Can My Business Survive Without Me

In Episode 239, Dr. James Bryant sits down with business advisor Laurie Barkman to explore one of the most common — and costly — problems in growing firms: owner dependency. Laurie explains why dependency is usually a process problem, not a people problem, and introduces her BUILT method (Blueprint, Unlock, Integrate, Lead, Transition) as a practical framework for reducing it. She also breaks down the difference between business owners who keep delaying transition and those who plan proactively for growth — and why that distinction determines your options when it matters most.