Safe Space with Francesco Lombardo

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)

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)

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)

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)