The Growth + Exit Podcast

Expert Advice for Middle Market Business Owners on Growing, De-Risking, and Exiting Their Business

Latest Episodes

In this episode of Growth + Exit, Heather Bennett sits down with Kathleen Perley, Co-founder and CEO of AdaIR, to discuss building, scaling, and exiting a company. Kathleen shares how she founded DECODE, what she learned from hiring and leadership, and why EOS, cash planning, and the right advisors are crucial before a sale.
In this episode of Growth + Exit, Heather Bennett talks with Rob Stepen, Certified Business Performance Advisor at Insperity, about scaling and exiting a business. Rob explains how to hire and structure teams during rapid growth, evaluate acquisitions and mergers strategically, and navigate the challenges and lessons learned from selling a company.
In this episode of Growth + Exit, Heather Bennett talks with Julie Castro Abrams, CEO and Chair of How Women Lead and Managing Partner at How Women Invest, about venture capital and leadership in women-led companies. Julie shares what investors look for in founders, how to prepare for funding, and why investing in women-led businesses presents a significant opportunity.
In this episode of Growth + Exit, Heather Bennett talks with Adam Spector, Founder and CEO of Chore, about how founders can stay focused on what drives growth. Adam shares his journey into entrepreneurship, what he learned from scaling and exiting companies, and how AI is reshaping the future of work.

Welcome to the Growth + Exit Podcast, where business owners, CEOs, and industry experts share the inside story of how they’ve grown, strengthened, and successfully exited their companies.

Hosted by Newport Managing Directors Heather Bennett and Susan Kearney, each episode offers candid conversations and practical insights tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of mid-market, privately held businesses.

New episodes drop twice a month.

Meet Your Hosts

Heather Bennett

Heather Bennett

Managing Director, Newport LLC

Corporate leader turned growth strategist, Heather brings 20+ years of experience managing $100MM brands, advising CEOs and entrepreneurs, and helping businesses scale through innovation, marketing, and executive development.

Susan Kearney

Susan Kearney

Managing Director, Newport LLC

A serial entrepreneur, growth expert, and digital innovator, Susan has founded, built, and sold several businesses; partnered successfully with both VC and PE investors; and participated in both buy and sell-side transactions. She leverages this expertise to help business owners scale and exit their companies successfully.

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10 Strategies to Finance the Growth of Your Business

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