Safe Space with Francesco Lombardo

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)

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)

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)

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)

Join Francesco Lombardo for this week's Safe Space as he speaks with Christine Blondel, expert Family Business Advisor and Adjunct Professor of Family Business at INSEAD.   Creating a successful family business is more than just being good at operating the business. Where in the scope of family governance do outsiders come in? Why is it important for family members to become independent for responsible ownership? How is experiencing ordeals going to help both generations grow? Each of these important pieces contribute to a more successful family business. But how? Take a listen!   Christine’s one piece of advice to the Senior and NxtGen is simple, listen to each other.   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)

Join Francesco Lombardo for this week's Safe Space as he speaks with Wendy Craft, a lawyer by trade, who “fell” into Family Office about 20 years ago. She is currently Chief Of Staff at Fulcrum Equities, LLC in New York City. In this episode, Wendy & Francesco talk about how keeping up appearances will not make you more successful or happier in the family office. It took many years for Wendy to realize that trying to fit into the perceived family office professional mold wasn’t really about how she dressed or what she knew, it was who she worked for. What can you do to create a safe space in the family office or family business where you’ll be happier, can be yourself and be a better contributor? Take a listen! Wendy’s one piece of advice to the Senior generation…if you love them let them in. Don't wait until it’s too late; hear them, teach them, let them speak their peace, and give them spaces to be involved. For the NxtGen’s, yes maybe you could run the business better but find ways to contribute, find ways to support them instead of trying to wrestle everything away from them, let them be human beings, give them time. 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)

Join Francesco Lombardo for this week's Safe Space as he speaks with Ramia El Agamy, second generation CEO at Orbis Terra Media, editor-in-chief of Tharawat Magazine, and host of The Family Business Voice and Women in Family Business podcasts. Why does traditional governance need to evolve for family business to be successful? How have topics and concerns within family business changed? Ramia’s one piece of advice to the Senior and NxtGen…forever is the most dangerous word in the family enterprise vocabulary. Nothing lasts forever, and nothing should last forever. That is okay, it is not failure, it is evolving.   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)

Join Francesco Lombardo for this week's Safe Space as he speaks with Charlie Rhomberg, 4th generation member of the Schmid family, Crescent Electric Supply Company. Founded in 1919, Crescent Electric Supply has grown significantly over the decades. The 3rd generation of owners realized there needed to be more structure in place for the future generations to keep the business going strong. Now with over 130 family members, how exactly was this accomplished? How is the family keeping the business of the business and the business of the family separate? Why is it just as important for the youngest generations to build connections in the family as it is for the senior generations? Charlie’s advice…for the Senior Generation, continue to work with future generations in developing a plan for what the retirement changeover will look like. NxtGen, learn as much as you can about family history and your roots to create a different kind of connection with the family.   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)

On this week’s Safe Space, Francesco Lombardo is joined by Aubrey Shapiro Ginn, third-generation family business member with Shapiro & Duncan, Inc. where they discuss business succession planning, and how to set up the NxtGen to be successful business owners. In the second-generation of Shapiro & Duncan, the company grew exponentially. As third-generation business members, how do Audrey and the rest of the NxtGen fit into the equation of the continuation of this success? Aubrey’s one piece of advice to the Senior Generation is don’t be afraid of losing control. Her advice for the NxtGen - be patient and learn from the senior generations experiences.   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)

Join Francesco Lombardo for this week's Safe Space as he speaks with Zale Tabakman, first generation owner of Local Grown Salad and his son, Tzvi. Many family businesses make the mistake of mixing work life with personal life. This creates constant conflict, stress and often the demise of the business. In this episode, the group discusses how having clear expectations, setting boundaries, showing respect and learning to trust each other can make all the difference. Tzvi’s advice to the Senior Gen… set healthy boundaries for relationships to be stronger and better. Treat each other with basic respect. Zale’s one piece of advice to the NxtGen… talk about it. Get more information about their products at www.localgrownsalads.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)