Building a business that sells for a premium requires more than strong revenue and healthy profits. In this episode, we explore why Canadian business owners need to build leadership capacity before they are ready to sell. Discover how relying too heavily on the founder can limit growth, reduce buyer confidence, and lower the value of an otherwise successful business. Learn why the right time to bring in functional leaders often arrives sooner than owners expect. We discuss how to identify the leadership gaps holding your business back, when to hire permanent executives, and how fractional leaders can provide senior-level expertise without the cost of a full-time executive team. The episode also examines the Rule of 40 and sector-adjusted benchmarks, the importance of professionalizing financial reporting, and the key questions buyers ask when evaluating a business's ability to operate independently of its owner. Whether you are growing a company with $5 million to $50 million in revenue or preparing for an eventual exit, this episode offers practical strategies to strengthen your management team, reduce key-person risk, and build a more transferable business. Learn how investing in leadership three to five years before a sale can help position your company for a stronger valuation, better deal terms, and a more successful transition.