This week on the Safe Space Podcast, Francesco Lombardo speaks with Jenny Dinnen, a Mackenzie Corp. second generation family business owner. How do you set up a family business to be successful now and for years to come? Are you looking ahead as the traditional business that was originally started or planning into the future, seeking to understand what the impact of the NxtGen will be? If you aren’t communicating, where will that leave your family business when it’s time for the NxtGen to take o...
Jul 12, 2022•31 min
Join Francesco Lombardo for this week's Safe Space as he speaks with Ken McCracken, family business consultant and teacher. Why is development of BOTH the senior and next generation so important to the success of the family business? When family business members are resistant to change, finding ways to help them be open to receive knowledge and help, and not feel threatened is key. Ken's one piece of advice to the Senior and NxtGen...please go and get information that is out there because it wil...
Jul 05, 2022•34 min
Kevin Hancock returns to the Safe Space podcast to discuss how losing his voice made the family business stronger and more profitable. By understanding for the first time what it was like not to be heard, Kevin changed his vision on running the company, which led to more profit in the last 10 years than the previous 164 years combined. How did his vision change? What happened in the company that improved profits so significantly? Learn more by listening to this week's podcast....
Jun 28, 2022•34 min
In this episode of Safe Space, Francesco is joined by Kevin Hancock, who talks about successfully running Hancock Lumber in its 6th generation WITHOUT speaking. Founders and NxtGen, you are not the identity of the performers of the company Kevin shares. Give your performers a voice, because when people feel authentically heard they are much more committed to supporting the company. Kevin offers a quote from Gandhi as his advice - "Become the change you wish to see in the world"... or your family...
Jun 21, 2022•33 min
On this week's episode of Safe Space, Francesco speaks to 3rd generation family business winemaker Mitchell Taylor. Senior generations create a business but it's the NxtGen who continue them. It's up to the current generation to keep the business healthy, sustainable and evolving, in order to market to the NxtGen. For the NxtGen, Family business isn't a part time thing. And just because you were born into the family doesn't mean you are automatically part of the family business. You have to earn...
Jun 14, 2022•34 min
John Gibbons returns to the podcast for a continued discussion with Francesco on integrity in family business. Keep your word, avoid empty promises, follow through and be honest to yourself and those who are part of the family business. You can't control the integrity of others, but you can control yourself. John's advice, don't lie in business or in life because eventually you'll forget your story and you'll be caught out. Just be honest from the get-go.
May 31, 2022•33 min
In this episode Benjamin Persofsky and Francesco discuss the importance of having two sets of governance to manage a business owning family. Joining Brown Brothers Harriman in 2010, he is now the Executive Director of the BBH Center for Family Business, which counsels some of the largest business-owning families in the world on issues of strategy, governance, succession planning, transition and capital policies. Ben shares his experience in working at the intersection of business and family and ...
May 24, 2022•23 min
In this episode Francesco talks with Lisa Daniel about the importance of inclusion of spouses in a Family business. Lisa joined the Lodge family in 1994 when she married 5th generation family member Jay Daniel and is a very active volunteer with the Joseph Lodge Family Council. As Lisa shares, being a spouse who married into the family brings a fresh perspective without the influence of past emotional issues. We also discuss the importance of allowing the NxtGen to be themselves and not be clone...
May 17, 2022•25 min
In this episode, John Gibbons, a 4th generation family business member, talks about his passion project MARINAS GUARDIAN. Francesco and John discuss the importance of having a passion project while also being self-sustaining to be taken seriously. Being reliant on oneself is a critical ingredient for one's self-respect. Many times parents make life easier for the NXTGEN, without realizing they are taking away their childrens' drive. Self-respect is ONE thing money cannot buy. John shares his pas...
Mar 22, 2022•38 min
Richa and Francesco tackle the issues of perspectives in Family Business. As Richa shared here, the mentor used to say, "If there are two or more utensils in the kitchen, they will clang and make noise." The key to successful transition and succession is being able to understand and appreciate the perspectives of the other, all the while recognizing that both sides are truths. Francesco and Richa discuss the "cultural differences" that influence and impact successful transitions. One is not righ...
Mar 15, 2022•22 min
One of the biggest challenges facing succession and transition of a business from one generation to the next is the disinterest of the NxtGen in the business. Andre, host of the Impulsive Thinker podcast, and Francesco discuss what the absence of self-expression looks like, why it's suppressed, and the cost of not allowing others, #NxtGen or Senior generation, in #FamilyBusiness to express themselves. Do the #NxtGen want to express their creativity, and business acumen by starting up a new ventu...
Mar 08, 2022•25 min
In this episode, Francesco interviews Andre Brisson, host of The Impulsive Thinker podcast. A frank and fun filled interview, Andre shares his journey of being diagnosed with ADHD and how he has used this as a tool for championing himself, his team and other entrepreneurs. Andre talks about how he saw emotional patterns of adults at a young age, how he knew he was different, and did not allow the opinions of others impact or influence what he knew he was...... different and unique. We discuss th...
Feb 22, 2022•34 min
What would have prevented this collapse? In this episode Francesco and Warwick discuss the importance of focusing on emotional intelligence. Had he known what he knew and had access to Veritage at the time, Warwick believes things could have turned out much differently for him and the family. Francesco asked Warwick what advice he would give his 26 year old self if he could. His answer ..... surprising. Additionally spoke about the importance of surrounding oneself with advisors who are not afra...
Feb 15, 2022•31 min
How to go from $2.225B to zero, the collapse of a 150 year family business. In this interview, Warwick Fairfax, a 5th generation family member of the John Fairfax company based in Australia candidly shared how he was personally responsible for taking down the family business at age 26. Armed with an MBA from Harvard, Warwick decided to launch a $2.225B takeover which led to the collapse of the family business. Warwick describes what that fateful day was like, how he felt and most importantly, ho...
Feb 08, 2022•33 min
Do you want to find your purpose in life? Do you want to have a lasting impact on the world? Do you want to connect deeper? Then this is the episode you don't want to miss!!! In this, the 101 episode of Safe Space™, Dov Baron shares the key question to ask oneself to start to uncover and discover their purpose. Dov talked about the role of one's ego to protect our wound and hide it from the world. This is the greatest dis-service we can do to ourselves and the world. Understanding one's EMOTIONA...
Feb 01, 2022•45 min
In this Dov Baron's 4th appearance on the show: a thought-provoking discussion on identity and why we as humans do what we do AND, more importantly, why it's so difficult to change our beliefs and behaviors. Dov talks about the 3 big changes that are here as a result of COVID. If we don't accept these we will perish as a human and as businesses. One's ability to face reality and have the courage to change is the key to legacy and sustainability in Family Businesses and Family Offices.
Jan 04, 2022•40 min
Caren Yanis worked with Oprah Winfrey in setting up the Oprah Winfrey Foundation and Angel Network. In this episode, Caren and Francesco discuss the importance of combining empathy and data when it comes to charitable giving. Caren talked about "Democratizing Philanthropy" and shared what works and what does not work. Her advice for the senior generation is to be clear on what your legacy will be. And for the nxtgen Caren advises them to continue to be courageous....
Dec 28, 2021•22 min
In this the third of a three part interview, Elena Zafirova and Francesco discuss the future of NxtGen education and the importance of creating a uniquely tailored learning experience to each individual. Francesco also reminded us of the three pillars of "preparedness" and Elena shared her views that the future of NextGen education will be human-centered, meaning being built for NxtGen by NxtGen. Elena role models by being the example of what preparedness is by sharing her individual journey, wh...
Dec 21, 2021•22 min
In this episode, Jake Chagoury and Francesco tackle the UNDISCUSSED issue of: Where do I fit in, if at all in the family business? All too often the next generation feels the pressure and the burden to be involved in the family business, even if they don't have an interest or passion for it. They don't want to disappoint the previous generation and feel guilty for what they feel. This often leads to resentment towards the business and themselves. Jake talks about the COURAGE to understand onesel...
Dec 07, 2021•26 min
In part two of three, Elena and Francesco discuss what is currently working in the education system and what is lacking to better equip and prepare the NxtGen for their future. What are the three pillars of preparedness and why do they matter to ensure an individual is properly equipped for their future? Elena's shares her own lessons learned from the journey of building DIONZ and the importance of letting go of control. Francesco discussed the transition of evolving from being a gladiator to a ...
Nov 30, 2021•35 min
Elena Zafirova, a nxtgen herself, shares her journey from graduating from a top boarding school to becoming a UK & US qualified lawyer advising her friends’ parents on wealth management and tax matters, to joining the leadership team of a tech unicorn, to becoming the founder and CEO of DIONZ, a nxtgen education start-up. Elena and Francesco discuss the lessons and opportunities that lie in having “dark days” and the importance of building a strong value-aligned “personal advisory board” to ...
Nov 23, 2021•27 min
John Kluge and Francesco dive into the topic of generosity. Why? Because, too many of us are stingy and operate with a scarcity mentality. John shares his views, and the science behind operating with a spirit of generosity. The power of inclusion on profitability and positive impact on business. The theme of this show is about making the conscious decision to be generous with your family, your resources, and with yourself and how it may impact your life. Learn the benefits of being generous and ...
Nov 16, 2021•27 min
In this episode of Safe Space, Jonathan Hung talks about the importance of developing and finding one's brand as the NxtGen of a successful manufacturing family business. "Knowing what you stand for'' is key to one's success, shared Jonathan. It is important to find one's identity and be passionate in what you do. Many NxtGen feel lost and are without their own identity within the overarching family business and at times in the shadows of larger than life founders. Jonathan shares his journey fr...
Nov 09, 2021•21 min
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.
Oct 26, 2021•22 min
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 ye...
Oct 19, 2021•37 min
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...
Oct 12, 2021•29 min
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 y...
Oct 05, 2021•24 min
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 t...
Sep 28, 2021•24 min
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 ...
Sep 21, 2021•26 min
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 K...
Sep 14, 2021•28 min
