Legacy Builders: Strategies for Building Successful Family Enterprises

In our latest episode, we welcome Anna Giampà, Chief Learning & Development Officer at Crysalia, for an in-depth discussion on family enterprises. Anna, a certified Family Enterprise Advisor with over two decades of experience, shares her unique insights on navigating the complex interplay between family dynamics and business strategy.

Throughout our conversation, Anna emphasizes the critical importance of open communication and diverse perspectives across all family circles. She delves into key topics such as strategic planning for family businesses, the benefits of engaging younger generations early, and the vital role of maintaining family alignment alongside enterprise development. Anna offers practical approaches for creating harmony within family enterprises, building a strong family identity, and addressing the unique challenges of sustaining a business across generations. 

Listeners will gain valuable insights into balancing tradition with innovation, effectively managing succession planning, and fostering a collaborative environment that supports long-term sustainability and legacy building in family enterprises.

About Anna Giampà

Anna Giampà is a certified Family Enterprise Advisor (FEA) with over 20 years of consulting experience. As the Chief Learning & Development Officer at Crysalia, she leverages her personal family business background, diverse career path, and varied educational expertise to support clients' complex needs. Anna's experience spans business planning, communications, and strategy, having worked with entrepreneurs, organizational leaders, and in academia.

With an MBA in Strategy and Entrepreneurship, Anna brings hands-on experience in strategic, financial, and operations management to her role. She is known for her integrity, collaborative style, and approach grounded in compassion, curiosity, and creativity. Beyond her professional life, Anna is a lifelong learner, foodie, and avid traveller who values quality time with her family and volunteer work for causes close to her heart.

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 Anna Giampà | Crysalia:

• Website: crysalia.ca
• Instagram: @annafiorilli 
• Facebook: Anna G Fiorilli
• LinkedIn: Anna Giampà
• Email: [email protected]

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Franco Lombardo, Founder and CEO of Veritage International, offers a fresh perspective on the symbiosis between personal growth and family business success. Franco uncovers how confronting entrenched narratives and building emotionally secure environments can reshape family business operations. He delves into practical strategies for nurturing genuine relationships and refining decision-making processes, illuminating how transparency and shared values can harmonize individual aspirations with broader business goals.

The conversation explores crucial themes such as the ripple effects of emotional safety in business settings, the convergence of individual development and collective family enterprise achievements, and the catalytic role of open dialogue in driving positive change. Franco dissects the unique challenges and opportunities in fostering a culture of authenticity within family businesses, underscoring the significant impact of blending self-awareness with a unified vision. His approach provides family enterprises with an innovative blueprint for cultivating lasting success across generations while making meaningful community contributions.

Listen to the episode to learn more about Franco's groundbreaking insights, discover how his strategies can transform your family business dynamics, and help build a legacy that truly matters.

About Franco Lombardo

Francesco Lombardo is a renowned family business advisor and the founder of Veritage, a global advisory firm specializing in emotional governance. With over twenty years of experience, Franco has worked with some of the world's wealthiest families, helping them achieve emotional safety and healthy family dynamics through his Safe Space™ model. His direct yet compassionate approach has made him a sought-after expert, committed to fostering positive and emotionally connected environments for families worldwide.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Safe Space Governance in Action

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 Franco Lombardo | Veritage International - Family Business Facilitation and Coaching: 

• Website: veritage.ca
• Facebook: Veritage Family Coaching
• LinkedIn: Francesco Lombardo FEA
• LinkedIn: Veritage International
• Youtube: Veritage International

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Steve Legler a Senior Consultant at Blackwood Family Enterprise Services, talks about his experiences helping wealthy families make tough decisions and work through challenges that span generations. Steve, who grew up in a business family himself, shares what he's learned about keeping families and their businesses healthy over time.

Throughout the conversation, Steve touches on important ideas like getting advice from people who don't have a hidden agenda, finding family members who can champion positive change, and why it's crucial for families to meet regularly and talk openly. He explains how these practices can help families stay strong and adapt, especially when facing big changes or unexpected events. Listen to our latest episode to hear Steve's insights on balancing family harmony with business success, the importance of unconflicted advice, how to be a family champion, and more. 

About Steve Legler

Steve Legler, MBA, FEA, CPCC, is an independent Family Legacy Coach based in Montreal. Growing up in a business family, he was expected to take over his father's company. However, an unexpected liquidity event in his 20s led him to manage their family office instead. In 2013, Legler discovered the Family Enterprise Advisor (FEA) program, which became a career-changing calling. He now works with family clients as a facilitator and mediator, coaching family members across generations.

Steve is the author of two books: "SHIFT your Family Business" (2014) and "Interdependent Wealth" (2019). He is a faculty member of the Family Firm Institute's global education network program, a member of the Wisdom Expedition for the Purposeful Planning Institute, and co-hosts Family Enterprise Canada's "Let's Talk Family Enterprise" podcast.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Family Enterprise Canada
• John Davis
• Purposeful Planning Institute Rendezvous
• Family Champions and Champion Families
• Dennis T. Jaffe
• Jim Grubman

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 Steve Legler | Blackwood Family Enterprise Services: 

• Website: stevelegler.com
• LinkedIn: Steve Legler
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (450) 923-9393

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Russ Haworth, Family Business Advisor at The Family Business Partnership, shares his extensive expertise in guiding families of wealth through complex decisions and multi-generational challenges. Russ delves into the critical aspects of effective governance frameworks and personal accountability, introducing his innovative approach to reimagining the role of the family advisor. He emphasizes the importance of balancing individual responsibility with collective support, particularly when fostering the grit and resilience needed for successful wealth preservation and legacy planning across generations.

Throughout the conversation, Russ explores key topics such as the power of storytelling in family businesses, the intersection of personal endurance and shared family journeys, and the role of open dialogue in inspiring future generations. He discusses the unique challenges and opportunities inherent in cultivating a culture of growth and adaptability within family enterprises, highlighting the immense value of combining personal grit with collective accountability in safeguarding legacies for the future.

About Russ Haworth

Russ is a UK based family business adviser and has been working with families for nearly 20 years, initially through financial planning and wealth management, and more recently as a specialist family business consultant. 

He has been awarded the Advanced Certificate in Family Business advising from the FFI. He is the Co-Director of The Quest for Legitimacy, a global research and program focusing on helping the Rising Generation reduce their isolation, achieve agency, and discover the true contribution they can make in the world. He is the host of the widely acclaimed The Family Business Podcast and is a member of the advisory board and faculty for The Ultra High Net Worth Institute, a US based non-profit think tank.

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 Russ Haworth | The Family Business Partnership : 

• Website: https://www.questforlegitimacy.com/ - https://fambizpodcast.com - https://familybusinesspartnership.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russellhaworth/
• Email: [email protected]

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Tom McCullough, Chairman & CEO of Northwood Family Office, shares his extensive expertise on sustaining family enterprises across generations. Tom delves into the critical aspects of strategic planning and adaptability, introducing the Ikigai framework as a powerful tool for aligning family values and aspirations. He emphasizes the importance of balancing valuable traditions with evolving needs, particularly when approaching succession planning with a forward-looking mindset.

Throughout the conversation, Tom explores key topics such as long-term sustainability of family enterprises, the intersection of personal passions and societal needs in the Ikigai concept, and the role of professional guidance in navigating family dynamics. He discusses the unique challenges and opportunities inherent in family-owned businesses, highlighting the immense value of open dialogue and experienced counsel in safeguarding legacies for future generations.

About Tom McCullough 

Tom McCullough is Chairman and CEO of Northwood Family Office, the leading Canadian multi-family office. He has spent over 35 years in the wealth management/family office field.

Tom is a frequent speaker on issues relevant to families of wealth and is the co-author of Wealth of Wisdom: The Top 50 Questions Wealthy Families Ask and Family Wealth Management: 7 Imperatives for Successful Investing in the New World Order. He is an Adjunct Professor and Executive-in-Residence at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management MBA program. He is an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Western University’s Ivey School of Business and a member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Wealth Management. He was recently awarded ‘Best Individual Contribution to Thought Leadership in the Wealth Management Industry’ by the 2020 Family Wealth Report Awards.

 Resources discussed in this episode:

• Wealth of Wisdom: The Top 50 Questions Wealthy Families Ask
• Wealth of Wisdom: Top Practices for Wealthy Families and Their Advisors
• Family Wealth Management: Seven Imperatives For Successful Investing (2nd Edition) (Raffles Family Wealth and Legacy, 3)
• Family Wealth Management: Seven Imperatives for Successful Investing in the New World Order
• The Trusted Advisor
• The Rise of the Integrated Advisor
• Ultra High Net worth Institute
• Wealth of Wisdom Podcast

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 Tom McCullough | Northwood Family Office

• Website: www.northwoodfamilyoffice.com
• LinkedIn: Tom McCullough
• Email: [email protected]

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In our latest episode, we welcome James Grieve, Founder & Principal Strategic Advisor at Catalyst Strategies Consulting and Past President of the Institute of Certified Management Consultants of British Columbia. Join us as we discuss the significance of humility, curiosity, and a purposeful process in uncovering blind spots, fostering alignment, and preparing businesses for successful transitions. 

James stresses the power of a strong strategic foundation, effective change management, and the vital role of the community in enabling leaders to leave a lasting legacy. James' approach to developing purposeful strategies and managing change underscores the importance of having a trusted thinking partner to navigate the unique challenges and opportunities faced by family enterprises.

By showing up, being present, and giving his all, James provides effective guidance and support to his clients. He encourages an innate curiosity and the ability to pull together the right people and resources to deliver the best outcomes. 

About James Grieve

James Grieve is a Certified Management Consultant and Past President of the Institute of Certified Management Consultants of British Columbia (CMC-BC). He is passionate about strategy and has a keen understanding of working with organizations of all sizes, in a variety of industries, including clean technology, bioenergy, renewable energy, natural resources management, agriculture, manufacturing, and professional services. He has extensive experience in working with First Nations communities on economic development and empowerment initiatives in a variety of geographical regions and business models, including co-operatives. James is also a Certified Customer Experience Professional (CCXP), a Certified Sales Professional (CSP), Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), and a Professional Farm Advisor (CAFA), and a Qualified Business Consultant - Agri-Foods Business Development Program - Agri-Business and Indigenous Agriculture. He brings a creative and customer-first approach to working with clients. He also holds an ISO 20700:2017 certification for management consultancy services. His Kelowna-based boutique consulting firm Catalyst Strategies Consulting specializes in strategy, succession planning, customer experience, and organizational transformation, and together with his team of consultants, he works with clients to analyze their operations, diagnose challenges, uncover blind spots, and mitigate risks in their businesses. James is also the co-creator of SuccessionReady, a simple, effective, and real-world approach to creating tailored Succession Plans for your founder and family led businesses.

Providing trusted advice, Catalyst Strategies Consulting and SuccessionReady help clients plan effectively, create processes to reach peak performance, and reach impactful, and sustainable outcomes. James holds an MBA, a Graduate Certificate in Organizational Design and Development, and a Bachelor of Commerce from Royal Roads University, and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Winnipeg. He holds Graduate Certificates in Circular Economy and Sustainable Strategies from Cambridge University, Digital Innovation and Leadership (DIAL) program from Simon Fraser University, and Employee Ownership as a Wealth Sharing Tool from Rutgers University. He is currently enrolled to become a Family Enterprise Advisor with Family Enterprise Canada. James resides in Kelowna and loves all that the Okanagan has to offer. He gives back to his community by mentoring business students at UBCO, Okanagan College, and female and aspiring entrepreneurs at We BC, Futurepreneur Canada, and Salmon Arm Economic Development Society.

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 James Grieve | Catalyst Strategies Consulting: 

• Website: www.successionready.ca | www.catalyst-strategies.com
• LinkedIn
  • James Grieve
  • Catalyst Strategies Consulting
  • SuccessionReady
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (778) 214-6010

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Melanie Harty, Partner at Grant Thornton LLP, shares her expertise in guiding agricultural families through generational transitions and legacy planning. With her background as a CPA and certified Family Enterprise Advisor, as well as her firsthand experience working on her family farm, Melanie brings a unique and practical perspective to her clients. She emphasizes the importance of clear communication, aligned visions between generations, and thoughtful decision-making in ensuring family businesses' long-term success and harmony.

Throughout the conversation, Melanie highlights the significance of adaptability, realistic expectations, and inclusive discussions in preserving a legacy for future generations. She stresses the value of open communication and flexibility when navigating the complexities of family businesses, ensuring that all family members feel included in the decision-making process. Melanie also touches on the need for families to approach these conversations with curiosity and realism, seeking mutually beneficial outcomes that honour past generations while empowering future ones.

About Melanie Harty

Melanie Harty, a CPA, certified Family Enterprise Advisor, and Partner at Grant Thornton LLP, specializes in helping business owners build their family legacy and successfully transition their businesses to the next generation. With her expertise in specialty tax work, farm succession, corporate reorganizations, and amalgamations, Melanie guides clients through the intricacies of estate and succession planning, accounting, auditing, and financial management. Her diverse client base spans various industries, including agriculture, construction, oil and gas, retail, and family businesses.

Before joining Grant Thornton, Melanie was a managing partner at BVA LLP and gained valuable firsthand experience working on her family farm. This unique background allows her to provide clients with a practical, real-world perspective on their businesses, ensuring that her advice is tailored to their needs and goals. Melanie's comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by family enterprises positions her as a trusted advisor in helping clients navigate the complexities of building and preserving a lasting legacy.

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 Melanie Harty CPA, CA, FEA Partner | Grant Thornton LLP (Canada): 

• Website: GrantThornton.ca
• Facebook: Grant Thornton LLP Canada
• LinkedIn: Grant Thornton Canada
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (403) 525-0216

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Gavin Brauer, a Professional EOS Implementer, shares his insights on the vital role of confidence in an entrepreneur's journey and the challenges of staying true to oneself and one's vision in the face of obstacles. With diverse experience in industries such as health tech, manufacturing, consumer brands, professional services, and non-profits, Gavin has successfully guided his clients to achieve their full potential. He is also the co-founder of Pearl Interactives, which develops innovative video games that enable kids with disabilities to access wellness through play and owns and operates KindHuman Bicycles, crafting high-performance bikes, running a bike shop, and distributing custom cycling apparel.

Gavin discusses the importance of defining success on one's own terms and the significance of having the right people in the right roles within an organization. He highlights the concept of GWC (Gets it, wants it, Capacity to do it), emphasizing the importance of ensuring that team members are not only capable of performing their roles but also have a genuine passion for their work. Gavin also delves into the importance of patience and perseverance in pursuing one's dreams while setting clear goals and priorities to guide progress.

About Gavin Brauer

Gavin is a versatile entrepreneur and Professional EOS Implementer who helps organizations across various industries, including health tech, manufacturing, consumer brands, professional services, and non-profits, to dream big and execute using a proven system for running a successful business. He has owned and operated three unique ventures: KindHuman Bicycles, which crafts high-performance bikes, runs a bike shop, and distributes custom cycling apparel; Pearl Interactives, a health-tech start-up co-founded with a children's hospital to develop video games that enable kids with disabilities to access wellness through play; and a turnaround business that ultimately did not succeed. Alongside his entrepreneurial pursuits and EOS implementation, Gavin collaborates with his father in managing their family office.

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 Gavin Brauer | EOS® Implementer | KindHuman Bicycles: 

• Website(s): eosworldwide.com/gavin-brauer/  | kindhuman.cc
• Instagram: @kindhuman_canuck
• LinkedIn: Gavin Brauer
• Email: [email protected]

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Darrin Hotte, a certified Family Mediator and Family Enterprise Advisor at New Solution Mediation, shares insights from his 35 years of experience in conflict resolution, family business dynamics, and complex relationships. Darrin emphasizes the importance of curiosity, empathy, and clarity in navigating difficult conversations and decision-making processes within families. He highlights the therapeutic value of mediation, which enables participants to discover their true interests and desires while fostering understanding and collaboration.

Darrin discusses the role of generational patterns in family conflicts and the significance of preparing for important conversations with a focus on personal growth and effective communication. He also touches on the catalysts that motivate families to seek mediation, such as financial or legal pressures, and the stress that arises from a lack of clarity about the future. Darrin concludes by expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to help families find order amidst chaos and move forward with their businesses and relationships.

About Darrin Hotte

Darrin Hotte is a certified Family Mediator and Family Enterprise Advisor at New Solution Mediation with over 35 years of experience and specialized training in the areas of conflict, family business, leadership, de-escalation, complex family systems, and relationships. He has used this background to mediate, coach, or facilitate over 900 disputes in private practice since 2010. He teaches at Simon Fraser University's Beedie School of Business, the Justice Institute of BC, and coaches and trains lawyers at Continuing Legal Education BC. Partnering as an Associate with David Bentall and Next Step Advisors, Darrin supports families in making the crucial transitions that accelerate growth and prosperity.

Darrin also specializes in de-escalating hostile interactions and trains organizations to become safer and more skilled in this area. He has become increasingly known for his work defusing emotional intensity in family meetings. In his spare time, Darrin is a paid-on-call firefighter and brings this experience of managing high emotion and trauma to his work with people in conflict. He enjoys running/weight training, cycling, and photography and is also an occasional jazz drummer. However, his greatest joy is found in his wife and two children.

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 Darrin Hotte | New Solution Mediation: 

• Website: www.newsolutionmediation.com
• LinkedIn: profile
• Phone: (778) 288-6181 
• Email: [email protected] 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In our latest Legacy Builders episode, Anne Evamy, Owner and Advisor at Junction Point Inc., shares her journey and insights as a Certified Value Builder and Family Enterprise Advisor. Drawing from her experience as a successful entrepreneur, Anne emphasizes the importance of intentionality, adaptability, and open communication when navigating family business dynamics and succession planning. She highlights the value of understanding one's strengths and having the right advisors to guide families through the complexities of continuity and value creation.

Throughout the conversation, Anne emphasizes the importance of intentionality, adaptability, and open communication when navigating family business dynamics. She stresses the value of understanding one's strengths and being aware of the dynamic environment in which entrepreneurs operate. By embracing intentionality and foresight, entrepreneurs can navigate the complexities of succession planning and create a path that aligns with their goals and the well-being of their families. Anne also highlights the significance of having the right advisors to support families on their journey and encourages those seeking guidance to reach out to her directly for a chat or to discuss their specific situation.

About Anne Evamy:

Anne Evamy is a seasoned entrepreneur and trusted advisor in the realm of family businesses and succession planning. With a remarkable 16-year tenure as the owner of a successful marketing company, which she sold eight years ago, Anne has firsthand experience in the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship. Since then, she has been honing her skills as a Family Enterprise Advisor and specialist in Exit/Transition Planning, Preparation, Strategy & Value Acceleration for small to medium-sized businesses with revenues ranging from $1 million to $10 million.

Driven by a deep interest in legacy, continuity, and succession, Anne is passionate about supporting multi-generational families and their businesses. She collaborates with other trusted advisors to guide families in understanding how to build and grow valuable companies that can be transitioned when the time is right. Anne's approach encompasses not only financial success but also the creation of human and intellectual capital, drawing from her lived experience, education, and training to provide holistic support to the families she serves.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Family Enterprise Canada

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 Anne Evamy, CVB, FEA | Junction Point Inc.: 

• Website: www.junctionpointinc.com 
• LinkedIn: Anne Evamy 
• Email: [email protected] 
• Phone: (403) 615-0324

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.