The Family Business Podcast Succession Isn’t a Spreadsheet
Sep 10, 2025
Emily Holdman, Managing Director at Permanent Equity, brings her expertise in family business transitions to the discussion. She explores the emotional complexities of succession, challenging the common view of it as a power struggle. Highlights include assessing emotional readiness between generations, the importance of leadership skills, and strategic planning for seamless transitions. Emily emphasizes building trust and honest feedback, and advocates for collaborative approaches that ensure continuity beyond titles.
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Small But Important Businesses Win
- Permanent Equity targets “small but important” family businesses with durable relationships and pricing power.
- They act as long-term operational partners, not passive investors, to steward growth and transitions.
Succession Stems From Role Complexity
- Succession arises naturally in conversations with founders and investors due to overlapping roles and future planning.
- Effective transitions often require reducing founders' job scope and redistributing responsibilities thoughtfully.
Being Different Beats Being Bigger
- Family firms can be distinct and therefore enjoy pricing power through human relationships and reputation.
- That distinctiveness allows them to compete without mimicking large corporate peers.
