Let's Talk Family Enterprise

Join host Steve Legler for a video episode with guest Cindy Radu, recorded at the 2025 Family Business Symposium right after Cindy's session, which she conducted for a room full of attendees. Together, they discuss the challenges of professional collaboration when working with families, and highlight just how important it is for the families we serve so they don’t end up having to deal with a “scary monster.” All views, information, and opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Family Enterprise Canada.   Guest bio Cindy Radu has had the privilege of supporting families globally through the intricate journey of wealth transition for over 30 years. Working collaboratively with existing advisors, her purpose is to integrate across disciplines to develop and implement effective governance structures, support families in their family and enterprise succession planning, and prepare the rising generation to be confident in their roles and responsibilities as wealth inheritors. Her approach to family wealth transition is a unique blend of in-depth technical expertise and a deep understanding of how family dynamics can preserve legacies and strengthen bonds across generations. You can learn more about Cindy Radu on LinkedIn and the Radu Family Wealth Transition website.   Key Takeaways [0:26] Jodi Butts, Partner at Watson Board Advisors in partnership with Compensation Governance Partners, invites you to complete their 2025 Private Company Director Compensation Survey. [1:46] Steve Legler and Cindy Radu are in person at The Family Business Symposium 2025. This episode is a nice recap of Cindy’s session and an idea of what to look forward to for the Symposium 2026 in Vancouver. [2:50] Frankenstein and his monster; Cindy breaks down how siloed projects show up in enterprising families and foster overall disconnection. [6:02] From cooperation to collaboration, how The Ten Domains of Family Wealth model facilitates a shift that generates cohesion. [7:09] Steve mentions Episode #29, 10 Domains of Family Wealth, featuring Dr. Jim Grubman. [7:23] Cindy explains what the Ten Domains of Family Wealth are. [9:03] Why is the monster’s heart so teeny tiny? Cindy explains what the new role of the integrated wealth advisor can do about it. [10:08] Steve mentions a previously shared article, The Rise of the Integrated Advisor, by Tom McCullough. [11:24] Getting families involved requires building awareness; the Symposium involving both families and advisors is a nice step. [12:59] The fear of opening a can of worms is often the primary reason why family leaders don’t ask the tough questions. [14:39] How litigation expenses factor into this within a demographic bubble of wealth transition. Cindy lists all the things that could go wrong. [16:52] Steve mentions Episode #50, Wealth 3.0, featuring Jim Grubman, Dennis Jaffe and Kristin Keffeler. [17:00] When it comes to wealth 3.0, how do we stop Frankenstein-ing it? Cindy talks about raising awareness, but more importantly, taking the ten domains model to the next level. [18:26] Getting someone who understands legal documents to review them is critical to avoiding painful outcomes. [19:28] How to approach delicate conversations when it comes to families and their advisor relationships. [21:20] If you had asked, you would have learned something! [22:29] Cindy advocates for having the people affected by the will brought up to speed and equipped to understand. [23:52] No two families — or family members — are ever the same, and all services need to be tailored as such. [26:52] Cindy’s piece of advice for advisors. [28:20] Steve thanks Cindy Radu for sharing her experience and wisdom, and closes this episode by reminding listeners to rate and subscribe.   If you enjoyed today’s episode, you can subscribe to Let’s Talk Family Enterprise on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast apps. Please remember to share this episode with family, friends, and colleagues. Share your thoughts with us at fea@familyenterprise.ca.   Mentioned in this episode Jodi Butts, Partner at Watson Board Advisors in partnership with Compensation Governance Partners, invites family business leaders to complete their 2025 Private Company Director Compensation Survey.   The Ten Domains of Family Wealth with Cindy Radu and Dr. James Grubman, Ph.D   Let’s Talk Family Enterprise, Episode 29: 10 Domains of Family Wealth, with Dr. James Grubman   Let’s Talk Family Enterprise, Episode 50: Wealth 3.0, with Kristin Keffeler, Dennis Jaffe, and Dr. James Grubman   More about Family Enterprise Canada Family Enterprise Canada FEC on Facebook FEC on Twitter FEC on LinkedIn

Philip Marcovici, a retired lawyer and consultant known for advising wealthy families and institutions, shares his insights on maintaining family wealth. He discusses the importance of strategic planning for continuity across generations and the emotional complexities that wealth can introduce to family dynamics. Navigating tax challenges and political risks, he emphasizes the need for open communication within families. Marcovici also explores the transformative potential of wealth when managed thoughtfully, advocating for a proactive approach to legacy building.

Dan Doty, a writer and wilderness guide deeply invested in the global men’s movement, shares insights on fatherhood's evolving role in family business. He discusses transformative wilderness retreats that strengthen father-son bonds, emphasizing the significance of emotional openness. As he critiques traditional masculine norms, Doty advocates for honest dialogue to enhance family interactions. He also delves into generational shifts in work-life balance and the importance of vulnerability in leadership, aiming to inspire fathers to connect more deeply with their children.

Barbara Dartt, a principal consultant with over 20 years in family business advisory, shares her unique journey from veterinary medicine to consulting. She emphasizes the transformative role of ownership in family enterprises and the necessity of engaging all family members in the ownership process. Dartt discusses the challenges of governance, succession planning, and the importance of trust and open communication. The conversation also highlights the power of collaborative advising in successful ownership transitions, aiding families in navigating complex dynamics.

Dr. Jeffrey Foote, a psychologist with over 30 years of experience in addiction treatment, shares insights on how families can support loved ones facing substance use issues. He highlights the importance of compassionate communication and the ‘invitation to change’ model, encouraging open dialogues over stigma. The discussion emphasizes the critical role families play in recovery, promoting understanding rather than detachment. Listeners gain practical tools to foster supportive environments and navigate the complexities of addiction challenges together.

Regular hosts Steve Legler and Aileen Miziolek discuss some of their favourite guests and insights from the 2024 episodes of the Let's Talk Family Enterprise podcast. Hear them share their greatest takeaways to bring back good memories and encourage listeners to subscribe for more!   Welcome to Let’s Talk Family Enterprise, a podcast that explores the ideas, concepts, and models that best serve Family Enterprise Advisors in supporting their clients.   All views, information, and opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Family Enterprise Canada.   Key Takeaways [:26] Steve Legler and co-host Aileen Miziolek welcome listeners to the annual episode review! They each share their most impactful moments from 2024’s great list of guests.   [2:15] Aileen and Steve share their thoughts on her discussion with Perry Gladstone in terms of what identity brings to a business, and why dreaming together can help bring the rising generation into the fold.   [10:05] Episode 57 with Peter Vogel had one takeaway jump right out to Steve — find your why! Aileen resonates with making sure not everything looks like a nail and they both share how the Family Office Navigator book can help advisors.   [14:02] Pramodita Sharma’s episode 57 inspired Aileen and Steve on multiple levels. One, the rejuvenating potential of sustainability projects, both for businesses and for single actors, and how this field is a way multigenerational family businesses can have a broader world impact.   [21:00] The Happy Inheritor’s author, Thomas Deans, came on as a guest for episode 59. Steve and Aileen share how their long-time friend made their conversation both nourishing and thought-provoking.   [25:31] Episode 50 with Aileen’s colleague Kathy Carol, provided a wealth of information, just as her book offers a multitude of useful tools for advisors; Aileen and Steve share which ones they use.   [28:31] A thoughtful two-guest episode came out just this past December. Aileen shares what tidbits to take away from episode 62 on how not to leave a mess for your inheritors, and opening a conversation on end-of-life matters.   [33:36] Steve and Aileen look to 2025 and their new goals, and close out the year and this episode by inviting listeners to take advantage of the vast resources provided in these podcasts, and remind everyone to rate and subscribe.   If you enjoyed today’s episode, you can subscribe to Let’s Talk Family Enterprise on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast apps. Please remember to share this episode with family, friends, and colleagues. Share your thoughts with us at fea@familyenterprise.ca.   Mentioned in this episode Episode 55: “Rising Gen Innovation and Creativity in Family Business” Episode 57: “The Family Office Navigator” Episode 58: “Sustainability and ESG in Family Enterprises” Episode 59: ​​“Mental Health Impacting Intergenerational Wealth Transfers” Episode 60: “Embracing Polarities to Harmonize Opposites in Enterprising Families” Episode 62: “Estate Planning: Don’t Leave a Mess!”   More about Family Enterprise Canada Family Enterprise Canada FEC on Facebook FEC on Twitter FEC on LinkedIn  

Join Aileen Miziolek as she sits down with Sandy Pollack, author of Don’t Leave a Mess and expert in values-based legacy planning, and Annie Stoneburgh, Death Doula and geriatric care specialist, to discuss the intersection of estate planning, family business transitions and end-of-life care. Discover how open, meaningful conversations can help families navigate these sensitive topics and create a lasting legacy.   Welcome to Let’s Talk Family Enterprise, a podcast that explores the ideas, concepts, and models that best serve Family Enterprise Advisors in supporting their clients.   All views, information, and opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Family Enterprise Canada.   Guest bio Sandy Pollack, CFP, CLU, TEP, FEA, MFA-P founded Trimaran Advisory Group, a firm that goes beyond traditional business and estate planning. She has built an advisory firm based on the understanding that each family business has its own unique set of values and issues. Serving as Principal and Lead Financial Advisor, Sandy advocates for values-based legacy planning — believing that building wealth, and managing wealth are not the same thing.   You can learn more about Sandy Pollack on her LinkedIn and the Trimaran Advisory Group website.   Annie Stoneburgh is the founder of the 2 Steps Ahead consultancy and a professor at George Brown College. She leverages her expertise and passion to raise awareness and educate others on the psychosocial aspects of caring for older adults. Her 30-year career has spanned the entire continuum of geriatric care including Independent Community-based Living, Retirement, and Long-Term Care to Palliative Care.   You can learn more about Annie Stoneburgh on her LinkedIn.   Key Takeaways [:26] Aileen Miziolek welcomes Sandy Pollack, financial and family business transition advisor, and Annie Stoneburgh, Professor at Gorge Brown College and Death Doula to discuss a delicate subject.   [1:47] Sandy explains what drove her to write her book Don’t Leave a Mess.   [3:31] Annie shares how her path led her to study end-of-life care and how she became a Death Doula.   [7:41] The archeology analogy Sandy uses to explain how she approaches and structures estate planning discussions with families.   [11:21] Meeting a family for the first time implies one difficult request from Annie and how hope changes as conversations progress.   [17:06] The advisor’s mindset and their tendency to “silo” can impact end-of-life conversations. Sandy offers ways of digging into deeper conversations.   [20:18] Aileen shares a personal story about navigating the end of her husband’s life and working with a Death Doula.   [23:34] What being the “what if” means for Annie and why leaving your career at the door when it comes to caregiving in end-of-life is critical.   [29:17] Communication (times 3), expectations, and agreement are the key aspects of having a smooth-running family system, especially in the context of a family business transition.   [32:52] The important role facilitators play in processing change.   [34:18] Annie and Sandy share their advice for advisors as well as some reading recommendations.   [38:36] Aileen Miziolek thanks Sandy Pollack and Annie Stoneburgh for sharing so much of their expertise and closes this episode by reminding listeners to rate and subscribe.   If you enjoyed today’s episode, you can subscribe to Let’s Talk Family Enterprise on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast apps. Please remember to share this episode with family, friends, and colleagues. Share your thoughts with us at fea@familyenterprise.ca.   Mentioned in this episode Don’t Leave a Mess!: How to Disaster-Proof Your Family Legacy, by Sandy Pollack Hope for the Best, Plan for the Rest: 7 Keys for Navigating a Life-Changing Diagnosis, by Samantha Winemaker and Dr. Hsien Seow   More about Family Enterprise Canada Family Enterprise Canada FEC on Facebook FEC on Twitter FEC on LinkedIn

Steve Beauchesne, CEO of Family Enterprise Canada and co-founder of Beau's Brewery, discusses his transformative journey in family enterprises. He shares insights on building community connections and the vital role of Certified Family Enterprise Advisors. The conversation highlights innovative initiatives to enhance member engagement and accessibility in resources. Listening to his 'old-school punk rocker' side, Steve expresses excitement about future growth and collaboration within the family business sector.

Cathy Carroll, author of Hug of War and founder of Legacy Onward, Inc., shares her insights on navigating the complexities of family businesses. She introduces polarity thinking, a tool that balances opposing forces like love and logic to enhance leadership. Cathy highlights the importance of constructive conversations for resolving conflicts and the value of structured approaches in fostering collaboration. She also reflects on her personal journey from corporate life to executive coaching, and how family dynamics can be transformed through understanding and dialogue.

Dr. Thomas Deans, bestselling author and expert on family wealth transitions, shares insights on how mental health impacts intergenerational wealth transfers. He discusses the challenges of preparing heirs for inheritance and the often-overlooked link between mental health issues and family dynamics. Dr. Deans highlights the importance of structured communication during wealth transfers, advocating for family meetings to address emotional concerns and foster healthier relationships, ultimately promoting successful transitions in family businesses.