Gina Cotner is the founder and CEO of Athena Executive Services, a pioneering firm that pairs virtual executive assistants with busy entrepreneurs and executives across the United States. With over 15 years of experience working remotely on national and international teams, Gina brings a wealth of knowledge in optimizing productivity and streamlining operations. She has a passion for empowering her team members and fostering a culture of innovation within her organization.

Dorian Zarbakhsh serves as the Operations Manager at Athena Executive Services, working closely with Gina in the process of succession planning and business development. As a member of the next generation, Dorian brings fresh perspectives and technological savvy to the table. With a background in coaching and personal development, Dorian is committed to guiding the company towards continued growth and success. Together with Gina, Dorian is navigating the challenges and opportunities of transitioning leadership from one generation to the next in a family business setting.

SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of The Disruptive Successor Show, Jonathan Goldhill delves into the complex world of succession planning in family businesses. He is joined by Gina Cotner and Dorian Zarbakhsh, CEO and operations manager respectively, of Athena Executive Services. Gina shares the origin story of her business and how Dorian, from a different generational perspective, is being groomed as her successor. They discuss the challenges and dynamics involved in passing the baton from one generation to the next, touching on conflicts, changes in technology, and the importance of trust and empowerment.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Succession planning in family businesses involves navigating generational differences and evolving business landscapes.
• Empowering the next generation involves giving them room to make discoveries and learn from mistakes.
• Trust and patience are essential in fostering growth and development within the business.
• The purpose of the business extends beyond financial success to include personal fulfillment and connection with purpose.
• Balancing tradition with innovation is crucial for sustained success in family enterprises.

QUOTES

• "What got you here isn't going to get you there. You're going to need new tools, new technology, new people, new processes."
• "I believe and have experienced nine times out of ten, what they do is great. And when they do it, and they got the bandwidth given by me to do it, then they experience themselves as triumphant."
• "The purpose of the business is not to make money. The purpose of the business is to give you freedom in your life or to connect with your purpose."

Connect and learn more about Gina Cotner.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/athenaea/

Connect and learn more about Dorian Zarbakhsh.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorian-zarbakhsh/

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, review, and share with a friend who would benefit from the message. If you’re interested in picking up a copy of Jonathan Goldhill’s book, Disruptive Successor, go to the website at

 www.DisruptiveSuccessor.com