When the President Steals the Deal: The $3.7 Million Cost of Lost Profits
In this episode, Kelly and I dive into a remarkable federal case involving a president, a business opportunity, lost profits, and millions of dollars in litigation costs. The case, Zip By v. Parzich, gives us a front-row look at what can happen when a corporate executive pursues an opportunity that belonged to the company he was leading—and how the financial consequences can extend far beyond the original dispute.
When Divorce Courts Get Business Valuation Wrong: Lessons from Bailey v. Bailey
In this episode, we're breaking down the recent Bailey v. Bailey appellate decision from North Carolina—a case that demonstrates how even a relatively small business valuation can unravel when proper legal standards and valuation methodology aren't followed. We'll discuss the costly consequences of relying on unsupported calculations, why valuation methodology matters just as much as the numbers themselves, and how overlooking established case law can send a divorce case straight back to court.
Beyond the Legal Argument: The Psychology Behind Successful Business Mediation
In this episode, I'm joined by Scott Zucker, an experienced commercial mediator, attorney, and author of The Mediation Minute. Together, we're exploring a side of dispute resolution that often gets overlooked—the psychology behind successful mediation.
Financial Therapy, Money Trauma & Abundance Mindset: How to Rewrite Your Money Story
Whether you're navigating divorce, grieving the loss of a spouse, rebuilding after a major life transition, or simply feeling stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, the truth is that money is never just about dollars and cents. It's tied to our identity, our beliefs, our upbringing, and often our deepest fears.
Stay Ready: How Smart Business Owners Prepare for Growth, Buyers, and Opportunity
In this episode, we explore what it really means to build a healthy business that is prepared for growth, valuation, and unexpected opportunities. Whether you're planning to sell your company someday or simply want to create a stronger, more resilient organization, Kendall shares practical insights on leadership, team alignment, systems, measurement, and the habits that separate thriving businesses from those that struggle.
The Real Deal: Why Buyers and Sellers Never Agree on Value
In this episode, I’m joined by David C. Barnett—an international speaker, author, consultant, and one of the most respected voices in the world of buying, selling, financing, and managing small and medium-sized businesses.
Price Is Only the Beginning: Where Millions Are Won or Lost in M&A
In this episode, I’m joined by Holli Moeini, a seasoned CFO, CPA, and M&A advisor who has seen firsthand how deals can quietly erode—or significantly increase—value depending on how they’re structured. As someone who works closely with business owners navigating valuation, mediation, and complex financial decisions, I’ve also witnessed how easy it is to overlook critical elements that ultimately shape the outcome of a transaction.
What Makes a Company Fundable? Inside the Mind of an Investor
This episode is about pulling back the curtain on the investor mindset. Whether you’re preparing to raise capital or simply want to build a stronger, more scalable business, this conversation will give you a clearer lens into what truly matters—and what doesn’t.
Signs Your Spouse Is Hiding Money & How to Prove It
In this episode we are with Victoria Kirilloff, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and founder of Divorce Analytics, to break down one of the most common — and misunderstood — issues in divorce: Hidden money, financial manipulation, and how to actually prove it.
Behind the Headlines: Celebrity Divorce Truths
In this episode, we are with Randy Kessler: family law attorney, professor, media commentator, and trusted counsel in many high-profile divorce cases.
Discovery Is Power: Subpoenas & Divorce Strategy
In this conversation, we discuss with Becky how discovery really works in divorce cases, why subpoenas often get rejected, and how proper research and compliance can dramatically speed up legal outcomes.
Handshake Deals, Huge Numbers: Why Agreements Can Collapse on Appeal
In this episode I’m joined by attorney and legal scholar Kelly Lise Murray to unpack Kay v. Yasowitz, a Texas appellate decision that sits right at the intersection of divorce, business valuation, IP transfers, restructuring, and derivative claims.
Deliver the Team, Not the Result: The Leadership Shift Founders Must Make
In this Episode I’m joined by Peter Anderton, a UK-based leadership expert who helps senior executives cut through the noise to transform their organizations, their teams, and their lives.n when it’s time to sell.
Valuation Decisions That Shape Family Wealth
In this Episode I’m joined by Jeff Condren, an advisor to family business owners in the Chicagoland area who specializes in next-generation transitions and building the right team to make those transitions successful.
Before the Sale: Building Trust Around Family, Money, and the Next Generation
In this episode I’m joined by Emily Bouchard — family transition specialist, author, and speaker — and we’re going beyond the numbers. Our topic is: Before the Sale: Building Trust Around Family, Money, and the Next Generation.
The Future of Leadership: Self-Awareness, Authenticity, and Human Connection
In this episode, Melissa Gragg, financial mediator and valuation expert, is joined by Emily and Akasha for a powerful conversation on leadership, self-awareness, authenticity, and integration — and why these qualities matter more than ever in today’s rapidly changing world.
Who Owns Your Digital Empire? Protect & Value Your Invisible Assets Before You Sell Your Business
I’m Melissa Gragg, a financial mediator and business valuation expert in St. Louis, Missouri. In this episode, I sit down with Paige Wiest, CEO of Tree Ring Digital, to uncover one of the biggest blind spots business owners face today—digital asset ownership, continuity, and valuation.
The Unexpected Cost of Not Planning Your Exit
I’m Melissa Gragg, a financial mediator and business valuation expert in St. Louis, Missouri. In today’s episode, I’m joined by returning guest Mark Howley — entrepreneur, former business owner, consultant, and podcaster — to break down the unexpected cost of NOT planning your exit.
Women, Wealth & the Future of Art Value: Galleries, Online Sales & Legacy
In this episode of ValuationPodcast.com, Melissa Gragg speaks with Ann Priftis, CEO of a group of seven contemporary art galleries across the U.S. and Canada and an art advisor/appraiser—about how value is created (and preserved) in today’s art market.
Inside the ESOP Deal: How Value, Regulation, and Exit Really Work
Whether you’re considering selling your business, exploring employee ownership, or advising clients on exit strategies, this episode will help demystify ESOPs and show why they’re booming among baby boomer founders.