In this episode of Branching Out, Susan Apgood, the former CEO of News Generation, shares candid insights about her journey selling her company in April 2020 in the midst of the COVID lockdown. She opens up about navigating a challenging broker relationship, unexpected cultural clashes between merging teams after the acquisition, and the emotional reality of watching a company you built change in ways you didn’t foresee. Susan also reflects on why due diligence, communication, and support networks—especially for women founders—are essential during an exit. Now a full-time professor at American University, she brings those lessons forward to empower the next generation of women business leaders.

In this episode of Branching Out, Jake Bittner, former CEO of Qlarion, recounts his path from co-founding a government data analytics firm to leading it through a successful acquisition by GCOM in 2021. He offers a transparent look at what it’s like to navigate the sale process with private equity buyers, from managing due diligence to balancing emotion with strategy. Jake also reflects on how selling a business changes your perspective on leadership, purpose, and personal identity. His story reveals the often-overlooked realities of exiting a company—and finding clarity on what comes next.

In this episode of Branching Out, Cary Hatch, former CEO of MDB Communications, opens up about the deals she walked away from, the one that finally felt right, and what it takes to step away from the CEO seat after decades at the helm. She shares how timing, values alignment, and a deep sense of purpose shaped her journey — and offers honest insights into the realities of selling an agency after years of leadership. Cary discusses the critical factors that influenced her decision, the importance of understanding market dynamics, and the challenges of transitioning to a new role post-sale. She also highlights the need for introspection and the emotional aspects of letting go. Her story is a powerful reminder that success in an exit isn’t just about valuation—it’s about vision, integrity, and fulfillment beyond the deal.

In the inaugural episode of Branching Out, Elizabeth Shea interviews Viraj Gandhi– former CEO and founder of Paradyme Inc. – about his 21-year journey from building a local and state contracting business to leading a major federal contractor acquired in 2024. Viraj shares how an unexpected AI partnership propelled the company toward acquisition and reflects on the complexities of cultural fit, emotional readiness, and life after selling a business. Their conversation offers candid insights for founders preparing to navigate both the practical and deeply personal sides of an exit.