Sharing Your Story on Podcasts and at Industry Events

You've sold your business, navigated the emotional rollercoaster of the exit, and now the story is yours to tell. But how do you share your journey without sounding self-promotional, breaching confidentiality, or missing out on new opportunities? This guide walks UK business owners through the nuts and bolts of sharing your story effectively—on podcasts, at conferences, and beyond. Discover how to craft your narrative, choose the right platforms, reach new audiences, and protect your reputation, all while contributing to the UK small business community.

Sharing your business exit story is about much more than boasting about a successful sale. In the UK’s close-knit business ecosystem, your experience can be a powerful tool for personal brand building, industry influence, and even future business opportunities. Many former founders find that talking about their exit opens doors to advisory roles, non-executive directorships, or new ventures. It’s also a chance to establish yourself as an authority in your sector—something that carries weight with investors, the media, and potential collaborators.

More importantly, sharing your story helps the wider UK small business community. The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and British Business Bank regularly highlight the lack of real-world, practical exit stories available to entrepreneurs. By being open about your challenges—what went wrong as well as what went right—you provide much-needed insight for others navigating the same path. This transparency can help demystify the exit process, making it more accessible and less daunting for the next generation of UK founders.

There’s also a legacy element. Whether you exited on a high or had to make tough calls, your lessons can shape industry practices and support better policymaking. UK policymakers, investors, and support organisations are increasingly looking for honest case studies to inform their work. By sharing your journey, you contribute to the broader narrative of British entrepreneurship.

The art of telling your exit story starts with clarity. Before you approach any podcast host or event organiser, you need to decide what you’re willing—and legally able—to say. Start by mapping out your journey: the genesis of your business, the turning points, the decision to exit, and the aftermath. But don’t just focus on the headline sale price or the final handshake; audiences value nuance, setbacks, and the reality behind the glossy press release.

Confidentiality is paramount. Review your sale agreement for non-disclosure clauses or restrictions on what details you can reveal. Many UK business sales, particularly those managed by brokers or involving private equity, come with strict NDAs. Even if you’re keen to be transparent, breaching these can have costly legal consequences. If in doubt, consult your solicitor or broker before going public.

Focus on the learnings rather than the numbers, unless you have explicit permission to disclose financials. Audiences are more interested in why you made certain choices, the mistakes you’d avoid next time, and how the process affected you personally and professionally. This approach not only keeps you on the right side of confidentiality but also makes your story relatable and valuable.

The UK is home to a vibrant ecosystem of business podcasts and industry events. Each platform has its own strengths, and the right choice depends on your goals, audience, and comfort level. Podcasts such as 'The Diary of a CEO', 'Screw It, Just Do It', and 'The Startups Podcast' reach thousands of founders, investors, and aspiring entrepreneurs every week. These platforms offer conversational, in-depth storytelling and often reach a national—and sometimes international—audience.

Industry events, on the other hand, allow for real-time engagement, networking, and Q&A. Events like the UK Business Show, TechNation’s Rising Stars, and sector-specific expos attract attendees looking for actionable insights, not just inspiration. Speaking on a panel or delivering a keynote can amplify your story, but also exposes you to direct questioning—something to prepare for if your exit was complicated.

Consider your target audience. If you want to help early-stage founders, startup-focused podcasts and events are ideal. If you’re aiming to build connections with investors or potential acquirers for your next venture, look for platforms with a more corporate or finance-centric audience. Finally, don’t overlook hybrid events and webinars, which have grown in popularity post-COVID and offer both reach and interaction.

Landing a coveted podcast slot or a speaking gig at a major event isn’t as simple as sending a generic email. Most hosts and organisers receive dozens of pitches every week. To stand out, tailor your approach. Research the podcast or event’s previous guests and topics—demonstrate that you understand their audience and explain how your story adds something new or relevant.

When reaching out, keep your pitch concise and focused. Introduce yourself, summarise your story in two or three sentences, and clearly state what listeners or attendees will gain from hearing you. If you have a unique angle—such as navigating an exit during Brexit uncertainty, selling to an overseas buyer, or handling a distressed sale—highlight this upfront.

Don’t forget to include supporting materials. A short bio, a professional headshot, and links to previous media appearances or articles (even LinkedIn posts) can boost your credibility. For major events, you may be asked to submit a detailed session outline or join a panel rather than deliver a solo talk. Be flexible and open to their format.

• Research the podcast/event’s typical audience and style before pitching
• Craft a short, compelling summary of your exit journey
• Highlight a unique lesson or angle—what makes your story different?
• Attach a bio, headshot, and any relevant media links
• Offer to tailor your topic to fit the organiser’s theme or agenda

Preparing to share your story publicly involves more than rehearsing talking points. First, review your legal obligations. Double-check your sale contract for any confidentiality, non-disparagement, or restrictive covenants. If you’re unsure, seek advice from your solicitor or the Law Society’s free helpline. In some cases, you may need to redact names, figures, or details that could identify the buyer or sensitive aspects of the deal.

Emotionally, be prepared for probing questions. UK podcast hosts and event moderators often pride themselves on asking what others won’t. Reflect on how you’ll respond to awkward topics—like regrets, valuation disappointments, or team redundancies—without becoming defensive or evasive. Practise with a trusted peer or media coach if possible.

On a practical level, confirm the logistics well in advance. For podcasts, check whether the recording is remote or in-person, and ensure you have a quiet, interruption-free space. For events, ask about AV requirements, dress code, and the format—will you be speaking solo, on a panel, or in a Q&A? Arrive early and have a backup of your slides or notes on a USB stick or cloud drive.

Great storytellers don’t just recite facts—they engage, entertain, and educate. Start with a hook: a memorable anecdote or a hard-won lesson that sets the tone. Be honest about your challenges and setbacks; UK audiences value authenticity over bravado. Where possible, link your experience to broader trends—such as the impact of COVID-19, changes to Entrepreneurs’ Relief, or shifting investor sentiment in the UK market.

Be ready for follow-up questions, especially about the motivations behind your exit and the aftermath. If you faced tough decisions—layoffs, supplier disputes, or a failed sale before the final deal—acknowledge these candidly but constructively. Avoid blaming individuals or organisations by name, and stay within the boundaries of your contractual obligations.

In live settings, handle difficult or negative questions with composure. If you’re asked something you can’t answer (due to NDA or personal reasons), simply say so politely and steer the conversation to a related insight. Practise bridging phrases like, 'While I can’t discuss that specific detail, what I can share is...' or 'That’s an interesting question—here’s what I learned from that part of the journey.' This keeps the audience engaged and protects your interests.

• Open with a relatable or surprising anecdote
• Share both successes and mistakes for balance
• Reference UK-specific market or policy trends where relevant
• Address difficult topics honestly, within legal boundaries
• Use bridging phrases to navigate off-limits questions
• Invite follow-up questions or connect with attendees afterwards

Every podcast appearance or conference talk is an opportunity to shape your reputation in the UK business world. Consistency is key—align your story across different platforms and make sure your LinkedIn and other public profiles reflect your current status. If you’re seeking new board roles, investment opportunities, or advisory work, mention this at the end of your talk or in show notes, without coming across as overtly self-promotional.

Leverage each appearance by sharing the recording, event photos, or audience feedback on your social channels. Tag the host, event organiser, and other speakers to broaden your reach. UK audiences, particularly on LinkedIn and Twitter/X, respond well to authentic reflections and practical advice. This can lead to invitations to further events, media opportunities, or even consulting work.

Don’t underestimate the power of follow-up. If you meet interesting people at an event, connect on LinkedIn within 24 hours and suggest a coffee or Zoom chat. If you receive audience questions after your session, answer them promptly and thoroughly. Building a reputation as a generous, insightful speaker pays long-term dividends—both for your own career and for the UK small business community as a whole.

Sharing your exit story is rewarding, but it carries risks—especially in the UK, where business circles can be small and legal agreements strict. The most common pitfall is inadvertently breaching a non-disclosure or non-disparagement clause, which can lead to legal action or reputational damage. Always err on the side of caution; if you’re unsure about a detail, leave it out or seek legal advice first.

Reputation management extends beyond legalities. If your exit involved disputes, redundancies, or public criticism, be thoughtful in your language. Focus on what you learned and how you grew, rather than assigning blame. UK audiences are quick to detect bitterness or evasiveness, and negative remarks can follow you for years, especially online. If you need to discuss sensitive issues, use anonymised examples and general terms.

Finally, consider the impact on ongoing relationships. If you have retained a minority stake, remain on the board, or are bound by a non-compete, your public comments could affect the new owners or your former team. Discuss your plans to speak publicly with them in advance if possible—this shows respect and can help avoid misunderstandings.

• Check every public statement against your legal obligations
• Avoid naming individuals or making accusations
• Frame setbacks as learning experiences, not grievances
• Give advance notice to former partners or acquirers if appropriate
• Monitor audience reactions and respond to feedback professionally

Learning from others who’ve gone before is invaluable. Consider the example of Sahar Hashemi, former co-founder of Coffee Republic, who regularly shares her exit and legacy-building experience on UK podcasts and at events like the British Business Awards. Her openness about difficult periods—such as losing strategic control and navigating public scrutiny—has made her a sought-after speaker for founders grappling with similar issues.

Another example is Mark Pearson, founder of MyVoucherCodes, who has spoken candidly about the pressures of negotiating an eight-figure exit. His appearances on 'The Diary of a CEO' and at Tech Nation panels have focused on mental health, the reality of post-sale life, and the importance of trusted advisers. This honesty has positioned him as a mentor and angel investor in the UK startup scene.

These stories show that you don’t need a unicorn-level exit or flawless track record to make an impact. The UK ecosystem values honesty, humility, and practical detail. By sharing both the highs and lows—and respecting legal and personal boundaries—you can inspire others and open new doors for yourself.

The most effective storytellers use their experiences to shape the future of UK entrepreneurship. Consider writing up your journey for a trade publication like Real Business, or offering to mentor via networks such as the British Business Bank’s Mentoring Programme. Many business owners also choose to support local enterprise hubs, contribute to government consultations, or join panels run by the FSB or the Institute of Directors.

If you want to reach beyond the business community, collaborate with universities, local growth hubs, or charities focused on entrepreneurship. Sharing the lessons of your exit can inspire the next generation, inform policy, and build your reputation as a thought leader. Don’t be afraid to revisit your story as your perspective evolves—what you learned six months after the sale may differ from your reflections two years on.

Ultimately, the legacy you build depends on your willingness to be open, generous, and strategic. Sharing your exit story is not just about your past—it’s about helping others navigate their future and contributing to the strength of the UK’s small business community.