In this first episode of the newly rebranded Independence by Design™ podcast, host Ryan Tansom introduces a groundbreaking ownership framework designed specifically for growth-oriented business owner-operators who seek true independence. Drawing from his personal experience of turning around and selling his family business, Ryan explains how traditional business operating systems focus on working in the business but fail to address how to work on the business to achieve the ultimate goal: independence. 

Ryan details the Independence by Design™ Ownership Framework, which empowers business owners to create sustainable cash flow, grow their company’s equity value, and free themselves from the day-to-day grind. This framework is built around three essential steps: 

1.) Understand the Game – Shift your mindset from operator to owner and master the art of business valuations. 

2.) Choose Your Game – Clarify your ownership goals and leverage a powerful ownership advisory team. 

3.) Play the Game – Master the business ownership game by creating a strategic financial roadmap that links operational performance to your personal and financial goals. 
 

Ryan emphasizes that this framework is not just about exiting your business but about designing a life of independence where your business serves your personal aspirations, allowing you to do more of what you love. This episode is a must-listen for any owner-operator who feels stuck in the day-to-day operations and wants to take control of their time, wealth, and future. 

Chapters:  

• 00:00 Introduction and Background 

• 01:20 Ryan’s Journey: From Family Business to Creating the Ownership Framework 

• 06:00 What is Independence by Design™ and Why It Matters 

• 10:45 Shifting from Operator to Owner: The Key to True Independence 

• 15:30 Step 1: Understand the Game – Shifting Mindsets 

• 21:15 Step 2: Choose Your Game – Clarifying Ownership Goals 

• 25:50 Step 3: Play the Game – Creating a Strategic Financial Roadmap 

• 31:00 Aligning Operations with Ownership Goals 

• 36:10 Preparing for Future Episodes: Deep Dives into the Framework 

• 41:30 Final Thoughts and Call to Action 

Ryan Tansom is a seasoned entrepreneur, speaker, and the founder of Independence by Design™, a transformative ownership framework for growth-oriented business owners. After turning around and selling his family business in an eight-figure exit, Ryan spent over a decade dissecting the lessons learned from his journey. His mission is to help other business owners avoid the pitfalls he encountered by providing them with the tools and knowledge to align their business operations with their personal and financial goals.  

With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by owner-operators, Ryan developed Independence by Design™ to empower owner-operators to create sustainable cash flow, grow their company’s equity value, and achieve true independence. He has shared his insights on hundreds of stages, including Vistage, EO, and industry associations, and has reached over 500,000 listeners through his podcast. 

Ryan is passionate about helping business owners get unstuck from the day-to-day grind and design a business that serves their life, not the other way around. 

Resources: 

Book: "Finish Big" by Bo Burlingham 

Book: "The E-Myth Revisited" by Michael E. Gerber 

Independence by Design™ Owner’s Workshop https://ryantansom.com/independence-by-design-workshop 

Independence by Design™ Ownership Coaching: Ryan Tansom’s Ownership Accelerator programs and coaching https://ryantansom.com/coaching 

Ryan Tansom Websi