The Hidden Cost of Success
13:00 – Redefining Legacy: Purpose + Wealth
17:00 – Why 96% of Businesses Don’t Sell
21:00 – Prepping Your Business (and Brand) to Exit
26:00 – Brand, Culture & Value Perception
30:00 – The Founder’s Emotional Journey
33:00 – What Legacy Means to Nick