Rick Eigenbrod is a deeply respected thinker in the post-exit world.
A clinical psychologist and co-author of the classic Yale paper What’s Next: The Entrepreneur’s Epilogue, he’s spent years guiding founders through life after the exit as an executive coach.
In this conversation, we get into why Rick believes a “death of who we used to be” and a subsequent "re-birth" are inevitable post-exit, and how resisting these changes only adds to the struggle.
Rick generously shares the tools and exercises he’s found most effective in navigating this transformative process.
We also explore the grip of dopamine addiction, the healing power of legitimizing post-success frustration, simple ways to reconnect with our natural curiosity and playfulness, and the bittersweet reality of leaving some people behind as we experience exponential personal growth.
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TIME STAMPS:
00:00:00 : Introduction

00:00:21 : The paradox of success

00:00:43 : Rick's background and contributions

00:01:04 : Discussion on post-exit rebirth and struggles

00:01:12 : Exploring dopamine addiction and post-success frustrations


00:02:30 : Exploring the post-exit maze

00:02:45 : Rick's background and experience with exited founders

00:04:47 : Rick's critical event with Vistage group

00:06:09 : The price and prize of money and freedom

00:07:52 : Reflections on the dual meaning of success

00:08:53 : Grappling with post-exit paradox

00:09:41 : The "focusing illusion" and the arrival fallacy

00:11:12 : The societal pressure to be happy post-exit

00:12:01 : Support groups and legitimating experiences

00:13:08 : Initial reactions and reflections on the post-exit reality

00:14:31 : The societal issue of ignoring exited founders

00:15:33 : The lack of support and self-blame post-exit

00:18:00 : Escaping the blank sheet of paper

00:19:07 : Dealing with loss of motivation

00:20:38 : The challenge of striving without a company

00:22:21 : Stories of loss of identity and success paradox

00:23:02 : The impact on identity and structure post-exit

00:24:29 : Avoiding the inclination to fill the void with the same elements

00:25:32 : Closing the first business

00:26:18 : Question of true desires and freedom paradox

00:27:19 : Attempt to create a model from experiences

00:29:06 : Journey from identity to meaning and structure

00:30:02 : Revisiting personal development opportunities

00:33:16 : Financial dangers post-exit

00:35:30 : Paradox of money and its role

00:36:09 : Evolution of the meaning of wealth

00:41:03 : Refusal of the call and negative transfer of learning

00:44:10 : Dopamine addiction as an obstacle

00:47:00 : Fear of losing entrepreneurial identity

00:49:00 : Navigating the journey of death and rebirth in personal growth

00:51:13 : Leaving people behind during personal growth

00:52:29 : Real journeys begin where fairy tales end

00:54:08 : Redefining retirement and societal expectations

00:56:03 : Advising young successful entrepreneurs

00:57:23 : Identifying and addressing emotional struggles post-sale

00:58:46 : Embracing a Mosaic Life

01:00:00 : Communicating personal transitions to others

01:03:07 : Returning to business after personal growth

01:05:00 : Listening for truth, vitality, and fear in decisions

01:07:32 : Distinguishing between legitimate fears and psychological barriers

01:09:08 : Discernment of skill-related fears in new ventures

01:10:14 : Transitioning from entrepreneur to investor

01:13:20 : Rediscovering a sense of purpose post-exit

01:14:00 : The search for meaning and what matters now

01:16:22 : Two ways of knowing and going: Destination vs Direction

01:17:57 : Understanding fulfillment and satisfaction

01:19:20 : The importance of savoring moments

01:21:00 : Stories about finding fulfillment

01:23:26 : Legacy question

01:24:00 : Discussion about dynamics of arrival

01:27:00 : The role of intention in satisfaction