Finding Gold: Why Smart Men Still Make Expensive Mistakes

Why Accomplished People Make Avoidable Decisions: How ego, impatience, overconfidence and emotional attachment show up in significant decisions, drawn from more than 150 acquisitions.

Success doesn't make you immune to bad decisions. In fact, sometimes the confidence that helped you become successful can make it harder to recognise when you're about to make the wrong one.

After sitting in on more than 150 acquisitions, Saul Cohen began noticing the same mistakes and behavioural patterns appearing again and again. Those observations ultimately helped inspire his book, Finding Gold.

But behind the numbers and deal structures is a much more human question: why do intelligent, accomplished people repeatedly make decisions that, from the outside, seem avoidable?

Saul can explore the role that ego, excitement, impatience, overconfidence and emotional attachment can play when ambitious people make significant decisions. He can also discuss why one of the most valuable qualities a successful person can develop is the ability to challenge their own assumptions.

The conversation gives Saul a natural opportunity to share stories and lessons from Finding Gold while taking the discussion beyond acquisitions and into how we make better decisions in business and life.

About Saul Cohen

Empowering Entrepreneurs with Strategic Financial Advice

1 Business sold before starting his PwC careerPwC Assurance & Risk Management experience£1M+ Annual earnings of business owners he advisesPartner The Expert Eye

Saul Cohen is an experienced accountant, acquisitions advisor, and passionate advocate for entrepreneurship. With a distinguished career that spans top-tier firms such as PwC and leadership roles at The Expert Eye, Saul has honed his expertise in financial audits, risk analysis, and strategic acquisitions. He is committed to empowering entrepreneurs to transition from business operators to savvy investors, unlocking their full potential.

Drawing inspiration from personal experiences, including his father’s entrepreneurial journey, Saul has dedicated his career to helping small businesses and startups navigate the complexities of tax planning, acquisitions, and exit strategies. His holistic approach not only enhances business valuations but also enables entrepreneurs to reclaim their time and achieve financial freedom.

Saul’s work is characterized by a creative and practical approach to accounting, blending technical expertise with actionable strategies. His unique perspective resonates with successful business owners earning £1M+ annually, particularly those eager to optimize their wealth, prepare for business exits, or make impactful acquisitions.

As a podcast guest, Saul brings inspiring stories, actionable advice, and a passion for empowering entrepreneurs to achieve lasting success and drive positive change in their communities.

Featured onApple Featured onSpotify Featured onYouTube

View profile →

Finding Gold: Why Smart Men Still Make Expensive Mistakes

About Saul Cohen

Book Saul Cohen for your show