
Unlocking Value
Unlocking Value is designed to give founders and owners of professional services firms more confidence when they're working toward an exit or thinking about taking on investment.
Across six episodes, our host John Howard speaks with founders, investors and advisors about the moments that define the transaction journey - how to get ready, what to expect and how to succeed.
We cover everything from value drivers and team alignment to investor expectations and life after the deal. You’ll hear from people who’ve sold their firms, taken minority investments, stayed on, exited and started again – and from those who advise or invest in firms like yours every day.
Podcasting since 2025 • 7 episodes
Unlocking Value
Latest Episodes
Episode 7: Justin Langford - Watermelon KPIs, Moneyball Thinking and Scaling without External Investment
In this episode, John Howard speaks with Justin Langford, co-founder and CEO of Coeo. Over nearly two decades, Justin has grown the business from a two-person start-up into a consultancy trusted by some of the UK’s largest organisations....
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54:18

Episode 6: After the Deal: What No One Tells You
In the final episode of this series, we talk to a panel of experienced consultancy leaders and advisors about what really happens after a deal is done – and what no one tells you in advance.The conversation explores the emotional, cultur...
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Episode 6
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Episode 5: Getting Ready: What to Do Before You Press Go
In this episode, we focus on what it really means to be ready for a deal – not just in theory, but in practice.Host John Howard is joined by two seasoned founders and a corporate finance advisor to explore what it really means to be read...
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Episode 5
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Episode 4: What Buyers Look For – and What Spooks Them
In this episode, we look at how investors and advisors assess a business – and what can spook them.We’re joined by an investor, a corporate lawyer and a corporate finance advisor to talk about what builds confidence during a transaction ...
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Episode 4
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53:26
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Episode 3: What Makes a Business Valuable?
In this episode, we ask a deceptively simple question: what actually makes a business valuable?Host John Howard is joined by a founder, an investor and an advisor to explore what really drives high valuations in professional services. Th...
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Episode 3
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57:27
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