Most business owners spend decades building their companies—but far too many wait until the last minute to plan what happens when it's time to step away.
In this episode of Growth Without Referrals, host Mark Ferguson sits down with Bill Stoddart of McInnes Group, an experienced executive benefits and financial services advisor who has spent decades helping business owners navigate succession planning, leadership transitions, business continuity, and long-term financial strategies.
Bill shares why succession planning is a lot like landing an airplane: if you wait until you're approaching the airport to start thinking about your landing, your options become limited.
Drawing on his experience working with business owners and executives, Bill explores the importance of planning ahead, developing future leaders, retaining key employees, and building organizations that can continue thriving beyond their founders.
In this episode, you'll discover:
- Why business owners often wait too long to develop succession and exit strategies.
- How early planning creates more options for selling, transferring, or transitioning a business.
- Why the emotional side of retirement can be just as challenging as the financial side.
- How retaining and rewarding key executives supports long-term business continuity.
- Why successful leaders learn to step back and allow the next generation to lead.
- How AI and emerging technologies may reshape business operations.
- Why operational capacity and scalable systems are essential to sustainable growth.
Bill also shares lessons from his career, including working alongside his father, his years with Pacific Life, and his experience helping business owners through McInnes Group.
One of the biggest takeaways: Building a successful business is only part of the journey. Preparing the business—and yourself—for what comes next is just as important.
Whether you're a founder considering an eventual exit, an executive planning leadership succession, or a business owner looking to create sustainable growth, this conversation offers practical insights from someone who has spent decades advising business leaders.
Connect with Bill Stoddart
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamstoddart/
About Growth Without Referrals
Hosted by Mark Ferguson of Prestige Services Group, Growth Without Referrals features conversations with entrepreneurs, executives, and business leaders about building sustainable businesses, creating predictable growth, and developing strategies that reduce dependence on referrals alone.
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