I Sold My Small Agency – And It Put Me In a Wheelchair with Holly Tennock

The Exit Plan: Mergers and Acquisitions for Creative Entrepreneurs

In this conversation, Holly Tennock shares her journey from being a journalist to founding her own PR agency, Journalista, and the challenges she faced as a female entrepreneur. She discusses the growth of her agency, the complexities of navigating leadership, and the eventual sale of her business. Holly reflects on her experiences during the transition post-sale, the impact of COVID on her business, and her insights on leadership and team dynamics. In this conversation, Holly and Barnaby discuss the intertwining of personal health challenges and the pressures of business leadership. Holly shares her experience with a severe spinal injury during a tumultuous time in her career, leading to reflections on burnout and the importance of self-care. They explore the identity shifts that occur after selling a business, the emotional aftermath of such a significant life change, and the necessity of having a support system in place. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of finding balance and purpose in life after exiting a business, highlighting the need for self-awareness and permission to prioritize personal well-being. Takeaways

• Holly transitioned from journalism to PR, founding Journalista.
• The agency focused on making complex issues clear for clients.
• Being a young business owner presented unique challenges.
• Burnout was a significant factor in Holly's decision to sell.
• The sale was initiated through a conversation with a fellow agency leader.
• Holly emphasizes the importance of team dynamics in leadership.
• The transition post-sale was challenging, especially during COVID.
• Feedback on emotional control was difficult for Holly to navigate.
• Holly's experience highlights the need for better allyship in business.
• The conversation underscores the importance of mental health in entrepreneurship. Holly experienced significant health challenges during a critical business period.
• Burnout can cloud judgment and decision-making in leadership roles.
• Reflecting on joyful moments with a team can enhance leadership satisfaction.
• Post-sale identity shifts can lead to feelings of inadequacy and confusion.
• Having a support system is crucial during major life transitions.
• Self-care and structured breaks are essential for mental health.
• The emotional aftermath of selling a business can be overwhelming.
• Finding balance between work and personal life is vital for happiness.
• Understanding personal needs and giving oneself permission to take breaks is important.
• The journey of entrepreneurship often involves navigating complex emotional landscapes.

Connect with Barnaby on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barnabycook/

Join The Exit Plan mailing list: http://eepurl.com/iC8sIY