
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

Apr 16, 2024 • 32min
Breaking Generational Patterns: The Power of Emotional Safety in Family Businesses with Paul Hutchinson
Paul Hutchinson has dedicated his entire life to creating a world where every child can experience safety, freedom and hope. As an entrepreneur, philanthropist and anti-child trafficking advocate, Paul’s work is underpinned by helping victims to heal from their trauma so that they can go on and live as healthy, functional and emotionally rich adults. Paul's work extends beyond rescuing trafficked children to helping adults heal their inner child, ultimately liberating humanity from the cycle of abuse and trauma. He believes in the promotion of emotional healing and connection to foster a harmonious and emotionally safe environment for themselves and their families. In this episode, Paul discusses the importance of understanding the impact of generational patterns and emotional wounds on family businesses, and provides practical techniques to help you break free. Find more information about Paul and his work at liberating-humanity.com and liberatechildren.org. CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains descriptions of violence, including child abuse and child trafficking. Please listen with care. Connect with me here: https://veritage.ca/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesco-lombardo-fea-496a7966/ https://www.facebook.com/VeritageFamilyOffice https://www.youtube.com/@VeritageInternational

Aug 8, 2023 • 26min
Navigating the Emotional Terrain of Family Wealth with Felicia Heng
Join Francesco Lombardo for this week's Safe Space as he speaks with Felicia Heng, founder and managing director of Wise Purpose, a boutique consulting firm specializing in family wealth advisory, leadership coaching, and next-generation succession. Felicia shares her diverse expertise in psychology, investments, and family governance, and sheds light on her work with families and the next generation, specifically focusing on the emotional aspects of inheritance and succession. The conversation delves into the profound impact of sudden deaths and accidents on succession planning, and addresses how narratives related to money and wealth play a crucial role in shaping the emotional journey of individuals involved in the succession process. Felicia’s advice to the Senior and NxtGen…unpack the emotional journey from practical aspects of succession, inheritance, and family business transitions, as clarity in separate narratives allows for better alignment; recognize that this is both an art and a science, seeking support from independent professionals or networks with codified knowledge; and start discussions earlier when everyone is healthier and less stressed, recognizing the importance of time in addressing complex matters, and embracing the proverb that the best time to act was 20 years ago, and the next best time is now. To contact Felicia Heng, reach out to her at felicia.wisepurpose@gmail.com If you would like to keep up to date with all our insights, latest research and stories, click to subscribe to our "Veritage Insights Newsletter." (https://bit.ly/3JOd7Qq)

Aug 1, 2023 • 14min
Leading with Legacy: Family Business Success and Evolution with Julie Charlestein
Join Francesco Lombardo for this week's Safe Space as he speaks with Julie Charlestein, a fourth-generation President and CEO with Premier Dental. Julie shares the inspiring journey of the business, which started with her grandfather, Julius Charlestein, who was a dental instrument sharpener and eventually evolved into a global leader in developing and manufacturing innovative dental consumables. Julie and Francesco discuss the importance of having governance structures and a board of directors in place to ensure the business's continuity and success. They highlight the value of open communication and the concept of a "safe space" within family businesses, which is vital for addressing challenges and fostering growth. Julie’s one piece of advice to the Senior and NxtGen…there has to be a mutual level of respect and sometimes that's a challenge. Under everything, there needs to be a reciprocal respect. Irrespective of the others' views. If you would like to keep up to date with all our insights, latest research and stories, click to subscribe to our "Veritage Insights Newsletter." (https://bit.ly/3JOd7Qq)

May 9, 2023 • 25min
Preparing the Next Generation for Family Business Success: Dealing with the Emotional Stuff with Chris Larson
On this week's episode of Safe Space, Francesco Lombardo is joined by Chris Larson, a fourth-generation shareholder of a 107-year-old family-owned and operated business, IDEAL INDUSTRIES. In this episode, Franco and Chris discuss the emotional side of transitioning family businesses. Chris emphasizes the importance of addressing the emotional aspects of letting go of control and passing it on to the next generation, not just the intellectual aspects. Highlighting how emotional preparation is crucial for family business success and how coaching family members on an individual basis can help them become content and happy with their roles in the family business. The episode sheds light on the emotional aspects of transitioning family businesses and the importance of addressing them. It's a must-listen for anyone looking to prepare their family business for the next generation. The one piece of advice Chris offers for both the senior and next generations is... it's worth it. It's hard to focus on the emotional stuff, but it's worth it. If you would like to keep up to date with all our insights, latest research and stories, click to subscribe to our "Veritage Insights Newsletter." (https://bit.ly/3JOd7Qq)

May 2, 2023 • 26min
Navigating Financial Insecurity and Unique Challenges in Family Businesses with Stefanie Kyles
Join Francesco Lombardo for this week's Safe Space as he speaks with Stefanie Kyles, a fourth-generation family business member, and former CEO. Stefanie discusses financial insecurity that is common in family businesses and how family businesses need accountability and transparency to succeed. She shares her experience negotiating with family members to understand their personal sensitivities around risk, financial security, and lifestyle, and emphasizes the importance of separating emotions from conversations around money. The one piece of advice Stefanie offers for both the senior and next generations is simple... talk about it. If you would like to keep up to date with all our insights, latest research and stories, click to subscribe to our "Veritage Insights Newsletter." (https://bit.ly/3JOd7Qq)

Apr 4, 2023 • 32min
Equipping Successors: Insights from a Fifth-Generation Family Business Owner with Philip McKeown
Join Francesco Lombardo for this week's Safe Space as he speaks with Philip McKeown, a fifth-generation family business owner from Ireland. Philip discusses family governance and succession planning, as well as his book, Successors Voice, which emphasizes the importance of understanding one's value and role in a family business and the emotional complexities of family dynamics. He also stresses the need to nurture family talent in order to sustain family businesses. Overall, the goal is to prepare successors with the knowledge, confidence, and skills required to successfully integrate into the family enterprise. If you would like to keep up to date with all our insights, latest research and stories, click to subscribe to our "Veritage Insights Newsletter." (https://bit.ly/3JOd7Qq)

Mar 28, 2023 • 28min
Preparing for the Future: Insights on Succession Planning and Self-Belief in a Family Business with Cecily McGuckin
Join Francesco Lombardo for this week's Safe Space as he speaks with Cecily McGuckin the CEO and managing director of Queensland Steel and Sheet, in Brisbane, Australia. Cecily talks about the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated industry and the difficulties of succession planning in a family business. Stressing the importance of being prepared for the worst-case scenario and making the business sustainable for future generations, she highlights the need for a clear roadmap to preparedness, including an emotional component. Cecily's advice encourages people to stop apologizing unnecessarily and recognize their worth. If you would like to keep up to date with all our insights, latest research and stories, click to subscribe to our "Veritage Insights Newsletter." (https://bit.ly/3JOd7Qq)

Mar 21, 2023 • 17min
The Importance of Purpose in Business and Personal Life with NK Chaudhary
Join Francesco Lombardo for this week's Safe Space episode where he interviews NK Chaudhary, the founder of Jaipur Rugs, who established the company 44 years ago with a vision of uplifting society by enabling everyone to reach their full potential. NK discusses the importance of business purpose and its connection to personal life, and the importance of emotional safety in families, and how to create it. He also shares his personal purpose, knowing himself through the business and improving himself by understanding the impact of his actions and decisions. NK’s one piece of advice to the Senior and NxtGen…regardless of family roles or positions, the most important thing is to be yourself, love yourself, and love others. If you would like to keep up to date with all our insights, latest research and stories, click to subscribe to our "Veritage Insights Newsletter." (https://bit.ly/3JOd7Qq)

Mar 7, 2023 • 29min
Navigating Internal and External Credibility in Family Enterprises with Torri Hawley
Join Francesco Lombardo for this week's Safe Space as he speaks with Torri Hawley, one of five next generation members in a successful 7th generation family enterprise. Internal credibility is about ensuring that one's actions align with their values, while external credibility involves earning the trust and respect of others. For next-generation family members, establishing external credibility can be challenging, as they must prove themselves to be worthy of the business and navigate generational trauma. Torri offers advice to those struggling with credibility issues, encouraging them to trust their instincts, act in a way that aligns with their values, and learn to be comfortable with discomfort. She also stresses the importance of healthy boundaries and the need to distance oneself from toxic relationships. Ultimately, Torri emphasizes the need to believe in oneself and be sure of one's internal credibility, as this can help to navigate the challenges of generational family enterprises. If you would like to keep up to date with all our insights, latest research and stories, click to subscribe to our "Veritage Insights Newsletter." (https://bit.ly/3JOd7Qq)

Feb 28, 2023 • 42min
Creating A 27 Generation Family Business with Passion & Love with Pasquale Marinelli
Join Francesco Lombardo for this week's Safe Space as he speaks with Pasquale Marinelli, a 27th generation owner with Pontificia Fonderia e Museo di Campane, the second oldest family business in the world. With many companies struggling to carry on over just a couple of generations, what is the secret of a successful business that has existed since before 1339? How does the younger generation working right alongside the older generation create the knowledge and respect needed to continue the business? Pasquale, with the support of trusted assistant Ivo, speaks about the fascinating history of the company and how Marinelli Bells have been rung in every continent around the world. Pasquale’s one piece of advice to the Senior and NxtGen…have passion for and love the work. If you would like to keep up to date with all our insights, latest research and stories, click to subscribe to our "Veritage Insights Newsletter." (https://bit.ly/3JOd7Qq)
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