In this episode, Catherine Lang-Cline, longtime CEO of Portfolio Creative, joins host Nick Olsen to share how she prepared her business for a successful sale after 20 years — from mentor advice and team timing to choosing the right M&A advisor and buyer.

Key Topics:

• Deciding to sell after 20 years

• Preparing a business to run without the owner

• The mentor advice that shaped her exit strategy

• When (and why) to tell your team about a sale

• Choosing the right M&A advisory team

• Strategic vs. financial buyers

• Why multiple offers matter

• The mental and identity side of letting go

• Advice for business owners considering a sale

About the Show: The M&A Mastermind Podcast delivers actionable insights and strategies for lower middle market dealmakers. Hosted by Nick Olsen, each episode features leading industry experts sharing knowledge on deal management, market intelligence, and strategic partnerships to help M&A advisors and business owners navigate the deal lifecycle.

Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@cornerstone_intl_alliance Find all episodes: https://cornerstoneia.com/podcast/cornerstoneia

Resources: Catherine Lang-Cline LinkedIn | Catherine Lang-Cline's Website & Book | Nick Olsen LinkedIn | Cornerstone International Alliance

Keywords: exit planning, business valuation, selling a business, lower middle market, mergers and acquisitions, M&A, deal structure, M&A advisors, buyer selection, private equity, sell side, business owner, women in business