Courageous Conflict

Episode Description:

What happens when a family business transitions through different generations and ownership structures? Join us as Tammy Buss, a veteran in succession planning, shares her compelling journey from being a first-generation family business owner to overseeing its division into three distinct entities. Tammy opens up about the trials and triumphs she encountered during this transformative process, and how her educational and professional experiences have empowered her to guide other families through the labyrinth of business succession. Her story is not just about business; it's about the underlying fabric of family dynamics and the power of open communication.

Ever wondered how workplace assessments can be a game-changer in family settings? This episode sheds light on the fascinating application of these tools to improve communication and relationships at home. We delve into real-life scenarios, such as a wife who thrives on change and a husband who craves stability, to illustrate how recognizing and respecting each other's behavioral traits can turn potential conflicts into collaborative advantages. Tammy’s expertise helps us explore the profound impact of understanding each family member's strengths and weaknesses, ultimately fostering a more harmonious coexistence both personally and professionally.

Communication is the cornerstone of any successful family business, and this episode addresses its critical role in aligning family and business visions. Tammy shares poignant lessons from her experiences, emphasizing the necessity of involving all family members in discussions to avoid misunderstandings and ensure a cohesive approach to business transitions. From navigating generational gaps to the importance of wearing different "hats" for family and business roles, this episode is packed with practical advice and heartfelt stories. Tune in to discover how clear communication and respect can help both the family and the business thrive together.

Highlight Time Stamps:

(05:12 - 06:09) Navigating Client Financial Planning Challenges

(13:34 - 15:23) Understanding Communication Styles in Relationships

(26:10 - 27:13) Family Business Advisors Supporting Small Businesses

(32:15 - 33:52) Generational Conflict and Innovation

(40:07 - 41:26) Family Dynamics and Communication in Business

Connect with Tammy Buss:

Connect with Tammy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammybuss/

Connect with Tammy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blueroots_inc/

Learn more about Blue Roots:

Website: https://blueroots.ca/

Order your copy of Tammy’s book, Passing Down Your Success: How to Prepare Your Family and Business for the 1st Transition: https://a.co/d/cztjmf3

About Tammy Buss: 

Tammy Buss is the GP of Family Business, a strategic advisor, facilitator, professor and a Family Business SURVIVOR just to name a few! She is also the author of Passing Down Your Success: How to Prepare Your Family and Business for the 1st Transition.

After spending over 30 years building her own successful business and fine tuning her family business succession, Tammy is ready for this new chapter of her life. When Tammy isn’t at her desk, she can be found rocking her role as GramTam, riding her bikes, spending time with her family and close friends, not to mention corralling her three sassy dogs. No down time in the Buss house!

With over 3 decades of experience, Tammy is your go to for all your small business needs. Tammy started in the business world working in personal insurance selling products. She quickly started to understand how valuable planning for the future was. Making the switch to business needs was easy; Tammy wanted to help protect her clients, and small business owners understand the value of insurance and the needs around it.

Over the years Tammy began to realize her clients’ needs were expanding and growing, so she needed to expand her wealth of knowledge and skillset to continue helping them on their business journey.

With her wealth of experience and knowledge, Tammy has started a new era of her career, transforming all her trials and tribulations plus new skills to help all 1st and 2nd Family Business owners behind her.

Connect with Dr. Donna:

LinkedIn | https://www.drdonnamarino.com/

Learn more about Dr. Donna’s Executive Coaching:

• Get your copy of Dr. Donna’s book, Unleash the Wise Leader in You! on Amazon.
• Learn more about Leadership & Team Trainings for Family Businesses
• Find out if our Women’s Leadership Group is right for you.

Episode Description:

Join me, Dr. Donna, and my insightful guest Mike Thorne as we explore the unique world of family-run enterprises and the nuances of leadership within these environments. Mike shares his extensive journey from his family's square dancing business to leading major corporations, emphasizing the importance of trust and psychological safety in fostering successful teams. Listen in as we discuss how understanding personal stories and genuinely engaging with employees can transform leadership practices from a traditional command-and-control approach to one that prioritizes people and their experiences.

In this episode, we address the complexities that arise in family businesses, especially during generational transitions. We'll uncover the generational conflicts between older members seeking recognition and younger members striving to modernize the business. Discover how personal origin stories can break down barriers and foster authentic communication, and learn about the role of emotional expression in family dynamics. Mike also shares insights on helping leaders reflect on their personal stories to develop a more humane and effective leadership style.

We also focus on building personal trust and community through peer advisory groups like Vistage, and how creating courageous spaces for sharing can lead to significant growth. Learn about the impact of personal authenticity in leadership and the importance of asking for help. Mike's real-life example of navigating a bankrupt family business with expert assistance underscores the value of professional guidance. Finally, we'll touch on adapting to uncertainty in the post-COVID world, and the importance of heart in leadership training, acknowledging the contributions of the younger generation.

Highlight Time Stamps:

(02:04 - 03:34) Journey of Family Business Involvement

(09:36 - 11:06) Empathy and Expertise in Understanding People

(20:00 - 21:27) Leadership and Self-Trust Impact

(24:02 - 24:49) The Power of Asking for Help

(26:02 - 27:47) Empowerment and Support in Family Business

(30:02 - 30:39) Support System for Personal Growth

(33:16 - 34:47) Rewiring Belief Systems in Neuroscience

(40:27 - 41:12) Find Your Niche and Keep Moving

(43:02 - 44:00) Leaders Seeking Guidance for Decision-Making

(49:25 - 50:45) Personal Growth and Taking Chances

Connect with Mike Thorne:

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelbthorne/

Checkout Mike’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@mikethorneleadership

Learn more about Mike Thorne’s Company:

Website: https://trustinside.co/

Order your copy on Mike’s book, Hustle With Heart: Unlocking Self-Worth Through Personal Trust Communities: https://a.co/d/0R0unR3

About Mike Thorne: 

Transforming leaders into human beings. Over the last 20+ years I have been hired to lead & expand revenues/profits while building a trusted culture. These roles were as President or CEO of divisions sized from $35M to over $300M and leading teams of 25 to 150. These businesses had a strong manufacturing component to them and were part of larger complex organizations up to $1.5B and over 1000+ employees. Experienced with Private Equity, publicly held, and a $100M family owned business across Home Fragrance, Sports apparel and equipment, and Synthetic Turf businesses. 

He now thrives on transforming leaders through peer advisory groups, to be purpose driven and understanding the power building psychological safety in your organization. Building the capacity to thrive and flourish despite the uncertainty. Married 33+ years to my best friend with 3 adult daughters, and an Ironman 70.3 finisher.  

Connect with Dr. Donna:

LinkedIn | https://www.drdonnamarino.com/

Learn more about Dr. Donna’s Executive Coaching:

• Get your copy of Dr. Donna’s book, Unleash the Wise Leader in You! on Amazon.
• Learn more about Leadership & Team Trainings for Family Businesses
• Find out if our Women’s Leadership Group is right for you.

Podcast Artist Name: Dr. Donna Marino

Show Email: [email protected]

Show Website URL: https://www.drdonnamarino.com/

What happens when the driving force behind a family business shifts from one generation to the next? Join us as Bill Stranberg, a second-generation leader at Stranberg Resource Group, shares his family's remarkable journey, beginning with his parents' serendipitous encounter at the Sears Tower. Bill recounts his father's transition from a corporate life to home-based entrepreneurship, offering an intimate look at the challenges and triumphs of growing up in a family business. Discover how Bill and his sister's unexpected paths led them to their current roles, and gain insights into the intricate dance of leadership transitions within family enterprises.

Accountability is often misinterpreted in many organizations, and family businesses are no exception. We delve into the cultural shifts that occur when leadership moves from a family member to an outsider, and the impact of long-term employee loyalty on job roles and responsibilities. Bill sheds light on the nuanced process of hiring financial officers in family-run firms, explaining the delicate balance between trust, long-term relationships, and the need for precise job alignment. Hear firsthand how promotions based on loyalty can sometimes lead to misaligned job titles and responsibilities, especially in critical roles like the CFO.

Understanding family dynamics is crucial when recruiting for family-owned businesses. This episode digs deep into the psychological aspects of talent selection, emphasizing the importance of candidates with experience transitioning from large to smaller companies. Bill discusses the importance of aligning decision-making authority with accountability, highlighting real-world examples of executive frustration when these elements are misaligned. Finally, we offer practical advice for ensuring successful executive transitions, making this episode a must-listen for anyone involved in or considering a role within a family-owned business.

Highlight Time Stamps:

(02:04 - 03:29) Origin Story of G2 Family Farm

(08:01 - 08:59) Empathy in Family Business Challenges

(18:17 - 21:40) Outsider Leadership in Family Businesses

(25:04 - 26:29) Clarifying the CFO vs Controller Role

(31:25 - 33:11) Placing Non-Family Members in Business

(36:27 - 38:09) Indicator for Talent in Family Business

(44:19 - 45:21) Connecting With Family Business Advisors

Connect with Bill Stranberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billstranberg/

Learn more about Stranberg’s Services: https://www.stranberg.com/

About Bill Stranberg: 

A 2nd Generation Leader and Managing Partner at Stranberg. He is dedicated to assisting families and founders in a diverse range of industries with securing exceptional executives. He has a proven track record of successfully leading search assignments with multigenerational and founder-led businesses throughout the country, with a primary focus on helping families establish a system to effectively manage and enable newly hired executives while aligning on their needs in executive talent.

Bill’s deep expertise in advising family-owned companies on talent strategy is evidenced by his success in navigating complex dynamics inherent to their unique ownership models. His work spans across diverse industries such as agriculture/food production, automotive, industrial manufacturing, commercial real estate, and media, with assets ranging from the low millions to multi-billion. Bill excels in helping these businesses understand the talent risks associated with their ownership structures, crafting precise position profiles, and executing top-tier C-suite recruitment strategies.

Bill is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater and currently resides in the Chicago area with his wife Nicole and their dog Albert. When he's not working, Bill enjoys playing tennis, woodworking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Connect with Dr. Donna:

LinkedIn | https://www.drdonnamarino.com/

Learn more about Dr. Donna’s Executive Coaching:

• Order your copy of Dr. Donna’s book, Unleash the Wise Leader in You! on Amazon.
• Learn more about Leadership & Team Trainings for Family Businesses
• Find out if our Women’s Leadership Group is right for you.

Podcast Artist Name: Dr. Donna Marino

Show Email: [email protected]

Show Website URL: https://www.drdonnamarino.com/

At just 24, Matt Lesser found himself at the helm of his family's ailing business, facing crushing debt, environmental problems, and tax issues that left him battling severe anxiety and depression. His candid recount of this period reveals not just the immense pressure of such responsibility but also the profound support that emerged from his community. This episode uncovers how resilience, empathy, and the willingness to accept help can make a world of difference during personal and professional hardships.

We then shift our focus to the silent struggle of mental health within family businesses. The weight of stigma, especially for men dealing with cultural expectations around work and success, often exacerbates feelings of failure and depression. By sharing his story, Matt sheds light on the contrasting reactions from those who have faced similar challenges and those who haven't, emphasizing the transformative power of vulnerability and the importance of seeking help.

The journey doesn't end there. We discuss the pivotal moment when Matt realized the need to distinguish his identity from his professional achievements, leading him to create a personal board of directors. This shift towards self-awareness and 'soul work' inspired Matt to launch Uniquely Normal and write "Unsatisfied: When Less Is More." We dive into the practical steps to achieving a balanced life and how flourishing leaders foster flourishing organizations. Through personal anecdotes and actionable advice, this episode offers a roadmap for small business owners to prioritize well-being and lead with purpose.

Highlight Time Stamps:

• (02:40 - 04:12) Family Business Succession and Resilience
• (05:23 - 06:35) Surviving a Deep Depression
• (08:48 - 09:20) Life Insurance Agent Saves Man
• (13:31 - 14:51) Gratitude for Sharing Mental Health Story
• (16:51 - 18:57) Sharing Stories of Mental Health Struggles
• (23:02 - 24:07) Journey of Discovering Identity
• (27:08 - 28:22) Sacrificing Everything for Success
• (31:53 - 33:15) Passion and Growth in Business
• (39:43 - 40:56) Importance of Building a Support System
• (45:02 - 45:26) Building Trust in Business Leadership

Connect with Matt Lesser:

www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-lesser

Learn more about Matt's Company, Uniquely Normal:

www.uniquelynormal.com

Pick up your copy of Matt’s books:

unEngaged: Building Flourishing Organizations

UnSatisfied: When Less Is More

Matt’s Bio: 

Matt Lesser started his career leading his family’s struggling business. It quickly failed, and Matt experienced a suicidal depression. Out of the ashes, a new business emerged and grew from three people to nearly two hundred while experiencing a twenty-fold increase in revenue, before selling to trusted competitors. Matt then served in a C-Suite role in private equity for 12 years, before serving transitional C-Suite roles in banking and commercial uniforms. 

Matt founded Uniquely Normal, LLC in 2021 to equip leaders to solve their costly people-related challenges by building flourishing organizations on the pillars of Empathy, Empowerment, and Excellence, which is the focus of Matt’s second book, unEngaged: Building Flourishing Organizations. Matt is the best-selling author of unSatisfied: When Less is More and has served as a keynote speaker as well as a facilitator of rooms packed with leaders around the world for more than twenty years now. In addition, Matt is a certified executive coach as well as certified in nearly twenty personality, preference, and leadership assessments. Matt married his elementary school sweetheart in 1996 and lives in northeast Indiana with his family.

Connect with Dr. Donna:

LinkedIn | https://www.drdonnamarino.com/

Learn more about Dr. Donna’s Executive Coaching:

• Pickup your copy of Dr. Donna’s book, Unleash the Wise Leader in You! on Amazon.
• Learn more about Leadership & Team Trainings for Family Businesses

Podcast Artist Name: Dr. Donna Marino

Show Email: [email protected]

Show Website URL: https://www.drdonnamarino.com/

Episode Description:

Unlock the secrets to family business success with Ryan Weiss, founder of Effective Performance Strategies (EPS). Discover how documented processes can transform your operations, reduce chaos, and ensure a seamless transition to the next generation. Ryan shares his personal journey from a teenage entrepreneur to leading a multinational company, offering invaluable insights into the power of his innovative optics system.

Gain a deeper understanding of the optics system and the SIPOC framework—two game-changing tools for enhancing communication and collaboration across departments. Ryan provides real-world examples from the chemical industry to illustrate how these frameworks can streamline operations and eliminate friction. Learn how to identify gaps, align workstreams, and foster better departmental handoffs, ultimately creating a more efficient and harmonious business environment.

In this episode, we also explore the emotional complexities of process optimization in family businesses. Ryan emphasizes the importance of listening and understanding when navigating the unique challenges of second and third-generation enterprises. By integrating both logical and emotional considerations into structured decision-making frameworks, family businesses can manage growth more effectively and make better business choices. Don't miss Ryan's practical advice for overcoming operational challenges and achieving long-term success. Join us for an insightful and inspiring conversation that promises to elevate your family business to new heights.

Highlight Time Stamps:

• (03:49 - 04:38) Generational Family Business Success
• (08:53 - 09:54) Reducing Friction in Family Businesses
• (15:40 - 17:00) Interdepartmental Process Documentation Challenges
• (19:29 - 22:31) Managing Conflict Through Process Analysis
• (25:31 - 27:11) Navigating Change Management and Growth
• (30:15 - 32:31) Emotions and Decision-Making in Business

Connect with Ryan Weiss:

Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn

Learn more about Effective Performance Strategies (EPS):

Website: https://epsoptics.com/

Learn more about Ryan’s Book & his podcast Optics in Action:

• https://book.epsoptics.com/
• https://podcast.epsoptics.com/

About Ryan Weiss: 

Trained hundreds of executives and non-executives in leadership and continuous improvement methodologies. Global executive with diverse international business expertise across the Americas, Asia and Europe. As Global Technology Manager, managed a $500 million product portfolio. Former Global Director of Continuous Improvement & Head of North American Operations. Successfully managed, led and developed hundreds of employees while driving millions in sustained improvements. Founded EPS with a vision to solve the frustrations in growing businesses of misaligned processes between departments!

Connect with Dr. Donna:

LinkedIn | https://www.drdonnamarino.com/

Learn more about Dr. Donna’s Executive Coaching:

• Get your copy of Dr. Donna’s book, Unleash the Wise Leader in You! on Amazon.
• Learn more about Leadership & Team Trainings for Family Businesses
• Find out if our Women’s Leadership Group is right for you.

Podcast Artist Name: Dr. Donna Marino

Show Email: [email protected]

Show Website URL: https://www.drdonnamarino.com/

Join us on this fascinating journey as we explore the rich history and enduring legacy of Nielsen Massey Vanillas with Matt Nielsen, a third-generation owner. Listen in as Matt shares the origins of the company, founded in 1907, and its evolution under the Nielsen family's ownership. Discover the secrets behind their renowned cold extraction process, which takes three to five weeks to produce a superior vanilla flavor, and learn about their expansion into all-natural flavors. Matt also recounts his immersive upbringing in the family business and highlights Nielsen Massey's presence on the Food Network and recent ventures, including testing their products in select Costco regions.

In this engaging discussion, we highlight the significant impact of family businesses on the economy, challenging the misconception that they are predominantly small-scale operations. You'll gain insights into how family businesses, from midsize manufacturers to billion-dollar enterprises, contribute substantially to employment and GDP in the United States. The conversation underscores the unique values of family businesses, such as paying higher wages, prioritizing employee retention during economic downturns, and fostering community development through philanthropic efforts. We also touch on the legacy and next-generation involvement in family enterprises, emphasizing the role of family values in sustaining business success.

Finally, we explore the complexities of running a family business, particularly during the scaling phase when roles and responsibilities need to be clearly defined. Hear about a specific family's journey from the second to the third generation and the significant role the matriarch played in expanding the business internationally. The importance of family business education and peer support is also discussed, as illustrated by their involvement with Loyola University's Family Business Center. We conclude with insights on advocacy for family businesses, the value of inclusive family participation, and the critical role of effective communication in navigating generational transitions and professionalizing operations.

Highlight Time Stamps:

(00:49 - 03:30) Family Business Journey

(03:33 - 04:41) Growing Up in the Family Business

(10:36 - 11:48) Challenges of Family Businesses

(14:25 - 15:50) Impact of Family Businesses on Communities

(19:39 - 21:39) Generational Transition in Family Business

(25:15 - 26:11) Navigating Family Business Dynamics

(31:20 - 32:45) Family Business Advocacy and Involvement

(35:45 - 38:10) Importance of Communication in Family Businesses

Connect with Matt Nielsen:

Find Matt on LinkedIn

Learn more about Nielsen-Massey Fine Vanillas and Flavors:

Website: https://nielsenmassey.com/

Matt’s Bio: 

Matt Nielsen is a third-generation steward, shareholder, director and executive for Nielsen-Massey Vanillas Inc., Managing Director of Nielsen-Massey Vanillas International BV and Managing Director of Nielsen Real Estate BV. His current operational responsibilities include overseeing the company’s European activities. For 20+ years Matt also had responsibility for the company’s worldwide operations, retail and foodservice sales and strategic initiatives. 

In addition to serving on the Nielsen-Massey board of directors, he is currently a Director for Graziano Brothers, a family held producer of specialty sausage products and specialty retailer and distributor located in Des Moines, IA.

In addition, Matt serves as Vice President – Treasurer and Director of the Nielsen-Massey Foundation; Mentor, Panelist and Executive-In-Residence in Kellogg’s John L. Ward Center for Family Enterprises; advisor to start up Sunday Night Foods; and a member of the Loyola University Family Business Center. 

Matt is a graduate of Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and holds two Certificates of Professional Achievement in Family Business Leadership and Governance from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, Evanston, Illinois.

Matt lives in Lake Bluff, Illinois with his wife, Amy, and their son and newborn daughter. In his free time, Matt enjoys spending time with his family, exploring the outdoors, boating, skiing/snowboarding, riding his motorcycle and cooking, particularly authentic, competition BBQ.

Connect with Dr. Donna:

LinkedIn | https://www.drdonnamarino.com/

Learn more about Dr. Donna’s Executive Coaching:

• Get your copy of Dr. Donna’s book, Unleash the Wise Leader in You! on Amazon.
• Learn more about Leadership & Team Trainings for Family Businesses
• Find out if our Women’s Leadership Group is right for you.

Podcast Category:

Business: Management

Business: Careers

Podcast Artist Name: Dr. Donna Marino

Show Email: [email protected]

Show Website URL: https://www.drdonnamarino.com/

Episode Description:

What shaped a visionary leader from a young boy working at an ice cream parlor? Join us as Joe Morgan recounts his incredible journey from those humble beginnings to leading major companies like Sony Chemicals Corporation of America. Through heartfelt stories about his family, particularly the strong female figures who influenced his path, you'll discover how resilience and education became the pillars of his career. Joe's engaging anecdotes offer a unique glimpse into the family dynamics that nurtured his early business acumen and leadership skills.

Ever wonder what the key to building high-performance teams is? Joe shares valuable lessons learned from his diverse experiences, emphasizing the importance of simplicity in business, staying true to a vision, and the critical nature of performance. Through impactful interactions with influential figures such as Mr. Morita from Sony, Joe reveals the global and cultural dimensions of business leadership. Listen to his practical strategies for aligning team efforts, fostering clear communication, and integrating safety into corporate culture—lessons that have proven essential throughout his illustrious career.

Experience the transformative power of authentic connections and emotional intelligence as Joe discusses his project "100 Miles of Dialogue." From real-life stories, including a pivotal walk with his friend Deb Cupp, to sharing practical safety tips, Joe highlights the importance of face-to-face conversations in developing empathy and trust. His insights into creating a culture of safety, both physically and psychologically, offer a comprehensive approach to leadership that is both inspiring and actionable. Connect with Joe on LinkedIn or visit his company’s website, www.safeinspiredyou.com to continue the conversation.

Highlights: 

• (01:04 - 02:09) Ice Cream Parlor Origin Stories
• (08:53 - 10:18) Impactful Business Conversation With Mr. Morita
• (17:30 - 18:01) Importance of Clarifying Communication
• (26:27 - 27:44) Navigating Misunderstandings in Remote Work
• (32:17 - 33:35) Creating Safe Environments for Impact
• (34:22 - 36:03) Initiatives and Stories Promoting Safety
• (41:14 - 41:35) Adapt to Others for Success
• (45:06 - 46:11) Life-Changing Walk
• (49:08 - 50:54) Memories and Relationships

Connect with Joe Morgan on LinkedIn

Learn more about Joe’s company SiY, LLC

Website: https://safeinspiredyou.com

Joe Morgan's Bio: 

Joe Morgan is a visionary leader who understands the power of creating the right environment for success. With a career spanning CEO and board roles in both established and emerging companies, he brings invaluable experience and transformative leadership skills. Joe's expertise extends across diverse industries such as service, technology, and manufacturing, where he has consistently driven value and achieved strategic growth objectives. His approach combines strategy, culture, and customer focus to deliver improved performance.

Podcast Category:

Business: Management

Business: Careers

Podcast Artist Name: Dr. Donna Marino

Show Email: [email protected]

Show Website URL: https://www.drdonnamarino.com/

Episode Description:

Struggling with family business dynamics or curious about the secrets to successful hiring? This episode of Courageous Conflict is a goldmine of insights! Ken Schmitt, founder and CEO of Turning Point Executive Search, brings over 27 years of recruiting expertise to the table. Growing up in an entrepreneurial family and working in his father's Jack in the Box franchise, Ken shares his unique experiences and lessons learned. We dive into his rebranded podcast, Hiring Matters, and explore how cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset can shape your career.

Recruiting the right talent is more than just finding a candidate with the right skills. It's about aligning their values with your company's culture. We discuss the importance of updated job descriptions and strategies for evaluating a candidate's true capabilities. From distinguishing functional expertise to the significance of employment brand alignment, Ken reveals practical methods to enhance your hiring process. We also touch on effective interview techniques, ensuring thorough preparation for both interviewers and candidates, and the benefits of diverse perspectives in the workplace.

Performance reviews are evolving, and we've got the lowdown on how to keep up. Discover why frequent feedback sessions are replacing annual reviews and how understanding generational expectations can foster a cohesive work environment. Ken shares his expertise on compensation strategies for midsize companies and the importance of proactive recruitment. Wrapping up with the "practical optimist" leadership approach, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom to help you build a supportive and innovative business environment. Tune in for an episode that promises to transform your approach to family business and hiring!

Highlight Time Stamps:

(04:59 - 05:52) Perspectives on Entrepreneurship Mindset

(08:07 - 09:20) Working in Small Family Businesses

(15:11 - 16:00) Peeling Back Employment Aspirations

(23:07 - 23:56) Effective Interview Preparation Tips

(32:08 - 33:24) Unconscious Bias in Hiring Practices

(37:22 - 38:43) Importance of Interviewing Multiple Candidates

(40:17 - 41:14) Finding Talent Where They Hang Out

(47:21 - 48:07) Business Book With Movie References

(50:16 - 51:10) Open Communication and Apology for Mistakes

(55:25 - 56:21) Leadership Styles Across Generations

Connect with Ken:

Connect with Ken on LinkedIn  at https://www.linkedin.com/in/schmittexecutiverecruiter/ and on Instagram @leadership_happens_podcast  

Interested in learning more about Ken’s journey and his Practical Optimism?  Listeners can visit Ken’s website at  https://turningpointexecsearch.com/the-practical-optimist-book-podcast/ to order a copy of his book The Practical Optimist.

Website: www.turningpointrecruiting.com

Podcast: "Leadership Happens"

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leadership-happens/id1668210065 

Social links:

Ken's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schmittexecutiverecruiter/

Leadership Happens LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-practical-optimist/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadership_happens_podcast/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TurningPointExecSearch/

Ken Schmitt’s Bio:

With 27 years of experience in the recruiting industry, Ken Schmitt is the Founder and CEO of TurningPoint Executive Search, author of  The Practical Optimist: An Entrepreneurial Journey Through Life's Turning Points and host of "Hiring Matters LeaderShi* Happens" podcast. Ken and his team at TurningPoint have leveraged their high-touch recruiting services to place nearly 1,000 of the nation's leading sales, marketing, operations, Finance, HR and C-Suite professionals in a variety of industries ranging from tech and software to healthcare and life sciences. In all of his endeavors, Ken supports professionals in channeling both the logical and the visionary pieces of successful leadership. In addition to moderating domestic and global leadership panels, he is the Founder of the Sales & Marketing Leadership Alliance where he spent 11 years interviewing CEOs, business leaders and entrepreneurs on a monthly basis about the best way to make an impact in the business world.

Connect with Dr. Donna:

LinkedIn | https://www.drdonnamarino.com/

Learn more about Dr. Donna’s Executive Coaching:

• Get your copy of Dr. Donna’s book, Unleash the Wise Leader in You! on Amazon.
• Learn more about Leadership & Team Trainings for Family Businesses
• Find out if our Women’s Leadership Group is right for you.

Podcast Category:

Business: Management

Business: Careers

Podcast Artist Name: Dr. Donna Marino

Show Email: [email protected]

Show Website URL: https://www.drdonnamarino.com/

Episode Description:

Join us on a fascinating journey through the history and evolution of L&M, a family-run business now in its third generation of leadership. Listen in as Steven Lopes, the current co-owner alongside his siblings, shares the compelling story of their grandfather's entrepreneurial spirit that sparked L&M's inception in 1979. Discover the challenges and triumphs faced by Steven and his family as they navigate the complexities of maintaining core values and clear communication within the company, ensuring a united front and fostering trust and respect among long-standing employees and clients.

Experience the heartwarming culture at L&M, where employee dedication and teamwork shine brightly. Hear the inspiring story of Devin, who grew from an entry-level position to a successful sales role, exemplifying the company's commitment to nurturing talent and promoting growth from within. Steven discusses how this strong, inclusive culture enables L&M to tackle even the toughest challenges, like delivering crucial orders under tight deadlines, and how the company values every role, ensuring no job is seen as too high or too low for anyone.

Explore the nuances of succession planning in family businesses and the emotional and strategic hurdles involved. Steven reflects on the lessons learned from previous generations, the importance of strategic planning for efficient growth, and the necessity of embracing conflict as a tool for accountability and innovation. Don't miss this enlightening episode filled with valuable lessons on leadership, growth, and the enduring legacy of family-run enterprises.

Highlight Time Stamps:

(03:10 - 04:48) Succession and Communication in Family Business

(16:25 - 17:06) Career Progression in Company Ranks

(21:20 - 22:45) Customized Manufacturing for Small Quantities

(27:46 - 29:54) Succession Challenges in Family Businesses

(36:33 - 37:52) Production Rewards and Celebrations at L&M

(41:55 - 42:53) Embracing Conflict for Business Growth

(45:27 - 46:46) Conflict and Accountability in Company

Connect with Steven Lopes 

Send Steven a message: https://lmcontainer.com/contact-us/

Learn more about L & M Corrugated: 

https://lmcontainer.com/

Connect with Dr. Donna:

LinkedIn | https://www.drdonnamarino.com/

Learn more about Dr. Donna’s Executive Coaching:

• Get your copy of Dr. Donna’s book, Unleash the Wise Leader in You! on Amazon.
• Learn more about Leadership & Team Trainings for Family Businesses
• Find out if our Women’s Leadership Group is right for you.

Podcast Category:

Business: Management

Business: Careers

Podcast Artist Name:

Dr. Donna Marino

Show Email:

[email protected]

Show Website URL:

https://www.drdonnamarino.com/

Join me, Dr. Donna, your dedicated guide through the fascinating landscape of family-run enterprises, as we navigate the tricky terrain of succession planning with expert Damon Pistulka, Co-founder of Exit Your Way. Together, we explore the importance of having clear goals and the dangers of misaligning family members with roles that don't suit their strengths. Listen in as Damon brings his personal experience from growing up on a family farm to the table, sharing how it shapes his approach to helping family businesses not just survive, but thrive through generational transitions.

Communication is the bedrock of any successful family business, especially when it comes to passing the torch. Discover the critical role it plays in ensuring a smooth transition, the necessity of recognizing each family member's contributions, and the value external advisors can bring in steering these complex conversations. Hear our candid discussion about the potential for conflict when ownership and responsibilities are unequally distributed among siblings, and how proactively addressing these issues can preserve both family harmony and the business legacy.

Highlight Time Stamps:

• (00:01) Navigating Family Business Succession Strategies
• (12:35) Succession Planning and Family Communication
• (20:07) Succession Planning for Family Businesses

Connect with Damon Pistulka 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonpistulka/

Email: [email protected]

Learn more about Exit Your Way: 

https://exityourway.us

Damon Pistulka’s Bio:

Damon Pistulka, Co-founder, Exit Your Way brings invaluable experience in guiding businesses and owners through turnaround, growth, value enhancement, and strategic exits. Damon brings a wealth of knowledge to his business clients. 

Damon's journey began growing up on a family farm in South Dakota.  He honed his skills by leading technical teams, designing, and constructing manufacturing facilities, and leading businesses in B2B high tech manufacturing and retail sectors through organic growth, growth by acquisition, and business sales.

Connect with Dr. Donna:

LinkedIn | https://www.drdonnamarino.com/

Learn more about Dr. Donna’s Executive Coaching:

• Get your copy of Dr. Donna’s book, Unleash the Wise Leader in You! on Amazon.
• Learn more about Leadership & Team Trainings for Family Businesses
• Find out if our Women’s Leadership Group is right for you.