Legacy Builders: Strategies for Building Successful Family Enterprises

The Fear of Ugly: Reframing Conflict in Family Enterprise Communication


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In this episode, Jane Beddall, founder of Dovetail Resolutions, helps us reframe how conflict shows up in family enterprises. Drawing on her experience as a mediator, consultant, and conflict coach, Jane shares why not all conflict is the same—and how the fear of escalation often prevents families from addressing tension early. We explore the distinction between healthy disagreement and deeper dysfunction, and why timing, environment, and tone matter more than we often realize.

Jane offers a fresh lens on how families can turn conflict into connection. From the “ugly kind” of conflict to the kind that builds trust, she shares insights that might shift how you approach tough conversations. Whether you're navigating legacy, leadership, or long-held patterns, this conversation opens up practical, surprising ways to move forward—without losing what matters most.

About Jane Beddall

Jane Beddall, M.A., J.D., is the founder and principal of Dovetail Resolutions, LLC. She is a seasoned mediator, consultant, and certified CINERGY® Conflict Management Coach. Jane works with legacy families, family enterprises, and family offices to help individuals and families handle communication and conflict better. Her expertise in using conflict coaching with transformative mediation is especially effective in these circumstances.

In January 2019, Jane launched the weekly podcast Crafting Solutions to Conflict, providing a practical and positive perspective on conflict. She graduated from Trinity College (Hartford, CT) with a B.A. in Economics. She earned her law degree, cum laude, and her M.A. in Public Policy Analysis, with a concentration in Conflict Resolution, from the University of Pennsylvania. Jane is a Conflict Dynamics Profile® Certified Practitioner and holds Family Firm Institute Certificates in Family Business Advising and Family Wealth Advising. She lives in Naples, Florida.

Resources discussed in this episode:

  • Crafting Solutions to Conflict
  • Dovetail Resolutions
  • Cinnie Noble

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 Jane Beddall | Dovetail Resolutions, LLC

  • Website: dovetailresolutions.com
  • Podcast: Crafting Solutions to Conflict
  • LinkedIn: Jane Beddall
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: (203) 887-1160

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.

Haven't caught one of our webcasts yet? No problem. All previous sessions are archived and ready to stream whenever you're ready to dive in. Simply head over to legacybuilderswebcast.com to register for our upcoming session or explore our growing library of past conversations.

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Legacy Builders: Strategies for Building Successful Family EnterprisesBy Cory Gagnon