Your Next Chapter: Redefining Success After Life’s Biggest Transitions

What happens when the life or business you've carefully built suddenly changes? Whether through a divorce, a business exit, or another major transition, the familiar roadmap disappears, and you’re left wondering: What now?

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Jerome Myers, America’s Leading Exit Authority and host of the Your NEXT Podcast, to have a raw and real conversation about what it takes to rebuild, redefine success, and step into a new chapter with confidence.

Here’s what we unpacked—and what you need to know if you’re navigating a transition, planning an exit, or simply reassessing what’s next.

1. Support & Mindset Shifts: Your First Steps in a New Chapter

Big life changes—especially those involving financial and identity shifts—can feel unsettling. Whether you’re exiting a business, ending a marriage, or stepping into a new role, the first step is grounding yourself in the right mindset.

Key Takeaway: Surround yourself with people who see your next-level potential, even when you’re unsure yourself.

?? Questions to Ask Yourself:

?? Who is in my inner circle right now? Are they lifting me up or keeping me stuck?

?? Am I operating from a place of fear or from a place of possibility?

?? What’s one action I can take today to move toward the future I want?

Your mindset is the foundation for how you navigate a transition. Don’t skip this part.

2. Money as a Tool, Not Just Security

"A business built for cash flow alone is a trap. A business built to exit is freedom." – Michelle Jacobik

One of the biggest shifts I had to make was seeing money as a tool, not as security. Many people assume that if they have a high-income business, they’re set—but that’s not always true.

?? Lessons from the Conversation: ?? Wealth isn’t about the income you bring in—it’s about what you keep and how you structure it. ?? Your business should be designed to support your life, not consume it. ?? Exiting a business without a financial strategy can leave you feeling more lost than free.

This is where Jerome’s work is so critical. He helps founders build businesses that are designed for exit—so they aren’t just working to work, but actually creating wealth and freedom.

3. Avoiding Burnout and Planning Your Next Move

If you’re running your business at full speed with no plan for what comes next, you’re not alone. Many founders grind for years, only to wake up one day and realize:

?? They’re burned out.

?? They don’t love what they’re doing anymore.

?? They have no clear path for what’s next.

That’s why having a financial runway and an intentional exit plan matters.

?? Steps to Take:

?? Start separating your identity from your business so you don’t feel lost when it’s time to move on.

?? Create a financial runway—so you don’t have to make rushed decisions.

?? Work with experts like Jerome Myers if an exit is on your mind—because exiting without a plan is just as dangerous as staying too long.

4. Creating a Business by Design, Not Default

At the end of the day, your business should serve your life—not the other way around. If you’re feeling stuck, uncertain, or even trapped, it’s time to get intentional about what’s next.

?? Final Takeaways:

?? Build a business with a clear exit plan—even if you don’t think you’ll sell anytime soon.

?? Redefine success on your terms. What does freedom look like for you?

?? Money is a tool. Use it wisely to create the life you truly want.

Your Next Step: Tune In & Learn from This Conversation

This conversation with Jerome Myers was one of the most impactful I’ve had, and I want you to listen in. Whether you’re navigating a major transition or simply rethinking how you’re building your business, this episode will challenge you to think bigger.

?? Listen now: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/if-you-can-dream-it-you-can-achieve-it-michelle-jacobik/id1455776307?i=1000697365634

?? And if you're planning for your next big move—whether it’s an exit, a pivot, or a reset—let’s talk about how to make sure your financial foundation is rock solid.

?? Hit reply or send me a message—I’d love to hear what resonated most for you!