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] 

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

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