What Nobody Tells You After the Exit Artwork

Married to the Startup

Married to the Startup is a modern podcast where power couple, George and Alicia McKenzie, navigate the thrilling intersection of marriage, family, and entrepreneurship. With over a 15 years of partnership, this CEO and entrepreneurial coach duo share candid insights on building businesses while fostering a strong family unit.

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Married to the Startup

What Nobody Tells You After the Exit

April 05, 2026 • Alicia McKenzie • Episode 69

0:00 | 38:05

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What actually happens after the big exit? In this episode, Alicia and George talk about the wealth event no one fully prepares you for and the three tensions that sneak up on almost every founder: identity crisis, lifestyle creep, and the paranoia of losing what you worked so hard to build.

From a Chanel bag to a Lamborghini that eventually just sat in the garage, they share their own wins and regrets, including why every financial advisor tells you to wait six months before making a major purchase after a wealth event and why almost no founder actually does.

The conversation gets personal as George opens up about the identity crisis that followed his post-sale sabbatical and Alicia shares how her childhood shaped her perspective on what money can and cannot buy. Their bottom line: don't wait for the number to hit before you figure out who you are outside of your business.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and the truth about startup cash flow

03:15 - Preparing for a successful business exit

06:00 - Lifestyle changes post-wealth event

09:08 - The importance of financial planning after a wealth event

12:04 - Identity crisis after selling a business

15:00 - Celebrating success and lifestyle creep

18:00 - Managing expectations and requests from others

21:28 - The psychological impact of wealth

24:52 - Finding value and purpose post-wealth

28:05 - Changes in life post-wealth

31:21 - What hasn't changed despite wealth