Regular hosts Aileen Miziolek and Steve Legler discuss some of their favourite episodes and insights from 2025's episodes of the Let's Talk Family Enterprise podcast. Hear them share their greatest takeaways and bring back good memories while encouraging listeners to subscribe for more!

All views, information, and opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Family Enterprise Canada.

Key Takeaways

[0:26] Steve Legler and Aileen Miziolek come together for a year-end review for the Let's Talk Family Enterprise podcast.

[1:21] Steve shares his favourite takeaways and how what we see in general culture tends to be far from correct when it comes to addiction from episode #64 on addiction with Jeffrey Foote.

[4:01] Aileen talks about how the "Owner's Mindset" has now made it into her own practice from episode #65 on Ownership with Barbara Dartt.

[8:47] The distinction between Frankenstein and Frankenstein's monster, creating a vision, and the 10 domains, from episode #68 on collaboration and cooperation with Cindy Radu.

[14:00] Aileen and Steve share their favourite moments, ranging from the multiple hats advisors have to wear to what it means to work FOR a system from episode #69 with Roger Schwarz.

[18:01] The relationship kids develop with money can evolve poorly if it isn't managed. Steve and Aileen share their favourite insights from episode #70 with Mark Shiller.

[22:26] The difference between an abundance and a scarcity mindset, over- and under-functioning when parenting adult children, and more from episode #71 with Alyson Schafer.

[28:05] Aileen and Steve thank listeners for their continued support and close this episode with well wishes for the coming year and an invitation to sign up for Symposium, which will be held May 25‒27 in Vancouver, BC.

If you enjoyed today's episode, you can subscribe to Let's Talk Family Enterprise on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast apps. Please remember to share this episode with family, friends, and colleagues. Share your thoughts with us at [email protected].

Mentioned in this episode

Symposium 2026

Episode #64 with Jeffrey Foote — Getting Beyond Addiction in Enterprising Families

Episode #65 with Barbara Dartt — "Owning" Ownership with Barbara Dartt

Episode #68 with Cindy Radu — Stop Frankesteining It

Episode #69 with Roger Schwarz — The Skilled Facilitator

Episode #70 with Mark Shiller — How Not to Ruin Your Kids With Money

Episode #71 with Alyson Schafer — Parenting Adult Children in Family Business

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Host Aileen Miziolek speaks with Dr. Tamara Rosier about how ADHD can show up in adults and the common misconceptions that can shape family enterprise dynamics. They explore how traits such as emotional dysregulation, risk-taking and divergent thinking influence communication, trust and generational roles within enterprising families. Dr. Rosier also shares practical ways to design systems that support neurodivergent minds, and highlights the value of coaching and self-awareness in helping families work more effectively together.

All views, information, and opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Family Enterprise Canada.

Guest bio

Dr. Tamara Rosier is a captivating and highly regarded speaker, widely recognized as a leading authority on ADHD and neurodiversity. Her signature blend of warmth, humor, and practical wisdom transforms complex concepts into relatable, actionable insights that resonate with diverse audiences.

As the founder of the ADHD Center of West Michigan, Dr. Rosier has dedicated her career to empowering individuals, families, and organizations to embrace the unique strengths of ADHD. Drawing on her rich professional background as a college administrator, professor, leadership consultant, high school teacher, business owner, and ADHD coach, she offers invaluable insights into how ADHD shapes and impacts daily life.

You can learn more about Tamara Rosier on LinkedIn and on her website.

Key Takeaways

[:26] Aileen Miziolek welcomes Dr. Tamara Rosier and asks her to share a little bit about what ADHD is and some common misconceptions around adult ADHD.

[3:54] Dr. Tamara nerds out for a minute explaining the role of the frontal cortex and the missing inner butler when it comes to ADHD.

[7:05] For all our listeners who don't have ADHD, be cool! Dr. Tamara explains emotional dysregulation.

[10:16] ADHDers tend to be risk takers and hunters, and in the maintenance phase of a business, this can cause friction.

[12:15] Dr. Tamara breaks down the effects of ADHD on different family business generations.

[15:45] Neurodiversity is diversity! Dr. Tamara explains the benefits — and pitfalls — of divergent thinking and how it can affect family system trust.

[20:07] Dr. Tamara shares how she addresses how to work without naming the elephant in the room.

[23:11] How to design a system that will benefit neurodivergent minds.

[24:50] Challenging roles for ADHDers? They can do anything, as long as they get to know themselves.

[31:04] The role of ADHD coaching in family systems.

[33:23] Dr. Tamara's resources for advisors and families working with ADHD.

[35:07] Aileen thanks Dr. Tamara Rosier for sharing so much of her knowledge, and closes this episode by reminding listeners to rate and subscribe.

If you enjoyed today's episode, you can subscribe to Let's Talk Family Enterprise on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast apps. Please remember to share this episode with family, friends, and colleagues. Share your thoughts with us at [email protected].

Mentioned in this episode

Your Brain's Not Broken: Strategies for Navigating Your Emotions and Life with ADHD, by Tamara Rosier, PhD

You, Me, and Our ADHD Family: Practical Steps to Cultivate Healthy Relationships, by Tamara Rosier, PhD

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Host Steve Legler speaks with Michelle Osry about how families need to deal with both complicated issues that require specific solutions, as well as complex challenges that require different skills to navigate to help the family make progress. They discuss the challenges in getting both advisors and families to understand these distinctions and find ways to work on having each family's best outcome emerge from co-creation. Guest bio

Michelle Osry works with family enterprises and offices on governance and generational transition. She draws from a broad experience and range of disciplines and practices, blending systems thinking with traditional consulting frameworks, to help families navigate the complexities of wealth and family dynamics.

Before co-founding A&O Partners in 2023, Michelle was a partner at Deloitte Canada. She has been a Board member of Family Enterprise Canada since 2018 and is an instructor in their Family Enterprise Advisor program.

You can learn more about Michelle Osry on LinkedIn and the FEA website.

Key Takeaways

[:26] Steve Legler welcomes Michelle Osry and asks her to share a bit about how she became interested in the difference between complicated and complex.

[3:33] Michelle explains how planning a very complicated event led her to discover how roleplay could facilitate an understanding of complex situations.

[7:25] Experiencing unpredictability is part and parcel of understanding complex systems.

[8:44] FEA training is very technical and can lead to predictions that can easily be upended in a complex system.

[12:20] Michelle shares an overview of Theory U by Otto Scharmer and how it applies to advisors.

[14:13] Michelle shares an example of helping a family do their best thinking together, from a recent interaction with an FEA.

[18:55] There are many ways the facilitator helps families; Michelle shares a noticing tip for advisors.

[21:24] Michelle talks about sharing your feelings with a family as an advisor and offers another tool to use before and after meetings to help families get into a flow state.

[25:55] Instead of just looking at a screen, when describing a family organization, have the family members stand in their place!

[27:13] What Michelle has noticed in the evolution of her work with families, and how AI is affecting her practice.

[29:15] Michelle shares her book suggestion and her advice for advisors.

[33:36] Steve thanks Michelle Osry for sharing her insights, and closes this episode by reminding listeners to rate and subscribe.

If you enjoyed today's episode, you can subscribe to Let's Talk Family Enterprise on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast apps. Please remember to share this episode with family, friends, and colleagues. Share your thoughts with us at [email protected].

Mentioned in this episode

The Ten Domains of Family Wealth

Johari window

The essentials of theory U - PRESENCING: 7 Practices for Transforming Self, Society, and Business, by Otto Scharmer

Unleash Your Complexity Genius: Growing Your Inner Capacity to Lead, by Jennifer Garvey Berger and Carolyn Coughlin

We Can Do This! 10 Tools to Unleash Our Collective Genius, by Kate Sutherland

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Aileen Miziolek hosts an in-depth conversation with Alyson Schafer, an acclaimed author and Adlerian family counsellor. In this thoughtful 30-minute episode, they touch on issues around over- and under-functioning children, why the notion of fair vs. equal in childhood can impact long-term family business dynamics, and how tackling the unique challenges of enterprising families requires maturity, open-mindedness and an understanding that sometimes personal responsibility is the only path forward.

All views, information, and opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Family Enterprise Canada.

Guest bio

Alyson Schafer is one of Canada's leading parenting experts. She promotes a firm but friendly "democratic parenting" style and offers practical solutions backed by extensive evidence-based research. Alyson is an Adlerian family counsellor, author, and internationally acclaimed expert who empowers families by sharing her principles, rules, and tools for raising co-operative and resilient kids.

You can learn more about Alyson Schafer on her website and LinkedIn.

Key Takeaways

[0:26] Aileen Miziolek welcomes Alyson Schafer and asks her to share about her experience with family business dynamics.

[3:01] Understanding the notion of fair vs. equal is a large part of how a family orients itself. Alyson explains how the abundance and scarcity models may influence how this manifests.

[6:48] While intergenerational patterns are real, there is always hope for change when there is maturity and open-mindedness.

[10:36] Family businesses do not have the freedom of relative anonymity in the workplace: family tensions can easily translate into business tensions.

[12:52] Personal responsibility is required for change. Alyson offers a dance metaphor to illustrate that the "other" doesn't always need to start the process.

[15:15] Children differentiate to stop competition. Alyson warns against bean-counting to prevent under-functioning.

[20:46] Alyson shares tips to manage over- and under-functioning in any given system.

[23:34] Co-leading siblings is possible, but will require strong buy-in, well-defined roles and responsibilities, and generational support.

[26:15] Solving problems at the parent level is usually the fastest way to power change.

[27:29] North America is singular in its propensity to cut off family members!

[29:43] Links to Alyson Schafer's contact, podcast, and books can be found in the links below.

[31:11] Aileen thanks Alyson Schafer for sharing so much of her knowledge, and closes this episode by reminding listeners to rate and subscribe.

If you enjoyed today's episode, you can subscribe to Let's Talk Family Enterprise on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast apps. Please remember to share this episode with family, friends, and colleagues. Share your thoughts with us at [email protected].

Mentioned in this episode

Alyson Schafer's Podcast: Parenting The Adlerian Way

Ain't Misbehavin': Tactics for Tantrums, Meltdowns, Bedtime Blues and Other Perfectly Normal Kid Behaviors, by Alyson Schafer

Honey, I Wrecked the Kids: When Yelling, Screaming, Threats, Bribes, Time-outs, Sticker Charts and Removing Privileges All Don't Work, by Alyson Schafer

Breaking The Good Mom Myth, by Alyson Schafer

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Steve Legler speaks with U.S. estate planning attorney Mark Shiller about his book, How to NOT Ruin Your Kids With Money: Navigating the Challenges of Transitioning Wealth in Families. Together, they discuss issues around character, competence, and capacity, the maturation process, and the uniqueness of each family member, with lots of useful tidbits for parents and rising generation family members along the way.

All views, information, and opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Family Enterprise Canada.

Guest bio

Mark A. Shiller has been a practicing estate and business succession attorney and wealth consultant for over 20 years. He works with individuals, couples, and families in connection with their estate, tax, and business planning. His clients are typically business owners, professionals, and senior executives who appreciate his thoughtful and creative approaches to their often complicated personal, tax, and financial planning challenges.

He is a Fellow of the American College of Trusts and Estates Counsel, former Chair of the Board of Governors of the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of the State Bar of Wisconsin, Past President of the Milwaukee Estate Planning Forum, and Past Chair of the Estate and Trust Law Section of the Milwaukee Bar Association. Mark also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Wisconsin Law School for four years, teaching a course on estate and business planning for the privately-held enterprise.

You can learn more about Mark Shiller on his website and LinkedIn.

Key Takeaways

[:26] Steve Legler welcomes Mark Shiller and asks him to share about the process that took him through to writing his book.

[3:48] The minority, maturation, and maturity needs of any person impact their relationships with others and wealth; Marc shares an anecdote.

[6:16] Wealth magnifies and reveals character; money can enable people to do damage.

[8:08] Mark explains why resisting the urge to "fix it for them" is important when it comes to advising families.

[12:08] Mark's allowance system and how it both worked and failed.

[14:52] Money conversations shouldn't be all or nothing; raising kids is a process.

[16:34] What's the purpose of apple trees?

[19:02] The definition of success as a parent shouldn't be an imposition; involving the upcoming generation is a requirement of a continued legacy.

[21:44] Modelling as a way of ensuring success.

[22:47] On Al, Brittany and Carl, and the difference between value and virtue.

[26:45] The danger zone and some tips on how to navigate it best, according to Mark.

[29:32] Mark's book recommendation and advice for advisors.

[32:13] Steve thanks Mark Shiller for sharing his wisdom, and closes this episode by reminding listeners to rate and subscribe.

If you enjoyed today's episode, you can subscribe to Let's Talk Family Enterprise on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast apps. Please remember to share this episode with family, friends, and colleagues. Share your thoughts with us at [email protected].

Mentioned in this episode

How to Not Ruin Your Kids with Money: Navigating the Challenges of Transitioning Wealth in Families, by Mark Shiller

How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen, by David Brooks

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In this episode, Aileen Miziolek speaks with renowned facilitator and author Roger Schwarz about the critical roles facilitators and consultants play—especially in complex systems like family enterprises. Roger explores how mutual learning, clear boundaries and transparency can elevate the value professionals bring to their clients, offering practical insights and tools for navigating advisory roles with compassion and clarity.

All views, information, and opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Family Enterprise Canada.

Guest bio

Roger M. Schwarz, PhD, is an organizational psychologist and president and CEO of Roger Schwarz & Associates. For more than forty years, he has helped leadership teams and organizations achieve strong performance, solid working relationships, and individual well-being. His work is grounded in the premise that creating fundamental, systemic, and sustainable change requires that individuals, teams, and the larger organization change the mindset that guides their behaviour.

You can learn more about Roger M. Schwarz on LinkedIn and the Roger Schwarz and Associates website.

Key Takeaways

[2:03] Aileen Miziolek welcomes Roger M. Schwarz and asks him to share a little bit about his background.

[4:10] Roger starts off sharing the proper definition of a facilitator, and more importantly, what they cannot be.

[6:28] The facilitator and consultant roles intersect and give rise to different possible titles. For Roger, it boils down to one question: What value do you bring to the client?

[9:31] Roger underscores the more obvious traps of the facilitative consultant with a few examples.

[12:06] The decision of which role to play is fraught with challenges, and the first may be a conversation with your client.

[16:31] Engaging a system without becoming enmeshed is critical. Roger talks about boundaries and becoming a mirror.

[18:38] Roger explains the unilateral control approach and mutual learning.

[21:38] The five core values of mutual learning.

[24:24] Roger shares the chess versus puzzle analogy.

[25:40] Many facilitators and consultants often get stuck. Roger offers that they try the transparency test.

[28:42] The role compassion plays in facilitating.

[31:34] Roger tackles an issue he is passionate about: the use of agendas! Or rather, using the purpose and process method.

[34:31] The purpose and process are established right before a meeting, but not so early as to become the meeting itself!

[37:05] Roger shares the story of a good and a bad facilitation.

[44:02] Roger shares who his books are for as well as some of the services and resources his office provides.

[45:55] Aileen thanks Roger Schwarz for sharing so much of his knowledge, and closes this episode by reminding listeners to rate and subscribe.

If you enjoyed today's episode, you can subscribe to Let's Talk Family Enterprise on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast apps. Please remember to share this episode with family, friends, and colleagues. Share your thoughts with us at [email protected].

Mentioned in this episode

Venesa Vasilakeris from McQuaig.com on building better teams.

Smart Leaders, Smarter Teams: How You and Your Team Get Unstuck to Get Results, by Roger M. Schwarz

The Skilled Facilitator: A Comprehensive Resource for Consultants, Facilitators, Coaches, and Trainers, by Roger M. Schwarz

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Join host Steve Legler for a video episode with guest Cindy Radu, recorded at the 2025 Family Business Symposium right after Cindy's session, which she conducted for a room full of attendees. Together, they discuss the challenges of professional collaboration when working with families, and highlight just how important it is for the families we serve so they don't end up having to deal with a "scary monster."

All views, information, and opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Family Enterprise Canada.

Guest bio

Cindy Radu has had the privilege of supporting families globally through the intricate journey of wealth transition for over 30 years. Working collaboratively with existing advisors, her purpose is to integrate across disciplines to develop and implement effective governance structures, support families in their family and enterprise succession planning, and prepare the rising generation to be confident in their roles and responsibilities as wealth inheritors.

Her approach to family wealth transition is a unique blend of in-depth technical expertise and a deep understanding of how family dynamics can preserve legacies and strengthen bonds across generations.

You can learn more about Cindy Radu on LinkedIn and the Radu Family Wealth Transition website.

Key Takeaways

[0:26] Jodi Butts, Partner at Watson Board Advisors in partnership with Compensation Governance Partners, invites you to complete their 2025 Private Company Director Compensation Survey.

[1:46] Steve Legler and Cindy Radu are in person at The Family Business Symposium 2025. This episode is a nice recap of Cindy's session and an idea of what to look forward to for the Symposium 2026 in Vancouver.

[2:50] Frankenstein and his monster; Cindy breaks down how siloed projects show up in enterprising families and foster overall disconnection.

[6:02] From cooperation to collaboration, how The Ten Domains of Family Wealth model facilitates a shift that generates cohesion.

[7:09] Steve mentions Episode #29, 10 Domains of Family Wealth, featuring Dr. Jim Grubman.

[7:23] Cindy explains what the Ten Domains of Family Wealth are.

[9:03] Why is the monster's heart so teeny tiny? Cindy explains what the new role of the integrated wealth advisor can do about it.

[10:08] Steve mentions a previously shared article, The Rise of the Integrated Advisor, by Tom McCullough.

[11:24] Getting families involved requires building awareness; the Symposium involving both families and advisors is a nice step.

[12:59] The fear of opening a can of worms is often the primary reason why family leaders don't ask the tough questions.

[14:39] How litigation expenses factor into this within a demographic bubble of wealth transition. Cindy lists all the things that could go wrong.

[16:52] Steve mentions Episode #50, Wealth 3.0, featuring Jim Grubman, Dennis Jaffe and Kristin Keffeler.

[17:00] When it comes to wealth 3.0, how do we stop Frankenstein-ing it? Cindy talks about raising awareness, but more importantly, taking the ten domains model to the next level.

[18:26] Getting someone who understands legal documents to review them is critical to avoiding painful outcomes.

[19:28] How to approach delicate conversations when it comes to families and their advisor relationships.

[21:20] If you had asked, you would have learned something!

[22:29] Cindy advocates for having the people affected by the will brought up to speed and equipped to understand.

[23:52] No two families — or family members — are ever the same, and all services need to be tailored as such.

[26:52] Cindy's piece of advice for advisors.

[28:20] Steve thanks Cindy Radu for sharing her experience and wisdom, and closes this episode by reminding listeners to rate and subscribe.

If you enjoyed today's episode, you can subscribe to Let's Talk Family Enterprise on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast apps. Please remember to share this episode with family, friends, and colleagues. Share your thoughts with us at [email protected].

Mentioned in this episode

Jodi Butts, Partner at Watson Board Advisors in partnership with Compensation Governance Partners, invites family business leaders to complete their 2025 Private Company Director Compensation Survey.

The Ten Domains of Family Wealth with Cindy Radu and Dr. James Grubman, Ph.D

Let's Talk Family Enterprise, Episode 29: 10 Domains of Family Wealth, with Dr. James Grubman

Let's Talk Family Enterprise, Episode 50: Wealth 3.0, with Kristin Keffeler, Dennis Jaffe, and Dr. James Grubman

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Host Aileen Miziolek sits down with Philip Marcovici to explore long-term wealth continuity, the pitfalls of tax policy and how enterprising families can avoid common traps while building meaningful legacies.

All views, information, and opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Family Enterprise Canada.

Guest bio

Philip Marcovici is retired from the practice of law and consults with governments, financial institutions, and global families in relation to tax, wealth management, and other matters. An area of focus for Philip relates to the many issues faced by wealth and business-owning families, including governance approaches and the trust, partnership, and other structures used in the ownership of family assets. He is on the boards of several entities within the wealth management industry, as well as entities within family succession and philanthropic structures.

You can learn more about Philip Marcovici on his website and LinkedIn.

Key Takeaways

[:26] Aileen Miziolek welcomes Phillip Marcovici and asks him to explain how he came to jump into the wealth management industry.

[6:40] Philip touches on what continuity means for a family of wealth, and what is required for it to be achieved.

[8:54] Sometimes the beginning requires one to think about the destination; Philip explains how the Theory of Change can help guide such a reflection.

[10:53] Tax law is complex and emotionally charged. Philp points out where governments make critical mistakes in creating further wealth within their economies. He shares an example from his book.

[13:52] Philip offers advice for governments in the face of today's ever-changing policies.

[16:21] Circular economy principles are easily transferable to family wealth management. Philip discusses waiting resources, human or otherwise.

[20:19] What advantages the "revolving door" feeling brings for enterprising families in transition.

[21:28] Communication with your wealth is not a good strategy. Philip explains why and how those trappings can lead to stalling the upcoming generation well into adulthood.

[24:34] Philip touches on how families can begin the exercise of planning for the long term for a collective. He offers real-world examples to illustrate his ideas.

[28:36] Does wealth destroy families and relationships? Philip offers a nuanced perspective.

[30:18] What gives Philip hope in governance, both political and within families.

[31:41] Philip offers his advice for families looking to project into the far future when it comes to governments.

[34:34] Aileen thanks Philip Marcovici for sharing his expertise and closes this episode by reminding listeners to rate and subscribe.

If you enjoyed today's episode, you can subscribe to Let's Talk Family Enterprise on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast apps. Please remember to share this episode with family, friends, and colleagues. Share your thoughts with us at [email protected].

Mentioned in this episode

The Family Business Symposium 2025: Navigating the Calm and the Storm in Family Business, May 26 to 28 in Halifax, Nova Scotia

The Transformative Power of Family Wealth: Helping Families and their Communities Capture its Regenerative Potential, by Philip Marcovici

The Destructive Power of Family Wealth: A Guide to Succession Planning, Asset Protection, Taxation and Wealth Management, by Philip Marcovici

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Host Steve Legler speaks with Dan Doty, an executive and wilderness guide, about his upcoming session at Family Enterprise Canada's Symposium in Halifax. Together, they discuss the challenges that fathers face when leading a business and a family, and how the roles and expectations of fathers are rapidly evolving.

All views, information, and opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Family Enterprise Canada.

Guest bio

Dan Doty is a writer, wilderness guide, men's work leader, and somatic meditation teacher, and has helped to instigate and lead a part of the current global men's movement. Most comfortable in nature, he is committed to practicing and sharing work that brings wildness and love into the open. A three-time guest on the Joe Rogan Experience, Dan has spent substantial time as a wilderness therapy guide and an inner-city high school teacher, and directed and produced over 50 episodes of the hit hunting show MeatEater.

He has two young sons and a baby daughter, is in love with his wife and living very close to the land, near the sea, where life is quiet and beautiful.

You can learn more about Dan Doty on the Dan Doty website.

Key Takeaways

[:26] Steve Legler welcomes Dan Doty and asks him to share what audiences can expect from him at Symposium.

[3:19] Dan explains why and how he wants to open up the conversation on fatherhood in family business and how his background set the stage for centralizing the father's role.

[5:33] How the unseen wall between father and son can be broken down has been central to Dan's career; he speaks to the profound experience reconnection provides.

[8:05] An imbalance between doing and being has led to a loss of connection in most men.

[11:09] Becoming self-aware may be remarkably fast but developing the lexicon to talk about it is a longer endeavour.

[12:52] From one-on-one to group work, Dan breaks down how he works with fathers, sons, and men as well as organisations.

[16:47] Sometimes what is required is a safe space, stripped of expectation, for two people to reconnect on a personal level, as humans.

[18:46] Working in the family business space is very complex, and working on a case-by-case basis remains the best way to peel back the layers and find connection.

[20:41] Dan shares how masculinity and fatherhood are going through a wonderful evolution and today offers so much opportunity.

[23:19] Evolution can stun previous generations, but the good news is that all relationships are workable.

[24:56] Everyone is welcome, not just men!

[26:13] Dan's hope for his session at Symposium.

[28:17] Dan shares his reading recommendation as well as his advice for fathers everywhere.

[30:07] Steve Legler thanks Dan Doty for sharing his expertise and closes this episode by reminding listeners to rate and subscribe.

If you enjoyed today's episode, you can subscribe to Let's Talk Family Enterprise on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast apps. Please remember to share this episode with family, friends, and colleagues. Share your thoughts with us at [email protected].

Mentioned in this episode

The Family Business Symposium 2025: Navigating the Calm and the Storm in Family Business, May 26 to 28 in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Adam's Return: The Five Promises of Male Initiation, by Richard Rohr

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In our 65th episode, Aileen Miziolek sits down with ownership expert and co-author of Own It!: How to Develop a Family Enterprise Owner's Mindset at Every Age, Barbara Dartt, to ask her how she started and grew her career in the family business consulting world, what being an owner of a family enterprise can mean and the different roles that owners often have to navigate in their ownership journey.

All views, information, and opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Family Enterprise Canada.

Guest bio

Barbara Dartt has more than 20 years' experience helping individuals and family groups grapple with the joys and challenges that are a natural part of families owning and managing businesses together. As a principal consultant for FBCG, Barb helps families get aligned, anticipate and prevent future challenges, and communicate effectively to grow their businesses.

Growing up, Barb watched her grandfather and father provide educational extension services to family-owned farms. Her interest in serving farm families led her to study veterinary medicine, receiving her doctoral degree from Michigan State University in 1996. In 1998, Barb earned a master's degree in Agricultural Economics at MSU where she worked as a graduate research assistant, and then as a Farm Business Management Specialist.

You can learn more about Barbara Dartt on the Family Business Consulting Group website.

Key Takeaways

[0:26] Aileen Miziolek welcomes Barbara Dartt and asks her to share how she came to a career in the family business consulting world.

[4:49] Regardless of the industry, the need for ownership development tends to sneak up on families; Barbara explains how that evolution can take place.

[9:40] Both operating and non-operating ownership can become complex and challenging, but non-operating ownership is not for everyone.

[11:12] Highly expert industries can evolve beyond their owners' knowledge base so creating a team for strategic ownership is critical. Barbara explains a good perspective and a few non-negotiables to guide ownership development.

[17:00] Patient capital as a quantifiable way to measure the return on time and energy.

[18:45] The owners' mindset, beliefs, and behaviors chart is one of the many tools provided in the book; Barbara shares her favorite.

[24:42] Barbara breaks down the common symptoms of underdeveloped ownership and what to do to prevent it.

[27:56] Generation friction can also be an issue when it comes to ownership, Barbara shares her experience with intergenerational cohorts and how their different perspectives affect what feels important to them.

[30:24] Barabara offers what advisory structure she would provide for proper ownership development.

[33:20] Aileen Miziolek thanks Barbara Dartt for sharing her expertise and closes this episode by reminding listeners to rate and subscribe.

If you enjoyed today's episode, you can subscribe to Let's Talk Family Enterprise on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast apps. Please remember to share this episode with family, friends, and colleagues. Share your thoughts with us at [email protected].

Mentioned in this episode

The Family Business Symposium 2025: Navigating the Calm and the Storm in Family Business, May 26 to 28 in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Own It!: How to Develop a Family Enterprise Owner's Mindset at Every Age, by Wendy Sage-Hayward, Gaia Marchisio, and Barbara Dartt

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