Many founders stay stuck in the space between yes and no, not because of timing, money, or strategy, but because of resistance disguised as logic. In this powerful solo episode, Jerome Myers speaks directly to high performers who feel called to their next chapter yet hesitate to move. He breaks down the most common objections founders use to delay meaningful growth and reveals the deeper fears beneath them—from the discomfort of pausing long enough to feel, to the fear of being truly seen without the armor of achievement.  Jerome also opens up about his own experience with the Founder’s Exit Paradox and the identity unraveling that happens once success goes quiet. This episode serves as a mirror, a challenge, and an invitation to stop circling the life you want and begin stepping into it with clarity, alignment, and courage. [00:00–02:18] Sitting in the Gray Space Founders hesitate not because of time or money but because of quiet resistance Resistance dresses itself up as logic, busyness, and “reasonable” excuses The episode frames the work ahead: naming the fear so it stops running the show [02:19–04:45] The Five Surface Objections (and Their Real Meaning) “It’s not the right time” really means, “I’m scared to slow down and feel” Busyness becomes a shield protecting founders from their inner truth Pretending everything is fine becomes exhausting — and unsustainable [04:46–07:02] The High Performer’s Dilemma: “Will This Work for Me?” Strategy solves business problems, but it doesn’t heal identity problems Founders fear inner work because it requires vulnerability The Intensive works differently than a playbook — it goes to the root [07:03–09:28] Trust, Fatigue, and the Fear of Hope “I need to talk to my advisor” often signals lack of self-trust “I need a break” reveals survival mode, not true rest The deeper fear is hoping for change and being disappointed again [09:29–12:32] The Founder’s Exit Paradox Founders fear being seen without their achievements as armor Jerome shares his own unraveling after leaving his $20M division Success becomes identity — titles, applause, income, roles The question underneath everything: “Who am I without what I built?” [12:33–17:32] Choosing Your Next: The Real Invitation Speaking desires out loud dissolves guilt and activates clarityRemoving the founder mask leads to alignment, wholeness, and freedom Staying stuck is a decision — so is choosing your next chapter The Next Intensive becomes a turning point where founders finally feel alive again Key Quotes: “Vulnerability is not exposure. It’s access. It’s how you access clarity, connection, meaning, and fulfillment.” — Jerome Myers “Staying Stuck Is a Decision”— Jerome Myers Join industry leaders shaping the future and secure your spot at the Exit Planning Summit today! https://exitplanningsummit.com/speakers Ready for your next chapter?Start Your Assessment Now 👉 https://theexitparadox.com/assessment Leave a Review + Help Others Achieve a Great Legacy If you found this episode valuable, leave us a review and share it with someone who wants to expand their business growth. Your Next is more than a podcast—it’s a community that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and ages, united by a shared passion for personal growth and achieving excellence.  🎧 Explore our previous episodes or learn more about our mission at https://exittoexcellence.com. Your next chapter starts here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices