Legacy Builders: Strategies for Building Successful Family Enterprises

In our latest episode, Dave Specht, Director of the Drucker School Global Family Business Institute and author of "The Family Business Whisperer," shares his insights on developing ownership mindsets across generations. With an expansive career that includes training over 2,500 advisors and bankers on family dynamics, founding Advising Generations, and establishing the Family Business Management program at the University of Nebraska, Dave brings a powerful blend of academic wisdom and practical experience to help families navigate the intricate path of generational continuity.

Throughout the conversation, Dave illuminates the delicate balance between protecting and empowering rising generations in family enterprises. He explores compelling perspectives on creating environments where future owners can authentically experience both success and failure, while emphasizing how transparency and shared challenges strengthen family bonds. His framework for developing true owners, not merely inheritors, provides valuable insights for families seeking to build enduring legacies that preserve relationships while fostering business resilience across generations.

About Dave Specht

Dave Specht is the Director of the Drucker School Global Family Business Institute. His professional mission is to Preserve Families and Perpetuate Businesses. He is the author of, “The Family Business Whisperer” and thought leader on topics surrounding generational continuity of family-owned businesses and family wealth. Prior to his current role, he trained 2,500 top advisors/bankers at a Private Bank on family dynamics and generational wealth issues. Prior to his work at the bank, he founded Advising Generations, a consulting rm and established the Family Business Management program at the University of Nebraska. Dave lives in Washington state with his wife and 6 children.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• The Family Business Whisperer
• James Hughes Foundation
• Dennis T. Jaffe

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 Dave Specht | The Drucker School of Management: 

• LinkedIn: Dave Specht
• Email: [email protected]

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In this episode, Doug Gray, Ph.D., Founder and CEO of Action Learning Associates, LLC and co-Founder of Assess Next Gen, LLC, shares his expertise on fostering psychological capital (PsyCap) and intergenerational understanding within family enterprises. With over 25 years of experience and a deep background in leadership development, Doug explores how families can build stronger connections across generations while managing wealth and legacy dynamics.

Throughout the conversation, Doug delves into essential concepts like the HERO framework (Hope, Efficacy, Resilience, and Optimism) and practical approaches to family storytelling and legacy preservation. He emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces for authentic communication, developing leadership skills in rising generations, and balancing family privacy with meaningful connection. Listen to our latest episode to hear Doug's insights on building psychological capital, fostering intergenerational dialogue, and implementing strategies that help families flourish while preserving their legacy.

About Doug Gray

Doug Gray, Ph.D., is the Founder and CEO of Action Learning Associates, LLC and co-Founder of Assess Next Gen, LLC, bringing over 25 years of executive coaching and leadership consulting experience to family enterprises and organizations. With a doctorate in Leadership and Professional Practice from Trevecca Nazarene University, Doug has established himself as a pioneer in developing psychological capital (PsyCap) within family businesses and nurturing next-generation leadership talent. His innovative HERO framework (Hope, Efficacy, Resilience, and Optimism) has become instrumental in helping families navigate complex wealth and legacy dynamics.

As a champion for leadership excellence and intergenerational understanding, Doug's expertise spans across healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and education sectors. His approach combines rigorous academic research with practical, actionable strategies that help families create safe spaces for authentic communication and legacy preservation. Through his work at Action Learning Associates and Assess Next Gen, Doug remains dedicated to helping leaders and teams achieve measurable business outcomes while fostering the development of future organizational leaders.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• The Five Capitals: Wealth as Well-being
• The Success Playbook for Next Gen Family Business Leaders

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 Doug Gray | Action Learning Associates, LLC

Websites

• NextGenPeerGroups.com
• AssessNextGen.com
• Action-Learning.com
• books2read.com/NEXTGEN
   
• LinkedIn: Doug Gray
• Substack: grayd.substack.com
• Twitter/X: @ALACoaching
• Email: [email protected]

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In our latest episode, Daphne McGuffin of D3 Learning Solutions explores the transformative power of continuous learning and self-discovery in family enterprises. She introduces groundbreaking frameworks that help families move from uncertainty to confident action, including her "Line of Confidence" model that guides families through the crucial stages of learning, alignment, and implementation. Through her work at D3 Learning Solutions, Daphne demonstrates how understanding individual instincts and natural abilities can revolutionize how families approach succession and governance.

Throughout the conversation, Daphne delves into the relationship between personal development and collective growth in family businesses, particularly through her innovative "Positive Outcome Model." She illuminates how families can overcome historical patterns and conflicting work styles by understanding conative instincts and building socio-emotional wealth. Her approach emphasizes the importance of creating structured yet flexible learning environments where different generations can align their values while honouring individual differences, providing a roadmap for families seeking to build lasting legacies that bridge both personal fulfillment and business success.

About Daphne McGuffin

Daphne McGuffin is a seasoned Learning and Development Consultant and Family Business Facilitator at D3 Learning Solutions, bringing over two decades of experience in family enterprise advising. After directing the Learning Centre and Thought Leadership divisions at The BDO / SuccessCare Program for nearly 20 years, she established D3 Learning Solutions to help business families transition both tangible and intangible assets through practical approaches, focusing on multi-generational communication, governance, successor development, and leadership planning.

As a Kolbe Certified Consultant for more than 15 years and a Fellow of the Family Firm Institute (FFI), Daphne leverages her expertise to identify core instincts of family members and management teams, enhancing their productivity and relationships. Her distinguished role as a faculty member for FFI's Global Education Network, the world's most trusted provider of family enterprise professional education, further cements her position as a leading expert in the field of family enterprise consulting.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• kolbe.com
• OPgig Program
• What is Kolbe and Why Use It
• The Power of Kolbe in the Family Enterprise
• The Line of Confidence Model
• The Positive Outcome Model

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 Daphne McGuffin | D3 Learning Solutions: 

• Website: D3LearningSolutions.com
• LinkedIn: Daphne McGuffin
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (519) 820-1806

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In our latest episode, Bill Brushett, Advisor, Director, and TEC Canada Chair, shares his insights on intentional leadership development and succession planning in family enterprises. With over 40 years of experience spanning roles from President & CEO of Family Enterprise Canada to National Clients & Services Partner at Grant Thornton LLP, Bill brings a powerful combination of financial acumen and executive wisdom to help families navigate generational transitions and strategic growth.

Throughout the conversation, Bill illuminates the interplay between emotional connection and strategic foresight in family business success. He explores compelling perspectives on mentorship and peer learning while offering practical guidance for developing next-generation leaders. His framework for creating meaningful transitions emphasizes the importance of intentional design and external influence, providing valuable insights for families seeking to build lasting legacies that honor both individual aspirations and collective purpose.

About Bill Brushett

Bill Brushett is a highly accomplished leader, advisor, and mentor with over 40 years of experience in financial management, executive leadership, and governance. Currently working closely with family enterprise boards, he offers strategic guidance on governance, leadership transitions, and sustainable growth. As a TEC Canada Chair, he mentors emerging executives and business leaders, creating transformative growth opportunities. His previous role as President & CEO of Family Enterprise Canada saw him championing family-owned businesses, helping them navigate succession planning, governance, and wealth stewardship. During his distinguished career at Grant Thornton LLP, he rose to become National Clients & Services Partner, providing oversight for multiple service lines and steering client strategies.

A Chartered Professional Accountant with ICD.D and FEA certifications, Bill's credentials reflect his commitment to excellence and diverse expertise. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Memorial University and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Newfoundland & Labrador. His community engagement includes contributions to the Arthritis Society, St. John's Board of Trade, and Memorial University's School of Business Advisory Board. Beyond his professional life, Bill is a dedicated family man who values time with his wife, children, and grandchildren, and continues to empower leaders, strengthen businesses, and foster meaningful legacies through his various roles and initiatives.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Family Enterprise Foundation
• Family Enterprise Canada
• Mindset: The New Psychology of Success
• TEC Canada Chair

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 Bill Brushett | TEC Canada Chair: 

• Website: tec-canada.com/about-tec/our-chairs/
• LinkedIn: Bill Brushett
• Email: [email protected]

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In our latest episode, we sit down with Torri Hawley, a dynamic voice in family enterprise education who brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her role as Director of Client Learning Experience at Tamarind Learning. Drawing from her journey as a seventh-generation member of a 150-year-old family enterprise, Torri shares insights about finding one's place within a family business legacy. Named among Family Business Magazine's "25 Under 35: Next-Gen Members to Watch," she embodies the bridge between traditional family enterprise values and next-generation perspectives.

In this conversation, Torri explores the importance of patience, relationship building, and the unexpected ways our early career experiences shape our journey. Through personal stories and professional observations, she offers fresh perspectives on developing next-gen leadership and navigating the complexities of family enterprise dynamics. Her unique vantage point – as both a next-gen family member and an educator – brings depth and authenticity to discussions about growth, learning, and intergenerational collaboration.

About Torri Hawley

Torri Hawley serves as the Director of Client Learning Experience for Tamarind Learning, bringing a decade of experience working with enterprising families. As a seventh-generation member of a family with a 150-year-old operating company, she has been actively involved in governance from an early age, helping establish a family council and promoting next-gen education. She currently serves on her family office and operating companies' boards and her personal experience drives her passion for helping next-generation members build confidence and credibility.

With a BBA in Family Enterprise Management from Stetson University and a master's in strategic human resources from the University of Denver, Torri has earned certificates in family business and wealth advising from the Family Firm Institute. She has spoken at numerous prestigious conferences and was named one of Family Business Magazine's "25 Under 35: Next-Gen Members to Watch." Based in the Philadelphia suburbs with her husband Charlie and dog Murray, she remains committed to community service, particularly focusing on addressing childhood hunger locally.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• 10 x 10 Podcast 
• Tamarind Learning Knowledge Assessment
• Tamarind Newsletter
• Tamarind LinkedIn

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 Torri Hawley | Tamarind Learning 

• Website: tamarindlearning.com
• LinkedIn: Torri Hawley
• Email: [email protected]

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In this episode, Vincent Valeri, Managing Director of Vincent Valeri & Associates and Principal, Family Capital Services at CMG, shares his insights on guiding enterprising families through the delicate balance of wealth stewardship and personal authenticity. With extensive experience working with some of the wealthiest families in the country, Vincent brings a unique perspective that emphasizes the importance of individual self-actualization within the context of family wealth. His approach focuses on helping next-generation family members discover their own path while navigating the complex dynamics of inherited privilege.

Throughout the conversation, Vincent illuminates the critical balance between honouring the family legacy and fostering individual growth, particularly emphasizing the value of "walking your path." He addresses the often-overlooked challenges of choice abundance in wealthy families and stresses the importance of creating safe spaces for honest dialogue between generations. Vincent also highlights the transformative power of peer communities and intentional mentorship, advocating for an approach that acknowledges both the unique blessings and burdens that come with family wealth.

About Vincent Valeri 

Growing up in a multinational family enterprise, Vincent gained firsthand experience of the dynamics families face when working in business and managing wealth together. Like many who grew up in a family business, he learned from the bottom up from a very young age, which solidified his commitment to supporting families in wealth management and entrepreneurship. His professional background includes a Master of Management degree, experience as a management/marketing consultant for major North American companies, and five years in wealth management at one of Canada's largest banks, where he focused on family enterprises and generational wealth transfer.

As a Family Enterprise Advisor (FEA) and certified Family Legacy and Executive Leadership Coach, Vincent works as a trusted advisor helping family members develop legacy and enterprise continuity strategies, resolve conflicts, and align their values and vision for wealth and relationships. His experience in wealth management revealed a significant gap between financial management and familial dynamics, leading him to focus on bridging this divide. A recognized speaker on wealth transition and behavioural risk in family enterprises, Vincent lives in Hamilton, Ontario with his wife and two sons.

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 Vincent Valeri | Vincent Valeri & Associates and CMG: 

• Website: vincentvaleri.com | cmgpartners.ca
• LinkedIn: Vincent Valeri
• Email: [email protected]

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In this episode, Thomas Clark, Chief Operating Officer of Veritage International, shares his distinctive approach to nurturing family enterprises through education and intergenerational development. With over a decade of experience from the Business Families Foundation to Family Enterprise Canada, Thomas brings a unique blend of educational expertise and practical business acumen to help families develop shared language and cultivate intrapreneurial mindsets across generations.

Throughout the conversation, Thomas draws compelling parallels between sports team dynamics and family enterprises, illuminating insights about legacy building and sustainable growth. He introduces innovative concepts like the family learning budget and emphasizes the vital role of emotional governance in business success. His practical framework for developing good ownership and fostering collective learning experiences provides valuable guidance for families navigating generational transitions.

About Thomas Clark

Thomas, the current COO of Veritage International, has dedicated his career to advancing family business education since 2010. His journey began at Business Families Foundation (BFF) in Montreal, where he spent eight years developing innovative educational tools and interactive content to support intrapreneurial initiatives within family businesses. Following BFF's merger with Family Enterprise Canada (FEC) in 2020, he took on the role of National Director of Content Development, where he conducted vital research on Canadian family business transitions and their associated challenges.

Driven by his passion for preparing and integrating the next generation of family business leaders, Thomas has consistently worked to create resources that help successors thrive in their roles. Based in Ottawa, he maintains an active lifestyle outside of work, pursuing interests in scuba diving, sailing, hockey, and rugby, while continuing to explore new destinations through his love of travel.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Family Enterprise Canada
• Peter Jaskiewicz
• Veritage International

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 Thomas Clark | Veritage International: 

• Website: veritage.ca
• LinkedIn: Thomas Clark
• Email: [email protected]

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In our latest episode, we welcome Danielle Saputo, President and Owner of Danielle Saputo Legacy Coach & Family Enterprise Advisor. With a distinguished academic background and certifications from prestigious institutions, Danielle shares her expertise as a Family Enterprise Advisor Designate and Certified Coach. Throughout our conversation, she emphasizes the critical importance of recognizing opportunities, finding one's voice, and balancing individual development with family unity in the context of family enterprises. 

Danielle delves into key topics such as the multifaceted nature of courage within family businesses, the delicate balance between respecting traditions and personal growth, and the unique challenges faced by large, multigenerational families. Listeners will gain valuable insights into navigating the complex landscape of personal development, family dynamics, and wealth management. Danielle offers practical approaches for seizing opportunities, fostering resilience, and promoting understanding across generations. 

About Danielle Saputo

Danielle is a multifaceted professional passionate about personal growth and empowering others. Armed with a Business degree from Concordia University and wealth management certifications from prestigious institutions like the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her roles. As a Certified Coach recognized by the International Coaching Federation, specializing in Emotional Intelligence and Resilience, Danielle excels at fostering positive change in individuals and organizations.

Drawing from her experience as a prominent Canadian Family Business member, Danielle applies her expertise as a Family Enterprise Advisor Designate and Education Facilitator to enhance overall wealth, emphasizing harmony and legacy. As the Owner of RiverTay Facilitation and a Trustee for Lakefield College School, she champions financial literacy and family legacy. Danielle's commitment extends beyond her professional life; she's an author, arts enthusiast, nature lover, and active community volunteer dedicated to balancing her family life with an impactful career.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• I Am Enough: Emerging from the Shadows into the Sunlight of My True Self
• The Cycle of the Gift: Family Wealth and Wisdom

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 Danielle Saputo | Danielle Saputo Legacy Coach & Family Enterprise Advisor: 

• Website: daniellesaputo.com
• LinkedIn: Danielle Saputo
• Email: [email protected]

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In this episode, Joshua Nacht, a senior consultant with The Family Business Consulting Group, shares his insights on helping business families create structured plans for continuity and success across generations. Joshua has extensively researched family business leadership and discusses the importance of developing effective governance, communication, strategies and managing transitions within family enterprises.

Throughout the conversation, Joshua explores key concepts such as creating a shared family vision, balancing tradition with innovation, and the role of family champions in driving positive change. He emphasizes the value of collaborative goal-setting, effective governance structures, and aligning family values with business decisions. Listen to our latest episode to hear Joshua's perspectives on crafting enduring family business legacies, fostering intergenerational cooperation, and implementing practical governance solutions that bridge family dynamics with business success.

About Joshua Nacht

Joshua Nacht, Ph.D., is a senior consultant at The Family Business Consulting Group, specializing in creating structured continuity plans for business families. His expertise lies in effective governance, communication, and transitions, focusing on integrating diverse perspectives from multigenerational families into successful strategies. Known for his ability to connect with people, Joshua values the collaborative relationships and trust he builds with his clients. His work spans various critical issues, including next-generation leadership development, role management, and facilitating effective family meetings.

As a thought leader in his field, Joshua has co-authored the book "Family Champions and Champion Families," which explores the crucial role of family leaders in sustaining business family success. His groundbreaking research on "The Role of the Family Champion" earned him the prestigious 'Best Dissertation Award' from the Family Firm Institute in 2016. This work has contributed to understanding leadership dynamics within business family ownership groups. Joshua's unique background, which includes leading wilderness skills trips and counselling individuals and families, enhances his holistic approach to family business consulting.

Resources: 

• Family Champions and Champion Families: Developing Family Leaders to Sustain the Family Enterprise
• Family Firm Institute
• Family Business Consulting Group

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 Joshua Nacht | The Family Business Consulting Group, Inc.: 

• Website: thefbcg.com/consultants/joshua-nacht
• LinkedIn: Joshua Nacht
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (303) 868 5517

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In this episode, Ruschelle Khanna, Owner of Ruschelle Khanna Consulting, shares her innovative approach to guiding high-net-worth families through the complexities of wealth management and generational transitions. With over twenty years of experience and a unique blend of therapeutic expertise and wealth consciousness, Ruschelle brings a holistic perspective to her clients. She emphasizes the importance of addressing inherited patterns, resolving ancestral trauma, and fostering mindfulness to ensure long-term success and harmony in family enterprises.

Throughout the conversation, Ruschelle highlights the significant impact of uncovering and transforming inherited patterns on both individual well-being and family business performance. She stresses the value of integrating health psychology principles into wealth management strategies, ensuring all family members feel empowered. Ruschelle also touches on the need for families to approach wealth-related issues with a balance of pragmatism and emotional intelligence, seeking outcomes that preserve financial legacy while promoting personal fulfillment across generations.

About Ruschelle Khanna

Ruschelle Khanna has spent over 20 years working at the intersection of family therapy, health psychology, and wealth. A licensed therapist, family advisor and executive coach for women, she brings decades of experience to helping people seize the power of their own ability to heal. 

She has guided successful families and high-performing individuals in overcoming the challenges of chronic illness, preserving a legacy, and passing on generational wealth. Ruschelle currently hosts masterminds for women focused on stewardship, mindfulness, and overcoming ancestral trauma.

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 Ruschelle Khanna | Ruschelle Khanna, LCSW PLLC: 

• Website: lifestyleforlegacy.com
• LinkedIn: Ruschelle Khanna
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (212) 748-9301

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