Most founders think exit value is all about numbers — revenue, profit, multiples. But the real differentiator between an average exit and an extraordinary one is self-awareness. In this episode of the ExitEngine Podcast, hosts Jo Stapleton and John Canniffe sit down with Les Csorba, Partner at Heidrick & Struggles and author of “Aware: The Power of Seeing Yourself Clearly”. With decades of experience advising Fortune 500 CEOs, entrepreneurs, and even U.S. presidents, Les shares how self-awareness, humility, and courage shape the kind of leadership that builds trust, attracts investors, and maximizes enterprise value. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why only 10–15% of leaders are truly self-aware — and how to join that elite group • How a lack of self-awareness can silently destroy company culture and deal confidence • The link between emotional intelligence and higher business valuation • How leaders can use feedback, humility, and courage to transform both their company and themselves • Why private equity buyers value emotionally intelligent, coachable CEOs more than any other trait Les also shares stories from the White House, Wall Street, and the boardroom — revealing how leadership under pressure, curiosity, and character define success in every arena. Whether you’re leading a team or preparing your company for sale, this episode will challenge you to look inward — because what you’re aware of, you control. What you’re unaware of controls you. 👉 Subscribe now for more founder-focused insights on exit readiness and business value growth. 👉 Join the world’s first Exit Planning Ecosystem at http://www.myexitengine.com. It’s everything and everyone you’ll need to plan and a execute a successful exit on your own terms and timeline. ExitEngine™ helps founders grow smarter and exit stronger by providing diagnostics, roadmaps, coaching, community, and advisory support that reduce risk, increase value, and make their businesses buyer-ready.