Legacy Builders: Strategies for Building Successful Family Enterprises

Generational Shifts: Shauna Feth's Guide to Family Succession


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In this podcast episode, Cory engages with Shauna Feth, President and CEO of the Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC), delving into the pivotal value of family enterprises in communities. Shauna emphasizes embracing opportunities for growth and learning, drawing from her privileged experience within a multi-generational business family. She passionately highlights how family enterprises not only contribute financially but also socially and emotionally to communities. These businesses play a pivotal role, in giving back by supporting local economies, sponsoring events, and investing in various community projects.

Shauna underscores the significance of support networks within family enterprises, advocating for open communication and shared experiences among members. She discusses the critical role of organizations like the Alberta Business Family Institute (ABFI) and Family Enterprise Canada in offering resources and guidance to family enterprises. These institutes facilitate learning opportunities and provide courses, webinars, and platforms for families to address vital topics like succession planning, leadership development, and estate planning.

Furthermore, Shauna navigates the complexities of transitioning family businesses across generations. She highlights the importance of structured communication channels, comprehensive succession plans, and recognizing individual talents within the family to foster a seamless transition. Shauna emphasizes the need for continual adaptation and planning in family enterprises, encouraging proactive approaches to business growth and operational changes while maintaining strong familial and community ties.

About Shauna Feth

Shauna Feth, currently serving as the President and CEO of the Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC) since June 2022, brings a wealth of experience in fostering entrepreneurship and supporting family businesses. Before her tenure at ACC, she spent over a decade as the Executive Director of the Alberta Business Family Institute at the University of Alberta School of Business. With a strong foundation as a designated Family Enterprise Advisor™ and being part of a third-generation business family, Shauna has passionately promoted and advocated for entrepreneurs and business families for nearly 15 years.

Her impactful initiatives include managing the Creating Pathways for Entrepreneurial Families Initiative, a collaboration funded by the University of Alberta and Rural Alberta’s Development Fund. Throughout this endeavor, Shauna facilitated ABFI programs and services, reaching out to over 8,000 constituents across the province, significantly enhancing the sustainability of rural family businesses and communities. Additionally, she has a diverse professional background, having ventured successfully into oilfield/pipeline consulting, maintenance, and construction, co-establishing and selling two companies. Currently, she co-manages an apiary and is deeply committed to the welfare of a thriving community of honeybees.

Moreover, Shauna’s engagement extends to project and event management consulting, where she contributed to the success of notable Alberta events, including the Big Valley Jamboree, Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame's Grand Opening, and the Viking Cup International Hockey Tournament. A dedicated community volunteer, she has held various influential positions across multiple organizations, serving as Co-Chair of the Provincial Talent Development Task Force, Past Chair of the Alberta Chambers of Commerce, and holding positions in boards and advisory roles for initiatives supporting entrepreneurship and family enterprises.

Resources discussed in this episode:

  • Alberta Chamber of Commerce - https://www.abchamber.ca/
  • Family Business Institute - https://www.familybusinessinstitute.com/
  • Donald Cooper - https://www.donaldcooper.com/about-donald-cooper/

Contact Cory Gagnon | Beacon Family Office at Assante Financial Management Ltd. 

  • Website: BeaconFamilyOffice.com
  • LinkedIn: Cory Gagnon
  • Linkedin: Beacon Family Office
  • Email: [email protected]

Contact Shauna Feth | Alberta Chamber of Commerce: 

  • Website: https://www.abchamber.ca/about/staff/
  • Twitter: ShaunaFeth1
  • Linkedin: Shauna Feth, FEA
  • Email: [email protected]

We're bringing together leading experts to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing family businesses today—from succession planning and governance structures to preparing the next generation for leadership roles. You'll walk away with actionable strategies and fresh perspectives on building resilient family enterprises.

Haven't caught one of our webcasts yet? No problem. All previous sessions are archived and ready to stream whenever you're ready to dive in. Simply head over to legacybuilderswebcast.com to register for our upcoming session or explore our growing library of past conversations.

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Legacy Builders: Strategies for Building Successful Family EnterprisesBy Cory Gagnon