The Mack Podcast

This conversation delves into the complexities of estate management and domestic staffing, particularly in the context of ultra-high-net-worth families. The panel discusses best practices, the role of estate managers, the importance of emotional intelligence in staffing, and the integration of private staffing with family office operations. They also explore recruitment strategies, generational differences in expectations, and the necessity of cross-functional collaboration within family offices. The discussion culminates in practical advice for families considering hiring estate managers, emphasizing the importance of communication and understanding the unique dynamics of each household.This episode was recorded on June 9, 2025.To learn more about Mack International, please visit www.mackinternational.com.

Christi Van Rite, founder of White River Consultants, shares her expertise on transforming family office operations. She emphasizes the COO's evolving role as an air traffic controller for advisers, ensuring smooth communication and project management. Christi discusses the shift from traditional family offices to flexible, outsourced solutions that cater to multi-generational legacies. Listeners gain insights into aligning advisors and managing complex projects, all while fostering a culture of responsibility and creativity within their teams.

In this discussion, Amy Beahm, a wealth planning professional with expertise in family offices, sheds light on the essential role of controllers. She distinguishes between single and multi-family offices, revealing the unique challenges of financial reporting and tech implementation. Amy emphasizes the necessity for transparency and tailored reporting to meet diverse family preferences. The conversation also touches on the evolving responsibilities of controllers, including tax coordination and investment administration, highlighting the growing skills needed in this dynamic field.

Esty Karp, COO of a family office, shares her expertise in operational risk and technology, while Greg Silverman, a consultant, highlights data strategies for family offices. Tom Nicholson, from Asora, discusses the crucial role of tech in streamlining operations. They dive into the unique responsibilities of COOs in family offices versus traditional firms, the significance of data ownership, and best practices for managing technology and risks. Networking and collaboration emerge as vital for success, alongside insights on career paths for aspiring COOs.

Rosaura Gil, an HR leader with over 20 years of experience, shares insights on the intricacies of HR in family offices. She discusses the common misconceptions families hold about their employer status and the importance of proper HR protocols. Rosaura highlights effective onboarding practices, outlines potential legal risks like misclassification, and emphasizes the necessity of clear boundaries between personal and professional relationships. She also addresses the institutionalization of HR, stressing how structured policies can benefit ultra-high-net-worth families.

In this conversation, Craig Stephens discusses the challenges of addressing the 'now what' factor in estate planning, the importance of collaboration with legal counsel, and best practices for multi-generational wealth planning. Craig advocates for designing plans that beneficiaries can actively engage with, fostering open communication and transparency. He also highlights the need for a mindset shift among advisors to embrace a more comprehensive view of client relationships, ultimately redefining success in estate planning beyond mere wealth accumulation.To learn more about Mack International, please visit www.mackinternational.com.

In this roundtable discussion, our guests explore the role of private trust companies (PTCs) in the family office ecosystem. Topics include the problems PTCs solve, how they enhance governance and control, jurisdictional considerations, fiduciary risk management, and the growing demand for tailored trust structures. The conversation also covers best practices in governance, human capital, and future trends shaping the next generation of family governance.This episode was recorded on June 9, 2025.To learn more about Mack International, please visit www.mackinternational.com.

In this conversation, Suzy Riedman shares her experiences and insights on inheriting wealth, navigating family dynamics, and the importance of communication in managing generational wealth. She discusses the emotional complexities of receiving an inheritance, the necessity of setting clear expectations, and the role of third-party mediation in family discussions about money. Suzy emphasizes the importance of proactive conversations about wealth with children and the need for young inheritors to find their own purpose and identity.To learn more about Mack International, please visit www.mackinternational.com.For more information on Suzy's children's books, please visit https://familywealthdynamics.com/books

In this conversation, Aaron Abrahms and Jared Feldman join Brian Adams to discuss outsourcing vs. insourcing family office services. They explore the evolution of family offices, the key components of their services, and the importance of philanthropy and family dynamics. The discussion also highlights the challenges of talent acquisition in the family office space and the various investment strategies families can adopt. The experts emphasize the need for families to regularly reevaluate their service models to adapt to changing circumstances and ensure effective wealth management.To learn more about Mack International, please visit www.mackinternational.com.

In this conversation, Brian Adams and Sofia Ziegler delve into the complexities of domestic recruiting, particularly in the context of family offices. They discuss the roles and responsibilities within domestic staffing, the challenges of finding qualified candidates, and the impact of compensation trends on the industry. Ziegler emphasizes the importance of communication and structure in family offices, as well as the need for flexibility and adaptability in candidates. The conversation concludes with insights on niche talent acquisition and the value of expert guidance in the field.To learn more about Mack International, please visit www.mackinternational.com.