In this episode I'm joined by Andrea Carpenter, a next-generation entrepreneur who is redefining leadership and succession in family businesses.
We engage in a profound exploration of her unconventional pathway, which includes acquiring and leading an established firm rather than adhering to the prevalent startup narrative.
Andrea expounds upon the intricacies of facilitating successful transitions while prioritizing interpersonal relationships and preserving the integrity of familial connections within business contexts. As we delve into pivotal moments that have shaped her vision, we uncover insights on the significance of intentional leadership and the need for strategic planning in ensuring the longevity and prosperity of women-led enterprises.
This episode serves not only as an inspiration but as a practical guide for aspiring leaders to navigate the complexities of business transitions with foresight and empathy.
Our Guest This Week:
Today we have a 🌟 Truth-Telling Transitionist🌟 in our midst!
Andrea Carpenter is a next-gen entrepreneur, G2 successor, and the incoming President of The Transition Strategists—where she helps families and founders design people-first business transitions that protect both relationships and results.
Her somewhat unconventional entrepreneurial journey—buying into and leading an established business instead of starting from scratch—challenges the dominant startup myth and offers a powerful alternative path. As the creator of Your Next Gen Friend, she’s built a soul-centered platform and podcast that gives rising leaders space to explore identity, wealth, and legacy with honesty, grace, and strength. A former UX designer turned transition strategist, Andrea understands both the technical mechanics and emotional layers of family business planning—because she’s lived it. With fierce clarity and generous wisdom, she’s helping the next generation step out from invisible pressure and into intentional leadership
Takeaways:
- Andrea emphasizes the importance of intentional business transitions that prioritize relationships and outcomes.
- The episodes discusses the significance of identifying pivotal moments in life that shape one's entrepreneurial journey and leadership style.
- Effective family business transitions require careful planning and consideration of the emotional and operational dynamics involved.
- The discussion highlights the necessity of establishing a clear vision for the future, particularly in navigating the complexities of business transitions.
- Listeners are encouraged to explore the Objectives Matrix, a tool designed to clarify personal and business priorities for effective decision-making.
Chapters:
03:19 Defining Moments in Life
10:20 Navigating Business Transitions
16:56 The Journey of Growth and Team Evolution
21:20 Transitioning Family Businesses
25:59 Transitioning Business Roles and Responsibilities
30:21 Transitioning Leadership and Business Values
Burning Questions Answered:
1.What does it really take to build a self-managing company that thrives beyond the founder?
2.How can second-generation leaders bring their own vision while honoring what came before?
3.Why do most business transitions fail—and how can women founders avoid the same traps?
4.How do you create space for new leadership without losing your company culture?
5.What are the emotional and strategic steps to design a successful handoff?
Favorite Quotes
“Sometimes what needs to die is just an old version of you.”
“It’s okay to build differently than the generation before you.”
“Legacy is powerful—but it’s also deeply personal.”
GUEST OFFERS & CONTACT INFORMATION:
LinkedIn (Andrea): https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreashaver
The Transition Strategists –
Free Resource: https://transitionstrategists.com/force
Website: https://transitionstrategists.com
LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/transitionstrategists/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transitionstrategists
Your Next Gen Friend –
Website: https://yournextgenfriend.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yournextgenfriend
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@yournextgenfriend
Podcast: https://yournextgenfriend.captivate.fm/
Follow the #WisdomOfWomen show for more inspiring stories and insights from trailblazing women founders, investors, and experts in growth and prosperity.
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/yja3w7nh
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RSS Feed: https://feeds.captivate.fm/womengetfunded/
Coco Sellman, the host of #WisdomOfWomen, believes business is a force for good, especially with visionary women at the helm. With over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience, she has launched five companies and guided over 500 startups. As Founder & CEO of A Force for Good, Coco supports purpose-driven women founders in unlocking exponential growth and prosperity. Her recent venture, Allumé Home Care, reached eight-figure revenues and seven-figure profits in just four years before a successful exit in 2024. A venture investor and board director, Coco’s upcoming book, *A Force for Good*, reveals a roadmap for women to lead high-impact, high-growth companies.
Learn more about A Force for Good:
Website: https://aforceforgood.biz/
Are Your GROWING or PLATEAUING? https://aforceforgood.biz/quiz/
FFG Tool of the Week: https://aforceforgood.biz/weekly-tool/
The Book: https://aforceforgood.biz/book/
Growth Accelerator: https://aforceforgood.biz/accelerator/
