Safe Space with Francesco Lombardo

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.

Francesco and Vinayak Dhingra, a 2nd generation family business member and co-founder of Kin and Kith discuss his story of not fitting in as a child and the lesson learnt from this experience. Vinayak shares what he learnt about the need to be accepted into society and the family business.Participating at an early age is one of the ingredients for "preparedness". Francesco and Vinayak discuss what is "preparedness" and how to practically articulate and execute "preparedness". Vinayak's advice for Senior and NxtGen: "Allow the NxtGen to fail, for failure is the biggest key and learning towards success." Stay tuned for the second part of this interview where we will discuss what Vinayak and his co-founder Nehal Sharma have created in Kin and Kith to support the NxtGen on their journey.

In part two with Nehal Sharma, Francesco discussed the dangerous 4 horsemen of the apocalypse of family business, and how these have a detrimental impact on the sustainability of the family, the business and the ownership, if not addressed. Nehal talks about the key role good parenting plays on the development of the next generation to prepare them for the role and involvement in their family business. Her advice is easy and simple: "Allow the next generation to grow up into individuals", not who the parent wants them to be.

In this episode, Francesco interviews Nehal Sharma, a next-generation family member, educationist, and lifelong learner. Nehal shares her journey and why she is so committed to the preparedness of the next generation in Family Business. Nehal shares the path to answering the questions: Where do I fit in, what do I do, and how do I best contribute to the legacy and continued success of the family business. In the next episode, Francesco and Nehal will discuss the four horsemen of the apocalypse in families of wealth and family business, what they are and how to overcome them to ensure continuity and health of the family and the business.