What if everything we believe about family, legacy, and love is just a cultural illusion layered over millions of years of primal instinct?

Tim Ash, executive advisor, bestselling author, and evolutionary psychology expert, forces us to wrestle with this uncomfortable question. As CEO and co-founder of a digital optimization agency, Tim helped create over $1.2 billion in value for companies like Google, Expedia, and Facebook. But his real expertise lies in understanding the primal brain that drives all human behavior.

In this fascinating conversation, Tim reveals how evolutionary psychology impacts everything from family business succession to marketing strategy to relationship dynamics. Discover why traditional family business advice might be fighting against millions of years of human evolution, how to properly initiate employees into your tribe, and why your personal purpose determines your company's success.

This episode pulls back the curtain on the biological forces shaping your business decisions—whether you realize it or not.

0:00 Intro

3:14 From AI Research to $1.2 Billion in Digital Growth

6:37 Why Evolution Only Cares About Reproduction, Not Happiness

10:35 The Surprising Truth About Grandparent Investment Patterns

14:22 Why "We're All Family" May Be Sabotaging Your Business

20:26 The Fractional Executive Solution for Mid-Market Companies

26:03 Brand Voice: The One Thing You Can't Outsource

31:14 The Four Elements of Tribal Initiation in Business

39:56 Primal Dating: The Science Behind Modern Relationship Failure

44:41 Why 50% Divorce Rate Threatens Family Business Planning

51:36 The Minimum Relationship Framework for Business Partners

Resources Mentioned:

📚 "Unleash Your Primal Brain" by Tim Ash

📚 "Primal Dating" by Tim Ash & Dr. Lamour Gottlieb

🌐 Tim's Executive Advisory: https://www.timash.com

🌐 Primal Dating: https://www.primaldating.com

📧 Contact Adam to request a free 90-minute EOS workshop: [email protected]

Follow Adam:

IG: @theadamchill

YouTube: @adamchill

Shownotes:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamchill

Why do family businesses always end up as the punchline in Hollywood?

From “Billy Madison” to “Succession”, from “Tommy Boy” to “The Righteous Gemstones”, family businesses are entertainment gold because of their dysfunction. But behind all that chaos lies a blueprint for what NOT to do—and more importantly, what TO do instead.

Adam Hill breaks down the most iconic family business disasters in movies and TV, revealing the three critical elements that could have saved them all. Drawing from his experience leading a fourth-generation company and analyzing shows like “Arrested Development” and “Schitt's Creek”, he uncovers why 70% of family businesses fail and how to build a drama-free operation that won't end up as Hollywood's next comedy.

This episode is your guide to creating the kind of boring, successful family business that would never make it to the big screen—and why that's exactly what you want.

0:00 Intro

2:15 Why Family Businesses Are Hollywood's Favorite Punching Bag

8:45 Arrested Development: The Anatomy of Denial

12:30 Succession: When Power Trumps Purpose

15:20 Tommy Boy & Billy Madison: The Unpreparedness Problem

18:10 The Righteous Gemstones: Identity vs. Mission

21:45 The Three Elements That Could Save Every Hollywood Family Business

25:20 Building Accountability Through Structure, Not People

30:15 Communication: From Artificial Harmony to Healthy Conflict

35:40 Preparation: Teaching Value Creation Over Preservation

Resources Mentioned:

🌐 Patrick Lencioni's Conflict Continuum: https://www.tablegroup.com/conflict-continuum

🌐 Harvard's Strategic Insights in Three Circles: https://hbr.org/2007/11/strategic-insight-in-three-circles

🌐  EOS Accountability Chart: https://www.eosworldwide.com/accountability-chart-download

📧 Contact Adam to request a free 90-minute EOS workshop: [email protected]

Follow Adam:

IG: @theadamchill

YouTube: @adamchill

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

What if the very thing you think is preserving your legacy is actually destroying it?

Drawing from his experience as a fourth-generation leader of a 100-year-old company, Adam Hill reveals why the traditional focus on preservation is creating a "legacy trap" that's dooming families to the three-generation curse.

This isn't just theory. It's hard-won wisdom from someone who watched his own family business nearly collapse under the weight of trying to preserve what was–instead of preparing what could be. 

Discover why 70% of family businesses fail to transition to the second generation, how the hero's journey applies to family legacy, and the critical difference between creating mythology versus building a blueprint for the future.

If you're a family business leader worried about succession, this episode will fundamentally shift how you think about preparing the next generation.

0:00 Introduction

6:45 The Legacy Trap That Nearly Destroyed Our Business

9:12 Why 70% of Family Businesses Fail by Generation Two

12:30 Preservation vs. Preparation: The Critical Difference

15:18 The Sacred Cow Problem in Multi-Generational Companies

18:45 Why Value Creation Is the True Foundation of Legacy

21:33 Individual Legacy vs. Collective Legacy

23:20 The Hero's Journey and Family Business Succession

Resources Mentioned:

📚 “The Hero's Journey” by Joseph Campbell: https://a.co/d/64dkfvZ

📧 Contact Adam to request a free 90-minute EOS workshop: [email protected]

Follow Adam:

IG: @theadamchill

YouTube: @adamchill

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

What happens when you achieve everything you thought you wanted in your 20s…but feel completely unfulfilled?

Cathy Christen, founder of Elevated You, co-founder of GoBundance Women, and bestselling author of "Life as a Masterpiece," thought she had it all figured out by 25. Multiple six-figure income, broken records, outward success—but inside she was lonely, exhausted, and questioning everything.

Her transformation from workaholic achiever to intentional leader offers a masterclass in building life and business with purpose. Discover how she shifted from "everything in her head" to documented systems that freed up six months of travel time per year, why treating employees like family might be sabotaging your culture, and how to develop people who can be better than you.

0:35 Introduction 

2:51 The Catalyst: Achievement Without Fulfillment

7:39 How Cutco Shaped Her Leadership Foundation

15:37 The Great Shift: From Hustle to Systems

29:28 From Operator to True Business Owner

30:31 Developing Women Leaders in Male-Dominated Industries

41:25 Finding Your Tribe: The GoBundance Story

47:01 Raising Kids in Abundance vs. Poverty Mindset

Resources Mentioned:

📚 "Life as a Masterpiece" by Cathy Christen

🌐 GoBundance Women: https://www.gobundancewomen.com

🌐 Cathy's website: https://www.cathychristen.com

🌐 Elevated You: https://elevatedyou.org/

📧 Contact Adam to request a free 90-minute EOS workshop: [email protected]

Follow Adam:

IG: @theadamchill

YouTube: @adamchill

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

How do you transform from the family business's biggest skeptic into its most passionate advocate?

Kevin Tsao, Chief Sustainability Officer of Eno Brands, a fashion jewelry manufacturing company, didn't just resist the family business—he rejected it outright. But sometimes our strongest resistance reveals our deepest calling.

In this powerful conversation, Kevin shares his transformation from a state government employee who vehemently opposed joining the family business to a leader who has found his purpose in community building and sustainability. 

Discover how he shifted the narrative from "Joyce's son" to a respected leader, why treating employees as "family" might not be the best approach, and how he's preparing for the next generation without repeating the pressures he once faced.

This episode is a masterclass in finding your authentic path within a family legacy and turning resistance into purpose.

0:04 Introduction and Initial Resistance

3:21 The Immigrant Journey

7:39 Overcoming Fear and Finding Logic

11:52 Starting as a Receptionist: Earning Respect

16:18 The Hidden Value of Small Family Businesses

19:22 Redefining "Family" in Family Business

25:05 The Manufacturing Journey from Taiwan to China

28:00 Navigating Succession and Geographic Challenges

31:47 Adapting to Tariffs and Global Changes

36:22 Breaking Through the Leadership Plateau

42:40 From CEO to Chief Sustainability Officer

46:22 Building Legacy for the Next Generation

Resources Mentioned:

📧 Kevin’s email: [email protected]

🌐 Kevin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-tsao28/

🌐 Kevin’s Company - Eno Brands: https://www.enobrands.com/

📧 Contact Adam to request a free 90-minute EOS workshop: [email protected]

Follow Adam:

IG: @theadamchill

YouTube: @adamchill

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

What happens when a fourth-generation family business leader finds himself drowning in anxiety despite outward success?

Franklin Swann, CEO of the 130-year-old Swann's Furniture and Design, shares his raw journey from overwhelming self-doubt to thriving leadership. He reveals how implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) didn't just save his business during the pandemic—it transformed his entire life.

Discover the powerful truth about emotional health in leadership, why systems matter more than hustle, and how working on yourself is just as important as working on your business. This episode is a masterclass in sustainable leadership and building generational wealth through intentional growth.

0:00 Intro

2:22 The 130-Year Legacy of Swann's Furniture

5:35 Surviving the Great Depression Through Oil Booms

8:02 High Service, High Quality Business Model

13:01 How EOS Transformed Operations

16:22 Surviving the Pandemic Through Systems

20:45 From Managing to Leading

23:57 Starting in the Family Business at 12

28:59 The Dark Season of Leadership

32:38 Discovering Emotional Health

36:42 Daily Practices for Self-Relationship

39:54 The World Needs Men Podcast

43:43 Building Legacy for the Next Generation

Resources Mentioned:

📚 "Outlive" by Peter Attia

🎙️ The World Needs Men podcast: https://theworldneedsmen.com/

🌐 Swann's Furniture and Design: https://www.swanns.com/

Follow Adam:

IG: @theadamchill

YouTube: @adamchill
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamchill

📧 Contact Adam to request a free 90-minute EOS workshop: ⁠[email protected]⁠

What if the secret to building wealth wasn't working harder, but building better systems?

Jay Bourgana shares his remarkable journey from an impoverished childhood in Morocco to building a $350 million real estate empire. He reveals how curiosity-driven pattern recognition, strategic system building, and the discipline to "fire yourself" from every role can create both financial freedom and personal resilience.

Discover how this serial entrepreneur applies the same frameworks to business acquisition, parenting, and building generational wealth through innovative approaches to risk reduction and value creation.

0:04 Intro

2:40 Growing Up Poor in Morocco

6:58 Building a $350M Real Estate Company in 4 Years

10:11 What Drives Entrepreneurial Success

12:40 Teaching Kids Through Daily Exploration Conversations

14:37 Tariffs and China

19:44 Preparing Family Businesses for Acquisition

24:32 Why CEOs Struggle to Delegate

26:17 The Elon Musk Sprint Method

31:09 Building Systems for Client, Talent, and Capital Acquisition

39:47 Communicating Meaning Across Generations

41:15 Raising Lions

45:41 Teaching Kids the System of Making Friends

52:10 Build vs. Buy

57:59 The Acquisition Collective

Resources Mentioned:

🌐 Acquisition Collective: https://www.acquisitionscollective.biz/

📧 Contact Adam to request a free 90-minute EOS workshop: [email protected]

Follow Adam:

IG: @theadamchill

YouTube: @adamchill

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

Balancing a thriving real estate empire with family life and full-time jobs…is it even possible? 

Logan and Bostyn Brodine share their journey from purchasing their first investment property to building a portfolio of six single-family homes in just two years. They reveal strategies for maintaining a strong relationship while working together, discuss their new venture into gym franchising, and offer insights on achieving abundance in all areas of life. 

Discover how this power couple navigates the challenges of entrepreneurship, parenthood, and personal growth through innovative time management and strategic coaching.

0:00 Intro

10:41 Hiring Coaches for Personal Growth

18:11 Family Business and Farming Background

26:27 Exposing Kids to Business Concepts

35:29 Balancing W2 Jobs and Investments

40:33 New Venture: Alloy Gym Franchise

49:20 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Resources Mentioned:

IG: @familyofrei

🌐 National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA): https://www.nsca.com/

🌐 Dave Ramsey: https://www.ramseysolutions.com/

🌐 Ramit Sethi: https://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/

📧 Contact Adam to request a free 90-minute EOS workshop: [email protected]

Follow Adam:

IG: @theadamchill

YouTube: @adamchill

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

Wondering how to thrive in the unique dynamics of a family business?

In this episode, Adam sits down with Taylor Gandy, a third-generation CEO, to unpack his journey of stepping into leadership and the game-changing impact of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS).

They dive into how clearly defined core values can shape hiring decisions, why community involvement matters, and what it really takes to lead a legacy business into the future.

Whether you're part of a family-run company or simply passionate about leadership, you’ll walk away with practical advice and fresh inspiration for your own business path.

0:00 Intro

5:43 Learning To Love The Family Business

10:55 Separating Visionary And Integrator Roles

16:27 Hiring For Character And Core Values

21:45 Implementing EOS In Family Business

27:51 Focusing On Solving Important Problems

34:28 EOS Journey And Annual Meetings

38:04 Building Legacy For Next Generation

41:42 Advice For Entering Family Business

Resources Mentioned:

🌐 Gandy Installations: https://gandyinstallations.net/

🌐 Instagram: @gandyhvac

🌐 EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) https://www.eosworldwide.com/

🌐 Nexstar Network  https://www.nexstarnetwork.com/

🌐 Feel the Love program https://www.feelthelove.com/

📚 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven Covey

📚 Traction by Gino Wickman

📧 Contact Adam to request a free 90-minute EOS workshop: [email protected]

Follow Adam:

IG: @theadamchill

YouTube: @adamchill

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

How do family-owned enterprises overcome resistance to change and other dysfunctions, setting a course for success from generation to generation?  

Join Adam Hill as he talks with seasoned CEO and family business advocate, Rob Ferguson, about the dynamics of family-controlled entities. They discuss the importance of leadership, implementing proper governance, facing change, and how to prioritize for success. They also cover building value, maintaining identity beyond the business, recognizing dysfunctions, and much more.  

Discover how prioritizing business amidst the unique dynamics of family relations can lead to functional success. Tune in to gain insights that could transform your family business journey.

0:00 Intro 

5:07 Tale Of Two Family Businesses: Functional vs. Dysfunctional  

10:35 Addressing Family Business Governance Early  

15:34 Balancing Growth, Control, And Liquidity  

20:24 Importance Of Family Businesses To The Economy  

24:38 Memorializing Priorities In Family Constitution  

29:59 Leading Through Change In Family Businesses  

33:44 Key Steps For Effective Succession Planning  

38:50 Building Value Through Leadership Transition  

41:20 Finding Purpose Beyond The Family Business  

45:08 How To Contact Rob Ferguson For Advice 

Resources Mentioned:

🌐 Ferguson Alliance: https://ferguson-alliance.com

📧 Contact Adam to request a free 90-minute EOS workshop: [email protected]

Follow Adam:

IG: @theadamchill

YouTube: @adamchill

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