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Well, welcome back to the Kelly+Partners Progress Pyramid.

This is our slightly weird—but incredibly powerful—little pyramid that can change your life and your business. It’s certainly changed ours. And I know it’s helped many of our clients.

Session 12 is about Exit. I prefer to call it Succession.

Here’s the truth: if you’ve got anyone working in your business, you’ve got a succession situation to solve. The minute someone resigns, you’re in it. So you need a system. You need to be thinking about this constantly.

Start with a clear org chart. Know who does what. And read Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller. It’s a brilliant reminder that clients aren’t family—they’re not coming to your funeral. Serve them well, but know the world keeps spinning without you. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Get clear on what you’re living for. That’s how you get clear on succession.

There’s a powerful Harvard Business Review article I recommend: Your Professional Decline Is Coming Sooner Than You Think. Most people go out of date earlier than they realise. And unless you're in a wisdom profession, your edge has an expiry date. Plan for it.

Now, let’s talk about the Grief Cycle, from Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. When someone exits—whether by retirement, resignation, or sale—they go through this.

First, Denial: avoidance, confusion, maybe even a bit of elation or fear.
Then Anger: frustration, anxiety, irritation.
Next, Bargaining: they might try to undo the deal, come back, change their mind.
Then comes Depression: feeling overwhelmed, helpless, even hostile.
Finally, Acceptance: they start to explore new options and move on.

If you run a family business—pay attention. This is real. Changing your role is a grief-inducing process.

So, what should you do?

During Denial: provide clear information.
During Anger: offer emotional support.
During Depression: give guidance and direction.

You’ve got people. And people have emotions. This grief model applies to all of them, and it applies to you too.

If you want to do a great job of exit—for yourself or for others—you must understand this. Print it. Look at it. Ask: “Where am I today?” or “Where’s my team member today?” That’s how you engage and support them the right way.

Succession isn’t a one-time event. It’s a mindset.
What happens if someone leaves tomorrow?
Is there a manual?
Are the passwords documented?
Can the next person pick up seamlessly?

If not, it’s a risk. And it’s your responsibility.

Life is short. Death is certain. So the pointy end of this pyramid—Exit—is something you cannot ignore.

This wraps up the 12 sessions of the Progress Pyramid. I hope it’s made a real difference for you. And remember—we’re only scratching the surface.

If you want deeper support, reach out. And as always—have a great day.