How Jan Southern Prepares Family-Owned Businesses for a Smooth Exit

Systems Simplified

In This Episode

What happens when family and business mix? For Jan Southern, the answer depends on whether your business puts family first—or prioritizes business outcomes.

In this conversation with host Adi Klevit, Jan shares how family-run businesses can thrive with the right systems in place. She explains why exit planning should begin at the moment a company is founded, how early preparation protects against unexpected events, and what it takes to transition leadership—whether internally to the next generation or externally to a buyer. Her experience spans both large corporations and small family-run firms, giving her unique insight into scalable systems.

Jan also details the steps she takes to optimize business processes, improve profitability, and build value. From identifying inefficiencies to increasing company valuation through documentation, she shows how systems thinking drives better exits. Whether planning for succession or preparing for acquisition, this episode offers a playbook for long-term continuity and success.