

Safe Space with Francesco Lombardo
Francesco Lombardo
Safe Space is a podcast for Family Business Leaders and Next Gens exploring the financial, human and social capital of family businesses.
In each episode, trusted advisor Francesco Lombardo, will share a conversation with a diverse range of guests, offering you practical tools and guidance to help you navigate the unique familial relationships within family businesses.
In each episode, trusted advisor Francesco Lombardo, will share a conversation with a diverse range of guests, offering you practical tools and guidance to help you navigate the unique familial relationships within family businesses.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 28, 2025 • 24min
Setting Boundaries and Embracing Communication
In this episode of Safe Space with Francesco Lombardo, Amanda Challen, CEO of Advance Civil Engineering, shares her journey as a next-generation leader in Australia's construction industry. She opens up about navigating gender dynamics, building self-worth, and the importance of clear boundaries in family business. Amanda's story highlights courage, authenticity, and the power of open communication in leading with integrity and purpose. 🎧 Tune in to hear Amanda's insights on leading with integrity, empowering others, and redefining what it means to be a next-generation leader. Connect with me here: • https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesco-lombardo-fea-496a7966/ • https://www.facebook.com/VeritageFamilyOffice • https://www.youtube.com/@VeritageInternational • https://veritage.ca

Oct 14, 2025 • 30min
When the Family Business Calls
In this episode of Safe Space with Francesco Lombardo, Brandi Harleaux, award-winning entrepreneur and second-generation CEO of South Post Oak Recycling Center, shares her journey from leading teams at Fortune 100 companies — including Target, Northrop Grumman, and Disney — to stepping into her family business. Brandi reflects on her decision to pursue an MBA while working full-time at Disney, and how education and real-world experience gave her the tools to navigate the complexities of joining a family enterprise. She also discusses the importance of preparation, financial literacy, and purpose-driven leadership — lessons that continue to guide her at the helm of SPORC, where she leads with a philosophy of taking care of your people and positively impacting the community. 🎧 Listen now to hear Brandi's insights on growth, courage, and redefining what leadership looks like in the next generation of family business. Connect with me here: • https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesco-lombardo-fea-496a7966/ • https://www.facebook.com/VeritageFamilyOffice • https://www.youtube.com/@VeritageInternational • https://veritage.ca

Sep 30, 2025 • 28min
Navigating Wealth and Relationships
In this engaging conversation, Kelly Willis Green—a certified money coach and host of Serious Coin—shares her journey from private wealth marketing to transforming relationships with money. She discusses the emotional impact of money, including childhood beliefs that influence financial behavior. Kelly highlights how money reflects one’s self-relationship and introduces the concept of money archetypes, exploring their significance in shaping financial habits. She emphasizes curiosity as a driver for personal growth and effective money management.

Sep 16, 2025 • 26min
The Importance of Intentionality in Relationships
In this episode, Francesco Lombardo speaks with Robert and Kaylee Fukui about their journey as business consultants who help family businesses thrive while maintaining healthy marriages. They discuss the importance of balancing work and family life, overcoming guilt in parenting, and creating intentional relationships. The Fukuis share personal stories and practical advice on how to foster communication and connection within families, emphasizing the need for emotional security alongside financial stability. Connect with Robert & Kaylee: https://marriedentrepreneur.co/safespace Connect with me here: • https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesco-lombardo-fea-496a7966/ • https://www.facebook.com/VeritageFamilyOffice • https://www.youtube.com/@VeritageInternational • https://veritage.ca

Sep 2, 2025 • 38min
The Legacy of Leadership: Insights from James Kerr
In this episode, Franco interviews James Kerr, author of 'Legacy', exploring the profound lessons on leadership derived from the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team. They discuss the importance of character, culture, and values in leadership, the concept of leaving a legacy, and the intergenerational aspects of family businesses. Kerr emphasizes the significance of vulnerability, the role of external coaching, and the power of language in teams. The conversation also delves into the essential role of love in creating a nurturing environment for growth and performance. Connect with me here: • https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesco-lombardo-fea-496a7966/ • https://www.facebook.com/VeritageFamilyOffice • https://www.youtube.com/@VeritageInternational • https://veritage.ca

Jun 24, 2025 • 28min
Transforming Trauma into Triumph
In this insightful conversation, Dr. Sandra Primiano, a psychologist and mental health leader specializing in trauma and anxiety, sheds light on how small, repeated experiences can be just as impactful as major life events. She delves into neuroplasticity and the importance of emotional awareness, encouraging listeners to embrace all emotions, even shame. The discussion also includes practical strategies for managing emotional triggers, transforming default identities, and the life-changing power of self-compassion and gratitude in personal growth.

17 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 26min
The Emotional Landscape of Family Wealth and Navigating Burnout
Dr. Sandra Primiano, a seasoned clinical psychologist, dives into mental health complexities, focusing on burnout in family businesses. She discusses how burnout manifests in unique forms, driven by familial pressures. The conversation highlights the importance of emotional awareness and mindfulness in a tech-saturated world. Dr. Primiano emphasizes the transformative power of understanding personal values and offers insights on self-awareness to foster healthier relationships and navigate life's emotional landscape.

20 snips
May 27, 2025 • 28min
Navigating New Wealth and Identity
Jen Risher, a speaker, philanthropist, and investor, shares her transformative journey from middle-class to sudden wealth. She reveals the emotional complexities of new wealth, including feelings of guilt and isolation. Jen emphasizes the necessity of understanding one's money story and advocates for open dialogues around financial issues to foster connection. The conversation highlights the importance of vulnerability in achieving authenticity and bridging generational gaps in family businesses through mutual understanding and communication.

24 snips
May 13, 2025 • 27min
Empathy in Family Wealth Transfer
In this discussion, Dave Specht, a Senior Fellow at the Drucker School Global Family Business Institute, sheds light on the intricate dynamics of family businesses. He emphasizes the necessity of empathy and open communication during wealth transfers. The conversation highlights how the rising generation must carve their own identities amidst family expectations. Additionally, they explore the evolving financial advisory landscape, advocating for services tailored to the values of younger clients, and the importance of storytelling in bridging generational gaps.

10 snips
Apr 29, 2025 • 23min
Legacy of Values: The Carvajal Family Business
Ana Maria Guerrero Carvajal, a sixth-generation leader of the Carvajal family business in Colombia, explores the rich legacy of her family's enterprise. She highlights how family values, innovation, and social responsibility are crucial for multi-generational success. They discuss the evolution from printing to diverse sectors, the establishment of an entrepreneurship lab called Carvalab, and the importance of embodying ethical principles in business. Ana Maria shares insights on living by their values and the vital role of integrity and community engagement.


