Beyond Succession

Explore the intricacies of crisis management in family enterprises, where resilience, conflict mitigation and legacy protection are essential to navigating turbulent times. Crises—whether internal conflicts, unforeseen events or leadership disputes—can disrupt critical processes like succession planning and decision-making, challenging both the stability of the business and the harmony within the family. In this episode, host Leah Tolton is joined by Bennett Jones partner James Heelan to share insights on guiding family businesses through these critical moments.

At the heart of managing crises is a resilient business culture. Building such a foundation enables family enterprises to face both internal challenges and external pressures with confidence. A key strategy is stakeholder mapping, which provides clarity on the unique family dynamics, ownership structures and business relationships that shape long-term success. Equally vital is the balance between preserving legacy and embracing change, honouring traditions while adapting to new realities to secure the business’s future.

Preventative measures, such as regular check-ins with trusted advisors, play an invaluable role in crisis management, underscoring that proactive steps often avert more significant issues down the road. Additionally, private resolution avenues allow families to address disputes discreetly, protecting their reputation and preserving important relationships. These strategies offer family businesses a path to unity and resilience, even in challenging times.

In this episode of Beyond Succession, host Leah Tolton is joined by Partner and Head of the Agribusiness Industry Team at Bennett Jones, Lorelei Graham, as they delve into the rich legacy and promising future of Canadian agricultural family enterprises. From household names like McCain and Weston to the community-driven farms that anchor our local economies, these businesses are living legacies with deep roots in the land and the hearts of their communities.

This episode explores the resilience and adaptability that have allowed these enterprises to flourish across generations. Leah and Lorelei discuss the role of innovation, from sustainable farming practices to the integration of artificial intelligence, in shaping their future. Additionally, they tackle the challenges of succession planning within multi-generational businesses and the importance of maintaining trust, transparency and strong community ties.

Tune in to discover how these family-owned agricultural businesses continue to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

The choppy waters of mergers and acquisitions can sink family-owned businesses if not done carefully. In this episode, we wade into the challenging process of M&A for family enterprises looking to continue their legacy.

Host and seasoned family enterprise lawyer Leah Tolton is joined by Ted Kouri, Founder and President of Incite, as he shares his expertise on mid-market M&A advisory services. They discuss critical steps like formulating an M&A strategy, conducting due diligence, maintaining brand identity post-acquisition and leading change management.

Tune in to gain invaluable knowledge and practical advice for steering your family business through the dynamic waters of growth and change.

Succession planning is vital yet delicate for family businesses, impacting relationships and emotions alongside strategy. Exploring the intricacies of succession planning in family businesses, Beyond Succession delves into the sensitive balance between family dynamics and strategic decision-making.

In this episode, Mike Mack of X5 Management sits down with host and Bennett Jones Partner, Leah Tolton, to explore how succession dynamics create ripples across family and business relationships, influencing the enterprise's trajectory. We dive into the complex and nuanced interplay between succession planning, family ties, emotions and objectives.

Discover how thoughtful transitions and targeted coaching can both maximize leadership potential and foster family unity through organizational change.

It is not uncommon for family-owned businesses to have several family members involved in the business, whether it be on the board or in management. While this can be beneficial, it is important to ensure that successors are prepared for their roles. In this Beyond Succession podcast episode, we look at the tools available to help family successors be effective board members or managers, as well as how families can best deal with gaps to ensure a smooth transition to avoid any potential conflict.

Host Leah Tolton, a seasoned family enterprise lawyer, is joined by Erick Hamdan, Senior Advisor to Leder Holdings, Salvatore Corea, Certified Financial Planner and Principal at Sorrell Financial, and Nicole Osolinsky, Western Canada Tax Partner at KPMG. All three guests are experts in the family enterprise field and each provide a unique perspective and invaluable insights into this episode’s topic.

Tune in for a blend of wisdom, strategy and foresight that can transform the challenges of succession into opportunities for legacy-building and enduring success.

Welcome to Beyond Succession, the podcast where your most pressing questions about future-proofing your business are answered. Whether you are a family business owner, stakeholder or keen entrepreneur, this podcast is a valuable tool that addresses topics around navigating the complexities of the family enterprise. Join Leah Tolton, a seasoned family enterprise and corporate lawyer who is passionate about helping family enterprise businesses, as she explores topics of governance, succession and growth.

We hosted Jeff Cullen on our Beyond Succession podcast to dig deep into a subject many entrepreneurs find challenging, yet vitally important: preparing your business for an exit. Jeff is a seasoned consultant and Certified Exit Planning Advisor at Sunbelt Business Brokers with over 20 years of business experience.

From understanding business valuation methodologies and tax considerations, to planning for succession and managing liabilities, Jeff shares invaluable insights that could help you avoid common pitfalls and make your exit strategy as smooth and profitable as possible. Whether that exit is a sale to a new owner, to the existing management team, or a non-arms length transaction, each pathway presents its own unique challenges and opportunities.

Welcome to Beyond Succession, the podcast where your most pressing questions about future-proofing your business are answered. Whether you are a family business owner, stakeholder or keen entrepreneur, this podcast is a valuable tool that addresses topics around navigating the complexities of the family enterprise. Join Leah Tolton, a seasoned family enterprise and corporate lawyer who is passionate about helping family enterprise businesses, as she explores topics of governance, succession and growth.

This episode explores essential family enterprise governance strategies. Leah interviews succession planning expert Lynne Fisher, National Team Leader of ExitSmart at MNP. With over 15 years of experience, Lynne provides valuable perspectives on succession planning, business strategy and advising family companies.

Tune in to hear insights on strengthening governance and planning successful transitions in family enterprises, and review key topics including:

Welcome to Beyond Succession, the podcast where your most pressing questions about future-proofing your business are answered. Whether you are a family business owner, stakeholder or keen entrepreneur, this podcast is a valuable tool that addresses topics around navigating the complexities of the family enterprise. Join Leah Tolton, a seasoned family enterprise and corporate lawyer who is passionate about helping family enterprise businesses, as she explores topics of governance, succession and growth.

In this episode, Leah is joined by Barbara Kimmitt KC, a partner in Bennett Jones' Tax group, as they discuss the intricacies of family business ownership transition planning and estate planning for entrepreneurs. They cover topics such as the differences between wills, enduring powers of attorney and advance directives, and how these documents play a crucial role in the smooth transition of family businesses. The episode also delves into the importance of having a comprehensive succession plan in place, including the use of trust structures and unanimous shareholder agreements.

Welcome to Beyond Succession, the podcast where your most pressing questions about future-proofing your business are answered. Whether you are a family business owner, stakeholder or keen entrepreneur, this podcast is a valuable tool that addresses topics around navigating the complexities of the family enterprise. Join Leah Tolton, a seasoned family enterprise and corporate lawyer who is passionate about helping family enterprise businesses, as she explores topics of governance, succession and growth.

In a recent KPMG Survey to Family Enterprise owners, nearly 8 in 10 business owners are developing a succession plan or expecting to transition the business to the ‘next gen’ within three years. This massive shift in family enterprise ownership means that many families will be going through tough and often difficult discussions around the future of the family business. Choosing the next torchbearer for a family enterprise is more than just a business decision; it's a blend of legacy, emotions and future vision, and the road to smooth transition can often be filled with potential pitfalls.

In this episode, Leah welcomes special guest Gregg Becker of Predictable Futures to talk about key considerations surrounding the continuity of the family enterprise. Join us as we address the unique challenges, and potential solutions, for businesses standing at this pivotal juncture.

Welcome to Beyond Succession, the podcast where your most pressing questions about future-proofing your business are answered. Whether you are a family business owner, stakeholder or keen entrepreneur, this podcast is a valuable tool that addresses topics around navigating the complexities of the family enterprise. Join Leah Tolton, a seasoned family enterprise and corporate lawyer who is passionate about helping family enterprise businesses, as she explores topics of governance, succession, and growth.

In the world of family enterprises, planning for the future isn't just about growth and profitability, it's about legacy, continuity, and the handing over of a torch that's often been held for generations. In this episode, Leah is joined by Jay Winters, partner in the Bennett Jones Tax group, whose practice focuses on planning including corporate reorganizations and M&A, private wealth and trust and succession planning. Jay walks us through the vital tax matters that will impact your business and family and explores the essential insights into the intricate landscape of family enterprise and business continuity.