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.
The Biggest Challenges When Scaling a Business (and How to Overcome Them)
In this episode of ValuationPodcast.com, Melissa Gragg and CEO Mark Howley dive into the real challenges of scaling and selling a business. From chasing growth vs. focusing on profits, to building management teams, cleaning up financials, preparing for due diligence, and knowing when to exit—this candid talk offers must-know lessons for business owners.
Scaling, Selling & Staying Ready: The BITES Method
Whether you’re a baby boomer business owner planning retirement, or a high-achieving entrepreneur looking to 10X your company, this conversation will give you actionable steps to avoid leaving money on the table, systematize your operations, and future-proof your business in the age of AI.
Inheritance, Divorce, and Sudden Wealth: Managing What You Didn't Build
Myra has spent decades helping people navigate the emotional and practical challenges of receiving wealth—especially when they didn’t earn it directly. Together, we’re talking about the emotional side of money, financial identity, legacy trauma, archetypes, and how fiduciary coaching can help people move from fear and confusion to confidence and control.
AI is a Tool. A Negotiation Expert is a Weapon | Negotiation Strategy & Deal-Making
In this episode, we dive into the explosion of AI and how it intersects with deal-making. Why, in the age of AI, do you still need a negotiation expert in the room? If AI is the tool, a skilled advisor is the weapon. Christine and I unpack how sellers often unintentionally sabotage their own deals and why experts must act as shields to protect value, mitigate emotional risk, and maintain control in negotiations.
Employment Law For Business Owners
Today, we dive deep into employment law for business owners, exploring how to proactively prevent employment-related claims, what at-will employment really means, the nuances of employee contracts, and practical steps both employers and employees can take to protect their interests. We also discuss the evolving landscape around DEI programs, remote work accommodations, and how recent shifts in enforcement by the EEOC may impact your business or career.
Empowering Creatives: How to Build Community, Strategy, and Success for Artists
Kre8 Spaces empowers artists and entrepreneurs with tools, mentorship, and strategy for long-term success. Learn how community, consistency, and creative business planning drive both artistic growth and economic impact. Discover insights from founders Quintrel Brown, Dwayne Ferguson, and Christian Boyd on ValuationPodcast.com.
Small Business Success and Exit Strategy
Discover proven strategies for small business success and exit planning. Learn how to build a company that runs without you, prepare for a rigorous sale process, and negotiate with confidence. Business valuation expert Melissa Gragg and guest Mark Howley share insights on growth, financial discipline, and maximizing business value at exit.