Chris O’Connell - Losing everything after selling a £25m business only to come back fighting

2023-07-10

*Content warning* – this post discusses suicidal feelings How do you see your life after selling your business? You may see happiness, wealth, and security. But just because you sell your business doesn’t mean they are guaranteed. In this episode Chris O’Connell shares his story of selling his business for £25 million only to find his life unravel afterwards. From losing his home, his children, divorce and 3 suicide attempts, Chris’ story is one not to be missed. After exiting his last business, Chris now coaches leaders on how to ...

*Content warning* – this post discusses suicidal feelings

How do you see your life after selling your business? You may see happiness, wealth, and security. But just because you sell your business doesn’t mean they are guaranteed. In this episode Chris O’Connell shares his story of selling his business for £25 million only to find his life unravel afterwards. From losing his home, his children, divorce and 3 suicide attempts, Chris’ story is one not to be missed.

After exiting his last business, Chris now coaches leaders on how to build purpose-led businesses that perform. Chris helps businesses solve problems by solving people problems. Because people without a purpose have no centralised reason driving them to perform.

He works on best processes, vision execution and harmonising your life with your work.

If you need support for the topics raised in this episode call The Samaritans on 116 123

“Money, scaling and growing a business is not the key to happiness” – Chris O’Connell

Timestamps

01:43 - The highs and lows of Chris' story

05:20 - How Chris came through the other side

07:01 - Was the business ready to sell?

08:42 - Chris' involvement after the sale

10:17 - What happened when it all went wrong?

12:36 - Company problems caused by culture

14:03 - What does Chris do as a coach?

20:16 - The power of a decent board pack