Why do so many family businesses struggle with conflict, succession, or toxic dynamics? How do leaders build organizations where values are lived, not just spoken? And how do you know when it’s time to step aside, or bring in help?
In this episode of Leaders Living Their Values, host Mitchell Levy speaks with Liz Kislik, a management consultant and executive coach with more than 35 years of experience. Liz is one of Marshall Goldsmith’s 100 Coaches and is known for her deep work with family businesses and nonprofits. She combines sharp business insight with a focus on human growth, helping organizations thrive across generations. Her passion for curiosity, care, and accountability makes her uniquely qualified to guide leaders through conflict, toxic workplace dynamics, and leadership transitions.
Quotes:
* “I’m very interested in people who want to do better and want to change, not in people waiting for fairy dust.”
* “The first thing I always suggest is to be extremely curious and to look for explanations other than the one you’ve already settled on.”
* “Sometimes just asking is really illuminating.”
* “If you build the relationships strongly enough, even when generations change, they’ll want to keep you.”
* “It’s much better to learn where you need to supplement a colleague than to bang your head against a wall for years.”
Takeaways:
* Lead with curiosity before making assumptions about people or problems.
* Create work environments where employees find joy and meaning, not just a paycheck.
* Learn to reset and restore your energy through practices outside of work.
* Know your limits as a leader or consultant, and bring in outside expertise when needed.
Timeline:
[00:03] Introduction of Liz Kislik
[06:13] Addressing family feuds in business
[08:07] Understanding toxicity in the workplace
[10:26] The fear of asking tough questions
[12:35] Finding joy in work
[15:45] Reset and restoration
[18:32] Building 30-year client relationships
[22:40] Navigating leadership succession
[26:39] The role of curiosity in leadership
[28:13] Knowing your limits as a consultant
Conclusion:
Liz Kislik shows that leadership is not about quick fixes or magic solutions. It’s about curiosity, courage, and care. By asking the right questions, knowing your limits, and focusing on both business and human growth, leaders can create organizations where values are lived every day. Whether you’re leading a family business, managing toxic dynamics, or planning for succession, Liz’s insights offer practical steps to build stronger relationships and more resilient organizations. This episode is a reminder that when leaders stay curious and intentional, they not only solve problems but also create lasting impact.
Links/Resources:
* Email Sergio: sergio@sergiolaw.com
* Learn more about Mitchell Levy:
https://MitchellLevy.com
* Book time directly with Mitchell: https://mitchelllevy.com/contact-us
* Liz Kislik’s website: lizkislik.com
* Free ebook on conflict management (available on her website)
* Liz’s TEDx Talk on the structural aspects of conflict (available on her site)
