What happens when you achieve everything you thought you wanted in your 20s…but feel completely unfulfilled? Cathy Christen, founder of Elevated You, co-founder of GoBundance Women, and bestselling author of "Life as a Masterpiece," thought she had it all figured out by 25. Multiple six-figure income, broken records, outward success—but inside she was lonely, exhausted, and questioning everything. Her transformation from workaholic achiever to intentional leader offers a masterclass in building ...
Jul 08, 2025•55 min
How do you transform from the family business's biggest skeptic into its most passionate advocate? Kevin Tsao, Chief Sustainability Officer of Eno Brands, a fashion jewelry manufacturing company, didn't just resist the family business—he rejected it outright. But sometimes our strongest resistance reveals our deepest calling. In this powerful conversation, Kevin shares his transformation from a state government employee who vehemently opposed joining the family business to a leader who has found...
Jul 01, 2025•53 min
What happens when a fourth-generation family business leader finds himself drowning in anxiety despite outward success? Franklin Swann, CEO of the 130-year-old Swann's Furniture and Design, shares his raw journey from overwhelming self-doubt to thriving leadership. He reveals how implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) didn't just save his business during the pandemic—it transformed his entire life. Discover the powerful truth about emotional health in leadership, why systems mat...
Jun 24, 2025•49 min
What if the secret to building wealth wasn't working harder, but building better systems? Jay Bourgana shares his remarkable journey from an impoverished childhood in Morocco to building a $350 million real estate empire. He reveals how curiosity-driven pattern recognition, strategic system building, and the discipline to "fire yourself" from every role can create both financial freedom and personal resilience. Discover how this serial entrepreneur applies the same frameworks to business acquisi...
Jun 17, 2025•59 min
Balancing a thriving real estate empire with family life and full-time jobs…is it even possible? Logan and Bostyn Brodine share their journey from purchasing their first investment property to building a portfolio of six single-family homes in just two years. They reveal strategies for maintaining a strong relationship while working together, discuss their new venture into gym franchising, and offer insights on achieving abundance in all areas of life. Discover how this power couple navigates th...
Jun 10, 2025•50 min
Wondering how to thrive in the unique dynamics of a family business? In this episode, Adam sits down with Taylor Gandy, a third-generation CEO, to unpack his journey of stepping into leadership and the game-changing impact of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). They dive into how clearly defined core values can shape hiring decisions, why community involvement matters, and what it really takes to lead a legacy business into the future. Whether you're part of a family-run company or simpl...
Jun 03, 2025•46 min
How do family-owned enterprises overcome resistance to change and other dysfunctions, setting a course for success from generation to generation? Join Adam Hill as he talks with seasoned CEO and family business advocate, Rob Ferguson, about the dynamics of family-controlled entities. They discuss the importance of leadership, implementing proper governance, facing change, and how to prioritize for success. They also cover building value, maintaining identity beyond the business, recognizing dysf...
May 27, 2025•48 min
How can you ensure your family's wealth is preserved and wisely managed across generations? Adam Hill talks with international speaker and founder of Generational Wisdom, Julia Myers, about the vital importance of passing on not just generational wealth, but wisdom, to our children. Julia shares the transformative journey that led her to discover how financial acumen must be wedded to wisdom in order to create true abundance for one’s family. She offers profound insights and practical strategies...
May 20, 2025•58 min
How does a decades-old family business adapt and survive despite modern challenges? Join Adam Hill as he chats with Ben Hertzman, president of Progress Luv2Pak, about the company's rich history, the transition between generations, and their innovative steps in domestic manufacturing and sustainability. From his Procter & Gamble days to launching Gather Packaging, Ben reveals how sustainability is reshaping the packaging world. Whether you're a business leader or an eco-conscious consumer, th...
May 13, 2025•55 min
Curious about how to successfully transition a family business while preserving its legacy? In this episode, Adam chats with Andrea Carpenter, a seasoned expert in family business succession who shares her personal experiences growing up in a family business and the critical role that open communication played in her formation, while exploring how both family business leaders and next-generation members can balance honoring legacy with pursuing their own authentic paths. Whether you're planning ...
May 07, 2025•49 min
Ever thought about using an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) as a way to transition your business? In this episode, Adam Hill sits down with ESOP expert Kelly Finnell to break down how these plans work, why they’re the best move for some family-owned businesses, and what it really takes to put one in place. They’ll cover how ESOPs can protect your company’s culture, reward your team, and offer a meaningful path to succession—all while keeping the heart of the business intact. 0:00 Intro 5:37...
Apr 29, 2025•49 min
Join Adam Hill in exploring the journey of Andrew Cohen as he navigates the ownership transition of Moosylvania, the legendary advertising agency his father started. Andrew candidly shares the challenges of taking the reins, the dynamics of working alongside his father, and how his leadership role has unfolded over time. Discover how Andrew is embracing creativity in the face of AI advancements (including their innovative brainstorming tool, Collabsurdity!) and gain insights into balancing famil...
Apr 22, 2025•51 min
Adam and Marie Hill explore the intricate dance of balancing love and business. From setting boundaries to fostering open communication, the Hills offer insights into creating a supportive environment that nurtures both personal and professional growth. They share personal stories and practical strategies for maintaining a thriving partnership while managing separate businesses. Tune in and discover how to transform your relationship into a powerhouse of collaboration and success. 0:00 Intro 5:5...
Apr 15, 2025•42 min
Join Adam Hill as he chats with Joey Goone, president of Utopia Experience, about the dynamic journey of running a legacy business. Explore how his events company evolved–especially during a time when in-person events ground to a sudden halt!–and learn about Joey's core value of leading with love. Joey shares his unique approach to leadership, emphasizing positivity and personal growth. This episode offers insights into creating impactful events and navigating the future of family businesses wit...
Apr 08, 2025•53 min
Unlock the key to success in family businesses by mastering the balance between Vision and Execution. Host Adam Hill dives into the classic “chicken or egg” debate—what truly comes first (and why does it matter)? Get ready for a fresh perspective that challenges conventional wisdom, helping your family business break through stagnation, build a future-focused vision, and honor its legacy. 0:00 Intro 1:03 Vision vs execution in business 5:06 Execution should precede vision 10:12 Building trust th...
Apr 01, 2025•23 min
Discover how strategic planning can elevate your business's worth and ensure a smooth transition–unlike a shocking 70% of business owners who try to sell but can’t! Explore the transformative journey of exit planning with Renee Russo, an expert in creating business value and personal energy management. Renee shares her insights on balancing leadership with self-prioritization, emphasizing the importance of personal well-being in achieving professional success. Tune in to learn practical steps to...
Mar 25, 2025•1 hr 3 min
Explore the transformative power of separating Visionary and Integrator roles in family businesses with host Adam Hill. Discover how this strategic division can prevent burnout, enhance accountability, and drive sustainable growth. Drawing from personal experiences and proven business frameworks, Adam offers actionable insights to help leaders assess their strengths and implement effective role separation. Whether you're looking to improve leadership dynamics or prepare for a smooth transition, ...
Mar 18, 2025•31 min
Explore the transformative power of virtual assistants with Adam Hill and Adrienne Green as they discuss how these resources can revolutionize family businesses. Adrienne shares her journey of running a virtual assistant firm with her husband while traveling the globe with their children, offering practical tips on balancing entrepreneurship with family life. Discover strategies for hiring and managing virtual assistants, leveraging technology for seamless collaboration, and fostering an entrepr...
Mar 11, 2025•55 min
Introducing Startup Spouses! Join Adam and his wife, Marie, in this new series about business and marriage. Celebrating 26 years together, Adam and Marie credit the power of EOS-style meetings to upleveling their marriage. Discover how these weekly meetings with your spouse can enhance your relationship through tackling challenges together and fostering open communication. 0:00 Introduction 5:52 “Divide and conquer” approach 13:37 Weekly meeting pulse as quality time 24:37 Addressing issues thro...
Mar 04, 2025•43 min
Explore the intersection of psychology and business with host Adam Hill and Dr. Donna Marino, who shares her unique journey from a family of Manhattan electricians to becoming a psychologist and family business consultant. Discover the importance of proactive governance, effective conflict resolution strategies, and how psychology plays a crucial role in navigating the complexities of family-owned companies. Gain valuable insights and actionable advice to enhance communication and trust within y...
Feb 25, 2025•55 min
Today, Adam Hill celebrates 13 years of sobriety, reflecting on his journey from a jail cell after a DUI to becoming a top Ironman athlete and the CEO of his family’s business. Tune in for powerful insights on resilience, personal growth, and the striking parallels between overcoming life’s challenges and breaking through business barriers. 00:00 Introduction 05:06 Sobriety journey and life transformation 10:14 Why we stay in unhealthy dynamics 15:52 Implementing a business operating system 22:0...
Feb 18, 2025•30 min
Host Adam Hill sits down with Dale Cooper, a father of 12 with an extraordinary journey—from a challenging upbringing to building a $15 million water slide restoration business. Dale shares hard-earned lessons from years of entrepreneurship, including the ups and downs of hiring family. With firsthand experience employing his own children, he reveals the dos and don’ts of integrating family into a business. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with wisdom, resilience, and practical insig...
Feb 11, 2025•54 min
Adam Hill tackles the critical challenge of addressing key issues in family businesses and explores effective strategies for creating a culture of openness, prioritizing problems, and solving them at their root. With practical tools like the "Five Whys" method and the EOS approach, Adam shares insights on building courage, fostering healthy conflict, and strengthening relationships. This episode offers valuable guidance for family business leaders looking to overcome obstacles, drive growth, and...
Feb 04, 2025•31 min
Join host Adam Hill as he welcomes Bryan McFarland, a third-generation family business owner and entrepreneur, to share his journey from joining his family's manufacturing sales agency to launching innovative ventures like 3x5 Life. Discover how Bryan champions the road less traveled and advocates for breaking the mold in entrepreneurship, education, and raising a family. 0:00 Intro 5:48 Family business transition challenges 11:07 Entrepreneurial drive within family business 16:56 Personal devel...
Jan 28, 2025•51 min
In this episode of Fearless Family Business, host Adam Hill inspires listeners to design a lifestyle that is not only fulfilling to them, but inspiring to others. And he doesn't stop there! Entrepreneurs and CEOs are called to action to empower their employees to design their dream lives, too. You'll leave this episode feeling as equipped as you are convicted with the call to empower those around you to live their best life possible. 0:00 Intro 4:47 Vision and clarity 11:05 Three ways to take ow...
Jan 21, 2025•38 min
Join host Adam Hill for a rich conversation with Mike McCarthy, serial entrepreneur and co-founder of GoBundance, as they explore the art of crafting enduring family legacies and cultures, particularly within the realms of wealth and family enterprises. The two discuss the significance of family meetings, family banks, and other actionable strategies that have the potential to impact a family’s values and wealth for many generations to come. 0:00 Intro 5:32 Family legacy and values 11:29 Thrivin...
Jan 14, 2025•59 min
In this insightful episode, host Adam Hill delves into the transformative concept of "right people, right seats," a cornerstone for thriving family businesses. Drawing inspiration from Jim Collins' "Good to Great" and the EOS framework, Adam unpacks strategies to ensure employees align with both the cultural ethos and operational needs of the business. 0:00 Intro 6:00 Right People, Right Seats 12:00 Family Dynamics in Business 18:00 Core Values and Hiring 24:00 Accountability and Structure 30:00...
Jan 07, 2025•42 min•Season 2Ep. 18
Host Adam Hill is joined by seasoned family business advisor Sara B. Stern, whose unique adaptation of Harvard's 3 Circle Model profoundly changed the way he viewed family business after hearing her speak a few years ago. In this episode, Adam and Sara dive into the 3 Circle Model, explore the transformative power of EOS, and discuss how to approach it all with healthy communication and a lighthearted spirit. 0:00 Intro 5:53 Family Business Realities 11:05 Advising Family Businesses 17:38 Commun...
Dec 31, 2024•53 min
Make reading these books your resolution, and see your business transform in 2025! Join host Adam Hill as he explores five must-read books that promise to elevate your business leadership and personal growth. From estate planning to emotional maturity, these books offer invaluable insights for leaders, each offering unique lessons to help you level up the love, legacy, and lifestyle in your family business. 0:00 Intro 03:02 Entrusted by David York 07:38 Harvard Business Review Family Business Ha...
Dec 17, 2024•36 min
Bookkeepers, fractional CFOs, and full-time CFOs–there’s a time and place for each of these, and in this episode, Cheryl Heller helps us better understand that time and that place. In the ever-evolving world of family enterprises, financial strategy is the key to unlocking unprecedented growth and success. Cheryl shares her insights on how small businesses can harness the power of data-driven decision-making to soar to new heights. Discover the secrets to balancing people-centric values with obj...
Dec 10, 2024•43 min
