Shows
The Third LayerResponsibility and Privilege: Paolo Delgado's Values-Based Leadership at 4th Gen Delbros GroupJose Paolo Delgado, a fourth-generation leader, offers an international perspective on guiding a multi-generational family enterprise rooted in the Philippines, tracing its history from the Spanish Inquisition and World War II. Paolostepped into a leadership role around 2009 during a period of intense crisis, requiring decisive, "firefighting" action to restructure the company which was suffering from the effects of the 2008 financial crisis. He quickly pivoted the business, diversifying from 99% logistics into agriculture, fintech, AI, and climate investments, shifting the focus to future-proof verticals. The company culture is defined by intentional stewardship and a commitment to nation-building, guided by...
2026-01-2948 minThe Third LayerA series of Difficult Conversations: A look into Meghan Juday and Mary Nicoletti's unique long term partnershipThis episode features Meghan Juday, Chairman of the Board, and Mary Nicoletti, Family Council Chair, discussing the evolution of governance and culture within Ideal Industries, a 100-year-old global manufacturing company. As a fourth-generation leader, Ms. Juday recognized that the family's governance structure, while policy-driven, lacked the "heart and soul" necessary to connect the increasingly dispersed family (44 members across G3, G4, and G5) to the business. The conversation details the essential shift from transactional governance to one focused on intentional relationship-building and strategic partnership with the operating company. Key Themes: Evolving Governance for Engagement
2026-01-151h 09The Third LayerReplay: The Trampoline Effect: How Brandon Johnson's journey led to his purpose of building thriving familiesBrandon Johnson's story is a powerful testament to the idea that true success in family wealth lies in cultivating human potential and purpose over mere financial accumulation. His journey, deeply shaped by his family's generational experiences, underscores that a "healthy, thriving, fulfilled family legacy" is ultimately guided by how financial capital supports the "thriving of the human capital" in pursuit of self-actualization. This core message perfectly aligns with The Third Layer's philosophy that performance is directly linked to culture. By focusing on fostering dignity, self-worth, earned legacy, and a clear sense of "why," both within families and organizations, leaders...
2026-01-011h 16The Third LayerTeam of Teams: How Michael Hoehn led his own way and built a high performance growth culture.Michael Hoehn, President or CEO of ASI for over 20 years, shares a compelling narrative of leadership, growth, and the unique dynamics of a family business that builds the "heart of automotive plants" by designing and installing automated handling systems. The company's journey began over 40 years ago when Michael's father, a former GM engineer, acquired it with a partner in 1981, seeing an opportunity for entrepreneurship through acquisition. After selling the business in 1998 during a market peak, they reacquired it in 2002 for "pennies on the dollar" when the buyer decided to divest, aiming to "rescue our team" and "right the ship"...
2025-12-1852 minThe Third LayerIndependent and Interdependent: Dhruv Pandit's families process to understand one another's goals and build their future.Dhruv Pandit, a prominent Kenyan family business leader, offers a compelling account of his family's century-long entrepreneurial journey, rooted in his grandparents' immigration from India to East Africa. He details his father's impressive self-made success in banking, insurance, and real estate, emphasizing the founder's outgoing nature, continuous learning, and ability to connect across diverse social strata. The episode delves into the evolution of their enterprise, highlighting the strategic decision to exit the banking and insurance sectors to concentrate on real estate and formalize a family office structure. Dhruv discusses pivotal moments, including navigating strategic disagreements with his elder brother...
2025-12-0454 minThe Third LayerLearning With No Playbook: Nike Anani's transition from building a family office in Nigeria to advising next gens on their own stories.Nike, an esteemed advisor at Northern Trust and a leader within her own Nigerian family enterprise, shares profound insights into the intricate world of family businesses. Her journey began by managing her family office without a "playbook," a decade she describes as both the most meaningful and challenging of her life. Faced with "drowning in complexity," Nike spearheaded the creation of a family office, establishing a "control tower" designed around family values and vision to manage diverse businesses and investments. She emphasizes the critical need for rising generation leaders to earn trust through persuasion, consistency, and hard work, especially...
2025-11-2045 minThe Third LayerIndustrial Heroes: Jeff Cloud shares how IBT commits to making all stakeholders feel like family.Jeff Cloud, President and CEO of IBT Industrial Solutions and its parent company, Cumulus Companies Inc., shares the rich history of his family's 77-year-old industrial distribution business, founded by his grandparents in 1949. Born from his grandfather's entrepreneurial spirit after a sales territory dispute, IBT's core "Yes, we can do that" mantra and sales-driven approach fueled its growth from a single shop to a multi-state enterprise with over 400 employees. Jeff discusses the intentional cultivation of a people-first culture, emphasizing respect, internal development, and exceptional customer service, evidenced by their remarkable employee longevity. His personal journey, which included time in the...
2025-11-061h 00The Third LayerBuilding Beyond Holiday Inn: Spence Wilson Jr. on Multi-Gen Success within KWC ManagementSpence Wilson Jr., a principal at KWC Management, a single-family office, shares the compelling journey of his family's entrepreneurial legacy, from his grandfather Kemmons Wilson's founding of Holiday Inn to the current multi-generational operation of KWC Management. The discussion highlights the importance of intentional leadership, robust family governance, and a values-driven culture in sustaining success across generations. Spence details the origins of Holiday Inn, born from a "frustrated experience," leading to innovations like standardized rooms, free stays for kids, pet care, and a nationwide reservation system. He also sheds light on the deliberate transition of the family business, which in...
2025-10-2357 minThe Third LayerProject Ernest: Brittney Ray's leadership of the E. Ritter & Company family council and the journey to re-discover purpose and valuesBrittney Ray, the full-time Family Council Chair for E. Ritter & Company, provides a compelling look into stewarding a 136-year-old family enterprise. As a "married-in," or "outlaw" as they humorously refer to them, Brittney's journey into family leadership underscores the importance of curiosity and inclusivity in family businesses. A pivotal moment for the Ritter family came in 2019 with a significant liquidity event, which prompted an identity shift from owner-operators to owner-investors. This change spurred "Project Ernest," an 18-month initiative to revamp the family's mission, vision, and values, engaging professional consultants for broad family input. The project resulted in a renewed...
2025-10-0954 minThe Third LayerSixth Level Leadership: Rachel Wallis Andreasson shares how Wallis Companies maintains a family feel while expandingRachel Wallis Andreasson, a third-generation leader of Wallis Companies, shares the compelling narrative of her family business, transformed from a single gas station in 1968 to a billion-dollar enterprise. Her father, Bill Wallis, an American entrepreneurial archetype, instilled a foundational culture built on strong work ethic, deep intuition for people, and a profound focus on employee well-being, a legacy Rachel and her siblings continue to uphold. Rachel emphasizes that despite its immense growth, Wallis Companies retains its family business feel due to its people-first culture and "leading with heart" approach. The episode delves into Rachel's journey, from purposefully g...
2025-09-251h 03The Third LayerClearing Clutter: Kristin Keffeler shares how the rising gen can form healthy self identities and thrive.Kristin Keffeler, a family wealth consultant, provides profound insights into the human side of wealth and family businesses, focusing on fostering human peak performance and thriving. While her own family story differs from multi-generational businesses—her entrepreneurial father successfully built, took public, and sold a company, creating wealth—her personal journey profoundly shaped her work. Navigating questions of identity, purpose, and authentic relationships in her twenties, she discovered the unique challenges faced by rising generations. Keffeler details the "clutter" (identity, relationship, money, contribution) that can uniquely challenge young family members, hindering their ability to truly flourish. She emph...
2025-09-1156 minThe Third LayerLive, Love, and Serve Together: Anne McGregor shares the Herschend Family story and how they create stability and connection.Anne E. McGregor, a fourth-generation owner of Herschend Entertainment, the family behind Silver Dollar City, offers insights into their transition from family operators to engaged owners. Her grandparents, Hugo and Mary Hershend, founded the business by purchasing a cave in the Ozarks for tourism in 1950, which later evolved into Silver Dollar City in 1960. Anne's father, Pete, and uncle, Jack, further developed the enterprise, notably contributing to the "boom" of Branson by realizing the community needed to grow with them to provide amenities for visitors. Today, the Herschend family emphasizes intentional family engagement and governance to ensure the business's long-term...
2025-08-2859 minThe Third LayerStakeholder Optimization: Ganesh Iyer's journey from Fortune 100 to Etnyre to optimize returns for all stakeholders.Ganesh Iyer, the non-family CEO of Etnyre, a 127-year-old family business, shares his journey from a diverse upbringing in India to leading a company through significant transformation. Joining Etnyre after a distinguished career at Caterpillar, Ganesh sought an environment where deep care for people and purpose transcended singular focus on shareholder return. His partnership with fourth-generation Chairperson William Etnyre aligned perfectly with this vision, establishing "improving lives" as their North Star. Under Ganesh's leadership, Etnyre has not only nearly tripled revenues and valuations but also significantly enhanced employee well-being through initiatives like substantial wage increases (up 50% in 6...
2025-08-1455 minThe Third LayerFrom Social Work to the Boardroom: How William Etnyre leads as Board Chairwith his lifelong values, enabling remarkable growth.William Etnyre, a fourth-generation owner and current Chairperson of Etnyre, shares the compelling evolution of his family's business, from its 1898 roots in farming equipment to a leading road construction manufacturer. Despite a period where his direct family branch was not involved in operations, William, a social worker with a deep commitment to human well-being, unexpectedly ascended to lead the board. Under his leadership and in partnership with a non-family CEO, Ganesh, who shares his social impact vision, Etnyre has undergone a significant transformation.They've championed a people-first culture, prioritizing fair wages, diversity, and community engagement, rooted in the company's...
2025-07-241h 03The Third LayerLegacy of Community: Jason Johnson shares how relationships make Metro National's purpose and values come to lifeIn this conversation, Jason Johnson, CEO of Metro National, shares the rich history of the family-owned real estate development company founded by his grandfather in 1954. He discusses the importance of building relationships in acquiring land, the vision of creating a 'city within a city', and the expansion into various sectors beyond retail. Jason emphasizes the significance of long-term thinking in real estate, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. He also reflects on the dynamics of working in a family business, the transition of leadership from his father, and the collaborative effort to define and uphold the company's...
2025-07-1054 minThe Third LayerAuthentically Local: How Francis 'Hall' Chaney enables growth by encouraging leaders to be open and be themselvesIn this conversation, Francis Hall Chaney III shares the rich history of Chaney Enterprises, founded by his grandfather in 1962. He discusses the evolution of the company through various leadership changes, emphasizing the importance of culture, community engagement, and the dynamics of running a family business. Francis reflects on his upbringing in the family business, the lessons learned, and the transition to his role as CEO. He highlights the company's significant growth and the core values that drive its success, including authenticity, purpose, and grit. In this conversation, Marshall Lockton and Francis Chaney discuss the importance of authenticity, transparency, and...
2025-06-261h 07The Third LayerThe Ripple Effect: How Jeff Oddo's search for significance led to business transformation and growth.In this episode, Jeff Oddo shares the journey of transforming his family's janitorial business into a nationwide franchise powerhouse. From early leadership failures and emotional burnout to rediscovering purpose through significance and servant leadership, Jeff reveals how vision, values, and vulnerability fueled massive growth. Learn how City Wide grew from one company to over 100 franchises — all rooted in culture, clarity, and the ripple effect. Additional Resources: Jeff Oddo, President/CEO at City Wide Facility Solutions: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffoddo/ Connect with Marshall on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn...
2025-06-1256 minThe Third LayerYou don't wash a rental car: Wiley Curran shares memories of his Dad and why his family believes companies are best owned over the long termIn this conversation, Wiley shares insights about his father, Pat Curran, and the lessons learned from his legacy in business. The discussion covers Pat's approach to leadership, the importance of customer focus, teamwork, and the transition of leadership within the family business. Wiley also introduces CPC, a long-term investment strategy that emphasizes building and holding businesses for the future, highlighting the five key battles for success in business. In this conversation, Wiley and Marshall discuss the complexities of raising capital, the importance of long-term thinking in business, and the strategies for winning the people battle within organizations. They delve...
2025-05-221h 06The Third LayerBuilding More Than Buildings: Brett Kaufman on Family Business, Risk, and Life's PurposeIn this conversation, Brett Kaufman shares his journey from growing up in a family with complex dynamics to founding Kaufman Development. He discusses the influence of his family, particularly his father and stepfather, on his career choices and personal development. Brett reflects on the expectations placed on him as a child, the challenges he faced, and the importance of gaining experience outside of family business. He emphasizes the significance of pursuing one's passion and the support he received from his family when making the leap to start his own venture. In this conversation, Brett Kaufman shares his journey of...
2025-05-081h 01The Third LayerA Lot of Hummus: How Stephen Shaya and J&B Medical thrive by being authentic and purposeful.In this conversation, Stephen shares his journey from humble beginnings to leading J & B Healthcare, a family business focused on providing affordable and accessible healthcare. He reflects on the influence of his parents and grandmother, the importance of servant leadership, and the role of authenticity in business. Stephen emphasizes the significance of family values, community impact, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind, highlighting that true richness comes from giving and serving others. Additional Resources: Stephen Shaya, M.D. Managing Director of Akkad Holdings https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-shaya-m-d-a1a13357/ ...
2025-04-2441 min
Lead the People#117: How Purpose-Driven Business Drives Growth with Marshall LocktonMarshall is a Partner and majority owner of Knight Agency, a marketing firm that builds from inside out. They use storytelling to help companies connect people and strategy, driving performance. He acquired Knight through Meraki Investments, which he founded to invest in companies making a difference. He is also a shareholder of Lockton, the largest family owned insurance brokerage, where he worked for 14 years. He lives in KC with his wife Nora and two children, Miles and Sloane.
Top 3 Takeaways
Be Clear. Purpose doesn't require grand social initiatives - it's about clearly articulating why your company...
2025-04-1727 minThe Third LayerNon-Obvious Thinking: How Ben DuPont's curiosity has led to an innovation and networking engineIn this conversation, Ben DuPont shares insights into the rich history of the DuPont family and their business, which has been a significant part of American industry since its founding in 1802. He discusses the evolution of the company, its diversification strategies, and the family's ongoing legacy in philanthropy and innovation. Ben also reflects on his personal journey, including his entrepreneurial ventures and current role in growth equity investment, emphasizing the importance of human relationships in business. In this conversation, Ben DuPont discusses his investment strategies focused on B2B companies, emphasizing the importance of curiosity in business culture. He...
2025-04-1058 minThe Third LayerA new voice: How Rebecca Polan led a 110 year old West Virginia company with new approaches to family communicationIn this conversation, Rebecca Polan shares the rich history of her family's business, which dates back to 1911, and discusses the evolution of the company from a furniture store to a multifaceted real estate and manufacturing enterprise. She reflects on the generational transitions within the business, her personal journey in deciding to join the family business, and the complexities of navigating family dynamics in a professional setting. Rebecca also highlights strategic growth opportunities, including acquisitions and innovative business practices that have shaped the company's current direction. In this conversation, Rebecca Polan discusses her journey in navigating the complexities of leading...
2025-03-2752 minThe Third LayerPreventative Care: How Richard Altieri's medical background helped when needed, while preserving family harmony and legacyIn this conversation, Richard Altieri discusses the dynamics of managing a family business, emphasizing the importance of communication, alignment, and stewardship among family members. He shares insights on maintaining family connections through events, valuing diverse contributions from family members, and the challenges of transitioning leadership roles. Richard reflects on his journey of getting involved in the business during a critical time and highlights the significance of legacy and values in family enterprises. Additional Resources: Dr. Richard Altieri Chairman, Groupo Corporativo Perez https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-altieri-ba9aa729/recent-activity/all/ Connect with Marshall...
2025-03-1349 minThe Third LayerFish Together: How David Dragoo and the Mayfly Outdoors team's core values drive team collaboration and growthIn this conversation, David Dragoo shares his journey as an entrepreneur in the outdoor industry, particularly in fly fishing through his company Mayfly. He discusses the importance of culture, values, and team dynamics in building successful businesses, both in the outdoor sector and in his family real estate business. David emphasizes the significance of hiring individuals who align with the company's core values and the lessons learned from past mistakes in leadership. He also highlights the collaborative process of defining core values with his leadership team, ensuring that they resonate throughout the organization. In this conversation, David Dragoo and...
2025-02-2751 min
Can't Stop the GrowthCSTG 201: Storytelling: The Secret Sauce of Great Cultures with Marshall LocktonCulture isn't just a buzzword—it's the heartbeat of a thriving company! 💙 In this episode, Chad chats with Marshall Lockton — Chair & Partner of Knight Agency — about what it really means to be a people-first business. Spoiler alert: It's not just putting it on the wall and calling it a day! From storytelling and leadership empowerment to keeping culture alive as you scale, this convo is packed with insights (and a few laughs). 🎧 Tune in now and start building a workplace where people actually want to work! Additional Resources:
2025-02-2536 minThe Third LayerThe Trampoline Effect: How Brandon Johnson's journey led to his purpose of building thriving familiesIn this conversation, Brandon shares the rich history of his family business, rooted in his grandfather's entrepreneurial journey. He discusses the complexities of navigating family dynamics and wealth, the transition from a culinary career to managing a family office, and the evolution into a multifamily office. Brandon emphasizes the importance of balancing financial capital with human capital, introducing the 'Trampoline Effect' to illustrate how inherited wealth can amplify personal efforts. He also highlights the significance of creating a purpose-driven culture within his organization and his vision for legacy and stewardship in family business. Additional Resources: ...
2025-02-131h 16
Gut + Science296: The Purpose Story with Marshall LocktonWhat's your purpose story? On this episode, Nikki is joined by Marshall Lockton, entrepreneur and Partner of Knight Agency, takes us on a journey from his family's business at Lockton Companies to his passion for purpose-driven leadership. Marshall shares how crafting meaningful stories fuels performance, builds connection, and brings purpose to life. 🎙️Also, Marshall tees up the launch of his new podcast, The Third Layer, where he gets to share these stories with people from all over!🎉 Get ready for insights on vulnerability, navigating life's seasons, and sparking a culture that thrives. Don't miss thi...
2025-02-0636 minThe Third LayerBuilding A Legacy: Leadership In Family Business With Tyler NottbergIn this conversation, Tyler Nottberg, Chief Optimist at U.S. Engineering, shares his unique journey from a background in political philosophy to leading a fifth-generation family business. He discusses the challenges and opportunities of entering the family business after the loss of his father, the importance of leadership and culture, and his philosophy of optimism in overcoming challenges. Tyler emphasizes the significance of investing in people and building a high-performance culture, while also reflecting on the legacy he hopes to leave behind. Additional Resources: Connect with Marshall on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on...
2025-01-3046 minThe Third LayerThe Heart of a Caregiver: How Andy Eby's mission to transform healthcare for seniors is an expression of purpose.In this engaging conversation, Andy Eby shares his journey from aspiring NFL player to leading Bickford Senior Living, a family business dedicated to caregiving. He discusses the importance of purpose in leadership, the challenges of navigating the healthcare industry, and the significance of personal development through community and coaching. Eby's experiences highlight the deep connections between personal purpose and professional endeavors, emphasizing the role of caregivers in creating meaningful impacts in the lives of seniors. In this conversation, Andy Eby discusses the profound impact of COVID-19 on the senior care industry, highlighting the challenges faced by leaders in maintaining...
2025-01-2355 minThe Third LayerIntroducing The Third LayerWelcome to The Third Layer Podcast, hosted by Marshall Lockton—partner at the Knight Agency and shareholder at Lockton Companies—as he uncovers the inspiring stories behind thriving, multi-generational family businesses. Each episode dives deep into how leaders grow with purpose, shape intentional cultures, and create lasting legacies across generations. Tune in to explore the most important lessons these leaders have learned and discover how you can lead with intention, authenticity, and purpose. Be part of the journey as we map out the path to creating a legacy through strong, thriving business cultures.
2025-01-0201 min
VibecastThe Key to Longterm Business Success with Marshall LocktonThink your company vibe is all about perks? Think again. Kristi chats with Marshall Lockton—entrepreneur and culture advocate—about what really drives workplace vibes. No, it's not ping-pong tables or pizza. Marshall shares how true vibes come from connection: employees aligning with a company's beliefs, behaviors, and sense of belonging. Learn why culture is the foundation of long-term success, so you can elevate your workplace vibe. Additional Resources: Connect with Marshall Lockton on LinkedIn Learn more about Skutvik Consulting Learn more about workvibes Check Your Vibe F...
2024-10-1645 min
Masters in Small Business M&AMarshall Lockton: from family business to family office to acquisition #1Today’s guest is Marshall Lockton. Marshall spent 15 years in sales, sales strategy and sales training roles within his family’s storied private insurance brokerage business (Lockton) before leaving to acquire his first business. In October 2023, he acquired Knight Agency, a specialized consultancy that helps organizations unlock performance by uniquely connecting a company’s purpose, story, values, people and products.
Marshall’s journey as an acquirer is just beginning, but his prior career building sales and sales training programs inside one of the most successful private insurance brokerage companies gives him a mid-career operator’s advantage over many newly...
2024-06-0445 min
Big Idea To Bestseller[CLIENT LAUNCH] How She Got Endorsed By Hillary Clinton & Hit Bestseller Status with Teena HostovichSPECIAL CLIENT LAUNCH EPISODE! Big Idea To Bestseller client and bestselling author, Teena Hostovich joins Jake to celebrate the launch of her new, bestselling book Welcome To The Jungle. Dive deep into the world of success as Teena shares the secrets that catapulted her to bestseller status in not just one, but six categories within the launch week. Gain profound insights into the strategies that fueled this incredible achievement, offering a roadmap for aspiring authors and entrepreneurs.One of the highlights of this episode is the behind-the-scenes story of how Teena secured an en...
2024-01-2231 min
Safety And Risk SuccessLockton Slips, Trips and Falls Webinar, with Christian Harris plus QBE and KeoghsI was delighted to be asked by Lockton, one of the world's ten largest insurance brokers, to join a panel discussion about slips, trips and falls risks. And, kindly, they have allowed me to share the recording on the podcast Here is what Lockton had to say about the event: Slip, trip and fall risks remain a pervasive issue for businesses across a variety of sectors, and these still account for a large proportion of employers' liability and public liability claims. In the webinar...
2021-11-131h 26