Ep 129: How CEOs Build Businesses That Last with Richard Palmer

Most CEOs work their whole lives to build freedom, then wake up trapped in a business that can’t survive without them.

Here’s how to break that cycle and finally build a company that creates freedom, not just more struggle.

In this episode, Jonathan sits down with Richard Palmer, co-founder of Qurate Advisory. With decades of experience as a CEO, investor, and advisor, Richard shares raw insights about the struggle of scaling, why too many entrepreneurs fail to capture the value of their hard work, and how CEOs can shift their mindset to become true capital stewards.

Richard dives deep into the leadership lessons he’s learned from building, selling, and advising businesses, and why creating an exitable company isn’t about selling, but about building freedom. 

If you’re a founder or CEO who feels stuck in the grind and wants to build a business that runs without you, this conversation will hit home.

In this episode of Stories of Scale with Jonathan Herps, you’ll discover:

• Why most businesses aren’t worth what founders think they are (00:33)
• What “the struggle” really looks like and why success is never guaranteed (03:52)
• How to use AI to reclaim your team’s time and grow faster (08:02)
• Why people and culture will make or break your business (12:54)
• How discipline and relentless focus outperform occasional brilliance, and why fixing just one thing each week compounds into transformational growth (16:52)
• How CEOs can protect their energy and relationships while scaling (29:35)
• The most important mental shift founders must make to build a sellable company(37:47)

Key takeaways for CEOs and business owners:

• Success comes from consistency, not heroics. World-class results are built by showing up and doing the right things over time.
• Always build like you’ll sell. Even if you don’t plan to, it’s the only way to protect your freedom and future options.
• AI and automation are game-changing tools that free up teams to focus on growth, strategy, and customers.
• You’re not just a CEO, you’re a capital allocator. Shift your identity or you’ll stay stuck in the weeds forever.

If you’re serious about building a business that scales without breaking you, Richard’s story is a reminder that leadership is less about chasing the next big thing and more about consistency, people, and stewarding the value you’ve worked so hard to create.

CONNECT WITH JONATHAN HERPS

Website: www.scaleupgrowth.co

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanherps

Facebook: www.facebook.com/scaleupgrowth

Instagram: www.instagram.com/scaleupgrowth

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@scaleupgrowth

Email: [email protected]

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