Abby Donnelly is an executive coach who guides owners through business succession planning for mid-market leaders facing ownership transition. She equips founders, CEOs, and next-generation leaders with the clarity and skills required to exit confidently and preserve legacy.
Abby Donnelly has been a guest on The Business Owner's Journey:
Abby Donnelly is a renowned executive coach specializing in business succession planning, exit strategy, and leadership transition. She serves entrepreneurs, business owners, and corporate boards who want to ensure a seamless business exit or develop the next generation of leadership. Abby’s expertise is in guiding clients through the strategic, business, and interpersonal aspects of succession and exit, making her a trusted resource for leaders seeking clarity and confidence in high-stakes transitions.
Today, Abby Donnelly is the founder of The Leadership and Legacy Group, where she provides tailored executive coaching for succession planning, ownership transition, and developing successors. Abby’s approach is pragmatic—she bridges the business, strategic, and interpersonal elements required for smooth leadership transitions. Her work is sought after by both middle-market companies and large organizations looking for practical and values-driven succession strategies.
Abby’s client base includes CEOs, business owners, and boards committed to future-proofing their organizations and building leadership bench strength. She’s also deeply involved with portfolio life planning, guiding business owners on how to thrive after exit.
In addition to her work as a coach, Abby serves on the boards of First Bank (FBNC), ABCO Automation, and Cone Health. These roles give her a front-row seat to the realities of leadership transition and business strategy at scale, keeping her advice grounded and relevant.
Her influence extends beyond the boardroom, as Abby regularly collaborates with business owners navigating both voluntary and unplanned exits. Her practical experience shapes the guidance she delivers to clients and audiences alike.
Abby Donnelly is the best-selling author of An Insider's Guide to Succession and Exit, a go-to resource for business owners planning their transition. The book demystifies succession planning, successor development, and selling a business, earning its place as a trusted guide for anyone considering a major business exit.
Her thought leadership isn’t limited to the written word. Abby shares her expertise through speaking engagements, podcasts, and ongoing content at The Leadership and Legacy Group. She is a champion for values-based selling and portfolio life as essential components of any exit strategy.
Abby’s work in executive coaching and business succession has garnered recognition throughout her career. She is frequently invited to contribute to expert panels, board development workshops, and business leadership conferences. Media outlets and business communities respect her as a leading voice on leadership transition and executive coaching.
Abby Donnelly lives in Greensboro, North Carolina, where she’s been rooted for decades. Originally from Poughkeepsie, NY, Abby began her career at Procter & Gamble, where she led strategic planning, process improvement, and team management.
She and her husband Jim have celebrated over 35 years of marriage, and Abby holds a Master of Statistics from the University of Florida and a BA in Mathematics from SUNY Albany.
Nick Berry is an American entrepreneur and business advisor, whose track record includes founding, leading, and advising award winning small businesses since 2002. He has built companies in multiple industries, hosts The Business Owner’s Journey podcast, and created the Business Alignment System™ framework that helps owner-operators scale without burning out.
After his most recent exit he founded Redesigned.Business to advise and coach to other entrepreneurs and business owners who are looking for a trusted (and proven) advisor.
Among peers, colleagues and clients, Nick has been referred to as 'The Anti-Guru', due to his pragmatic approach and principled leadership. He shares his thoughts, experience, and lessons learned each week in The Golden Thread newsletter.
