
Safe Space with 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.
Latest episodes

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.

Apr 15, 2025 • 29min
Navigating the Complex World of Family Offices and Family Wealth
In this episode, Tom McCullough, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Northwood Family Office, joins Francesco to discuss the evolution of family offices, the challenges faced by wealthy families, and the importance of preparing both parents and children for wealth transition. He emphasizes the need for integrated advice and the emotional aspects of wealth management, providing insights into how families can navigate these complexities for better outcomes. 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

17 snips
Apr 1, 2025 • 31min
Wealth Education for Future Generations
Vicki Furnish from Wellspring Family Group shares her expertise on navigating family dynamics in business. She highlights the importance of educating future generations about wealth and fostering open communication to build responsible attitudes. Vicki discusses creating emotional safe spaces for honest dialogue, emphasizing that true wealth comes from nurturing connections, not just financial success. The conversation also reflects on the need for curiosity and accountability in family decision-making, aiming to leave a lasting legacy.

Mar 18, 2025 • 48min
Creating a Meaningful Legacy with Craig Kielburger
In this episode, Francesco Lombardo interviews Craig Kielburger, a renowned social entrepreneur and co-founder of WE Charity. They discuss Craig's journey from starting Free the Children at a young age to his collaboration with Oprah Winfrey, which significantly impacted his work in social impact. The conversation delves into the concept of legacy, exploring how families can create meaningful legacies and the importance of self-reflection and accountability in this process. They also touch on the emotional traditions that families pass down, both positive and negative, and how these affect future generations. In this conversation, Franco and Craig explore the intricate journey of writing a book, the importance of questioning the status quo, and the concept of permacrisis. They discuss the significance of internal peace, connection, and the legacy one leaves behind. The dialogue emphasizes the need for personal growth and the impact of service to others, culminating in advice for future generations on prioritizing meaningful connections and values. A dedicated husband and father of three, Craig Kielburger is a globally recognized social entrepreneur who has spent over 30 years empowering individuals to find their purpose and make a difference. As co-leader of Legacy+, he guides organizations and individuals in building impactful movements and legacy projects. His journey began at age 12 with the founding of Free The Children, a movement that inspired global youth activism and positively impacted over a million lives. The author of 10 books, including "What Is My Legacy?" (co-authored with Martin Luther King III), he also co-hosts the "My Legacy Podcast & Syndicated Radio Show" and serves as Chancellor of Legacy College in Kenya. His commitment to youth development continues through his co-founding role at the Dalai Lama Center. His extraordinary contributions have been recognized with The Order of Canada, the Nelson Mandela Freedom Medal, and 15 honorary degrees. Listen to Craig’s podcast on iHeart Learn more about Legacy+ by visiting legacyplus.org 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

Mar 4, 2025 • 29min
Building Trust to Ensure Sibling Unity
In this episode of Safe Space, the Fidanza siblings—Paolo, Adrian, and Carmen—share their journey of navigating the complexities of family dynamics after the sale of their family business, Salerno Dairy. They discuss the identity crisis they faced, the importance of self-discovery, and how they transformed their relationships through trust and emotional intelligence. The siblings emphasize the significance of changing their mindsets about money and the value of investing in themselves as individuals and as a family unit. They offer insights and advice for others in similar situations, highlighting the importance of open communication and personal growth within family businesses. 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

Feb 18, 2025 • 30min
The Power of Vulnerability in Personal Growth
In this episode of Safe Space, host Francesco Lombardo speaks with personal coach, therapist, and healer, Ashley Best. Ashley shares her journey from being a CPA to embracing her true self and helping others do the same. The conversation delves into the importance of listening to one's internal compass, the courage to be vulnerable, and the significance of self-love. They discuss the shift in family offices towards recognizing human capital and the impact of shame on personal and familial relationships. The episode concludes with practical advice for the next generation on embracing change and leading with the heart. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ashley Best is a former CPA who chose to follow her heart and internal compass, embarking on a journey to discover her true identity beyond family systems and societal programming. With over 15 years of experience, she has evolved into a therapist and intuitive healer, blending analytical expertise with a deep understanding of human potential. As the founder of Mindset Capital, Ashley’s work stems from a passion for developing mindset and human capital. She partners with next-generation leaders and family offices to cultivate personal growth and financial alignment through strategic insight, mindfulness, and healing modalities. Ashley empowers her clients to make confident, purpose-driven decisions by helping them tap into their intuition and access their authentic potential to create lasting impact in their lives and businesses. Listen to Ashley’s Podcast on Spotify Veritage Promo: With three sessions, we create space to feel grounded, develop trust, and unlock clarity. Regular Price: $675 for 3 sessions ($225 each)Special Offer: $500 for 3 sessions (save $175) Click Here to Book Your 3-Session Package Now ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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