In this episode of Small Business School, host Staci Millard sits down with business coach Ola Adeyemi to unpack what it really takes to build a business that is not only profitable, but also sellable. Fresh off her experience exiting a print and embroidery business in the UK, Ola shares the hard-won lessons that reshaped how she now coaches entrepreneurs through growth, leadership, and systems.

Key topics covered:

Ola’s entrepreneurial journey: from running a clothing line to scaling and exiting a print & embroidery business in the UK
The reality of business exits (and why most founders aren’t prepared for them)
Why “building a business to sell” changes everything
The difference between hiring for growth vs hiring for gaps
Using a skills matrix to restructure and right-size a team
Why smaller, more aligned teams often outperform larger ones
Letting go of tasks you’re “good at but don’t enjoy”
The importance of DISC profiling in team performance
The financial blind spots most entrepreneurs miss before exit
Why knowing your numbers weekly can transform decision-making
The “Five Ways” framework: leads, conversion, frequency, average spend, and profit margin
How systems create freedom, scalability, and business value
Building a business that supports the life you actually want

From hiring missteps to financial blind spots and the emotional reality of exiting a founder-led business, this conversation challenges entrepreneurs to rethink how they build from day one.

Connect with Ola:

Instagram: @ola_bisi_adeyemi

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.