How to Acquire Businesses: The Growth Playbook No One Taught You

“You have to put your ego to the side and ask questions that you don’t know, otherwise you will be in a precarious position.”

Who says you have to follow someone else’s playbook to build a powerhouse business? Cate Luzio, Founder and CEO of Luminary, is living proof that you can scale with purpose, profit, and zero outside capital. She’s grown Luminary into a global, inclusive platform by staying true to her mission and acquiring like-minded companies that add real value—without giving up control. Cate owns 100% of her company, and she’s not asking for permission—she’s setting the pace. It’s bold, it’s intentional, and it’s exactly the kind of leadership we need more of.

Key Takeaways:

• Why you don’t always need venture capital to grow.

• How acquisitions aren’t just for billion-dollar companies.

• What it really means to lead with inclusion and impact in today’s climate.

• How to grow without diluting your values—or your voice.

Hi, I’m JJ.

Since starting the Justice Dept, I have increased women's wealth by over $90MM in less than 5 years.

Want to know what inspires me to do this work?

My clients' surprised reaction when I manage to get them much better terms for themselves and their companies, whether talent agreements, employment, severance, partnerships, asset sales or investments.

They often admit that they never thought they could get that result. Not even hoped.

This blows my mind.