Family Business/Business Family Episode 32: Siblings Stewarding a 133-Year-Old Legacy | Growing Into the Role You Were Meant For | Making Values Real, Not Ritual
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Dec 9, 2025 
Dennis Jaffe, a family business expert and co-author of a book on values, shares insights on making values actionable within organizations. Dana Gruber, third-generation leader of Actco Tool, discusses her journey of stepping away from and returning to the family business, highlighting lessons in leadership and resilience. Siblings George and Jeannie Cullen, co-presidents of the historic 133-year-old J.P. Cullen, reflect on their thoughtful approach to succession and the importance of separating family dynamics from business governance.
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Turn Values Into A Personal Mission
- Dennis Jaffe says lists of values are a first step but often stop at good intentions and need connecting into a personal mission.
- He recommends creating a personal values pyramid and translating values into concrete behaviors and development goals.
Build A Personal Values Pyramid
- Use practical activities to connect values to actions and resolve value conflicts in daily choices.
- Build a hierarchy (personal values pyramid) to clarify priorities and plan which values to deepen over time.
Make Values Work Through Activities
- Treat Living Your Values as a 'do book' and run activities rather than just hanging value posters.
- Use templates and exercises to create usable, personal and organizational value practices.
