Really enjoyed this post. The emphasis on pausing for true clarity before jumping into dealmaking really resonates. Your take on the “thinking season” being not just productive but actually foundational is a great reminder, especially with all the noise to just keep hustling. The idea that a thesis isn’t just admin, it’s your compass hits home. Thanks for sharing some practical frameworks along with the bigger questions around values and legacy. Excited for the rest of the series!
Thanks a lot, really appreciate you taking the time to write that. I’m glad the idea of slowing down before diving into dealmaking resonated. For me, the “thinking season” is one of the most undervalued parts of the ETA journey. It’s the period where you’re not just collecting data or chasing leads, but actually deciding what sort of owner you want to be and what kind of business truly fits your life.
The thesis stage is where alignment happens; between values, skill set, capital and ambition. Once that’s clear, everything that follows feels less like a chase and more like a search with purpose. You can say no faster, see patterns more clearly, and talk to owners with genuine intent rather than pressure.
Next week’s piece will build on this idea; moving from clarity to rhythm, from thinking to doing. It’s about designing a sourcing system that feels sustainable, human and consistent, rather than frantic. Thanks again for the thoughtful reflection; it means a lot to see readers connecting with the deeper side of this journey.
Really enjoyed this post. The emphasis on pausing for true clarity before jumping into dealmaking really resonates. Your take on the “thinking season” being not just productive but actually foundational is a great reminder, especially with all the noise to just keep hustling. The idea that a thesis isn’t just admin, it’s your compass hits home. Thanks for sharing some practical frameworks along with the bigger questions around values and legacy. Excited for the rest of the series!
Thanks a lot, really appreciate you taking the time to write that. I’m glad the idea of slowing down before diving into dealmaking resonated. For me, the “thinking season” is one of the most undervalued parts of the ETA journey. It’s the period where you’re not just collecting data or chasing leads, but actually deciding what sort of owner you want to be and what kind of business truly fits your life.
The thesis stage is where alignment happens; between values, skill set, capital and ambition. Once that’s clear, everything that follows feels less like a chase and more like a search with purpose. You can say no faster, see patterns more clearly, and talk to owners with genuine intent rather than pressure.
Next week’s piece will build on this idea; moving from clarity to rhythm, from thinking to doing. It’s about designing a sourcing system that feels sustainable, human and consistent, rather than frantic. Thanks again for the thoughtful reflection; it means a lot to see readers connecting with the deeper side of this journey.