Starting, growing, and ultimately exiting a business is a journey filled with both challenges and incredible opportunities. In the first episode of the Founders Journey to Exit podcast, Evergreen M&A Senior Advisor Hannah Huke sits down with Dr. Azza Diasti-Kennedy, an accomplished entrepreneur, seasoned business owner, and Managing Director at Evergreen M&A, to explore the lessons learned from building and selling businesses. Their conversation offers invaluable insights for founders at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Buzzsprout, and other major platforms here.
Dr. Azza’s journey is a testament to perseverance and reinvention. “I have lived through every phase of the founder's journey—from starting small and wearing literally every hat, scaling, selling, and then finding purpose again on the other side,” she shares. “My goal is to help other founders prepare emotionally and strategically for what’s ahead, not just the transaction, but also the transformation that comes after it.”
Her story begins in a somewhat unconventional way: owning multiple gas stations in her 20s before following her dream of becoming a veterinarian. Over the years, Dr. Azza built and grew veterinary hospitals from small practices into multi-million-dollar businesses, ultimately being among the first to be acquired by the American Veterinary Group. Reflecting on that experience, she notes, “That exit taught me the importance of preparation, timing, and emotional readiness.”
One of the most common questions founders ask is, “What is my business worth?” Both Hannah and Dr. Azza emphasize that business valuation is a blend of art and science. Dr. Azza explains, “Valuation is not about how hard you have worked or how loyal your clients are, though those really matter emotionally. It’s about how scalable and transferable your business is. Buyers look for consistency in EBITDA, retention of key staff, growth trends, and how well the business can run without the owner.” She continues, “If your business depends on showing up every day, it’s like a job, not an asset yet. The market rewards predictability and systems, not heroic and emotional efforts.”
Looking to the future is just as important as assessing present value. “Buyers want to make sure that when they buy the business, there is room to scale and make more profit,” Dr. Azza shares. “It’s not just for today; you’re building for the future.” Hannah adds, “The most important thing is to demonstrate that your business will continue to grow, or there are avenues to grow.”
Perhaps the most emotional aspect of the conversation centers on letting go. Selling a business can feel like saying goodbye to a part of yourself. Dr. Azza reflects, “Letting go is one of the hardest parts of being a founder. You have poured your soul into something. It’s part of your identity. Many founders wait too long because they feel guilty or think selling means failure. But the truth is, preparation gives you options. The best time to sell is when you’re still excited about going to work every day—not when you’re exhausted and burned out.”
Life after the exit is another major consideration. “After I sold, it took me time to rediscover who I was beyond the business,” Dr. Azza shares. “You go from being the center of a busy ecosystem to suddenly having a quiet environment around you. That’s why I always tell founders to plan who they will be next—not just what they will sell. Your identity is more than your business.” For Dr. Azza, this period led her to pursue an MBA and launch Vetsi, a telehealth platform connecting veterinarians with pet owners, while also guiding founders through their own exit journeys.
The podcast wraps with practical advice for founders preparing for their next chapter:
Start planning early, even if you’re not ready to sell.
Build systems that make your business transferable and scalable.
Understand your emotional triggers and don’t let them cloud timing.
Remember that selling your business is not the end of your legacy—it’s an opportunity to reinvent yourself.
As Dr. Azza says, “You build it so you can scale it and hand it to the next person to do even better. Selling your business is not the end; there’s so much more you can do out there.”
For founders seeking guidance, both Hannah and Dr. Azza encourage reaching out to Evergreen M&A for advice, resources, and support. As Hannah concludes, “Working with founders is incredible. They’re hard-working, driven, and it’s amazing to help them write the next chapter in their story.”
Get in Touch
If you’re deciding whether to sell now or wait, Evergreen can help you evaluate your
options clearly. We provide valuation guidance, readiness assessments, and a strategic roadmap tailored to your timeline — so when the moment is right, you’re positioned to achieve maximum value with minimum risk. Contact Senior M&A Advisor, Hannah Huke, hannah@evergreenforfounders.com, 617.470.3462.