Shows
Legacy Builders: Strategies for Building Successful Family EnterprisesThe Family Mirror: Why Self-Improvement Creates Systemic Change in Business FamiliesIn our upcoming episode, we explore the essential strategies for aligning values and purpose across family enterprise systems with Holly Simmons, Principal Managing Partner at Golden Lasso Consulting and Family Enterprise Advisor. This conversation examines how leadership development, effective communication, and clear role definition serve as foundational elements for sustainable growth and family harmony in business settings. Listeners will gain insights into balancing individual needs with collective goals, building stronger relationships through intentional practices, and creating systems that honour both personal contributions and shared heritageDuring our discussion, listeners can look forward to exploring the balance between...2025-05-0247 min
Legacy Builders: Strategies for Building Successful Family EnterprisesWealth Beyond Money: Cultivating Trust, Identity, and Connection in Family EnterprisesIn this episode, Emily Bouchard, Chief Learning Officer at 10x10 Roadmap and Founder of Bouchard Bespoke Consulting, shares her extensive expertise on helping wealthy families navigate the complexities of multigenerational wealth, relationships, and leadership. With over 20 years of experience coaching families, Emily offers valuable insights on developing healthy identities for family members regardless of their relationship to family wealth.Throughout the conversation, Emily explores crucial concepts such as the unique challenges faced by young people in affluent families, the importance of operationalizing family values, and creating purposeful prenuptial agreements that strengthen relationships rather than undermining them. She...2025-04-1748 min
Legacy Builders: Strategies for Building Successful Family EnterprisesHardwired for Value: How Strategic Capital Structure Shapes the Future of Your Family EnterpriseIn this episode, Gerard McInnis, Senior Partner at Kalos Transactions Advisory, MacKay CEO Forum Chair, and Chair of the Board at Cashco Financial Services Inc., shares his expertise on valuation principles and strategic capital structure for family enterprises. With over 30 years of experience in business valuations, strategy, governance, and operations, Gerard explores how businesses can optimize their approach to value creation while navigating succession planning and intergenerational transitions.Throughout the conversation, Gerard delves into essential concepts like the three types of business leaders, capital structure optimization, and practical approaches to strategic planning that drive sustainable value. He...2025-04-0450 min
Legacy Builders: Strategies for Building Successful Family EnterprisesThe Decision Catalyst: Examining Keep-or-Sell Frameworks in Family EnterpriseIn this episode, Paul Hood, one of the most influential voices in purposeful planning and family business governance, navigates the complex terrain of family business decision-making and succession planning. With decades of experience as a tax attorney, educator, and trusted advisor featured in Forbes, USA TODAY, and The Wall Street Journal, Paul reveals what truly matters when families face their most critical crossroads: whether to keep or sell their business.Throughout the conversation, Paul explores essential concepts like creating psychologically safe environments for authentic family discussions, why including all voices—even those of children as young as ei...2025-03-2146 min
Legacy Builders: Strategies for Building Successful Family EnterprisesRethinking Governance: Modern Strategies for Stronger Boards & Better DecisionsIn this episode, Matt Fullbrook, one of North America's most recognizable voices in corporate governance, explores the nuanced world of boardrooms and what truly makes them effective. With over two decades of experience in more than 300 boardrooms, Matt challenges conventional wisdom about what it means to be "skilled" and how boards can function at their highest potential despite uncertainty.Throughout the conversation, Matt delves into essential concepts like redefining success in the boardroom, the difference between technical expertise and genuine contribution, and why board composition goes far beyond professional credentials. He emphasizes the importance of treating connections...2025-03-0750 min
Legacy Builders: Strategies for Building Successful Family EnterprisesShaping Next-Generation Owners: Lessons in Resilience, Responsibility, and LeadershipIn our latest episode, Dave Specht, Director of the Drucker School Global Family Business Institute and author of "The Family Business Whisperer," shares his insights on developing ownership mindsets across generations. With an expansive career that includes training over 2,500 advisors and bankers on family dynamics, founding Advising Generations, and establishing the Family Business Management program at the University of Nebraska, Dave brings a powerful blend of academic wisdom and practical experience to help families navigate the intricate path of generational continuity.Throughout the conversation, Dave illuminates the delicate balance between protecting and empowering rising generations in family...2025-02-2145 min
Legacy Builders: Strategies for Building Successful Family EnterprisesThe HERO in Family Enterprise: The Mindset to Guide the Rising GenerationIn this episode, Doug Gray, Ph.D., Founder and CEO of Action Learning Associates, LLC and co-Founder of Assess Next Gen, LLC, shares his expertise on fostering psychological capital (PsyCap) and intergenerational understanding within family enterprises. With over 25 years of experience and a deep background in leadership development, Doug explores how families can build stronger connections across generations while managing wealth and legacy dynamics.Throughout the conversation, Doug delves into essential concepts like the HERO framework (Hope, Efficacy, Resilience, and Optimism) and practical approaches to family storytelling and legacy preservation. He emphasizes the importance of creating safe...2025-02-0742 min
Legacy Builders: Strategies for Building Successful Family EnterprisesCrossing The Line of Confidence: Transforming Family Inertia into Collective ActionIn our latest episode, Daphne McGuffin of D3 Learning Solutions explores the transformative power of continuous learning and self-discovery in family enterprises. She introduces groundbreaking frameworks that help families move from uncertainty to confident action, including her "Line of Confidence" model that guides families through the crucial stages of learning, alignment, and implementation. Through her work at D3 Learning Solutions, Daphne demonstrates how understanding individual instincts and natural abilities can revolutionize how families approach succession and governance.Throughout the conversation, Daphne delves into the relationship between personal development and collective growth in family businesses, particularly through her...2025-01-2454 min
Legacy Builders: Strategies for Building Successful Family EnterprisesFinding Your Fit: Designing Custom Roles Across GenerationsIn our latest episode, Bill Brushett, Advisor, Director, and TEC Canada Chair, shares his insights on intentional leadership development and succession planning in family enterprises. With over 40 years of experience spanning roles from President & CEO of Family Enterprise Canada to National Clients & Services Partner at Grant Thornton LLP, Bill brings a powerful combination of financial acumen and executive wisdom to help families navigate generational transitions and strategic growth.Throughout the conversation, Bill illuminates the interplay between emotional connection and strategic foresight in family business success. He explores compelling perspectives on mentorship and peer learning while offering practical...2025-01-1047 min
Legacy Builders: Strategies for Building Successful Family EnterprisesThe Curiosity Advantage: Transforming Family Wealth Through Strategic LearningIn our latest episode, we sit down with Torri Hawley, a dynamic voice in family enterprise education who brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her role as Director of Client Learning Experience at Tamarind Learning. Drawing from her journey as a seventh-generation member of a 150-year-old family enterprise, Torri shares insights about finding one's place within a family business legacy. Named among Family Business Magazine's "25 Under 35: Next-Gen Members to Watch," she embodies the bridge between traditional family enterprise values and next-generation perspectives.In this conversation, Torri explores the importance of patience, relationship building, and the...2024-12-0642 min
Legacy Builders: Strategies for Building Successful Family EnterprisesBeyond Inheritance: Building Authentic Paths in Wealth StewardshipIn this episode, Vincent Valeri, Managing Director of Vincent Valeri & Associates and Principal, Family Capital Services at CMG, shares his insights on guiding enterprising families through the delicate balance of wealth stewardship and personal authenticity. With extensive experience working with some of the wealthiest families in the country, Vincent brings a unique perspective that emphasizes the importance of individual self-actualization within the context of family wealth. His approach focuses on helping next-generation family members discover their own path while navigating the complex dynamics of inherited privilege.Throughout the conversation, Vincent illuminates the critical balance between honouring the...2024-11-2249 min
Legacy Builders: Strategies for Building Successful Family EnterprisesCollective Growth: Nurturing Innovation Within Family EnterprisesIn this episode, Thomas Clark, Chief Operating Officer of Veritage International, shares his distinctive approach to nurturing family enterprises through education and intergenerational development. With over a decade of experience from the Business Families Foundation to Family Enterprise Canada, Thomas brings a unique blend of educational expertise and practical business acumen to help families develop shared language and cultivate intrapreneurial mindsets across generations.Throughout the conversation, Thomas draws compelling parallels between sports team dynamics and family enterprises, illuminating insights about legacy building and sustainable growth. He introduces innovative concepts like the family learning budget and emphasizes the...2024-11-0855 min
Legacy Builders: Strategies for Building Successful Family EnterprisesRemoving the Mask: Empowering Family Enterprise Leaders to ThriveIn our latest episode, we welcome Danielle Saputo, President and Owner of Danielle Saputo Legacy Coach & Family Enterprise Advisor. With a distinguished academic background and certifications from prestigious institutions, Danielle shares her expertise as a Family Enterprise Advisor Designate and Certified Coach. Throughout our conversation, she emphasizes the critical importance of recognizing opportunities, finding one's voice, and balancing individual development with family unity in the context of family enterprises. Danielle delves into key topics such as the multifaceted nature of courage within family businesses, the delicate balance between respecting traditions and personal growth, and the unique challenges f...2024-10-2552 min
Legacy Builders: Strategies for Building Successful Family EnterprisesDecision Alignment: Connecting Family Values to Business StrategyIn this episode, Joshua Nacht, a senior consultant with The Family Business Consulting Group, shares his insights on helping business families create structured plans for continuity and success across generations. Joshua has extensively researched family business leadership and discusses the importance of developing effective governance, communication, strategies and managing transitions within family enterprises.Throughout the conversation, Joshua explores key concepts such as creating a shared family vision, balancing tradition with innovation, and the role of family champions in driving positive change. He emphasizes the value of collaborative goal-setting, effective governance structures, and aligning family values with business...2024-10-1152 min
Legacy Builders: Strategies for Building Successful Family EnterprisesReframing the Family Story: From Inherited Trauma to Generational TriumphIn this episode, Ruschelle Khanna, Owner of Ruschelle Khanna Consulting, shares her innovative approach to guiding high-net-worth families through the complexities of wealth management and generational transitions. With over twenty years of experience and a unique blend of therapeutic expertise and wealth consciousness, Ruschelle brings a holistic perspective to her clients. She emphasizes the importance of addressing inherited patterns, resolving ancestral trauma, and fostering mindfulness to ensure long-term success and harmony in family enterprises.Throughout the conversation, Ruschelle highlights the significant impact of uncovering and transforming inherited patterns on both individual well-being and family business performance. She...2024-09-2746 min
Legacy Builders: Strategies for Building Successful Family EnterprisesStrategic Growth of the Family Enterprise: Cultivating Acumen Early for Sustained SuccessIn our latest episode, we welcome Anna Giampà, Chief Learning & Development Officer at Crysalia, for an in-depth discussion on family enterprises. Anna, a certified Family Enterprise Advisor with over two decades of experience, shares her unique insights on navigating the complex interplay between family dynamics and business strategy.Throughout our conversation, Anna emphasizes the critical importance of open communication and diverse perspectives across all family circles. She delves into key topics such as strategic planning for family businesses, the benefits of engaging younger generations early, and the vital role of maintaining family alignment alongside enterprise development. Anna o...2024-09-1347 min
Legacy Builders: Strategies for Building Successful Family EnterprisesUnmasking Narratives: Converting Emotional Currency into Generational WealthIn this episode, Franco Lombardo, Founder and CEO of Veritage International, offers a fresh perspective on the symbiosis between personal growth and family business success. Franco uncovers how confronting entrenched narratives and building emotionally secure environments can reshape family business operations. He delves into practical strategies for nurturing genuine relationships and refining decision-making processes, illuminating how transparency and shared values can harmonize individual aspirations with broader business goals.The conversation explores crucial themes such as the ripple effects of emotional safety in business settings, the convergence of individual development and collective family enterprise achievements, and the catalytic...2024-08-3042 min
Legacy Builders: Strategies for Building Successful Family EnterprisesFrom Within Outward: Embracing Advisors and Peer Insights for Family Enterprise GrowthIn this episode, Steve Legler a Senior Consultant at Blackwood Family Enterprise Services, talks about his experiences helping wealthy families make tough decisions and work through challenges that span generations. Steve, who grew up in a business family himself, shares what he's learned about keeping families and their businesses healthy over time.Throughout the conversation, Steve touches on important ideas like getting advice from people who don't have a hidden agenda, finding family members who can champion positive change, and why it's crucial for families to meet regularly and talk openly. He explains how these practices can...2024-08-1651 min
Legacy Builders: Strategies for Building Successful Family EnterprisesRunning the Family Business Marathon: Crossing the Finish Line of Generational TransitionsIn this episode, Russ Haworth, Family Business Advisor at The Family Business Partnership, shares his extensive expertise in guiding families of wealth through complex decisions and multi-generational challenges. Russ delves into the critical aspects of effective governance frameworks and personal accountability, introducing his innovative approach to reimagining the role of the family advisor. He emphasizes the importance of balancing individual responsibility with collective support, particularly when fostering the grit and resilience needed for successful wealth preservation and legacy planning across generations.Throughout the conversation, Russ explores key topics such as the power of storytelling in family businesses...2024-08-0244 min
Legacy Builders: Strategies for Building Successful Family EnterprisesSowing the Seeds of Success: Balancing Tradition and Innovation in Multigenerational FarmsIn this episode, Melanie Harty, Partner at Grant Thornton LLP, shares her expertise in guiding agricultural families through generational transitions and legacy planning. With her background as a CPA and certified Family Enterprise Advisor, as well as her firsthand experience working on her family farm, Melanie brings a unique and practical perspective to her clients. She emphasizes the importance of clear communication, aligned visions between generations, and thoughtful decision-making in ensuring family businesses' long-term success and harmony.Throughout the conversation, Melanie highlights the significance of adaptability, realistic expectations, and inclusive discussions in preserving a legacy for future...2024-06-2146 min
Legacy Builders: Strategies for Building Successful Family EnterprisesThe Rhythm of Success: Aligning People, Priorities, and Passion in Family BusinessIn this episode, Gavin Brauer, a Professional EOS Implementer, shares his insights on the vital role of confidence in an entrepreneur's journey and the challenges of staying true to oneself and one's vision in the face of obstacles. With diverse experience in industries such as health tech, manufacturing, consumer brands, professional services, and non-profits, Gavin has successfully guided his clients to achieve their full potential. He is also the co-founder of Pearl Interactives, which develops innovative video games that enable kids with disabilities to access wellness through play and owns and operates KindHuman Bicycles, crafting high-performance bikes, running a...2024-06-0752 min
Legacy Builders: Strategies for Building Successful Family EnterprisesRewriting the Script: Revitalizing Stalled Family Enterprise RelationshipsIn this episode, Darrin Hotte, a certified Family Mediator and Family Enterprise Advisor at New Solution Mediation, shares insights from his 35 years of experience in conflict resolution, family business dynamics, and complex relationships. Darrin emphasizes the importance of curiosity, empathy, and clarity in navigating difficult conversations and decision-making processes within families. He highlights the therapeutic value of mediation, which enables participants to discover their true interests and desires while fostering understanding and collaboration.Darrin discusses the role of generational patterns in family conflicts and the significance of preparing for important conversations with a focus on personal growth...2024-05-2456 min
Legacy Builders: Strategies for Building Successful Family EnterprisesForesight and Adaptability: Navigating the Complexities of Exit PlanningIn our latest Legacy Builders episode, Anne Evamy, Owner and Advisor at Junction Point Inc., shares her journey and insights as a Certified Value Builder and Family Enterprise Advisor. Drawing from her experience as a successful entrepreneur, Anne emphasizes the importance of intentionality, adaptability, and open communication when navigating family business dynamics and succession planning. She highlights the value of understanding one's strengths and having the right advisors to guide families through the complexities of continuity and value creation.Throughout the conversation, Anne emphasizes the importance of intentionality, adaptability, and open communication when navigating family business dynamics...2024-05-1045 min
Legacy Builders: Strategies for Building Successful Family EnterprisesFrom Accounting to Advising: A Veteran's Journey in Developing a Coaching MindsetIn this engaging episode, Jas Butalia shares his journey from a traditional CA to a family business advisor, highlighting the importance of mentorship, learning from mistakes, and adapting to meet clients' evolving needs. Jas discusses how his mentors encouraged him to explore tax planning, even if it meant making errors, as they provided a safety net for growth.A pivotal moment in 2009 led Jas to realize that family businesses required more than technical expertise; they needed guidance on family dynamics and continuity planning. He emphasizes the significance of asking probing questions to understand clients' true goals and...2024-04-2653 min
Legacy Builders: Strategies for Building Successful Family EnterprisesValuation Insights: Aligning Business and Personal Investment in Enterprise TransitionsIn this episode, Sharon Gray, CPA CA CBV, shares her expertise in navigating the complexities present in family business assignments. We explore the importance of proactive planning, education, and clear communication among parties involved in business transactions to ensure better outcomes for both the family and the business.Hear Sharon's perspective on the need for shareholders to have a clear understanding of their roles, responsibilities, and expectations in an open forum to reduce conflicts and minimize costly legal intervention. She discusses the challenges of transitioning ownership, the fight between personal financial needs and business investments, and the...2024-04-1247 min
Legacy Builders: Strategies for Building Successful Family EnterprisesPrioritizing for Impact: Identifying and Aligning Key Family ObjectivesIn this episode, Spencer Mellace shares his journey from his early days as a financial advisor to his current role as a trusted guide for families seeking alignment and prosperity. As a fee-only adviser specializing in estate and succession planning, Spencer emphasizes the importance of a personalized, client-centric approach that focuses on understanding each family's unique dynamics, values, and aspirations. He highlights the significance of prioritizing objectives, tailoring strategies to meet specific needs, and guiding families through the decision-making process with clarity and purpose.Throughout the conversation, Spencer discusses the evolution of his career and the key...2024-03-2934 min
Legacy Builders: Strategies for Building Successful Family EnterprisesBeyond the Founder's Shadow: Empowering Rising Generations to Reimagine LegacyIn this episode, Tim Yeung shares his insights on navigating family businesses. As a family enterprise advisor, he emphasizes the importance of finding one's path, maintaining a growth mindset, and effectively communicating with others. Tim discusses the challenges of differentiation and creating an identity separate from the family business. He highlights the psychological barriers that next-generation family members often face when joining the business, such as the pressure to live up to the founder's legacy and the need to establish credibility.Furthermore, Tim emphasizes the significance of a shared vision, core values and focuses on human capital...2024-03-1553 min
Legacy Builders: Strategies for Building Successful Family EnterprisesCultivating Resilience: From Resistance to OpennessIn this episode, Judi Cunningham shares insights on building resilience when faced with adversity during strategic planning for family enterprises. We explore the importance of facilitating open and curious dialogue to understand differing perspectives, giving family members agency in conversations, and assessing what's truly important to make clearer decisions.Hear Judi's perspective on transforming unproductive communication into a constructive discussion over time, establishing clear family versus business roles to reduce confusion, and implementing information-sharing protocols as more households take ownership. She offers examples of leaning on wider communities or specialists like her Trella Advisory Group when alignment...2024-03-0156 min
Legacy Builders: Strategies for Building Successful Family EnterprisesPerfectionism Paralysis: Crafting Adaptive Governance for Family Business LongevityIn this episode, Leah Tolton shares insights on business governance and ownership transitions for family enterprises. We explore the importance of flexibility in shareholder agreements, setting clear expectations around participation to prevent disputes, formalizing information flow as more households get involved, and not letting perfect planning delay progress. Hear Leah's perspective on navigating fair vs equal dynamics, protecting assets in marriages, and bridging generational risk profiles.How can transitioning from first to third-generation ownership be smooth? Leah offers examples of family and ownership meetings to align on goals. We also discuss prenuptial agreements, estate freezes, and special...2024-02-1643 min
Legacy Builders: Strategies for Building Successful Family EnterprisesBuilding Futures and Passing the Baton: Family Development for Seamless SuccessionsWe're honoured to tap pioneering succession advisor Gerry Meyer for the first 2024 episode of Legacy Builders. Guiding families and firms through leadership changeovers for over 30 years, Gerry unpacks the forward-thinking strategies that enable generational continuity.He spotlights communication and accountability as the bedrocks for seamless transition planning. We discuss best practices for aligned expectations across generations, detailed timelines for readiness as well as Gerry's proven enterprise blueprint to future-proof any family company.Gerry also provides invaluable perspective into the unique inclusion challenges facing non-family executives in navigating complex family dynamics. Tune in for critical lessons...2024-02-0241 min
Legacy Builders: Strategies for Building Successful Family EnterprisesFrom Farm to Legacy: Building Family Enterprises with Trevor MacLeanIn this episode of the Legacy Builders Podcast, we sit down with Trevor MacLean, a Partner at MNP's Agriculture team in Lethbridge. With over two decades of experience, Trevor is dedicated to providing creative, customized, and practical solutions to agricultural producers and agribusinesses throughout Western Canada. Drawing on his extensive background in agribusiness and financial services, Trevor excels in identifying key issues and crafting tailored solutions to manage risk, improve performance, and capitalize on emerging opportunities.Trevor shares his motto of "be aware, be curious, and be inspiring," emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning and leadership in...2023-11-2454 min
Legacy Builders: Strategies for Building Successful Family EnterprisesThe Happiness Factor: Exploring the Intersection of Family and Business Well-Being In this episode of "Legacy Builders," Cory Gagnon navigates the intricacies of family and business well-being while unraveling the enigmatic "happiness factor." Happiness emerges as a pivotal component in the prosperity of family enterprises. It is shown that a content family, in which individuals find happiness, operates with enhanced effectiveness and communication, fostering commitment to both the business and one another. Notably, happiness also acts as a magnet for cultivating a positive company culture and attracting high-caliber employees and customers.Illustrating these principles, the episode recounts the journey of the Trudel family, who manage an organic farm a...2023-10-2713 min
Legacy Builders: Strategies for Building Successful Family EnterprisesThe Advisor's Perspective: Guiding Family Enterprises to Prosperity with Shauna FrederickIn this episode, Shauna Frederick, a renowned expert in family enterprise advising, engages in a thought-provoking discussion with host Cory Gagnon. The conversation begins with Shauna emphasizing the value of acknowledging uncertainty and the power of saying "I don't know." She underscores how this humility can be a key strength, especially for individuals, including women, entering family enterprises.The discussion then delves into the challenges faced by the rising generation in family enterprises. Shauna highlights the unrealistic expectation of immediate expertise and the importance of fostering a culture of learning and open communication within these businesses. The...2023-10-1345 min
Legacy Builders: Strategies for Building Successful Family EnterprisesGeneration to Generation: Education as a Wealth Transition StrategyWelcome to episode 6, where we unravel the intricacies of wealth transition and the vital role of family values in preserving legacies. In this episode, we delve into the art of aligning family values with astute financial strategies. I bring over a decade of experience advising family enterprises to the forefront, sharing real-life stories that highlight the transformative power of values-driven wealth transition.Discover practical strategies such as tailored curriculum development and holistic financial literacy, and learn how experts like wealth advisors and estate planning lawyers can be your allies in achieving a seamless wealth transition. ...2023-09-2923 minLegacy Builders: Strategies for Building Successful Family EnterprisesTrailer - Legacy Builders: Strategies for Building Successful Family EnterprisesCory Gagnon doesn’t just love supporting multi-generational families every day. He loves digging into topics and sharing information that matters to family enterprises! In Legacy Builders: Strategies for Building Successful Family Enterprises, Cory, Senior Wealth Advisor with Beacon Family Office at Assante Financial Management Ltd, dives deep to share ways for business owners, family stewards, and the rising generation in family enterprises to take control of their wealth and build a lasting legacy. Through interviews with industry experts and solo talks, each episode provides understandable and actionable strategies and insights on complete wealth management. From navigating family dynamics to...2023-04-1401 min