Safe Space with Francesco Lombardo

One of the biggest challenges facing succession and transition of a business from one generation to the next is the disinterest of the NxtGen in the business.    Andre, host of the Impulsive Thinker podcast, and Francesco discuss what the absence of self-expression looks like, why it's suppressed, and the cost of not allowing others, #NxtGen or Senior generation, in #FamilyBusiness to express themselves. Do the #NxtGen want to express their creativity, and business acumen by starting up a new venture other than the current operating family business?    There may be a way to save the family legacy by accepting and encouraging self-expression in the #NxtGen.

In this episode, Francesco interviews Andre Brisson, host of The Impulsive Thinker podcast. A frank and fun filled interview, Andre shares his journey of being diagnosed with ADHD and how he has used this as a tool for championing himself, his team and other entrepreneurs. Andre talks about how he saw emotional patterns of adults at a young age, how he knew he was different, and did not allow the opinions of others impact or influence what he knew he was...... different and unique. We discuss the importance Emotional safety has on the ability to have open and vulnerable conversations. Andre's advice for the senior generation: The way you did things was the way you did them, in the time you did them. Now is a new time.... allow the next generation to do things their way.   Advice for NxtGen: Listen to the wisdom of the senior generation, not to dismiss, but to learn. Tune in for the second part of this show where we are not sure what we will be talking about....... but it will be GREAT! 

What would have prevented this collapse?   In this episode Francesco and Warwick discuss the importance of focusing on emotional intelligence. Had he known what he knew and had access to Veritage at the time, Warwick believes things could have turned out much differently for him and the family. Francesco asked Warwick what advice he would give his 26 year old self if he could. His answer ..... surprising.  Additionally spoke about the importance of surrounding oneself with advisors who are not afraid to hold you accountable and challenge you. 

How to go from $2.225B to zero, the collapse of a 150 year family business. In this interview, Warwick Fairfax, a 5th generation family member of the John Fairfax company based  in Australia candidly shared how he was personally responsible for taking down the family business at age 26. Armed with an MBA from Harvard, Warwick decided to launch a $2.225B takeover which led to the collapse of the family business.  Warwick describes what that fateful day was like, how he felt and most importantly, how he overcame this dreadful day.   A fascinating story of what NOT to do and how emotions trumped intelligence, education and logic.

Do you want to find your purpose in life? Do you want to have a lasting impact on the world? Do you want to connect deeper? Then this is the episode you don't want to miss!!! In this, the 101 episode of Safe Space™, Dov Baron shares the key question to ask oneself to start to uncover and discover their purpose. Dov talked about the role of one's ego to protect our wound and hide it from the world. This is the greatest dis-service we can do to ourselves and the world. Understanding one's EMOTIONAL SOURCE CODE is key to fulfillment and deep connections. Francesco and Dov discuss defining what Readiness is and what is in the way from an emotional perspective. We are only curious about ourselves and others if we feel safe with them.  

In this Dov Baron's 4th appearance on the show: a thought-provoking discussion on identity and why we as humans do what we do AND, more importantly, why it's so difficult to change our beliefs and behaviors.    Dov talks about the 3 big changes that are here as a result of COVID. If we don't accept these we will perish as a human and as businesses.       One's ability to face reality and have the courage to change is the key to legacy and sustainability in Family Businesses and Family Offices.

Caren Yanis worked with Oprah Winfrey in setting up the Oprah Winfrey Foundation and Angel Network.    In this episode, Caren and Francesco discuss the importance of combining empathy and data when it comes to charitable giving.    Caren talked about "Democratizing Philanthropy" and shared what works and what does not work.    Her advice for the senior generation is to be clear on what your legacy will be.   And for the nxtgen Caren advises them to continue to be courageous.  

In this the third of a three part interview, Elena Zafirova and Francesco discuss the future of NxtGen education and the importance of creating a uniquely tailored learning experience to each individual. Francesco also reminded us of the three pillars of "preparedness" and Elena shared her views that the future of NextGen education will be human-centered, meaning being built for NxtGen by NxtGen. Elena role models by being the example of what preparedness is by sharing her individual journey, which lead to starting DIONZ, a NextGen members community offering unique learning experiences.This was due to lack of finding what she needed in the current system.  Advice for senior generations: invite the NxtGen from an early age to the dialogue and take them seriously. Today, they may offer a more relevant view as the world is moving fast and they are current and conscious.  Advice for NxtGen: don't allow yourself to get locked into a rigid way of thinking and therefore being, build a practice and an ecosystem around you that serve you to prosper. 

In this episode, Jake Chagoury and Francesco tackle the UNDISCUSSED issue of: Where do I fit in, if at all in the family business? All too often the next generation feels the pressure and the burden to be involved in the family business, even if they don't have an interest or passion for it. They don't want to disappoint the previous generation and feel guilty for what they feel. This often leads to resentment towards the business and themselves. Jake talks about the COURAGE to understand oneself and follow one's own path. 

In part two of three, Elena and Francesco discuss what is currently working in the education system and what is lacking to better equip and prepare the NxtGen for their future. What are the three pillars of preparedness and why do they matter to ensure an individual is properly equipped for their future? Elena's shares her own lessons learned from the journey of building DIONZ and the importance of letting go of control. Francesco discussed the transition of evolving from being a gladiator to a samurai and the choice of allowing things, situations to unfold with grace. In the third part of the interview, Elena and Francesco will talk about the future of Nxtgen education and why individual experience learning is the key