Join Aileen Miziolek as she sits down with Sandy Pollack, author of Don’t Leave a Mess and expert in values-based legacy planning, and Annie Stoneburgh, Death Doula and geriatric care specialist, to discuss the intersection of estate planning, family business transitions and end-of-life care. Discover how open, meaningful conversations can help families navigate these sensitive topics and create a lasting legacy.

Welcome to Let’s Talk Family Enterprise, a podcast that explores the ideas, concepts, and models that best serve Family Enterprise Advisors in supporting their clients.

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

Sandy Pollack, CFP, CLU, TEP, FEA, MFA-P founded Trimaran Advisory Group, a firm that goes beyond traditional business and estate planning. She has built an advisory firm based on the understanding that each family business has its own unique set of values and issues. Serving as Principal and Lead Financial Advisor, Sandy advocates for values-based legacy planning — believing that building wealth, and managing wealth are not the same thing.

You can learn more about Sandy Pollack on her LinkedIn and the Trimaran Advisory Group website.

Annie Stoneburgh is the founder of the 2 Steps Ahead consultancy and a professor at George Brown College. She leverages her expertise and passion to raise awareness and educate others on the psychosocial aspects of caring for older adults. Her 30-year career has spanned the entire continuum of geriatric care including Independent Community-based Living, Retirement, and Long-Term Care to Palliative Care.

You can learn more about Annie Stoneburgh on her LinkedIn.

Key Takeaways

[:26] Aileen Miziolek welcomes Sandy Pollack, financial and family business transition advisor, and Annie Stoneburgh, Professor at Gorge Brown College and Death Doula to discuss a delicate subject.

[1:47] Sandy explains what drove her to write her book Don’t Leave a Mess.

[3:31] Annie shares how her path led her to study end-of-life care and how she became a Death Doula.

[7:41] The archeology analogy Sandy uses to explain how she approaches and structures estate planning discussions with families.

[11:21] Meeting a family for the first time implies one difficult request from Annie and how hope changes as conversations progress.

[17:06] The advisor’s mindset and their tendency to “silo” can impact end-of-life conversations. Sandy offers ways of digging into deeper conversations.

[20:18] Aileen shares a personal story about navigating the end of her husband’s life and working with a Death Doula.

[23:34] What being the “what if” means for Annie and why leaving your career at the door when it comes to caregiving in end-of-life is critical.

[29:17] Communication (times 3), expectations, and agreement are the key aspects of having a smooth-running family system, especially in the context of a family business transition.

[32:52] The important role facilitators play in processing change.

[34:18] Annie and Sandy share their advice for advisors as well as some reading recommendations.

[38:36] Aileen Miziolek thanks Sandy Pollack and Annie Stoneburgh for sharing so much of their 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

Don’t Leave a Mess!: How to Disaster-Proof Your Family Legacy, by Sandy Pollack

Hope for the Best, Plan for the Rest: 7 Keys for Navigating a Life-Changing Diagnosis, by Samantha Winemaker and Dr. Hsien Seow

More about Family Enterprise Canada

Family Enterprise Canada

FEC on Facebook

FEC on Twitter

FEC on LinkedIn

Welcome to Let’s Talk Family Enterprise, a podcast that explores the ideas, concepts, and models that best serve Family Enterprise Advisors in supporting their clients.

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.

In our latest episode, Host Steve Legler speaks with recently arrived CEO of Family Enterprise Canada, Steve Beauchesne, to discuss the organization's evolution through the merger, COVID and what's ahead for our community.

Guest bio

Steve Beauchesne

Steve is no stranger to the family enterprise world. His journey with his father, from creating Beau’s, a leading craft brewery, to spearheading charitable initiatives, showcases his exceptional leadership and commitment to making a difference.

Steve’s vision for FEC and FEF revolves around empowering our members with valuable resources and a strong community support system. His track record of visionary leadership, strategic planning, and impactful communication promises to elevate our mission to new heights.

You can learn more about Steve Beauchesne on his LinkedIn and the Family Enterprise Canada website.

Key Takeaways

[:26] Steve Legler welcomes Steve Beauchesne and asks him to share his first experience with Family Enterprise Canada as a former Family Enterprise of the Year Award recipient.

[3:17] Steve talks about MCing and how he has enjoyed connecting with people in the community. 

[5:48] From the two constituents of Family Enterprise Canada to the future ahead, Steve shares his vision for getting back to basics and getting some wind into FEC's sails.

[10:22] The impact stories and venting Steve has heard over the past months are great ways to set guide posts and indicate how truly passionate people are about FEC.

[13:27] New members are looking to find advisors, and FEAs are looking for collaborators; the future is about getting the right people connected.

[16:13] Steve doesn’t see finding opportunities as his challenge as CEO. The opportunities are there!

[18:08] Why Steve applied and how he is expecting to effect change.

[20:48] Steve is taking the full FEA course to attain a few specific goals, he explains how he thinks it will help guide him as CEO.

[23:25] The importance of learning before doing, but also champing at the bit!

[26:36] Steve’s thoughts on the team that surrounds him.

[27:51] Steve asks Steve to share one surprising thing about himself as well as one of his aspirations for the organisation.

[28:49] Steve Legler thanks Steve Beauchesne for sharing his passion and 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

Audio Visceral

More about Family Enterprise Canada

Family Enterprise Canada

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Host Steve Legler speaks with Cathy Carroll, author of Hug of War: How to Lead a Family Business with Both Love and Logic. Together, they take a deep look at using the lens of Polarity Thinking to help family businesses work through many of the challenges they face, as well as how FEAs can use this tool to become better resources to their client families.

Welcome to Let’s Talk Family Enterprise, a podcast that explores the ideas, concepts, and models that best serve Family Enterprise Advisors in supporting their clients.

 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

Cathy Carroll Cathy Carroll grew up in a family business and enjoyed a 20-year corporate career before leading her father’s manufacturing business. Before founding Legacy Onward, Inc., Cathy led Pro Equine Group as President and COO. She held executive positions at United Airlines and Sabre and has an MBA from the University of Chicago and a BA from Boston College. Legacy Onward is dedicated to helping leaders in family businesses thrive.

 You can learn more about Cathy Carroll on her LinkedIn and the Legacy Onward website.

 Key Takeaways

[:26] Steve Legler welcomes Cathy Carroll to the podcast and asks her to share what led her to work as an executive coach to enterprising families.

 [4:30] Cathy explains the basics of polarity thinking, using an inhale/exhale analogy.

 [5:56] From “should” to “how,” polarity thinking can reframe any leadership positioning.

 [7:30] Turning advisors into superheroes, Cathy shares how the 4-quadrant mapping system can reduce conflict during decision-making.

 [9:50] How to get people in agreement to reframe questions without compromise.

 [11:26] Emphasizing the possibility of change is a great way to get people aligned.

 [11:59] Tackling the reveal/conceal tension of estate plans.

 [14:16] Task conflict versus relationship conflict and the tools to manage both, Cathy shares a quick mnemonic device (A.L.I.G.N.) to manage task conflict.

 [18:50] Relationship conflicts can be very destructive and must be addressed. Cathy shares her 5-step Play Fair (P.F.A.I.R.) process.

 [22:37] Whether you’re a coach, a facilitator, or an advisor, practice makes perfect!

 [25:31] Building tension to lead to the juicy morcels delivered in the very last chapters of Cathy’s book.

 [28:08] Helping families see the bigger picture.

 [30:35] Cathy’s reading recommendations and advice for advisors.

 [32:42] Steve Legler thanks Cathy Carroll 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

Hug of War: How to Lead a Family Business with Both Love and Logic, by Cathy Carroll

Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know, by Adam Grant

Family Business as Paradox, by Amy Schuman, Stacy Stutz, and John L. Ward

Polarity Intelligence: The Missing Logic in Leadership, by Dr. Tracy Christopherson and Michelle Troseth

More about Family Enterprise Canada

Family Enterprise Canada

FEC on Facebook

FEC on Twitter

FEC on LinkedIn

In this episode, Aileen Miziolek talks with bestselling author and award-winning speaker, Dr. Thomas Deans, about the impact of mental health on intergenerational wealth transfers and how it led him to write his new book, The Happy Inheritor: How Successful Families Prepare Heirs and Transfer Wealth.

Welcome to Let’s Talk Family Enterprise, a podcast that explores the ideas, concepts, and models that best serve Family Enterprise Advisors in supporting their clients.

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

Tom Deans Dr. Thomas William Deans is the author of the all-time best-selling family business book, Every Family’s Business, listed by The New York Times as One of the Top Ten Books Business Owners Should Read. He followed that book with another international best-seller, Willing Wisdom, and his third book, The Happy Inheritor. He speaks full-time on the international lecture circuit.

Having delivered more than 2000 keynotes in 28 countries on four continents, Dr. Deans has built an international reputation as a thought leader on transitioning family wealth.

You can learn more about Tom Deans on his website and LinkedIn.

Key Takeaways

[:26] Aileen Miziolek welcomes Tom Deans to the podcast and asks him to share what led him to write his latest book, The Happy Inheritor.

[5:12] Dr. Deans shares his frustration around inaction when it comes to succession planning and what personality disorders might have to do with it.

[7:15] The one personality disorder that may spell business success might also cause serious family trouble.

[9:40] Personality disorders are a spectrum, and everyone exhibits some disordered traits.

[12:27] Dr. Deans shares how families can address succession head-on to avoid surprises and some warning signs to watch.

[16:48] What a facilitator can do to help families and why family advisors might want to get them involved early.

[21:00] Family meetings and advisors aren’t only for the centi-millionaires anymore.

[23:08] What cognitive dissonance is and how it paralyzes people’s decision-making process.

[28:00] Succession stress goes both ways and the next generation has a price to pay.

[31:47] Dr. Dean’s advice for advisors.

[36:34] Aileen Miziolek thanks Dr. Tom Deans 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

The Happy Inheritor: How Successful Families Prepare Heirs and Transition Wealth, by Dr. Thomas William Deans

More about Family Enterprise Canada

Family Enterprise Canada

FEC on Facebook

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Host Steve Legler speaks with Professor Pramodita Sharma about sustainability and how family enterprises are uniquely placed to take advantage of business trends in this area. Pramodita shares inspiring stories based on her research, and points family businesses and their advisors into some promising directions.

Welcome to Let’s Talk Family Enterprise, a podcast that explores the ideas, concepts, and models that best serve Family Enterprise Advisors in supporting their clients.

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

Pramodita Sharma is the Schlesinger-Grossman Chair of Family Business at the Grossman School of Business, University of Vermont. She is a Research Fellow at the Thomas Schmidheiny Center for Family Enterprise at the Indian School of Business, and an advisory board member of the Jönköping International Business School (JIBS), Sweden. Among the highest-cited scholars in family business studies, her research on succession, governance, innovation, next-generation commitment, entrepreneurial leadership, and sustainability in/by family enterprises has appeared in journals like the Academy of Management Learning & Education, Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, Family Business Review, Journal of Business Ethics, and Journal of Business Venturing, among others. Experiences and close interactions with her own family’s enterprises help keep her professional work grounded in the realities and complex dynamics of these fascinating enterprises that dominate the economic and societal landscape around the world.

You can learn more about Pramodita Sharma on the Grossman School of Business at the University of Vermont’s website and LinkedIn.

Key Takeaways

[:26] Steve Legler welcomes Pramodita Sharma and asks her to share an overview of her upcoming lecture at the Family Business Symposium focusing on the meaning of sustainability and the paths we can take to action.

[4:11] Sustainability is a journey that begins with awareness; Pramodita shares what phases come after.

[6:10] Family enterprises have a unique advantage regarding sustainability; the key is in the upcoming generations.

[9:09] Pramodita talks about the pioneering companies already taking advantage of their unique position.

[12:43] Sustainability as an antidote to the pressures of succession.

[15:04] The journey to a purpose-driven life through sustainability business practices.

[16:45] Case studies have proven to be a formidable multi-tool; Pramodita explains how she uses them and where the experience has been richest.

[19:35] Pramodita shares her hope for case studies in Canada and takes a moment to share a personal story.

[23:21] Is there an age or gender to the sustainability charge?

[27:39] The case competitions Pramodita organizes.

[32:20] Pramodita’s reading recommendation and advice for advisors.

[34:33] Steve thanks Pramodita Sharma for sharing her research and 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

The Circular Economy Handbook: Realizing the Circular Advantage, by Peter Lacy, Jessica Long, and Wesley Spindler

Ellen MacArthur Foundation

Museum of Science + Industry Chicago: Extreme Ice Exhibit

The Family Business Symposium will take place on May 27‒29, 2024 in Calgary.

More about Family Enterprise Canada

Family Enterprise Canada

FEC on Facebook

FEC on Twitter

FEC on LinkedIn

In this episode, host Steve Legler speaks with Professor Peter Vogel of IMD Business School to discuss Vogel's recent book, Family Office Navigator. Together, they highlight the critical role advisors can play when business families consider setting up a family office or want to take a fresh look at what they currently have in place.

Welcome to Let’s Talk Family Enterprise, a podcast that explores the ideas, concepts, and models that best serve Family Enterprise Advisors in supporting their clients.

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

Peter Vogel is a Professor of Family Business and Entrepreneurship. As an expert on family enterprises, he leads IMD’s work in this field as Director of the IMD Global Family Business Center and Debiopharm Chair of Family Philanthropy. He works with families, owners, boards, and executives of family enterprises and family offices around the world focusing on transformations, governance, ownership and leadership succession, wealth management, fostering entrepreneurialism and innovation within the system, and establishing professional boards and leadership teams.

You can learn more about Peter Vogel on the IMD website and LinkedIn.

Key Takeaways

[:26] Steve Legler welcomes Peter Vogel and asks him to talk a little bit about how he and his organisation became involved in the family business space.

[3:10] Peter touches on how family enterprises and offices are a worldwide trending challenge.

[5:24] The Navigator concept was built for enterprising families, Peter explains how it eventually grew to be used by advisory positions also.

[9:10] Setting up a family office is a complex process, but it can also be the ecosystem by which families can manage wealth effectively.

[13:00] Keeping in mind that family offices will evolve alongside the families that build them; the focus needs to be on what works for them.

[16:34] When it comes to thinking of family offices, who needs to be at the table?

[19:53] A family office has to be designed to work for the family, Peter explains how the downloadable .pdf framework can help achieve that.

[22:06] From the family office to other models, Peter explains why and how they are branching out into new frameworks.

[25:45] The how of a family office isn’t the starting point and Peter offers how advisors can better guide families through the learning process.

[28:27] Peter talks about the importance of experimenting, learning, and developing best practices for families.

[31:22] Peter shares his book recommendations as well as his advice for advisors.

[35:33] Steve thanks Peter Vogel for sharing so much of 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

Peter’s recommendations:

Harvard Business Review Family Business Handbook: How to Build and Sustain a Successful, Enduring Enterprise, by Josh Baron and Rob Lachenauer

Africa Is Not a Country: Notes on a Bright Continent, by Dipo Faloyin

FEX podcast episode #23: “Family Business Ownership: Four Rooms and Five Rights, with Josh Baron”

The Family Office Navigator: Your Guide to Building a Multigenerational Family Office, by Peter Vogel and Mario Marconi

The Family Business Symposium will take place on May 27‒29, 2024 in Calgary.

More about Family Enterprise Canada

Family Enterprise Canada

FEC on Facebook

FEC on Twitter

FEC on LinkedIn

Ambreen Bhaloo, Family Enterprise Advisor, guest hosts this episode and welcomes Francesco Barbera, Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship and Strategy at The Ted Rogers School of Management for an in-depth discussion on the issue of homogeneity (all family firms are the same) vs. heterogeneity (all family firms are unique). In what ways does family governance lead to greater firm performance? Listen to this episode to find out!

Welcome to Let’s Talk Family Enterprise, a podcast that explores the ideas, concepts, and models that best serve Family Enterprise Advisors in supporting their clients.

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. Francesco Barbera is an Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship and Strategy at The Ted Rogers School of Management at Ryerson University. His teaching and research interests encompass a wide range of topics related to family business, entrepreneurship, small business management, and family business education. Francesco is an international, award-winning author and educator and regularly presents at renowned conferences and workshops.

You can learn more about Dr. Francesco Barbera on the Toronto Metropolitan University School of Management website and on his LinkedIn.

Key Takeaways

[:26] Ambreen Bhaloo welcomes Dr. Francesco Barbera and invites him to share a little bit about his research interests and how they inform family advising.

[5:22] Dr. Barbera explains the importance of heterogeneity research when it comes to family enterprises and what this means for advisors.

[7:50] A recently published research explores how family structures impact the way governance leads to performance, Dr. Francesco shares some of the findings.

[11:07] Dr. Barbera explains what family functioning is and why it affects firm performance.

[16:11] The future of family business research looks heterogeneous; Dr. Francesco shares the areas of study he sees coming up next.

[20:23] Staying up to date on the latest academic knowledge will require work on the family advisor’s part.

[24:00] About Dr. Barbera’s work with the Family Institute.

[27:18] Dr. Francesco Barbera’s advice for advisors.

[27:48] Ambreen thanks Dr. Francesco Barbera for sharing his knowledge and closes this episode by reminding listeners about the upcoming Family Business Symposium held from May 27th to 29th in Calgary, Alberta.

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

“Family governance and firm performance: exploring the intermediate effects of family functioning and competitive advantage”, Francesco Barbera and Tim Hasso, November 2022, Journal of Family Business Management 13(2)

The Family Business Symposium will take place on May 27‒29, 2024 in Calgary.

More about Family Enterprise Canada

Family Enterprise Canada

FEC on Facebook

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FEC on LinkedIn

In this episode, Host and Family Enterprise Advisor, Aileen Miziolek, talks with Purpose & Identity Coach Perry Gladstone about how family businesses benefit from NextGen innovation and creativity while sharing solutions that allow all parties involved to find the agency and support they need to make it happen.

Welcome to Let’s Talk Family Enterprise, a podcast that explores the ideas, concepts, and models that best serve Family Enterprise Advisors in supporting their clients.

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

[:26] Aileen Miziolek welcomes Perry Gladstone, purpose and identity coach, and asks him to share a little bit about his varied entrepreneurial background.

[4:58] Upcoming generations bring many new identities to family enterprises. Perry shares how this affects companies and how to integrate them best.

[7:51] Starting with values exercises is something Perry does not do; he explains his primary focus and why this technique can prevent conflict through trust-building.

[10:51] Perry speaks to the fear everyone carries in times of change and how facilitation fosters the safety of all participants.

[13:03] Individual work cannot be underestimated in strengthening the family enterprise structure.

[15:44] Perry shares what the dreaming together tool does that the value exercise doesn’t.

[17:37] New generations inevitably come with innovation; Perry shares where he has seen the most success in fostering innovative ideas.

[19:34] Tension between two factions can be mitigated by slowing down time and allowing for experimentation.

[21:59] Perry recaps how strength is built in a family system.

[23:13] Perry discusses the role of the third entity as it relates to ownership.

[24:40] Business owners vs. enterprising family; Perry shares how this might be the first thing to address.

[28:24] Perry shares his recommended resources.

[29:58] Aileen thanks Perry for sharing his knowledge and closes this episode by reminding listeners about the upcoming Family Business Symposium held from May 27th to 29th in Calgary.

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

You can contact Perry on his website PerryGladstone.com.

FAST & HOT: How to Open Hearts, Win Minds and Create a Better Life in Business, by Perry Gladstone

Deconstructing conflict: Understanding Family Business Shared Wealth and Power, by Doug Baumoel and Blaire Trippe

The Family Business Symposium will take place on May 27‒29, 2024 in Calgary.

More about Family Enterprise Canada

Family Enterprise Canada

FEC on Facebook

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In their traditional annual “retrospective” episode, hosts Steve Legler and Ruth Steverlynck discuss highlights from some of the episodes that debuted in 2023, hoping to stimulate listeners to re-listen for great content they may have missed the first time.

Welcome to Let’s Talk Family Enterprise, a podcast that explores the ideas, concepts, and models that best serve Family Enterprise Advisors in supporting their clients.

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

[:26] Ruth Steverlynck guest-hosts this 2023 retrospective with host Steve Legler to discuss highlights from some of this year’s best episodes.

[1:23] Episode 50 featured video and guests Jim Grubman, Dennis Jaffe, and Kristin Keffeler, and makes Steve’s must-watch list, Ruth touches on the positive discovery process.

[6:50] Episode 46 was one where Ruth had the absolute pleasure of hosting Jay Hughes, discussing a wide range of topics, the Foundation named in his honor, and the wonderful things that it will be producing.

[11:36] Episode 44 set the stage for a discussion with Coventry Edwards-Pitt on the often-overlooked significance of the prenup. Steve shares his thoughts on what the episode revealed.

[15:40] Episode 47 dove into the work of Dr. Paul Hokemeyer on the unique type of isolation wealth brings along. Ruth shares some of the enlightening thoughts on growth she garnered from this episode.

[21:14] Episode 51 highlighted one of this year’s new guest hosts: Ambreen Bhaloo and her guest Mike Sergeant. Steve and Ruth send some flowers their way.

[24:23] Episode 52 was Aileen Miziolek’s turn to host her first guest Marita Fridjhon, Steve shares how he and Aileen met and why she was chosen as a female voice for the Let's Talk Family Enterprise podcast.

[26:40] Episode 49 was one of Ruth’s favorites; she shares which takeaways and nuggets she still thinks about from David York’s interview.

[30:35] Ruth and Steve share their current favorite resources for 2024.

[33:39] Steve takes a moment to thank Ruth for launching this podcast project, now that she is stepping into different roles, and signs off until 2024.

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 Purposeful Planning Institute

The Wealth of Wisdom Podcast

The Wealth of Wisdom book

Episode 50: Wealth 3.0

Episode 46: In Conversation With Jay Hughes

Episode 44: Prenuptials: Engaged Healthy, Wealthy and Wise

Episode 47: Fragile Power: Why Having Everything Is Never Enough

Episode 51: Communication Dynamics in Business Families

Episode 52: Working With Systemic Change in Family Business

Episode 49: Stewardship for Enterprising Families

More about Family Enterprise Canada

Family Enterprise Canada

FEC on Facebook

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Introduction

Welcome to Let’s Talk Family Enterprise, a podcast that explores the ideas, concepts, and models that best serve Family Enterprise Advisors in supporting their clients.

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.

Description

In this episode, Aileen Miziolek talks with Marita Fridjhon, co-author of System Inspired Leadership: How to Tap Collective Wisdom to Navigate Change, Enhance Agility and Foster Collaboration, and co-founder of CRR Global. Together, they discuss the complexity of systemic change in family business; the importance of meeting people where they are, instead of where we expect them to be; the benefits of teams when working with family business systems; as well as ideas on modeling positivity to help families gain confidence in their ability to work better together.

Guest bio

Marita Fridjhon is co-owner and CEO of CRR Global and a mentor to an ever-growing community of practitioners in the field of Relationship Systems work. She excels in supporting client systems to uncover systems-inspired solutions from the collective wisdom within the larger whole. Marita is an accredited coach and trained therapist with degrees in Social Work and Medical Social Work. She completed her training in Psychiatric Social Work before acquiring qualifications in Process Work, Alternative Dispute Resolution, coaching, and team coaching.

You can learn more about Marita Fridjhon on her website and LinkedIn.

Key Takeaways

[0:32] Aileen Miziolek guest hosts this month’s episode and welcomes Marita Fridjhon. They discuss how to apply team coaching to families.

[4:44] Marita touches on the application of the four-circle model to nested family systems in order to better serve as advisors.

[7:56] Although the relationship with oneself is the starting point, Marita explains how the system itself also develops a unique and evolving personality.

[10:00] Marita unpacks the strange permeability of boundaries within family systems.

[12:07] The iterative phases of systemic evolution: meet, reveal, align, and act.

[14:00] Marita reminds us there are multitudes within the self: be aware of which facet of the individual you are addressing.

[16:17] Identity and expression of self are in constant flux.

[18:45] Emotional literacy is on the decline, Marita explains how COVID-19 and a post-traumatic world are generating widespread fatigue.

[20:10] There is no easy fix.

[22:00] Empathy fatigue will inevitably generate larger conflicts that bleed from personal areas to business.

[24:04] Marita offers that advisors may support their families more on the personal side, or the business side, but rarely both.

[27:05] Marita offers a bit of history on the shifting boundaries between therapy and coaching and why some personal and professional advisory role-playing might best serve families.

[32:11] Rather than finding positivity, Marita proposes to model it. She shares a practice she discovered and implemented at work.

[37:00] Marita’s book recommendation as well as her advice for advisors.

[38:20] Aileen thanks Marita Fridjhon for joining the podcast and sharing so much of her expertise, and signs off until next month.

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 Let’s Talk Family Enterprise podcast is brought to you by Family Enterprise Canada.

Systems Inspired Leadership: How to Tap Collective Wisdom to Navigate Change, Enhance Agility, and Foster Collaboration, by Frank Uit de Weerd, Marita Fridjhon

More about Family Enterprise Canada

Family Enterprise Canada (FEC)

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