You ever get the sense you’re drowning in work, putting out fires nonstop… and somehow still feel behind?

This week, I sat down with Philip Blackett, founder of Dream Business Makeover and LifeAfter40.com, and someone who literally worked nights at Chick-fil-A to keep payroll going. That kind of hustle? Rare. But it also means his insights aren’t just theory—they’re battle-tested.

We unpack what it really takes to grow your business for exit, how to lead in chaos, and why reverse-engineering your exit value can transform the way you operate today.

Philip doesn’t just preach growth—he’s lived through the grind and rebuilt with clarity. Whether you’re scaling fast or stuck in reactive mode, this one will hit home.

Key Takeaways with Timestamps:

• [07:03] The Core Four Growth Levers – Grow your top line, bottom line, M&A capability, and exit value. Philip’s 2×2 framework makes it simple—and scalable.
• [10:22] Why Your Exit Strategy Should Start Now – Exit value isn’t some far-off goal. Philip breaks down how reverse-engineering from a number reshapes your strategy today.
• [13:25] Growth Begins with Survival – How Philip managed a cemetery business during COVID—while working nights to stay afloat—and what it taught him about true resilience.
• [20:44] Weekly Adjustments Saved My Business – Forget five-year plans. Philip explains why weekly course corrections kept his team alive—and how you can build that rhythm too.
• [26:10] Avoid the “Busy CEO” Trap – “If you’re not doing the tasks only you can do, your business is losing.” Why working above the business isn’t optional anymore.