In this episode of the Arete Coach Podcast, host Severin Sorensen explores the critical topic of leadership transitions in family-owned businesses—an issue that’s more relevant than ever with approximately 40% of these businesses in the U.S. planning to transition leadership within the next five years. Drawing from recent research and real-world case studies, Severin discusses the importance of strategic succession planning, the challenges of preserving family legacy, and the growing trend of involving non-family executives in key leadership roles.

Severin also walks listeners through a detailed executive search process he led for a family-owned business seeking a new CEO. This episode is a must-listen for family business owners, next-generation leaders, and coaches, offering actionable insights and strategies to ensure the longevity and success of these vital economic contributors. Tune in to learn how to navigate the complexities of leadership transitions in family enterprises and prepare your business for a prosperous future.

In this episode, we’ll dive deep into these challenges and opportunities, exploring why succession planning is vital for family-owned businesses and how the right approach can ensure their survival and growth across generations. We'll discuss the importance of integrating non-family executives into leadership roles, a growing trend among outperforming family businesses, with 95% of them involving non-family executives in key decision-making processes.

We’ll also dissect a real-world case study, where I had the opportunity to guide a family-owned business through a critical leadership transition. This case will shed light on the complexities involved in identifying and selecting a new CEO who not only understands the business's unique culture but also has the skills to drive future success.

Whether you’re a family business owner, a next-generation leader, or a coach helping navigate these transitions, this episode is packed with actionable insights and strategies. So sit back, take notes, and get ready to learn how to manage family-owned business leadership transitions effectively, ensuring that these vital economic contributors continue to thrive for generations to come.

The Arete Coach Podcast seeks to explore the art and science of executive coaching. You can find out more about this podcast at aretecoach.io.

This episode was recorded on August 12, 2024, with portions pre-recorded on March 4, 2021.

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