
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

Feb 1, 2022 • 45min
The Key Question to Finding Your Purpose - EMOTIONAL SOURCE CODE with Dov Baron
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.

Jan 4, 2022 • 40min
One's Identity is Our #1 ADDICTION with Dov Baron
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.

Dec 28, 2021 • 22min
Generosity and Philanthropy Start at Home with Caren Yanis
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.

Dec 21, 2021 • 22min
Part 3: What We Practice We Become with Elena Zafirova
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.

Dec 7, 2021 • 26min
Finding Yourself Within the Family Business with Jake Chagoury
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.

Nov 30, 2021 • 35min
Part 2: Preparedness, What Is It and How to Become the Best Version of Oneself to Succeed in Life
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

Nov 23, 2021 • 27min
Part 1: NextGen Education Is About Building One’s Ecosystem with Elena Zafirova
Elena Zafirova, a nxtgen herself, shares her journey from graduating from a top boarding school to becoming a UK & US qualified lawyer advising her friends’ parents on wealth management and tax matters, to joining the leadership team of a tech unicorn, to becoming the founder and CEO of DIONZ, a nxtgen education start-up. Elena and Francesco discuss the lessons and opportunities that lie in having “dark days” and the importance of building a strong value-aligned “personal advisory board” to remind us of who we truly are and what our purpose is. In Elena’s case, it is co-creating a world where we all support each other to learn how to prosper and bring prosperity to others. Elena's advice to senior generation family members: have meaningful conversations with your nxtgen family members as early as possible about all that is important including, but not limited to family values, governance, and wealth. For nxtgens, Elena advises creating a “personal advisory board” of value-aligned humans to stand by you on your journey to realising your uniqueness. In the second part of this episode, Francesco and Elena take a deep dive into exactly what Preparedness is, how to achieve it, and maintain it.

Nov 16, 2021 • 27min
Impact of Generosity with John Kluge
John Kluge and Francesco dive into the topic of generosity. Why? Because, too many of us are stingy and operate with a scarcity mentality. John shares his views, and the science behind operating with a spirit of generosity. The power of inclusion on profitability and positive impact on business. The theme of this show is about making the conscious decision to be generous with your family, your resources, and with yourself and how it may impact your life. Learn the benefits of being generous and the payback one gets from this mindset and way of being.

Nov 9, 2021 • 21min
Key to Success, Find Your Passion with Jonathan Hung
In this episode of Safe Space, Jonathan Hung talks about the importance of developing and finding one's brand as the NxtGen of a successful manufacturing family business. "Knowing what you stand for'' is key to one's success, shared Jonathan. It is important to find one's identity and be passionate in what you do. Many NxtGen feel lost and are without their own identity within the overarching family business and at times in the shadows of larger than life founders. Jonathan shares his journey from starting in the family business to now running the investments for the family and others.

Oct 26, 2021 • 22min
Part 3: Purpose, What Money Cannot Buy with Alexander Souri
In this 3rd part of the interview with Alexander Souri, founder of Relief Riders International, Francesco and Alexander discuss the importance and value of having a clear purpose. The "Why" matters much more and is more important than How or What. Alexander shares stories of his many rides and the impact such had on himself and those he served. The message for NxtGen is to be clear on what your purpose is in your life, everything else will take care of itself.
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