Founder-dependent businesses don’t fail from lack of effort. They fail from structural constraints.
Eliminate Founder Dependency. Build a Business That Runs Without You.
I work with experienced founders to remove execution bottlenecks, redistribute authority, and install operating structures that hold under pressure.
As Seen On:
Meet Craig Carden
Founder Dependency & Execution Specialist | Creator of the Exit Smart and IMPACT Methodologies
Craig Carden works with experienced founders and owner-leaders who have built something real — but find themselves trapped at the centre of it. Decisions bottleneck with them. Progress slows without them. Growth adds complexity instead of freedom.
With over 33 years’ experience across entrepreneurship, leadership education, and operational design, Craig specialises in helping founders transition from operator to owner by addressing the structural causes of founder dependency.
His work focuses on: Diagnosing where execution, authority, and accountability are stuck Designing operating structures that create clarity and control Building leadership capability that functions without constant intervention Establishing disciplined execution systems that sustain momentum Preparing businesses for scale, succession, or exit — without chaos
Craig’s approach is calm, direct, and grounded in reality. No hype. No motivation theatre. No generic frameworks. Just clear thinking, structural discipline, and businesses that can move without the founder pushing every decision.
Testimonials
Craig helped me simplify complex business challenges by exposing the real constraints and putting structure around decisions that had stalled for years.
William Thompson
Craig’s breadth of experience means his work is relentlessly practical — focused on decisions, structure, and execution rather than theory.
Phil Mylotte
Craig helped me stay focused, make key decisions, and keep pushing toward success.
Aycan Demiric
Ready to build a self‑sustaining business?
Here’s The Plan:
Founder dependency is usually masked as “busyness”. In reality, it’s a lack of structural control.
This stage isolates constraints, clarifies decision ownership, and restores operational stability so the business can be worked on, not constantly in.
Execution
Processes, standards, and operating rhythms are designed so outcomes don’t rely on individual effort — including yours.
Automation supports the system, not the other way around. The goal is consistency, not complexity.
Dependency
Leadership capability is built into the business, decision rights are distributed correctly, and the organisation performs without constant escalation.
Stepping back becomes possible because control has already been embedded.
Ready to Finally Step Out of the Daily Grind?
Build a high-performing team you trust
Work on the business, not in it
Reclaim more time for family, health, or your next chapter
Grow faster without adding more hours to your week
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: What exactly is founder transition coaching?
It’s a structured, proven process that helps founders remove themselves from the day-to-day operations by implementing leadership development, systemisation, and AI-supported workflows — so the business runs smoothly without constant oversight.
Question 2: Is this programme right for me?
If you’re a founder (typically 32–42) who feels overloaded, stuck in the weeds, or unable to step away without things falling apart — this is for you. You’ll get the tools, mindset, and systems to regain control and scale confidently.
Question 3: How is your coaching programme structured?
Across 26 weeks, you’ll receive focused coaching, practical frameworks, and hands-on guidance to build a business that performs without you. We combine leadership development, system building, and AI implementation to create lasting change.
