243 – How to Build a Business Buyers Want
September 29, 2026
Most business owners dream of building a business that can thrive without them, but very few achieve it. In this episode, Paul Sweeney sits down with Dr Michael Filosi, who transformed a rundown dental practice that had possums living in the walls into one of Adelaide’s largest dental clinics before selling it in just 81 days. This conversation is packed with practical lessons about leadership, growth, culture, delegation, and creating a business that has genuine value beyond its owner.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- Why successful business owners see opportunity where others only see risk
- How small “quick wins” can create momentum and drive major change
- The importance of building a coalition of supporters within your team
- Why business owners must stop being the bottleneck
- How to transition from technician to true business owner
- The role of systems, leadership and delegation in business growth
- Why your best employees may be better than you at certain aspects of the business
- What makes a business attractive to buyers
- How Michael built a business that was ready to sell long before he decided to sell it
If you’ve ever wondered how to move from being the person doing all the work to being the leader of a valuable business, this episode is a must-listen. Michael’s story proves that business success rarely comes from one big breakthrough. It comes from making smart decisions consistently over time and building something that can succeed without you.
Books mentioned in the episode:
The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande
Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara
Built to Sell by John Warrillow
The E Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber
Want to know if your business is ready to sell? Check out our free tool:
How valuable is your business? Get your score!
Dr Michael Filosi is a dentist, exited founder, entrepreneur and self-confessed business nerd. Ten years ago Michael bought a worn out dental practice with possums in the walls that nobody thought had a future and successfully scaled it into the biggest dental practice in Adelaide. Last year Michael sold his business to private equity, overseeing the process himself and receiving offers from four different private equity firms in the process.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
This episode is supported by the Business Planning Operating System. My 9-module course is built from 30 years of experience as an accountant, giving business owners a simple, one-page 90-day plan they’ll actually use. Learn more at thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/focus
