Safe Space with Francesco Lombardo

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.

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.

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.

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.

Alexander Souri, founder of Relief Riders International shares what inspired him to create this magical life transforming experience. Francesco and Alexander discuss how one's trauma/wound births one's purpose and one's purpose heals the trauma. The circle of healing. A deeply vulnerable and spiritual conversation with an inspiring humanitarian. Alexander shares stories of bringing sight back to those who had poor vision, assisting with healing a young baby that has stayed with him for over 5 years. "I hope I meet the girl that was once a baby wrapped in an oily greasy blanket on one of the rides when we go back to India" Alexander shared his hope. Stay tuned for part three of this interview where Alexander will share more heartwarming stories of his Relief Riders International efforts. 

Alexander Souri, founder of Relief Riders International and Francesco discuss the power of facing and dealing with one's emotional trauma.   In this part one of two episodes Alexander shares the trauma of being a young boy in Afghanistan during the Russian invasion and later how the death of his father, and close friend, molded him to create Relief Riders International.     Alexander advice for Founders and NxtGen, "Do the emotional work to unshackle your conditioning, for only then can you be free to have the impact you were born to have."    Part two of the episode will focus on what relief Riders International is and the massive impact it is having in global rural communities. 

Adria Dunn shares her story of hope which has culminated in her first book The Vine    On this episode Francesco and Adria discuss what is possible when one stops believing they are not good enough, or doesn't have the right connections, or make it all about themselves. And what can be done to overcome this.   Adria is a living example of leading with giving.    We talked about the importance of creating cultural diplomacy as individuals, as leaders, and as countries.          Adria's advice: Stop listening to your "not good enough" voice inside your head.

Fascinating, candid and vivid conversation with Raul Perea-Henze (former deputy mayor of NYC) about how the city of New York went into responding to the first wave of Covid-19. At the core of every situation is LEADERSHIP, Raul says. The key is to develop trust with those you serve.   Raul shares the five successful learnings that family businesses can take away for a successful transition. Francesco and Raul talk about how Covid, like most stresses, brings out the best and worst in people, what to watch out for and how to handle the pressure.   Key lessons: Face the reality of the situation Develop a clear strategy for action Create collaborations Come up with creative solutions to redirect resources Advice for family businesses is simple, Raul says "Mission first, people ALWAYS!"

Having served in the White house under the Clinton Administration, Raul Perea-Henze shares his experience with the Fellowship Leadership Program at the White House. Francesco and Raul discuss what leadership is, and more importantly how to develop, groom and launch. Raul shares the key to success of NxtGen leadership development as this: Prepare independent minds to follow the family values with a clear sense of purpose. Raul's advice, "Always keep learning. This starts with working on your own emotional self. Once you know yourself and why you do what you do, now you are ready for leadership." In part 2 of the episode Francesco and Raul talk about his role in NYC during the Covid pandemic and what he learnt as the Deputy Mayor. 

In part two, Vinayak Dhingra and Francesco discuss the challenges that arise when a NxtGen enters the family business.     How can a parent see their child as an adult working in the business and not the child they once were? How can generations learn to work together and support the long term sustainability of the family business? How can NxtGen be properly equipped to transition from the formal education to the practical integration of a family business? These are questions that are addressed by Kin and Kith, a NxtGen preparedness program created by NxtGen for NxtGen. The wish Vinayak has for the future: Advisors be in this space NOT for the money, but the impact you could have on family businesses".   A bold, true statement by a NxtGen committed to his peers and family businesses globally.