Pass an owner-absence test (documented: ran without the founder for a set period)

This is the whole point of the Exit stage: a business that runs without its founder. When operations continue smoothly whether you're there or not, you own a sellable asset — and the freedom that comes with it.

Do this

1. Confirm leadership, systems, and team cover everything you do.
2. Step back from daily operations entirely.
3. Prove it over a sustained period, not just a week.
4. Document the handover so a new owner steps in seamlessly.

Founder-Independence Checklist

• Leadership team runs daily operations
• Systems and SOPs cover the owner's old tasks
• Business performs over a sustained owner absence
• Financials, customers, and ops all owner-independent
• A handover plan ready for a new owner