Fusebox <![CDATA[Family Business Audiocast]]> The Family Business Audiocast series is a premier podcast that brings together the foremost experts from the global family office and business ecosystem. The series has quickly become one of the leading global podcasts in its field, reaching hundreds of thousands of listeners and subscribers worldwide.

Each episode offers an exclusive deep dive into the inner workings of family businesses and single-family offices, exploring key topics such as governance, culture, corporate strategy, growth, and mission alignment.

Our conversation covers the experiences with, and the importance of, high-quality advisors, investors, partners, governance, and essential resources and vendors for family boards and owners. 

Founded 2022™

Created, Produced, and Owned by R. Adam Smith
]]> The Family Business Audiocast series is a premier podcast that brings together the foremost experts from the global family office and business ecosystem. The series has quickly become one of the leading global podcasts in its field, reaching hundreds of thousands of listeners and subscribers worldwide.

Each episode offers an exclusive deep dive into the inner workings of family businesses and single-family offices, exploring key topics such as governance, culture, corporate strategy, growth, and mission alignment.

Our conversation covers the experiences with, and the importance of, high-quality advisors, investors, partners, governance, and essential resources and vendors for family boards and owners. 

Founded 2022™

Created, Produced, and Owned by R. Adam Smith
]]> en-us false https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true <![CDATA[Episode 4: Ruby Hugueny on the Family Business Enterprise]]> fbx/0de062a6-0f6e-11ee-add3-ba5fa9561315 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Tue, 20 Jun 2023 09:31:30 -0400 Download the transcript as a PDF here!: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/nddvqisqf8t34aajkvmip/4-Post-Podcast-Ruby-Hugueny-June-2023.pdf?rlkey=7co0gxceerh6gw2jf66rvfqvm&amp;st=5ksvoc3e&amp;dl=0Download the episode here!:&nbsp;https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/1n731fvd9kxupvfqorahv/Audiocast-Ruby-Hugueny-With-Intro-Outro-2023-06-19.mp3?rlkey=87y3lui96jk4irhh0n7wnntu1&amp;st=rqphyc9v&amp;dl=0 Download the transcript as a PDF here!:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/nddvqisqf8t34aajkvmip/4-Post-Podcast-Ruby-Hugueny-June-2023.pdf?rlkey=7co0gxceerh6gw2jf66rvfqvm&st=5ksvoc3e&dl=0

Download the episode here!: 


]]> 2086 false 4 full <![CDATA[Episode 5: Navigating Family Office Management with Harvard's Christina Wing]]> fbx/d3e71234-1f6c-11ee-bc39-ba5fa9561315 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Tue, 11 Jul 2023 04:57:02 -0400 In this episode, host R. Adam Smith welcomes Christina Wing, founder of Wingspan Legacy Partners and Harvard Business School faculty member. Christina shares her expertise on family enterprise legacies, drawing from her experience as a former CEO of a family wealth office and her work at Harvard. She explores how families can design meaningful legacies through effective communication, succession planning, and philanthropy. Christina emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between individual and joint family legacies while highlighting how family office services can create societal impact through philanthropic initiatives and long-term planning horizons. In this episode, host R. Adam Smith welcomes Christina Wing, founder of Wingspan Legacy Partners and Harvard Business School faculty member. Christina shares her expertise on family enterprise legacies, drawing from her experience as a former CEO of a family wealth office and her work at Harvard. She explores how families can design meaningful legacies through effective communication, succession planning, and philanthropy. Christina emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between individual and joint family legacies while highlighting how family office services can create societal impact through philanthropic initiatives and long-term planning horizons.]]> 2026 false 5 full <![CDATA[Episode 6: Building Strategic Family Enterprise Systems with Richard Wolkowitz]]> fbx/eac55776-2995-11ee-b192-ba5fa9561315 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Mon, 24 Jul 2023 09:27:41 -0400 R. Adam Smith welcomes Richard Wolkowitz, founder of Xylogenesis, a family advisory company. Drawing from decades of experience serving hundreds of families, Richard shares insights on filling the integration gap between family wealth office operations and family dynamics. He explores post-COVID shifts in next-generation engagement, emphasizing governance as the "heartbeat" of successful family enterprise systems. Richard addresses differences between US and European family office services, examines multi-family office advantages, and discusses how compensation structures can align family and executive interests. The conversation concludes with perspectives on legacy planning and emerging collaboration trends. R. Adam Smith welcomes Richard Wolkowitz, founder of Xylogenesis, a family advisory company. Drawing from decades of experience serving hundreds of families, Richard shares insights on filling the integration gap between family wealth office operations and family dynamics. He explores post-COVID shifts in next-generation engagement, emphasizing governance as the "heartbeat" of successful family enterprise systems. Richard addresses differences between US and European family office services, examines multi-family office advantages, and discusses how compensation structures can align family and executive interests. The conversation concludes with perspectives on legacy planning and emerging collaboration trends.]]> 2015 false 6 full <![CDATA[Episode 7: John Bailey Explores Family Financial Planning in the AI Era]]> fbx/fd9f4e8e-5680-11ee-b752-ba5fa9561315 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Tue, 19 Sep 2023 17:39:02 -0400 Host R. Adam Smith welcomes John Bailey, founder and managing partner of Lumenai Investments. Drawing from his extensive experience in the family investment office sector, John discusses how his firm revolutionizes portfolio management using artificial intelligence and data science. He explains the evolution of his approach from traditional asset management to AI-driven strategies, highlighting how family wealth office structures are adapting to technological advancements. John offers insights into the advantages of man-machine collaboration, personalized portfolio construction, and how AI can enhance risk-adjusted returns during challenging market conditions. Host R. Adam Smith welcomes John Bailey, founder and managing partner of Lumenai Investments. Drawing from his extensive experience in the family investment office sector, John discusses how his firm revolutionizes portfolio management using artificial intelligence and data science. He explains the evolution of his approach from traditional asset management to AI-driven strategies, highlighting how family wealth office structures are adapting to technological advancements. John offers insights into the advantages of man-machine collaboration, personalized portfolio construction, and how AI can enhance risk-adjusted returns during challenging market conditions.]]> 2026 false 7 full <![CDATA[Episode 8: Academic Insights on Family Enterprise Innovation with Professor Matt Hughes]]> fbx/4fbc10b6-57f9-11ee-a021-ba5fa9561315 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Thu, 21 Sep 2023 11:10:22 -0400 R. Adam Smith welcomes Professor Matt Hughes, Schultz Distinguished Professor of Family Business and Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Leicester. Drawing from both academic research and practical insights, Matt discusses how family enterprise systems balance tradition with innovation. He explores the crucial role of corporate governance in unlocking entrepreneurial potential, the challenges of next-generation integration, and why emotional attachment can lead family firms to overestimate their financial performance. Matt also addresses philanthropic initiatives as mechanisms for engaging younger generations and cautions against rapid pivots that can trigger what he terms "entrepreneurial entropy." R. Adam Smith welcomes Professor Matt Hughes, Schultz Distinguished Professor of Family Business and Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Leicester. Drawing from both academic research and practical insights, Matt discusses how family enterprise systems balance tradition with innovation. He explores the crucial role of corporate governance in unlocking entrepreneurial potential, the challenges of next-generation integration, and why emotional attachment can lead family firms to overestimate their financial performance. Matt also addresses philanthropic initiatives as mechanisms for engaging younger generations and cautions against rapid pivots that can trigger what he terms "entrepreneurial entropy."]]> 2279 false 8 full <![CDATA[Episode 9: Building Meaningful Relationships in Family Enterprise with Bruce Kasanoff]]> fbx/f1093a08-6892-11ee-8284-ba5fa9561315 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Thu, 26 Oct 2023 22:01:53 -0400 R. Adam Smith welcomes Bruce Kasanoff, a Wharton MBA graduate with over 800,000 LinkedIn followers and founder of Bend Reality. Bruce shares insights on how family enterprise leaders can elevate their personal and business presence through consistent communication about what matters most. He explores how privately-held businesses can utilize LinkedIn to strengthen targeted relationships while maintaining authenticity. Bruce emphasizes the importance of values-driven leadership, self-awareness, and focusing on relationships for long-term fulfillment. Drawing from his experience in Marshall Goldsmith's 100 Coaches program, he offers practical approaches to balancing individual growth with family investment office legacy. R. Adam Smith welcomes Bruce Kasanoff, a Wharton MBA graduate with over 800,000 LinkedIn followers and founder of Bend Reality. Bruce shares insights on how family enterprise leaders can elevate their personal and business presence through consistent communication about what matters most. He explores how privately-held businesses can utilize LinkedIn to strengthen targeted relationships while maintaining authenticity. Bruce emphasizes the importance of values-driven leadership, self-awareness, and focusing on relationships for long-term fulfillment. Drawing from his experience in Marshall Goldsmith's 100 Coaches program, he offers practical approaches to balancing individual growth with family investment office legacy.]]> 1979 false 9 full <![CDATA[Episode 10: Exploring Family Enterprise Governance and Continuity with Angelo Robles]]> fbx/1ce30de4-7dc3-11ee-917d-ba5fa9561315 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Tue, 07 Nov 2023 19:21:56 -0500 R. Adam Smith welcomes Angelo Robles, founder and chairman of Angelo Robles Enterprises, which includes Family Office TV and SFO Continuity. Drawing from decades of experience advising the world's most successful families, Angelo shares critical insights on family investment office sustainability. He emphasizes that while most family offices focus 60% on money, 30% on legal matters, and just 10% on family dynamics, it's precisely these human elements that determine long-term success. Angelo discusses how proper governance structures, competent personnel, and clear purpose drive family enterprise continuity across generations, while highlighting the importance of character development and adaptability in creating anti-fragile family systems. R. Adam Smith welcomes Angelo Robles, founder and chairman of Angelo Robles Enterprises, which includes Family Office TV and SFO Continuity. Drawing from decades of experience advising the world's most successful families, Angelo shares critical insights on family investment office sustainability. He emphasizes that while most family offices focus 60% on money, 30% on legal matters, and just 10% on family dynamics, it's precisely these human elements that determine long-term success. Angelo discusses how proper governance structures, competent personnel, and clear purpose drive family enterprise continuity across generations, while highlighting the importance of character development and adaptability in creating anti-fragile family systems.]]> 1991 false 10 full <![CDATA[Episode 11: Guillermo Salazar on Building Sustainable Family Wealth Across Generations]]> fbx/639dfe30-833e-11ee-8375-ba5fa9561315 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Tue, 14 Nov 2023 17:45:32 -0500 In this episode of The Family Business Audiocast, host R. Adam Smith welcomes Guillermo Salazar, a global family office expert and founder of Exaudi Family Business Consulting. Salazar shares powerful insights on family business succession, emphasizing the importance of understanding family narratives and values as foundations for effective wealth management. He discusses how Latin American family wealth office structures differ from US models due to market size constraints, making succession planning even more critical. Salazar also explains the distinction between family councils (focused on long-term ownership) and boards of directors (focused on business strategy), providing valuable guidance for sustainable family financial planning. In this episode of The Family Business Audiocast, host R. Adam Smith welcomes Guillermo Salazar, a global family office expert and founder of Exaudi Family Business Consulting. Salazar shares powerful insights on family business succession, emphasizing the importance of understanding family narratives and values as foundations for effective wealth management. He discusses how Latin American family wealth office structures differ from US models due to market size constraints, making succession planning even more critical. Salazar also explains the distinction between family councils (focused on long-term ownership) and boards of directors (focused on business strategy), providing valuable guidance for sustainable family financial planning.]]> 1584 false 11 full <![CDATA[Episode 12: Technology & Governance in Family Office Management with Phil Strassler and Adriana Zaluka]]> fbx/e5cc141a-8d92-11ee-80c2-ba5fa9561315 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Wed, 29 Nov 2023 00:25:24 -0500 In the twelfth episode of The Family Business Audiocast, host R. Adam Smith welcomes Phil Strassler (founder of Strassler LLC) and Adriana Zaluka (founder of MyFotech). These family office veterans share their expertise on technology integration, mission statements, and governance structures that drive family wealth office success. Phil discusses how effective mission statements and family charters serve as critical tools for generational transitions, while Adriana explains how her organization helps family offices identify appropriate technology solutions for their complex needs. Together, they explore the delicate balance of family dynamics, strategic planning, and operational excellence required for sustainable family enterprise legacy. In the twelfth episode of The Family Business Audiocast, host R. Adam Smith welcomes Phil Strassler (founder of Strassler LLC) and Adriana Zaluka (founder of MyFotech). These family office veterans share their expertise on technology integration, mission statements, and governance structures that drive family wealth office success. Phil discusses how effective mission statements and family charters serve as critical tools for generational transitions, while Adriana explains how her organization helps family offices identify appropriate technology solutions for their complex needs. Together, they explore the delicate balance of family dynamics, strategic planning, and operational excellence required for sustainable family enterprise legacy.]]> 1870 false 12 full <![CDATA[Episode 13: Balancing Tradition and Innovation in Family Financial Planning with Alfredo De Massis]]> fbx/0f36eef0-a4f5-11ee-b339-ba5fa9561315 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Wed, 27 Dec 2023 16:06:08 -0500 In the thirteenth episode of The Family Business Audiocast, host R. Adam Smith welcomes Professor Alfredo De Massis, one of the world's leading family business academics. De Massis shares insights from his extensive experience with entrepreneurial families across multiple countries, highlighting four key challenges facing today's family wealth office ecosystem: patrimony administration, succession planning beyond traditional roles, balancing family and society-centered goals, and leveraging tradition as a strategic resource. He explores the "family business innovation paradox" where many family enterprises possess higher ability but lower willingness to innovate, and introduces his concept of the "entrepreneurial family galaxy" where various family organizations beyond the core business contribute to sustainable legacy development. In the thirteenth episode of The Family Business Audiocast, host R. Adam Smith welcomes Professor Alfredo De Massis, one of the world's leading family business academics. De Massis shares insights from his extensive experience with entrepreneurial families across multiple countries, highlighting four key challenges facing today's family wealth office ecosystem: patrimony administration, succession planning beyond traditional roles, balancing family and society-centered goals, and leveraging tradition as a strategic resource. He explores the "family business innovation paradox" where many family enterprises possess higher ability but lower willingness to innovate, and introduces his concept of the "entrepreneurial family galaxy" where various family organizations beyond the core business contribute to sustainable legacy development.]]> 2216 false 13 full <![CDATA[Episode 14: The Habsburg Dynasty: A Masterclass in the Family Business Enterprise]]> fbx/fb6bccfe-bbee-11ee-92f8-ba5fa9561315 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Thu, 25 Jan 2024 21:08:16 -0500 In this extraordinary episode of The Family Business Audiocast, host R. Adam Smith welcomes His Imperial and Royal Highness Sandor Habsburg, descendant of Empress Maria Theresa, Catherine the Great, and Queen Victoria. Drawing from his family's nearly thousand-year legacy, Habsburg shares profound wisdom on building sustainable family enterprise systems that transcend generations. He emphasizes respect over tolerance as a guiding principle for both governance and business, and introduces his concept of "value-based consumption" as an alternative to short-term consumerism. Habsburg draws fascinating parallels between the Habsburg Empire's multinational governance model and modern family wealth office structures, highlighting how both require flexibility, cultural sensitivity, and generational thinking to create lasting impact amid changing social landscapes. In this extraordinary episode of The Family Business Audiocast, host R. Adam Smith welcomes His Imperial and Royal Highness Sandor Habsburg, descendant of Empress Maria Theresa, Catherine the Great, and Queen Victoria. Drawing from his family's nearly thousand-year legacy, Habsburg shares profound wisdom on building sustainable family enterprise systems that transcend generations. He emphasizes respect over tolerance as a guiding principle for both governance and business, and introduces his concept of "value-based consumption" as an alternative to short-term consumerism. Habsburg draws fascinating parallels between the Habsburg Empire's multinational governance model and modern family wealth office structures, highlighting how both require flexibility, cultural sensitivity, and generational thinking to create lasting impact amid changing social landscapes.]]> 2627 false 14 full <![CDATA[Episode 15: European Family Financial Planning Models with Massimo Bau]]> fbx/d408907c-c24f-11ee-8084-ba5fa9561315 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Sun, 25 Feb 2024 21:21:10 -0500 In this episode of The Family Business Audiocast, host R. Adam Smith welcomes Massimo Bau, Senior Associate Professor in Family Business and Ownership at Jönköping International Business School in Sweden and Director of the Center for Family Entrepreneurship and Ownership. Bau discusses the evolution of family business education, highlighting how programs have expanded beyond one-size-fits-all approaches to target specific groups at different life stages. He explores underresearched areas in family enterprise studies, particularly emphasizing ownership structures and competencies. Bau shares insights on innovation drivers in family firms, the challenges of balancing current needs with future sustainability, and the formation of the European Family Business Centers network. The conversation concludes with perspectives on the role of communication in aligning family goals and values, and how independent board chairs can facilitate effective governance. In this episode of The Family Business Audiocast, host R. Adam Smith welcomes Massimo Bau, Senior Associate Professor in Family Business and Ownership at Jönköping International Business School in Sweden and Director of the Center for Family Entrepreneurship and Ownership. Bau discusses the evolution of family business education, highlighting how programs have expanded beyond one-size-fits-all approaches to target specific groups at different life stages. He explores underresearched areas in family enterprise studies, particularly emphasizing ownership structures and competencies. Bau shares insights on innovation drivers in family firms, the challenges of balancing current needs with future sustainability, and the formation of the European Family Business Centers network. The conversation concludes with perspectives on the role of communication in aligning family goals and values, and how independent board chairs can facilitate effective governance.]]> 2135 false 15 full <![CDATA[Episode 16: The "Sticky Baton" Problem in Family Enterprise Succession with David Werdiger]]> fbx/425e4c8e-d21c-11ee-b6ad-16a2cd1ac1f8 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Wed, 28 Feb 2024 03:08:29 -0500 In the sixteenth episode of The Family Business Audiocast, host R. Adam Smith welcomes David Werdiger, a consultant to family businesses and author of "Transition." Drawing from his own experience as a founder who sold his business, Werdiger shares insights on succession planning challenges, particularly the "sticky baton" syndrome where founders struggle to relinquish control. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining entrepreneurial spirit across generations and explains how family wealth office structures can evolve beyond a single business. Werdiger discusses the emotional preparation needed for business exits, arguing that owners must create space between their personal identity and their business to maximize value during transitions. The conversation explores how family enterprises can balance financial returns with socio-emotional wealth and concludes with perspectives on family office investment advantages over institutional investors. In the sixteenth episode of The Family Business Audiocast, host R. Adam Smith welcomes David Werdiger, a consultant to family businesses and author of "Transition." Drawing from his own experience as a founder who sold his business, Werdiger shares insights on succession planning challenges, particularly the "sticky baton" syndrome where founders struggle to relinquish control. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining entrepreneurial spirit across generations and explains how family wealth office structures can evolve beyond a single business. Werdiger discusses the emotional preparation needed for business exits, arguing that owners must create space between their personal identity and their business to maximize value during transitions. The conversation explores how family enterprises can balance financial returns with socio-emotional wealth and concludes with perspectives on family office investment advantages over institutional investors.]]> 2087 false 16 full <![CDATA[Episode 17: Preparing Next-Gen Leaders in Family Enterprise with Jason Ma & Michelle Bross]]> fbx/1b9c3d8a-df1f-11ee-a1c7-16a2cd1ac1f8 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Mon, 11 Mar 2024 19:19:40 -0400 In the seventeenth episode of The Family Business Audiocast, host R. Adam Smith welcomes Jason Ma (founder and CEO of 3EQ) and Michelle Bross (founder of Tresynergy Family Office). Bross shares her journey from real estate entrepreneur to family office founder after a significant liquidity event, describing her innovative three-bucket approach to family wealth management inspired by her children's input: preservation, philanthropy, and alternative investments. Ma discusses his comprehensive framework for mentoring next-generation leaders, emphasizing both vertical goal achievement and horizontal development of mindset and skills. Together, they explore succession planning strategies, impact investing as a tool for next-gen engagement, and the importance of balancing financial returns with meaningful social impact in family enterprise development. In the seventeenth episode of The Family Business Audiocast, host R. Adam Smith welcomes Jason Ma (founder and CEO of 3EQ) and Michelle Bross (founder of Tresynergy Family Office). Bross shares her journey from real estate entrepreneur to family office founder after a significant liquidity event, describing her innovative three-bucket approach to family wealth management inspired by her children's input: preservation, philanthropy, and alternative investments. Ma discusses his comprehensive framework for mentoring next-generation leaders, emphasizing both vertical goal achievement and horizontal development of mindset and skills. Together, they explore succession planning strategies, impact investing as a tool for next-gen engagement, and the importance of balancing financial returns with meaningful social impact in family enterprise development.]]> 2188 false 17 full <![CDATA[Episode 18: Governance Structures in Global Family Enterprise with Elizabeth Bagger & Lena Chihab]]> fbx/50a0e21a-e730-11ee-9313-16a2cd1ac1f8 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Thu, 21 Mar 2024 00:23:30 -0400 In this episode of The Family Business Audiocast, host R. Adam Smith welcomes Elizabeth Bagger (founder of Avante) and Lena Chihab (manager of FBN Levant) to discuss family business governance across global contexts. The experts explore the primary challenges family businesses face when establishing effective governance structures, highlighting family dynamics, intergenerational communication, and conflict resolution mechanisms as universal concerns. Bagger emphasizes how family dynamics often undermine even well-designed governance frameworks, while Chihab provides regional insights from the Middle East. The conversation examines the delicate balance between preserving legacy and fostering innovation, the increasing role of women in family wealth office leadership, and how family constitutions can serve as educational tools for next-generation engagement rather than mere control documents. In this episode of The Family Business Audiocast, host R. Adam Smith welcomes Elizabeth Bagger (founder of Avante) and Lena Chihab (manager of FBN Levant) to discuss family business governance across global contexts. The experts explore the primary challenges family businesses face when establishing effective governance structures, highlighting family dynamics, intergenerational communication, and conflict resolution mechanisms as universal concerns. Bagger emphasizes how family dynamics often undermine even well-designed governance frameworks, while Chihab provides regional insights from the Middle East. The conversation examines the delicate balance between preserving legacy and fostering innovation, the increasing role of women in family wealth office leadership, and how family constitutions can serve as educational tools for next-generation engagement rather than mere control documents.]]> 2205 false 18 full <![CDATA[Episode 19: Navigating Complex Family Business Enterprise Systems with Peter Vogel]]> fbx/87fbdd98-fe71-11ee-a7b6-16a2cd1ac1f8 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Fri, 19 Apr 2024 13:25:45 -0400 In the nineteenth episode of The Family Business Audiocast, host R. Adam Smith welcomes Peter Vogel, Director of the Global Family Business Center at IMD Business School and Debiopharm Chair for Family Philanthropy. Vogel discusses his approach as a "pracademic" who bridges rigorous academic research with practical frameworks for family enterprises. He explains how family businesses evolve over generations from single-entity operations into complex enterprise systems with multiple holdings, describing examples of European families with thousands of members and hundreds of business entities. Vogel shares insights from his work creating practical tools like the Family Office Navigator and Family Philanthropy Navigator, emphasizing the importance of intergenerational planning for holistic transformations. The conversation explores global family office hubs, technological challenges facing family enterprises, and the strategic role of philanthropy in wealth transition. In the nineteenth episode of The Family Business Audiocast, host R. Adam Smith welcomes Peter Vogel, Director of the Global Family Business Center at IMD Business School and Debiopharm Chair for Family Philanthropy. Vogel discusses his approach as a "pracademic" who bridges rigorous academic research with practical frameworks for family enterprises. He explains how family businesses evolve over generations from single-entity operations into complex enterprise systems with multiple holdings, describing examples of European families with thousands of members and hundreds of business entities. Vogel shares insights from his work creating practical tools like the Family Office Navigator and Family Philanthropy Navigator, emphasizing the importance of intergenerational planning for holistic transformations. The conversation explores global family office hubs, technological challenges facing family enterprises, and the strategic role of philanthropy in wealth transition.]]> 2376 false 19 full <![CDATA[Episode 20: The $3B Family Enterprise Journey with Kyle Chapman]]> fbx/012a0428-04d1-11ef-8d97-16a2cd1ac1f8 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Sat, 27 Apr 2024 15:59:01 -0400 In this milestone episode, R. Adam Smith welcomes Kyle Chapman, President of Barry W. Miller Group, a $3 billion industrial manufacturing conglomerate. Chapman details how his family wealth office evolved from a $20 million company to a global enterprise while maintaining their people-centered leadership philosophy. The conversation explores the unique hybrid private equity model they've developed, their approach to family business enterprise governance, and how they've created a culture where caring for people drives performance. Chapman shares insights on talent attraction, innovation, and preserving legacy across generations in family enterprise. In this milestone episode, R. Adam Smith welcomes Kyle Chapman, President of Barry W. Miller Group, a $3 billion industrial manufacturing conglomerate. Chapman details how his family wealth office evolved from a $20 million company to a global enterprise while maintaining their people-centered leadership philosophy. The conversation explores the unique hybrid private equity model they've developed, their approach to family business enterprise governance, and how they've created a culture where caring for people drives performance. Chapman shares insights on talent attraction, innovation, and preserving legacy across generations in family enterprise.]]> 2415 false 20 full <![CDATA[Episode 21: Building Multi-Generational Family Wealth Office Success with Karen Costa]]> fbx/e597bc82-0bd8-11ef-a603-16a2cd1ac1f8 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Tue, 07 May 2024 11:00:03 -0400 R. Adam Smith welcomes Karen Costa, National Leader of the Family Office Advisory Center for RSM US. With over 20 years of tax consulting experience, Costa shares valuable insights on the evolution of family wealth office services and explores the holistic approach needed for effective family financial planning. The conversation honors her colleague Tony Wood's legacy while examining the intricacies of multi-family office structures, tax strategies for family enterprises, and the importance of women's leadership in the family business ecosystem. Costa emphasizes the need for advisors to deeply understand client goals before implementing tax strategies and discusses how RSM's global capabilities serve increasingly international family office management needs. R. Adam Smith welcomes Karen Costa, National Leader of the Family Office Advisory Center for RSM US. With over 20 years of tax consulting experience, Costa shares valuable insights on the evolution of family wealth office services and explores the holistic approach needed for effective family financial planning. The conversation honors her colleague Tony Wood's legacy while examining the intricacies of multi-family office structures, tax strategies for family enterprises, and the importance of women's leadership in the family business ecosystem. Costa emphasizes the need for advisors to deeply understand client goals before implementing tax strategies and discusses how RSM's global capabilities serve increasingly international family office management needs.]]> 2450 false 21 full <![CDATA[Episode 22: The Five C's of Family Enterprise Sustainability with Dave Specht]]> fbx/2e5e0c48-1663-11ef-91b8-16a2cd1ac1f8 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Mon, 20 May 2024 00:43:30 -0400 R. Adam Smith welcomes Dave Specht, Director of the Drucker School Global Family Business Institute and renowned family enterprise advisor. Drawing from his extensive experience at Wells Fargo and as author of "The Family Business Whisperer," Specht shares his expertise on succession planning through his innovative "Five C's" framework - contingency plans, cash flow planning, compensation, communication, and conflict management. The conversation explores how family financial planning must balance technical considerations with emotional intelligence, particularly when navigating business transitions. Specht highlights the importance of implementing advisory boards as stepping stones to more formal governance structures and discusses his collaboration with the James E. Hughes Foundation to redefine wealth as well-being within the family business enterprise ecosystem. R. Adam Smith welcomes Dave Specht, Director of the Drucker School Global Family Business Institute and renowned family enterprise advisor. Drawing from his extensive experience at Wells Fargo and as author of "The Family Business Whisperer," Specht shares his expertise on succession planning through his innovative "Five C's" framework - contingency plans, cash flow planning, compensation, communication, and conflict management. The conversation explores how family financial planning must balance technical considerations with emotional intelligence, particularly when navigating business transitions. Specht highlights the importance of implementing advisory boards as stepping stones to more formal governance structures and discusses his collaboration with the James E. Hughes Foundation to redefine wealth as well-being within the family business enterprise ecosystem.]]> 2200 false 22 full <![CDATA[Episode 23: Navigating Business Transitions in Family Wealth Office Structures with PNC Experts Emily Bouchard and Jim Benedict]]> fbx/c681ef7c-2148-11ef-890f-16a2cd1ac1f8 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Sun, 02 Jun 2024 21:33:46 -0400 R. Adam Smith welcomes Emily Bouchard and Jim Benedict from PNC Private Bank Hawthorn for an insightful discussion on guiding ultra-high-net-worth families through business transitions. As leaders in family enterprise advisory, they share complementary perspectives on the multifaceted challenges families face before, during, and after selling a business. The conversation explores crucial pre-sale considerations including family dynamics, wealth structure, and emotional preparation along with effective governance models for family wealth office transitions. Bouchard, who leads the Institute for Family Business Success, emphasizes the importance of preserving family identity beyond the business, while Benedict provides strategic insights on recapitalization alternatives, tax considerations, and mechanisms for sustaining family harmony through structural planning. Their holistic approach demonstrates how financial planning must integrate with family financial planning to maintain legacy and purpose across generations. R. Adam Smith welcomes Emily Bouchard and Jim Benedict from PNC Private Bank Hawthorn for an insightful discussion on guiding ultra-high-net-worth families through business transitions. As leaders in family enterprise advisory, they share complementary perspectives on the multifaceted challenges families face before, during, and after selling a business. The conversation explores crucial pre-sale considerations including family dynamics, wealth structure, and emotional preparation along with effective governance models for family wealth office transitions. Bouchard, who leads the Institute for Family Business Success, emphasizes the importance of preserving family identity beyond the business, while Benedict provides strategic insights on recapitalization alternatives, tax considerations, and mechanisms for sustaining family harmony through structural planning. Their holistic approach demonstrates how financial planning must integrate with family financial planning to maintain legacy and purpose across generations.]]> 2325 false 23 full <![CDATA[Episode 24: Wendy Diamond on Navigating Strategic Growth in Family Wealth Office Structures]]> fbx/c504746a-33e7-11ef-a873-16a2cd1ac1f8 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Thu, 27 Jun 2024 17:43:26 -0400 R. Adam Smith welcomes Wendy Diamond, Chicago Office Tax Managing Partner and head of the US Family Enterprise platform at Deloitte. With over 25 years of experience advising multi-generational businesses, Diamond shares valuable insights on family office management challenges and strategic growth opportunities in today's complex business environment. The conversation explores key findings from Deloitte's recent family enterprise survey, particularly the perception gap between current and next-generation leadership regarding succession planning. Diamond emphasizes the importance of transparency in leadership transitions, board governance evolution, and strategic talent management. She also discusses how family enterprises are increasingly diversifying their investments through private equity and other asset classes, while simultaneously addressing emerging challenges like cybersecurity and technological transformation in the family business enterprise ecosystem. R. Adam Smith welcomes Wendy Diamond, Chicago Office Tax Managing Partner and head of the US Family Enterprise platform at Deloitte. With over 25 years of experience advising multi-generational businesses, Diamond shares valuable insights on family office management challenges and strategic growth opportunities in today's complex business environment. The conversation explores key findings from Deloitte's recent family enterprise survey, particularly the perception gap between current and next-generation leadership regarding succession planning. Diamond emphasizes the importance of transparency in leadership transitions, board governance evolution, and strategic talent management. She also discusses how family enterprises are increasingly diversifying their investments through private equity and other asset classes, while simultaneously addressing emerging challenges like cybersecurity and technological transformation in the family business enterprise ecosystem.]]> 2095 false 24 full <![CDATA[Episode 25: Applying Venture Capital Principles to Family Business Enterprise with Ilya Strebulaev]]> fbx/e65d536c-3ef4-11ef-b4a0-16a2cd1ac1f8 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Wed, 10 Jul 2024 18:24:07 -0400 R. Adam Smith welcomes Ilya Strebulaev, tenured professor of finance and private equity at Stanford Graduate School of Business and founder/director of the Stanford GSB Venture Capital Initiative. Celebrating 20 years at Stanford, Strebulaev shares insights from his extensive research and teaching experience in venture capital and entrepreneurial finance. The conversation explores his recently published book "The Venture Mindset" and how its principles can be applied within the family business enterprise context. Strebulaev emphasizes the importance of flexibility over rigid commitment, the power of interdisciplinary collaboration, and the necessity of embracing failure while pursuing innovation. He provides valuable perspectives on portfolio construction for family wealth offices, fund manager selection strategies, and the unique position family investment offices hold in the venture capital ecosystem to capitalize on higher risk-adjusted returns through illiquid assets. R. Adam Smith welcomes Ilya Strebulaev, tenured professor of finance and private equity at Stanford Graduate School of Business and founder/director of the Stanford GSB Venture Capital Initiative. Celebrating 20 years at Stanford, Strebulaev shares insights from his extensive research and teaching experience in venture capital and entrepreneurial finance. The conversation explores his recently published book "The Venture Mindset" and how its principles can be applied within the family business enterprise context. Strebulaev emphasizes the importance of flexibility over rigid commitment, the power of interdisciplinary collaboration, and the necessity of embracing failure while pursuing innovation. He provides valuable perspectives on portfolio construction for family wealth offices, fund manager selection strategies, and the unique position family investment offices hold in the venture capital ecosystem to capitalize on higher risk-adjusted returns through illiquid assets.]]> 1784 false 25 full <![CDATA[Episode 26: Drew Sheinman & Brett Johnson: Revolutionizing Sports Investment for Family Offices]]> fbx/3b8cacde-49c2-11ef-9ccc-16a2cd1ac1f8 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Sat, 27 Jul 2024 10:54:00 -0400 In this episode of The Family Business Audiocast, host R. Adam Smith welcomes sports industry veterans Drew Sheinman (Brand Velocity Group) and Brett Johnson (Benevolent Capital). The guests explore how their unique investment platforms are revolutionizing the sports industry through family-focused approaches. Drew shares BVG's innovative "Share the Gains" program, allocating 10% of carried interest to portfolio company employees, while Brett discusses his community-centered developments with Phoenix Rising FC and Rhode Island FC. Both demonstrate how family business enterprise values can transform investment strategies while creating sustainable wealth and community impact. In this episode of The Family Business Audiocast, host R. Adam Smith welcomes sports industry veterans Drew Sheinman (Brand Velocity Group) and Brett Johnson (Benevolent Capital). The guests explore how their unique investment platforms are revolutionizing the sports industry through family-focused approaches. Drew shares BVG's innovative "Share the Gains" program, allocating 10% of carried interest to portfolio company employees, while Brett discusses his community-centered developments with Phoenix Rising FC and Rhode Island FC. Both demonstrate how family business enterprise values can transform investment strategies while creating sustainable wealth and community impact.]]> 1988 false 26 full <![CDATA[Episode 27: Why Selling - Not Gifting - Is Key to Family Enterprise Continuity with Tom Deans]]> fbx/4788c066-53d8-11ef-9e74-16a2cd1ac1f8 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Tue, 06 Aug 2024 05:43:36 -0400 R. Adam Smith welcomes Tom Deans, international best-selling author and global authority on family wealth transfers. Drawing from his groundbreaking book "Every Family's Business" (with over 1 million copies sold in 100+ countries), Deans challenges conventional wisdom about family business succession planning. He presents a compelling case for selling family businesses to the next generation at full market value rather than gifting them - a philosophy developed through his own family's successful multi-generational experiences. The conversation explores why family enterprises often fail when gifted, how successful family wealth office structures can better preserve capital across generations, and why legacy should be understood as the family itself rather than the business. Deans provides practical insights into facilitating crucial family conversations about business transitions, emphasizing that concentrating wealth in one illiquid asset for multiple generations is often financially unsound despite emotional attachments. R. Adam Smith welcomes Tom Deans, international best-selling author and global authority on family wealth transfers. Drawing from his groundbreaking book "Every Family's Business" (with over 1 million copies sold in 100+ countries), Deans challenges conventional wisdom about family business succession planning. He presents a compelling case for selling family businesses to the next generation at full market value rather than gifting them - a philosophy developed through his own family's successful multi-generational experiences. The conversation explores why family enterprises often fail when gifted, how successful family wealth office structures can better preserve capital across generations, and why legacy should be understood as the family itself rather than the business. Deans provides practical insights into facilitating crucial family conversations about business transitions, emphasizing that concentrating wealth in one illiquid asset for multiple generations is often financially unsound despite emotional attachments.]]> 2309 false 27 full <![CDATA[Episode 28: The Dimmer Switch Approach to Family Businesses with Valerie Galinskaya]]> fbx/bfa78c9e-5ff9-11ef-bed4-16a2cd1ac1f8 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Wed, 21 Aug 2024 16:13:00 -0400 In this episode, R. Adam Smith welcomes Valerie Galinskaya, Managing Director and Head of the Merrill Center for Family Wealth. With 18 years of experience helping ultra-high-net-worth families, Valerie shares insights on effective family financial planning strategies and the importance of intentional communication about wealth. She discusses her framework of Five Core Competencies for family wealth management and explains why defining purpose should precede structure and dollar amounts when discussing wealth transfer. The conversation explores how family enterprise governance benefits from clear decision-making processes and how legacy planning extends beyond financial considerations. In this episode, R. Adam Smith welcomes Valerie Galinskaya, Managing Director and Head of the Merrill Center for Family Wealth. With 18 years of experience helping ultra-high-net-worth families, Valerie shares insights on effective family financial planning strategies and the importance of intentional communication about wealth. She discusses her framework of Five Core Competencies for family wealth management and explains why defining purpose should precede structure and dollar amounts when discussing wealth transfer. The conversation explores how family enterprise governance benefits from clear decision-making processes and how legacy planning extends beyond financial considerations.]]> 1977 false 28 full <![CDATA[Episode 29: Kirby Rosplock on Financial Literacy and Wealth Succession Planning]]> fbx/192220aa-6c1f-11ef-89a2-16a2cd1ac1f8 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Fri, 06 Sep 2024 03:14:47 -0400 R. Adam Smith welcomes Dr. Kirby Rosplock, founder of Tamarind Partners and Tamarind Learning, to discuss the educational gaps facing family enterprises. With over 20 years of experience, Kirby shares insights on how her educational platform addresses crucial knowledge deficits in trust beneficiaries and next-generation family members. The conversation explores how family financial planning education impacts wealth transfer success, with Kirby noting that 90% of wealth transfer failures stem from inadequate communication and education—not technical planning. She offers practical guidance on navigating liquidity events, choosing between single and multi-family office structures, and building lasting family legacy through intentional learning. R. Adam Smith welcomes Dr. Kirby Rosplock, founder of Tamarind Partners and Tamarind Learning, to discuss the educational gaps facing family enterprises. With over 20 years of experience, Kirby shares insights on how her educational platform addresses crucial knowledge deficits in trust beneficiaries and next-generation family members. The conversation explores how family financial planning education impacts wealth transfer success, with Kirby noting that 90% of wealth transfer failures stem from inadequate communication and education—not technical planning. She offers practical guidance on navigating liquidity events, choosing between single and multi-family office structures, and building lasting family legacy through intentional learning.]]> 2231 false 29 full <![CDATA[Episode 30: Strategic Family Office Management with Shaun Parkin of Hall Road Investments]]> fbx/2be3d528-8676-11ef-a791-16a2cd1ac1f8 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Wed, 09 Oct 2024 15:39:16 -0400 R. Adam Smith welcomes Shaun Parkin, founder of Hall Road Investments, an Australian firm specializing in family office investment governance. Drawing from over 25 years of experience in asset management, Shaun shares insights on how his company helps family offices develop robust investment committee structures and reporting infrastructure. The conversation explores the increasing complexity of alternative investments, the importance of purpose-driven family financial planning, and effective technology solutions for portfolio tracking. Shaun also discusses his Family Office Sherpa platform, which offers valuable resources through a newsletter and podcast for family enterprise leaders navigating investment governance challenges. R. Adam Smith welcomes Shaun Parkin, founder of Hall Road Investments, an Australian firm specializing in family office investment governance. Drawing from over 25 years of experience in asset management, Shaun shares insights on how his company helps family offices develop robust investment committee structures and reporting infrastructure. The conversation explores the increasing complexity of alternative investments, the importance of purpose-driven family financial planning, and effective technology solutions for portfolio tracking. Shaun also discusses his Family Office Sherpa platform, which offers valuable resources through a newsletter and podcast for family enterprise leaders navigating investment governance challenges.]]> 2322 false 30 full <![CDATA[Episode 31: The Art of Letting Go: Kristi Daeda on Family Business Transitions]]> fbx/0254b7b4-8f44-11ef-be4f-16a2cd1ac1f8 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Sun, 20 Oct 2024 20:32:53 -0400 R. Adam Smith welcomes Kristi Daeda, CEO of The Family Business Consulting Group, to discuss the nuances of family business governance and succession planning. Drawing on insights from her 30 years of experience, Kristi shares how family enterprise leaders can build durable relationships and decision-making structures that withstand generational transitions. She emphasizes that effective family governance requires more than just policies and structures—it demands ongoing conversations that build alignment and create clear roles. The discussion explores how families can prepare next-generation leaders, integrate non-family executives, and navigate the emotional challenges of letting go during business transitions, while maintaining family financial planning objectives and preserving legacy across generations. R. Adam Smith welcomes Kristi Daeda, CEO of The Family Business Consulting Group, to discuss the nuances of family business governance and succession planning. Drawing on insights from her 30 years of experience, Kristi shares how family enterprise leaders can build durable relationships and decision-making structures that withstand generational transitions. She emphasizes that effective family governance requires more than just policies and structures—it demands ongoing conversations that build alignment and create clear roles. The discussion explores how families can prepare next-generation leaders, integrate non-family executives, and navigate the emotional challenges of letting go during business transitions, while maintaining family financial planning objectives and preserving legacy across generations.]]> 2082 false 31 full <![CDATA[Episode 32: The Wealth 3.0 Paradigm: Balancing Tradition and Innovation in Family Enterprises with Jim Grubman]]> fbx/6a9697ce-9337-11ef-bf71-16a2cd1ac1f8 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Fri, 25 Oct 2024 21:12:49 -0400 R. Adam Smith welcomes Jim Grubman, founder of Family Wealth Consulting and pioneering thought leader in the family business space. With over three decades of experience, Jim discusses his groundbreaking Wealth 3.0 paradigm, which shifts family wealth advising from fear-based strategies toward engagement and resilience. Throughout the conversation, Jim offers profound insights on preparing next-generation family members to develop healthy relationships with wealth, the importance of transparency in family financial planning, and how families can balance honoring tradition while embracing innovation. Drawing from his experience with The Ultra High Net Worth Institute and his book "Strangers in Paradise," Jim examines how legacy can evolve across generations while maintaining core family values. R. Adam Smith welcomes Jim Grubman, founder of Family Wealth Consulting and pioneering thought leader in the family business space. With over three decades of experience, Jim discusses his groundbreaking Wealth 3.0 paradigm, which shifts family wealth advising from fear-based strategies toward engagement and resilience. Throughout the conversation, Jim offers profound insights on preparing next-generation family members to develop healthy relationships with wealth, the importance of transparency in family financial planning, and how families can balance honoring tradition while embracing innovation. Drawing from his experience with The Ultra High Net Worth Institute and his book "Strangers in Paradise," Jim examines how legacy can evolve across generations while maintaining core family values.]]> 2431 false 32 full <![CDATA[Episode 33: Creating Lasting Family Legacy Through Effective Governance and Communication]]> fbx/954f31e4-9fa6-11ef-82be-16a2cd1ac1f8 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Sun, 10 Nov 2024 21:24:54 -0500 R. Adam Smith hosts an insightful panel discussion with three renowned family business experts: Jason Ma (CEO of ThreeEQ), Emily Bouchard (family wealth transition specialist), and Chelsea Toler (next-gen researcher and Logictry co-founder). This dynamic conversation explores the tensions between generational approaches to family investment, entrepreneurship, and governance. The panelists share practical strategies for fostering effective communication between generations, creating meaningful legacy, and developing sustainable family governance structures. Drawing from their diverse backgrounds working with family enterprises, they offer valuable insights on balancing traditional wealth preservation with next-generation innovation while maintaining family harmony across generations. R. Adam Smith hosts an insightful panel discussion with three renowned family business experts: Jason Ma (CEO of ThreeEQ), Emily Bouchard (family wealth transition specialist), and Chelsea Toler (next-gen researcher and Logictry co-founder). This dynamic conversation explores the tensions between generational approaches to family investment, entrepreneurship, and governance. The panelists share practical strategies for fostering effective communication between generations, creating meaningful legacy, and developing sustainable family governance structures. Drawing from their diverse backgrounds working with family enterprises, they offer valuable insights on balancing traditional wealth preservation with next-generation innovation while maintaining family harmony across generations.]]> 2778 false 33 full <![CDATA[Episode 34: Brandon Henry on Managing Illiquid Assets in Family Business Enterprises]]> fbx/eb062a2e-a9d4-11ef-948d-16a2cd1ac1f8 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Sat, 23 Nov 2024 14:55:41 -0500 In this episode, host R. Adam Smith welcomes Brandon Henry, founder of Mosaic Advisors. Brandon shares insights from his work advising first-generation family enterprise owners whose wealth is primarily tied to illiquid assets. The conversation explores the intersection of family wealth office technical planning and the human dynamics that shape family legacy decisions. Brandon's unique "fixed fee" advisory model allows Mosaic to serve as an objective guide through complex family business transitions, especially when different generations have conflicting visions for family assets. In this episode, host R. Adam Smith welcomes Brandon Henry, founder of Mosaic Advisors. Brandon shares insights from his work advising first-generation family enterprise owners whose wealth is primarily tied to illiquid assets. The conversation explores the intersection of family wealth office technical planning and the human dynamics that shape family legacy decisions. Brandon's unique "fixed fee" advisory model allows Mosaic to serve as an objective guide through complex family business transitions, especially when different generations have conflicting visions for family assets.]]> 2384 false 34 full <![CDATA[Episode 35: Bobby Stover on the Four Pillars of Family Enterprise Success]]> fbx/4ca3b3aa-ad54-11ef-b7bf-16a2cd1ac1f8 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Thu, 28 Nov 2024 01:45:04 -0500 R. Adam Smith welcomes Bobby Stover, leader of Ernst &amp; Young's Americas Family Enterprise and Family Office Business. Bobby shares his framework of four essential pillars for successful family enterprise longevity: growth strategy, company capitalization, shareholder liquidity, and generational transition strategy. The conversation explores how technology is blurring the lines between single and multi-family office structures, while examining ways family wealth offices balance growth objectives with maintaining legacy. Bobby's expertise helps families navigate succession planning, governance, and wealth preservation challenges. R. Adam Smith welcomes Bobby Stover, leader of Ernst & Young's Americas Family Enterprise and Family Office Business. Bobby shares his framework of four essential pillars for successful family enterprise longevity: growth strategy, company capitalization, shareholder liquidity, and generational transition strategy. The conversation explores how technology is blurring the lines between single and multi-family office structures, while examining ways family wealth offices balance growth objectives with maintaining legacy. Bobby's expertise helps families navigate succession planning, governance, and wealth preservation challenges.


]]> 2006 false 35 full <![CDATA[Episode 36: Christina Wing and Maryann Bell on Legacy as a Living Concept]]> fbx/1c382f58-b7f8-11ef-8d98-16a2cd1ac1f8 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Fri, 13 Dec 2024 15:37:20 -0500 R. Adam Smith welcomes Christina Wing and Maryann Bell of Wingspan Legacy Partners for an illuminating discussion on family enterprise governance and multi-generational wealth stewardship. Christina, who teaches "Demystifying Families in Business" at Harvard Business School, and Maryann bring their extensive experience helping elite families navigate the complexities of succession planning. The conversation explores how governance structures serve as "glue" for family wealth office cohesion, the evolution of board structures, and empowering next-generation family members to create their own legacies while honoring family heritage. Their insights reveal how legacy should be viewed as dynamic and living rather than static preservation. R. Adam Smith welcomes Christina Wing and Maryann Bell of Wingspan Legacy Partners for an illuminating discussion on family enterprise governance and multi-generational wealth stewardship. Christina, who teaches "Demystifying Families in Business" at Harvard Business School, and Maryann bring their extensive experience helping elite families navigate the complexities of succession planning. The conversation explores how governance structures serve as "glue" for family wealth office cohesion, the evolution of board structures, and empowering next-generation family members to create their own legacies while honoring family heritage. Their insights reveal how legacy should be viewed as dynamic and living rather than static preservation.]]> 2395 false 36 full <![CDATA[Episode 37: Bridget Kustin and Emanuela Rondi on the Evolution of Family Enterprise Impact]]> fbx/c48745c6-c947-11ef-8276-16a2cd1ac1f8 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Thu, 02 Jan 2025 15:25:54 -0500 R. Adam Smith welcomes economic anthropologist Bridget Kustin of Oxford Saïd Business School and Associate Professor Emanuela Rondi of the University of Bergamo for an insightful academic perspective on family enterprise dynamics. Kustin shares findings from the Ownership Project 2.0, examining how ultra-wealthy families approach impact investment and the disconnect between their self-perception and actual ESG performance. Rondi discusses her research on family business innovation, particularly how intergenerational relationships can drive digital transformation through "reverse mentorship." Together, they explore the complexities of family wealth office structures, succession planning challenges, and how evolving concepts of legacy affect multi-generational family financial planning. R. Adam Smith welcomes economic anthropologist Bridget Kustin of Oxford Saïd Business School and Associate Professor Emanuela Rondi of the University of Bergamo for an insightful academic perspective on family enterprise dynamics. Kustin shares findings from the Ownership Project 2.0, examining how ultra-wealthy families approach impact investment and the disconnect between their self-perception and actual ESG performance. Rondi discusses her research on family business innovation, particularly how intergenerational relationships can drive digital transformation through "reverse mentorship." Together, they explore the complexities of family wealth office structures, succession planning challenges, and how evolving concepts of legacy affect multi-generational family financial planning.]]> 3488 false 37 full <![CDATA[Episode 38: Bridging Crypto and Philanthropy in Family Business with Robbie Heeger]]> fbx/8fc46b1e-dd99-11ef-b7b6-16a2cd1ac1f8 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Tue, 28 Jan 2025 12:02:33 -0500 R. Adam Smith welcomes Robbie Heeger, founder and CEO of Endaoment, the first blockchain-powered community foundation revolutionizing philanthropy for digital asset holders. Heeger shares how his journey began with a simple quest for tax efficiency when donating cryptocurrency, revealing the gap in the market for donor-advised funds (DAFs) that could accept digital assets. The conversation explores how DAFs serve as accessible entry points for next-generation family members looking to establish their philanthropic identity within the family wealth office structure. Heeger also discusses Endaoment's dual structure as both a technology company and nonprofit, outlining his vision for democratizing philanthropy through blockchain's transparency and community governance capabilities. R. Adam Smith welcomes Robbie Heeger, founder and CEO of Endaoment, the first blockchain-powered community foundation revolutionizing philanthropy for digital asset holders. Heeger shares how his journey began with a simple quest for tax efficiency when donating cryptocurrency, revealing the gap in the market for donor-advised funds (DAFs) that could accept digital assets. The conversation explores how DAFs serve as accessible entry points for next-generation family members looking to establish their philanthropic identity within the family wealth office structure. Heeger also discusses Endaoment's dual structure as both a technology company and nonprofit, outlining his vision for democratizing philanthropy through blockchain's transparency and community governance capabilities.]]> 1987 false 38 full <![CDATA[Episode 39: Talent Acquisition for Family Office Management with Bill Stranberg]]> fbx/6711d7fc-ea31-11ef-9afc-16a2cd1ac1f8 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Thu, 13 Feb 2025 12:39:36 -0500 R. Adam Smith welcomes Bill Stranberg, second-generation leader and managing partner at Stranberg, a firm specializing in executive search and talent strategy for family-owned businesses. Drawing from his own experience joining his parents' firm in 2013, Stranberg shares insights on the delicate balance between honoring family legacy while pursuing evolution and growth. The conversation explores the unique family enterprise challenges in hiring external leadership, including the critical importance of alignment across family members and the difficulties in transferring power from long-tenured executives. Stranberg emphasizes that successful family financial planning requires addressing both organizational culture and family dynamics when navigating leadership transitions in increasingly complex multi-generational businesses. R. Adam Smith welcomes Bill Stranberg, second-generation leader and managing partner at Stranberg, a firm specializing in executive search and talent strategy for family-owned businesses. Drawing from his own experience joining his parents' firm in 2013, Stranberg shares insights on the delicate balance between honoring family legacy while pursuing evolution and growth. The conversation explores the unique family enterprise challenges in hiring external leadership, including the critical importance of alignment across family members and the difficulties in transferring power from long-tenured executives. Stranberg emphasizes that successful family financial planning requires addressing both organizational culture and family dynamics when navigating leadership transitions in increasingly complex multi-generational businesses.]]> 1850 false 39 full <![CDATA[Episode 40: Navigating Trustee Liability in Family Estate Planning with Judith Pearson]]> fbx/21ebaa42-fcc2-11ef-b8e4-16a2cd1ac1f8 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Sun, 09 Mar 2025 04:40:19 -0400 In this fortieth episode of The Family Business Audiocast, R. Adam Smith welcomes Judith Pearson, founder of Precision Brokers and Nomadx. As a recognized leader in fiduciary risk management, Judith shares insights on evolving trust structures and insurance innovations that protect family wealth. The conversation explores private trust companies across different states, the shift in next-generation priorities, and how family financial planning intersects with risk management. Judith draws on her extensive background in D&amp;O liability insurance to explain how trustees and family office services can navigate complex regulatory environments while ensuring proper protection during the upcoming $70 trillion wealth transfer. In this fortieth episode of The Family Business Audiocast, R. Adam Smith welcomes Judith Pearson, founder of Precision Brokers and Nomadx. As a recognized leader in fiduciary risk management, Judith shares insights on evolving trust structures and insurance innovations that protect family wealth. The conversation explores private trust companies across different states, the shift in next-generation priorities, and how family financial planning intersects with risk management. Judith draws on her extensive background in D&O liability insurance to explain how trustees and family office services can navigate complex regulatory environments while ensuring proper protection during the upcoming $70 trillion wealth transfer.]]> 2062 false 40 full <![CDATA[Episode 41: Succession Planning and Family Office Management with Octavian Pilati]]> fbx/0cb3bb4a-fdfa-11ef-babb-16a2cd1ac1f8 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Fri, 14 Mar 2025 16:19:23 -0400 R. Adam Smith welcomes Octavian Pilati, an investor, strategist, and founder of The Anti-Fragile Family consultancy. Born into an Austrian aristocratic family with a millennium of heritage, Octavian shares his unique journey into family enterprise leadership following a crisis. The conversation explores critical aspects of family financial planning in multigenerational contexts, including next-gen leadership preparation, the merit versus entitlement approach, and communication strategies that build trust. Octavian offers valuable insights on family wealth office dynamics, resilience building, and the importance of balancing internal family knowledge with external expertise when navigating transitions and succession planning. R. Adam Smith welcomes Octavian Pilati, an investor, strategist, and founder of The Anti-Fragile Family consultancy. Born into an Austrian aristocratic family with a millennium of heritage, Octavian shares his unique journey into family enterprise leadership following a crisis. The conversation explores critical aspects of family financial planning in multigenerational contexts, including next-gen leadership preparation, the merit versus entitlement approach, and communication strategies that build trust. Octavian offers valuable insights on family wealth office dynamics, resilience building, and the importance of balancing internal family knowledge with external expertise when navigating transitions and succession planning.]]> 2390 false 41 full <![CDATA[Episode 42: The Three Pillars of Wealth Legacy with Adrienne Penta and Lane McDonald]]> fbx/5385bb54-0ab6-11f0-bb00-16a2cd1ac1f8 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Fri, 28 Mar 2025 07:00:00 -0400 Adrienne Penta and Lane McDonald from SCS Financial Services join host R. Adam Smith to discuss the complex interplay between family wealth management, next-generation preparation, and legacy building. Adrienne shares insights on using philanthropy as a gateway for meaningful family conversations about wealth purpose, while Lane explores how emotional detachment in investing yields better outcomes. Both experts emphasize the critical importance of outsourcing alternative investments for family offices under $5 billion and building comprehensive values-based planning that connects wealth decisions to family purpose. The conversation highlights practical approaches to next-gen engagement and the essential balance between providing guidance and allowing independence. Adrienne Penta and Lane McDonald from SCS Financial Services join host R. Adam Smith to discuss the complex interplay between family wealth management, next-generation preparation, and legacy building. Adrienne shares insights on using philanthropy as a gateway for meaningful family conversations about wealth purpose, while Lane explores how emotional detachment in investing yields better outcomes. Both experts emphasize the critical importance of outsourcing alternative investments for family offices under $5 billion and building comprehensive values-based planning that connects wealth decisions to family purpose. The conversation highlights practical approaches to next-gen engagement and the essential balance between providing guidance and allowing independence.]]> 2270 false 42 full <![CDATA[Episode 43: Richard Wolkowitz on Bridging Generational Gaps in Family Business]]> fbx/f9d32d2a-13ee-11f0-aa88-16a2cd1ac1f8 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Thu, 10 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0400 This week on the The Family Business Audiocast, host R. Adam Smith welcomes back Richard Wolkowitz, founder of Xylogenesis and trusted family enterprise advisor. Wolkowitz breaks down nine critical differences between founder mentality and family mentality that impact family business succession. The conversation explores how governance structures can bridge these differences, the evolution of entrepreneurial thinking across generations, and strategies for empowering next-gen family members. Wolkowitz emphasizes that "healthy generational continuity" requires understanding each family member's unique strengths rather than expecting them to be carbon copies of the founder. This week on the The Family Business Audiocast, host R. Adam Smith welcomes back Richard Wolkowitz, founder of Xylogenesis and trusted family enterprise advisor. Wolkowitz breaks down nine critical differences between founder mentality and family mentality that impact family business succession. The conversation explores how governance structures can bridge these differences, the evolution of entrepreneurial thinking across generations, and strategies for empowering next-gen family members. Wolkowitz emphasizes that "healthy generational continuity" requires understanding each family member's unique strengths rather than expecting them to be carbon copies of the founder.]]> 2011 false 43 full <![CDATA[Episode 44: Family Financial Planning Across Generations with Shelley Forsythe]]> fbx/9b083284-20c5-11f0-bfa8-ba5fa9561315 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Thu, 24 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0400 R. Adam Smith hosts Shelley Forsythe, Director and Family Office Lead at BMO Private Wealth. With extensive experience in family governance, Shelley advises multi-generational families on building resilient structures that balance business priorities with family harmony. She discusses how BMO's platform integrates family office services with wealth management, serving over 700 families globally. Shelley shares insights on successful advisor collaboration, creating flexible roadmaps for legacy planning, and preparing families for business succession. She emphasizes that communication is the foundation of successful family wealth succession planning, requiring ongoing practice rather than one-time discussions. R. Adam Smith hosts Shelley Forsythe, Director and Family Office Lead at BMO Private Wealth. With extensive experience in family governance, Shelley advises multi-generational families on building resilient structures that balance business priorities with family harmony. She discusses how BMO's platform integrates family office services with wealth management, serving over 700 families globally. Shelley shares insights on successful advisor collaboration, creating flexible roadmaps for legacy planning, and preparing families for business succession. She emphasizes that communication is the foundation of successful family wealth succession planning, requiring ongoing practice rather than one-time discussions.]]> 2215 false 44 full <![CDATA[Episode 45: Legacy, Control, and Socioemotional Wealth with Luis Gomez-Mejia & Ignacio Requejo]]> fbx/ce0b0452-34c2-11f0-89ac-ba5fa9561315 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Mon, 19 May 2025 11:06:13 -0400 &nbsp;On this episode of the Family Business Audiocast, R. Adam Smith welcomes two of the world's foremost experts in family enterprise research: Luis Gomez-Mejia and Ignacio Requejo. Together, they explore the often-misunderstood dynamics of family business ownership, from the foundational role of socioemotional wealth to the ways family control affects decision-making, family office management, and long-term resilience. Drawing from decades of globally recognized research, including empirical studies on succession, legacy, and control trade-offs, Luis and Ignacio offer a deeply informed conversation on why family businesses behave differently and how those differences can be a source of strength. From olive oil cooperatives in Spain to publicly listed multi-generational family businesses, this conversation redefines what makes family enterprises sustainable in an increasingly complex world of family wealth preservation and family growth.&nbsp;  On this episode of the Family Business Audiocast, R. Adam Smith welcomes two of the world's foremost experts in family enterprise research: Luis Gomez-Mejia and Ignacio Requejo. Together, they explore the often-misunderstood dynamics of family business ownership, from the foundational role of socioemotional wealth to the ways family control affects decision-making, family office management, and long-term resilience. Drawing from decades of globally recognized research, including empirical studies on succession, legacy, and control trade-offs, Luis and Ignacio offer a deeply informed conversation on why family businesses behave differently and how those differences can be a source of strength. From olive oil cooperatives in Spain to publicly listed multi-generational family businesses, this conversation redefines what makes family enterprises sustainable in an increasingly complex world of family wealth preservation and family growth. ]]> 2515 false 45 full <![CDATA[Episode 46: Laura Gambineri on Governance, Global Planning & Legacy in the Family Enterprise]]> fbx/44089424-4505-11f0-8f09-ba5fa9561315 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Mon, 09 Jun 2025 03:42:16 -0400 &nbsp;On Episode 46 of the Family Business Audiocast, R. Adam Smith welcomes Laura Nanette Gambineri-Giese, LL.M. TEP, founder of Trusted Governance and expert in cross-border family estate planning, Private Placement Life Insurance (PPLI), and family governance. Drawing on her experience with internationally active family enterprises, Laura shares insights on combining technical family wealth structuring with the interpersonal dynamics of decision-making, succession, and continuity in multi-generational family businesses. She covers values-based planning frameworks, key risks in cross-border family financial planning, and the need to revisit governance as laws and family needs change. The episode also highlights how rising-generation leaders are reshaping legacy with a focus on meaning and sustainability. Whether you're an advisor, family office leader, next-gen stakeholder, or interested in family business, this episode offers a look at preserving both family wealth and unity across generations.&nbsp;  On Episode 46 of the Family Business Audiocast, R. Adam Smith welcomes Laura Nanette Gambineri-Giese, LL.M. TEP, founder of Trusted Governance and expert in cross-border family estate planning, Private Placement Life Insurance (PPLI), and family governance. Drawing on her experience with internationally active family enterprises, Laura shares insights on combining technical family wealth structuring with the interpersonal dynamics of decision-making, succession, and continuity in multi-generational family businesses. She covers values-based planning frameworks, key risks in cross-border family financial planning, and the need to revisit governance as laws and family needs change. The episode also highlights how rising-generation leaders are reshaping legacy with a focus on meaning and sustainability. Whether you're an advisor, family office leader, next-gen stakeholder, or interested in family business, this episode offers a look at preserving both family wealth and unity across generations. ]]> 1828 false 46 full <![CDATA[Episode 47: David Burleigh on Aligning Capital, Interests, and Mission in the Family Business]]> fbx/21ed40c2-4dea-11f0-8d05-ba5fa9561315 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Fri, 20 Jun 2025 17:01:05 -0400 &nbsp;On Episode 47 of the Family Business Audiocast, R. Adam Smith welcomes David W. Burleigh, esteemed family business expert, fiduciary, and author of Take Ownership of What You Own: Build Your Confidence to Navigate the World of Trusts and Family Enterprise. An attorney by training, David has spent his career helping multi-generational family businesses structure ownership—not just what they own, but how—through trusts, LLCs, corporations, and partnerships managing private businesses, real estate, investment portfolios, and legacy property. David brings a rare mix of technical acumen and deep understanding of family dynamics in family enterprises. David dives into the mechanics of ownership design—how legal structures influence control, succession, and unity within families managing family wealth. David's insights illuminate how thoughtful ownership frameworks build confidence, clarity, and continuity across generations for family businesses navigating estate planning and wealth preservation.&nbsp;  On Episode 47 of the Family Business Audiocast, R. Adam Smith welcomes David W. Burleigh, esteemed family business expert, fiduciary, and author of Take Ownership of What You Own: Build Your Confidence to Navigate the World of Trusts and Family Enterprise. An attorney by training, David has spent his career helping multi-generational family businesses structure ownership—not just what they own, but how—through trusts, LLCs, corporations, and partnerships managing private businesses, real estate, investment portfolios, and legacy property. David brings a rare mix of technical acumen and deep understanding of family dynamics in family enterprises. David dives into the mechanics of ownership design—how legal structures influence control, succession, and unity within families managing family wealth. David's insights illuminate how thoughtful ownership frameworks build confidence, clarity, and continuity across generations for family businesses navigating estate planning and wealth preservation. ]]> 2273 false 47 full <![CDATA[Episode 48: Roger Vincent on Partnership-Driven Private Equity and Building Long-Term Alignment]]> fbx/9d733cae-5715-11f0-afe4-ba5fa9561315 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Wed, 02 Jul 2025 03:24:39 -0400 &nbsp;On Episode 48 of the Family Business Audiocast, R. Adam Smith welcomes Roger Vincent, founder and Chief Investment Officer of Summation Capital, a new investment firm delivering endowment-style access to private equity for family wealth offices, multi-generational family businesses, and mission-driven investors. With decades of experience in private markets, Roger previously led Cornell University's $10 billion private equity portfolio, earning top-quartile performance through deep partnerships with leading GPs. In this episode, Roger unpacks the philosophy behind Summation — how he brings institutional discipline to family enterprises and family offices seeking long-term returns that preserve and grow family wealth across generations. He shares insights on alpha generation, strategic alignment, and why culture and human capital sit at the heart of private equity success for family businesses and multi-generational family enterprises alike.&nbsp;  On Episode 48 of the Family Business Audiocast, R. Adam Smith welcomes Roger Vincent, founder and Chief Investment Officer of Summation Capital, a new investment firm delivering endowment-style access to private equity for family wealth offices, multi-generational family businesses, and mission-driven investors. With decades of experience in private markets, Roger previously led Cornell University's $10 billion private equity portfolio, earning top-quartile performance through deep partnerships with leading GPs. In this episode, Roger unpacks the philosophy behind Summation — how he brings institutional discipline to family enterprises and family offices seeking long-term returns that preserve and grow family wealth across generations. He shares insights on alpha generation, strategic alignment, and why culture and human capital sit at the heart of private equity success for family businesses and multi-generational family enterprises alike. ]]> 2205 false 48 full <![CDATA[Episode 49: Kimberly Eddleston on Driving Innovation Across Generations and Families Navigating Legacy]]> fbx/466c39de-624f-11f0-9209-ba5fa9561315 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Wed, 16 Jul 2025 10:15:07 -0400 On Episode 49 of the Family Business Audiocast, R. Adam Smith sits down with Dr. Kimberly Eddleston, Schulze Distinguished Professor of Entrepreneurship and Montoni Research Fellow at Northeastern University’s D’Amore‑McKim School of Business, as well as a Research Fellow with Cornell’s Smith Family Business Initiative. Named in Stanford University’s top 2% of scientists and one of Family Capital’s top 25 family enterprise academics, Kim has dedicated her career to understanding how family dynamics can spark—and sometimes stifle—innovation within family firms.In this episode, Professor Eddleston reveals her most compelling research on turning family ties into a strategic advantage: crafting family business governance frameworks that evolve with each generation, embedding creative problem‑solving into everyday culture, and leveraging human capital to drive long‑term value. Drawing on examples from her own family’s ventures in real estate, construction, business services, and hospitality, she offers practical insights for next‑gen leaders and seasoned executives alike—showing how to harness family relationships not just as a resource, but as the very engine of a family enterprise. On Episode 49 of the Family Business Audiocast, R. Adam Smith sits down with Dr. Kimberly Eddleston, Schulze Distinguished Professor of Entrepreneurship and Montoni Research Fellow at Northeastern University’s D’Amore‑McKim School of Business, as well as a Research Fellow with Cornell’s Smith Family Business Initiative. Named in Stanford University’s top 2% of scientists and one of Family Capital’s top 25 family enterprise academics, Kim has dedicated her career to understanding how family dynamics can spark—and sometimes stifle—innovation within family firms.
In this episode, Professor Eddleston reveals her most compelling research on turning family ties into a strategic advantage: crafting family business governance frameworks that evolve with each generation, embedding creative problem‑solving into everyday culture, and leveraging human capital to drive long‑term value. Drawing on examples from her own family’s ventures in real estate, construction, business services, and hospitality, she offers practical insights for next‑gen leaders and seasoned executives alike—showing how to harness family relationships not just as a resource, but as the very engine of a family enterprise.
]]> 2002 false 49 full <![CDATA[Episode 50: Jennifer East on Aligning Family Business Generations and Building Governance for Lasting Family Unity]]> fbx/6459e980-6c88-11f0-9113-ba5fa9561315 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Tue, 29 Jul 2025 10:28:55 -0400 On Episode 50 of the Family Business Audiocast, R. Adam Smith welcomes Jennifer East, Founder of ONIDA Family Advisors and a globally recognized advisor to family enterprises and family offices. With two decades of experience guiding multigenerational families across Europe, the Middle East, and North America, Jennifer has built a reputation for helping family businesses strengthen governance, align across generations, and prepare rising leaders to steward both assets and values. In this conversation, Jennifer draws on her unique perspective as a second‑generation leader in her own family’s Canadian hospitality business and as co‑steward of Class Afloat, a mission‑driven school at sea with a forty‑year legacy of experiential education. She shares powerful insights on defining shared purpose, designing family governance frameworks that reflect family complexity, and equipping next‑gen members to balance individual aspirations with collective goals. A Fellow of the Family Firm Institute and Chair of Campden Wealth’s European Family Office Forum, Jennifer offers a rare blend of lived experience and professional expertise—illuminating how families can thrive together across generations. On Episode 50 of the Family Business Audiocast, R. Adam Smith welcomes Jennifer East, Founder of ONIDA Family Advisors and a globally recognized advisor to family enterprises and family offices. With two decades of experience guiding multigenerational families across Europe, the Middle East, and North America, Jennifer has built a reputation for helping family businesses strengthen governance, align across generations, and prepare rising leaders to steward both assets and values. In this conversation, Jennifer draws on her unique perspective as a second‑generation leader in her own family’s Canadian hospitality business and as co‑steward of Class Afloat, a mission‑driven school at sea with a forty‑year legacy of experiential education. She shares powerful insights on defining shared purpose, designing family governance frameworks that reflect family complexity, and equipping next‑gen members to balance individual aspirations with collective goals. A Fellow of the Family Firm Institute and Chair of Campden Wealth’s European Family Office Forum, Jennifer offers a rare blend of lived experience and professional expertise—illuminating how families can thrive together across generations.]]> 2463 false 50 full <![CDATA[Episode 51: Rick Holton on Leading Family Businesses and Building Communities of Like-Minded Entrepreneurs]]> fbx/47efe428-7f8b-11f0-95fd-ba5fa9561315 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Fri, 22 Aug 2025 15:07:43 -0400 On Episode 51 of the Family Business Audiocast, R. Adam Smith welcomes Rick Holton, a seasoned family business leader, investor, and advisor whose career spans operating companies, venture capital, and private equity. As President of Holton Companies, Rick has guided a multi-generational enterprise while also fostering growth for early-stage and middle-market businesses.In this conversation, Rick reflects on his experience at the helm of a family business, where he has balanced legacy stewardship with innovation and growth. He speaks candidly about the challenges and opportunities of sustaining an enterprise across generations, and the importance of creating environments where like-minded leaders can exchange ideas and support one another.Drawing on his years as both an operator and investor, Rick shares practical lessons on leadership, strategy, and the power of trusted networks. His perspective underscores the value of aligning vision and execution—not just within a family business, but also in the communities of entrepreneurs and executives he has helped build. On Episode 51 of the Family Business Audiocast, R. Adam Smith welcomes Rick Holton, a seasoned family business leader, investor, and advisor whose career spans operating companies, venture capital, and private equity. As President of Holton Companies, Rick has guided a multi-generational enterprise while also fostering growth for early-stage and middle-market businesses.

In this conversation, Rick reflects on his experience at the helm of a family business, where he has balanced legacy stewardship with innovation and growth. He speaks candidly about the challenges and opportunities of sustaining an enterprise across generations, and the importance of creating environments where like-minded leaders can exchange ideas and support one another.

Drawing on his years as both an operator and investor, Rick shares practical lessons on leadership, strategy, and the power of trusted networks. His perspective underscores the value of aligning vision and execution—not just within a family business, but also in the communities of entrepreneurs and executives he has helped build.
]]> 2293 false 51 full <![CDATA[Episode 52: Karen McNeill on Using Family Stories to Strengthen the Multi-Generational Family Business]]> fbx/e990d20a-a246-11f0-af49-ba5fa9561315 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Mon, 06 Oct 2025 15:00:00 -0400 Dr. Karen McNeill brings her unique expertise in history and culture to the world of multi-generational wealth advising. As founder of Verdandi and Associates and Dean of Family Stories at the Purposeful Planning Institute, she reveals how family narratives serve as strategic assets for family enterprise continuity. Karen discusses her research into women and philanthropy, highlighting figures like Phoebe Hearst who balanced significant charitable impact with savvy investing. She offers practical frameworks for integrating storytelling into family financial planning, governance, and next-generation engagement, demonstrating how shared narratives create coherence and flourishing across generations.00:00 Introduction and welcome&nbsp;01:55 Karen McNeill's background in history and family wealth advising&nbsp;03:19 The power of family stories as strategic assets&nbsp;06:44 Best practices for documenting and preserving family narratives&nbsp;10:53 Digital tools and platforms for family archives&nbsp;13:02 The intersection of culture and corporate environment&nbsp;15:51 Women's historical role in philanthropy&nbsp;19:51 Using philanthropy to bridge generations&nbsp;24:53 Expanding philanthropy's impact in America&nbsp;27:19 The concept of flourishing in multi-generational families&nbsp;30:19 Untapped potential of family narratives&nbsp;32:33 Closing remarks Dr. Karen McNeill brings her unique expertise in history and culture to the world of multi-generational wealth advising. As founder of Verdandi and Associates and Dean of Family Stories at the Purposeful Planning Institute, she reveals how family narratives serve as strategic assets for family enterprise continuity. Karen discusses her research into women and philanthropy, highlighting figures like Phoebe Hearst who balanced significant charitable impact with savvy investing. She offers practical frameworks for integrating storytelling into family financial planning, governance, and next-generation engagement, demonstrating how shared narratives create coherence and flourishing across generations.

00:00 Introduction and welcome 
01:55 Karen McNeill's background in history and family wealth advising 
03:19 The power of family stories as strategic assets 
06:44 Best practices for documenting and preserving family narratives 
10:53 Digital tools and platforms for family archives 
13:02 The intersection of culture and corporate environment 
15:51 Women's historical role in philanthropy 
19:51 Using philanthropy to bridge generations 
24:53 Expanding philanthropy's impact in America 
27:19 The concept of flourishing in multi-generational families 
30:19 Untapped potential of family narratives 
32:33 Closing remarks

]]> 2042 false 52 full <![CDATA[Episode 53: Henry Brandts-Giesen on Asia's Rising Wealth and the Future of Family Office Services]]> fbx/edd50d56-afcd-11f0-aa62-ba5fa9561315 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Fri, 24 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0400 Henry Brandts-Giesen, global co-chair of Dentons' high net worth group, explores the rapid evolution of private wealth in Asia and the professionalization of family office services. The conversation examines Singapore's emergence as a global wealth hub, the complexities of intergenerational transitions, and the critical role of governance in sustainable family wealth management. Brandts-Giesen shares insights on moving from founder-directed models to democratized decision-making structures, emphasizing the importance of human capital alongside financial capital. The discussion addresses philanthropy, social license, and how technology enables more sophisticated family enterprise operations across borders.00:00 - Introduction to Henry Brandts-Giesen and Dentons02:16 - Asia's wealth transformation and Singapore's rise as a hub05:38 - Generational transitions and family office management evolution09:12 - Professionalizing family wealth and governance systems12:46 - Redefining next generation succession planning15:41 - Family capital beyond financial metrics18:00 - Fundamental questions of governance and decision-making21:28 - Philanthropy, impact, and social license for family wealth office structures23:53 - Technology and the future of family business enterprise26:19 - The human element in wealth advisory28:00 - Closing remarks Henry Brandts-Giesen, global co-chair of Dentons' high net worth group, explores the rapid evolution of private wealth in Asia and the professionalization of family office services. The conversation examines Singapore's emergence as a global wealth hub, the complexities of intergenerational transitions, and the critical role of governance in sustainable family wealth management. Brandts-Giesen shares insights on moving from founder-directed models to democratized decision-making structures, emphasizing the importance of human capital alongside financial capital. The discussion addresses philanthropy, social license, and how technology enables more sophisticated family enterprise operations across borders.

00:00 - Introduction to Henry Brandts-Giesen and Dentons
02:16 - Asia's wealth transformation and Singapore's rise as a hub
05:38 - Generational transitions and family office management evolution
09:12 - Professionalizing family wealth and governance systems
12:46 - Redefining next generation succession planning
15:41 - Family capital beyond financial metrics
18:00 - Fundamental questions of governance and decision-making
21:28 - Philanthropy, impact, and social license for family wealth office structures
23:53 - Technology and the future of family business enterprise
26:19 - The human element in wealth advisory
28:00 - Closing remarks]]> 1802 false 53 full <![CDATA[Episode 54: John Koeppel on the Evolution of Family Business Enterprise Transactions Through Independent Sponsors]]> fbx/5fca7218-b922-11f0-b213-ba5fa9561315 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Fri, 07 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0500 John Koeppel, partner at Lippes Mathias LLP and leader of their private equity and independent sponsor practice, joins host R. Adam Smith to explore how independent sponsors are transforming direct deal making. With over 250 transactions closed, Koeppel shares insights on why family investment office structures are increasingly backing fundless sponsors, the strategic advantages of flexible deal structuring, and the critical dynamics between sellers, sponsors, and capital partners. The conversation covers QSBS tax benefits, succession planning for family enterprise transitions, and the essential mentorship role legal advisors play in navigating complex lower middle market transactions.&nbsp;00:00 - Welcome and introductions&nbsp;02:17 - John's practice and client base&nbsp;04:41 - Flexibility in deal structuring&nbsp;06:09 - Direct deal making expansion&nbsp;08:54 - Operating expertise and value&nbsp;10:20 - Deal sourcing strategies&nbsp;12:53 - Structure and economics&nbsp;14:40 - GP commitment expectations&nbsp;16:56 - Post-closing governance&nbsp;18:59 - Deal timelines&nbsp;20:42 - Seller rollover equity&nbsp;22:29 - Exit considerations&nbsp;24:35 - Common challenges&nbsp;27:18 - Industry activity levels&nbsp;29:27 - Seller relationship importance&nbsp;31:00 - Three-party dynamics&nbsp;33:22 - Mentorship and persistence&nbsp;35:35 - Final thoughts and closing John Koeppel, partner at Lippes Mathias LLP and leader of their private equity and independent sponsor practice, joins host R. Adam Smith to explore how independent sponsors are transforming direct deal making. With over 250 transactions closed, Koeppel shares insights on why family investment office structures are increasingly backing fundless sponsors, the strategic advantages of flexible deal structuring, and the critical dynamics between sellers, sponsors, and capital partners. The conversation covers QSBS tax benefits, succession planning for family enterprise transitions, and the essential mentorship role legal advisors play in navigating complex lower middle market transactions.

 00:00 - Welcome and introductions
 02:17 - John's practice and client base
 04:41 - Flexibility in deal structuring
 06:09 - Direct deal making expansion
 08:54 - Operating expertise and value
 10:20 - Deal sourcing strategies
 12:53 - Structure and economics
 14:40 - GP commitment expectations
 16:56 - Post-closing governance
 18:59 - Deal timelines
 20:42 - Seller rollover equity
 22:29 - Exit considerations
 24:35 - Common challenges
 27:18 - Industry activity levels
 29:27 - Seller relationship importance
 31:00 - Three-party dynamics
 33:22 - Mentorship and persistence
 35:35 - Final thoughts and closing


]]> 2199 false 54 full <![CDATA[Episode 55: Suzanne Gyorgy on Leveraging Art Collections in Family Wealth Management]]> fbx/bb676886-c1f3-11f0-943d-ba5fa9561315 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Wed, 19 Nov 2025 13:20:51 -0500 &nbsp;Suzanne Gyorgy, Partner at Emigrant Bank Fine Art Finance, shares her expertise on the intersection of art and wealth management. With over 35 years of experience advising collectors and institutions, Suzanne explores how family wealth office strategies incorporate art as an asset class. The conversation covers art finance fundamentals, leveraging collections for liquidity without selling, and the evolution of collecting across generations. Suzanne discusses family estate planning considerations for collectors, the growing presence of women in the market, and how Emigrant's integrated approach combines advisory, appraisals, and financing services to support families worldwide.&nbsp;&nbsp;00:00 Introduction to Suzanne Gyorgy&nbsp;02:09 Core services at Emigrant Fine Art Finance&nbsp;04:21 Working with family office management structures&nbsp;06:19 Evolution of art finance and lending&nbsp;07:37 Leveraging collections for family financial planning&nbsp;09:53 Art as collateral and succession considerations&nbsp;13:04 Regulatory landscape and appraisal standards&nbsp;16:07 Women collectors shaping the market&nbsp;19:13 Digital transformation in art acquisition&nbsp;23:20 Viewing art online versus in person&nbsp;25:16 Next generation collectors and trends&nbsp;27:47 Liquidity management for family estate planning&nbsp;28:50 New artists and accessible price points&nbsp;30:32 Final thoughts on collecting and wealth&nbsp;31:35 Closing remarks&nbsp;  Suzanne Gyorgy, Partner at Emigrant Bank Fine Art Finance, shares her expertise on the intersection of art and wealth management. With over 35 years of experience advising collectors and institutions, Suzanne explores how family wealth office strategies incorporate art as an asset class. The conversation covers art finance fundamentals, leveraging collections for liquidity without selling, and the evolution of collecting across generations. Suzanne discusses family estate planning considerations for collectors, the growing presence of women in the market, and how Emigrant's integrated approach combines advisory, appraisals, and financing services to support families worldwide. 

 00:00 Introduction to Suzanne Gyorgy
 02:09 Core services at Emigrant Fine Art Finance
 04:21 Working with family office management structures
 06:19 Evolution of art finance and lending
 07:37 Leveraging collections for family financial planning
 09:53 Art as collateral and succession considerations
 13:04 Regulatory landscape and appraisal standards
 16:07 Women collectors shaping the market
 19:13 Digital transformation in art acquisition
 23:20 Viewing art online versus in person
 25:16 Next generation collectors and trends
 27:47 Liquidity management for family estate planning
 28:50 New artists and accessible price points
 30:32 Final thoughts on collecting and wealth
 31:35 Closing remarks ]]> 1993 false 55 full <![CDATA[Episode 56: Dr. Jan-Philipp Ahrens on AI, Big Data, and Family Enterprise Research]]> fbx/cc947f76-ccf8-11f0-b544-ba5fa9561315 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Wed, 03 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0500 Dr. Jan-Philipp Ahrens, leading scholar at the University of Mannheim, discusses his groundbreaking research at the intersection of family enterprise, artificial intelligence, and sustainability. As a fifth-generation family business successor, Jan brings personal insight to his academic work leading an interdisciplinary research group that combines data science with traditional business research. The conversation explores how family businesses navigate succession, governance, and digital transformation while maintaining their unique values. Jan introduces his intelligent entity view theory, examining how family wealth office structures and organizational memory influence innovation and sustainability outcomes in an evolving global economy.&nbsp;00:00 Introduction to Dr. Jan-Philipp Ahrens&nbsp;02:00 The interdisciplinary research group&nbsp;03:30 Research focus on sustainability and AI&nbsp;05:00 Fifth-generation family business experience&nbsp;08:00 Personal journey through crisis management&nbsp;12:00 Academic research methodology approach&nbsp;15:30 Big data and AI in business research&nbsp;18:00 Sustainability challenges for firms&nbsp;21:00 Family office management and governance structures&nbsp;24:00 Innovation and digital transformation&nbsp;27:30 Female leadership and board diversity&nbsp;30:00 The intelligent entity view theory&nbsp;34:00 Organizational memory and routines&nbsp;36:00 Future of AI integration in firms Dr. Jan-Philipp Ahrens, leading scholar at the University of Mannheim, discusses his groundbreaking research at the intersection of family enterprise, artificial intelligence, and sustainability. As a fifth-generation family business successor, Jan brings personal insight to his academic work leading an interdisciplinary research group that combines data science with traditional business research. The conversation explores how family businesses navigate succession, governance, and digital transformation while maintaining their unique values. Jan introduces his intelligent entity view theory, examining how family wealth office structures and organizational memory influence innovation and sustainability outcomes in an evolving global economy.

 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Jan-Philipp Ahrens
 02:00 The interdisciplinary research group
 03:30 Research focus on sustainability and AI
 05:00 Fifth-generation family business experience
 08:00 Personal journey through crisis management
 12:00 Academic research methodology approach
 15:30 Big data and AI in business research
 18:00 Sustainability challenges for firms
 21:00 Family office management and governance structures
 24:00 Innovation and digital transformation
 27:30 Female leadership and board diversity
 30:00 The intelligent entity view theory
 34:00 Organizational memory and routines
 36:00 Future of AI integration in firms]]> 2253 false 56 full <![CDATA[Episode 57: David Werdiger on the Power of Pause in Family Enterprise Leadership]]> fbx/215d484c-e376-11f0-9f14-ba5fa9561315 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Fri, 02 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0500 David Werdiger returns to discuss his Power of Pause Institute and the concept of time as a critical leadership asset. Drawing from his experience as a second-generation family business enterprise member and decades advising high net worth families, David explores how family enterprise leaders can create clarity through intentional pause rather than constant urgency. The conversation covers stewardship principles learned from nonprofit boards, the importance of manufactured adversity in rising generation education, and navigating binary decisions like selling versus keeping family assets. David emphasizes that family wealth office governance thrives when leaders balance strategic clarity with relational awareness and treat time as their most valuable resource.00:00 Introduction to David Werdiger&nbsp;01:57 Origins of the Power of Pause&nbsp;04:03 Second-generation business experience&nbsp;06:07 Time as a leadership resource&nbsp;08:00 Leadership styles and patience&nbsp;10:15 The pause practice framework&nbsp;12:30 Technology and intentional time&nbsp;14:45 Decision making under pressure&nbsp;16:52 Rising generation preparation&nbsp;20:29 Manufactured adversity concept&nbsp;22:45 Binary decisions in transitions&nbsp;24:49 Learning to be good owners&nbsp;26:33 Making every day intentional David Werdiger returns to discuss his Power of Pause Institute and the concept of time as a critical leadership asset. Drawing from his experience as a second-generation family business enterprise member and decades advising high net worth families, David explores how family enterprise leaders can create clarity through intentional pause rather than constant urgency. The conversation covers stewardship principles learned from nonprofit boards, the importance of manufactured adversity in rising generation education, and navigating binary decisions like selling versus keeping family assets. David emphasizes that family wealth office governance thrives when leaders balance strategic clarity with relational awareness and treat time as their most valuable resource.

00:00 Introduction to David Werdiger
 01:57 Origins of the Power of Pause
 04:03 Second-generation business experience
 06:07 Time as a leadership resource
 08:00 Leadership styles and patience
 10:15 The pause practice framework
 12:30 Technology and intentional time
 14:45 Decision making under pressure
 16:52 Rising generation preparation
 20:29 Manufactured adversity concept
 22:45 Binary decisions in transitions
 24:49 Learning to be good owners
 26:33 Making every day intentional]]> 1735 false 57 full <![CDATA[Episode 58: Building Learning Systems for Family Enterprise Continuity with Jeremy Cheng]]> fbx/da6fd27a-019c-11f1-9d51-ba5fa9561315 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Wed, 04 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0500 Jeremy Cheng, Principal at Lansberg Gersick Advisors, shares his approach to building learning capacity for enterprise families across Asia and beyond. Broadcasting from Hong Kong, Jeremy discusses the evolution of family business enterprise education, the importance of continuous curriculum development, and how families can embrace portfolio thinking for rising generations. He explores cultural differences between Eastern and Western approaches to family wealth office management, the role of emotional intelligence in mentorship programs, and why allowing the next generation to reinterpret legacy is essential for long-term continuity and individual freedom.00:00 Introduction to Jeremy Cheng&nbsp;02:05 Journey into family enterprise advisory&nbsp;04:22 Evolution of learning systems&nbsp;05:07 Research and generational transitions&nbsp;07:00 Gaps in family enterprise education&nbsp;08:00 Curriculum development essentials&nbsp;10:15 Core competencies across generations&nbsp;12:30 Portfolio thinking in Asia markets&nbsp;14:45 Thailand and Philippines comparisons&nbsp;17:00 Rising generation venture development&nbsp;19:20 Owner versus governor role clarity&nbsp;22:31 Expectations and emotional intelligence&nbsp;23:15 Mentorship program implementation&nbsp;26:40 Governance and power dynamics&nbsp;27:10 Reinterpreting legacy for freedom&nbsp;29:02 Closing thoughts on continuity Jeremy Cheng, Principal at Lansberg Gersick Advisors, shares his approach to building learning capacity for enterprise families across Asia and beyond. Broadcasting from Hong Kong, Jeremy discusses the evolution of family business enterprise education, the importance of continuous curriculum development, and how families can embrace portfolio thinking for rising generations. He explores cultural differences between Eastern and Western approaches to family wealth office management, the role of emotional intelligence in mentorship programs, and why allowing the next generation to reinterpret legacy is essential for long-term continuity and individual freedom.

00:00 Introduction to Jeremy Cheng
 02:05 Journey into family enterprise advisory
 04:22 Evolution of learning systems
 05:07 Research and generational transitions
 07:00 Gaps in family enterprise education
 08:00 Curriculum development essentials
 10:15 Core competencies across generations
 12:30 Portfolio thinking in Asia markets
 14:45 Thailand and Philippines comparisons
 17:00 Rising generation venture development
 19:20 Owner versus governor role clarity
 22:31 Expectations and emotional intelligence
 23:15 Mentorship program implementation
 26:40 Governance and power dynamics
 27:10 Reinterpreting legacy for freedom
 29:02 Closing thoughts on continuity]]> 1804 false 58 full <![CDATA[Episode 59: Emily Balentine Barbour on Multi-Generational Wealth and Family Legacy at Balentine]]> fbx/f9d0672e-0b10-11f1-b967-ba5fa9561315 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Mon, 16 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0500 Emily Balentine Barbour, Partner and Head of Client Engagement and Family Legacy at Balentine, shares her unique perspective as a third-generation member of an Atlanta-based wealth management firm. The conversation explores Balentine's journey from sale to major bank during the financial crisis back to independence in 2010, now managing $8.5 billion under advisement. Emily discusses the evolution of wealth management beyond investment performance to encompass family legacy planning, the importance of engaging spouses and next generations for retention, and how AI enhances client relationships. She emphasizes that modern family financial planning requires integrating values with financial strategy while maintaining independence from private equity pressures. Emily Balentine Barbour, Partner and Head of Client Engagement and Family Legacy at Balentine, shares her unique perspective as a third-generation member of an Atlanta-based wealth management firm. The conversation explores Balentine's journey from sale to major bank during the financial crisis back to independence in 2010, now managing $8.5 billion under advisement. Emily discusses the evolution of wealth management beyond investment performance to encompass family legacy planning, the importance of engaging spouses and next generations for retention, and how AI enhances client relationships. She emphasizes that modern family financial planning requires integrating values with financial strategy while maintaining independence from private equity pressures.]]> 1989 false 59 full <![CDATA[Episode 60: The Leadership Principles Behind Enduring Institutions and Family Enterprise with James Rosebush]]> fbx/b7a9635c-180b-11f1-ba2c-ba5fa9561315 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Wed, 04 Mar 2026 15:51:50 -0500 James Rosebush — Reagan White House veteran, author, and family office advisor — draws direct lines between presidential leadership and multigenerational stewardship. Having worked alongside Reagan as Chief of Staff to the First Lady, Rosebush witnessed firsthand how indifference to public opinion, deep spiritual conviction, and a relentless drive to understand "what is really going on" shaped one of history's most consequential presidencies. He translates those lessons into the realities of family enterprise: the complexity of working with difficult wealth creators, the emotional demands placed on advisors, and why integrity compounds over time just as capital does.&nbsp; James Rosebush — Reagan White House veteran, author, and family office advisor — draws direct lines between presidential leadership and multigenerational stewardship. Having worked alongside Reagan as Chief of Staff to the First Lady, Rosebush witnessed firsthand how indifference to public opinion, deep spiritual conviction, and a relentless drive to understand "what is really going on" shaped one of history's most consequential presidencies. He translates those lessons into the realities of family enterprise: the complexity of working with difficult wealth creators, the emotional demands placed on advisors, and why integrity compounds over time just as capital does. ]]> 2391 false 60 full <![CDATA[Episode 61: Philip Marcovici on Why Family Enterprise Fails Across Generations]]> fbx/65513c90-2253-11f1-9d76-ba5fa9561315 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Wed, 18 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0400 Philip Marcovici — international tax lawyer, author, and advisor to ultra-high-net-worth families — joins R. Adam Smith to explore what it takes for a family enterprise to endure across generations. Drawing on decades of advising families across Asia, Europe, and beyond, Philip challenges the assumption that culture determines planning outcomes, arguing that wealth's destructive potential is universal. The conversation spans governance structures, the role of advisors, next-generation stewardship, tax system reform, and the concept of regenerative wealth — connecting the internal health of a family enterprise to its obligations and impact in the wider world.00:00 Welcome &amp; Philip Marcovici Introduction02:22 Career Background &amp; Baker McKenzie Years03:16 Culture, Governance &amp; Global Family Patterns05:31 Family Enterprise: Long-Term Vision Planning08:30 Advisors, Education &amp; Asking Better Questions10:45 Governance Structures &amp; Legal Frameworks15:54 Using a Governance Entity Across Structures16:50 Tax Systems, Non-Dom Reform &amp; the UK Example20:53 Corporate Tax, Family Wealth &amp; Economic Impact23:41 Regenerative Wealth &amp; the Family Enterprise Role in Society26:00 Internal vs. External Sustainability: Bridging the Silos30:13 Tax, Branding &amp; Wealth's Obligation to Society32:58 Emotional Intelligence &amp; Next-Gen Succession37:19 Closing Reflections &amp; Sign-Off Philip Marcovici — international tax lawyer, author, and advisor to ultra-high-net-worth families — joins R. Adam Smith to explore what it takes for a family enterprise to endure across generations. Drawing on decades of advising families across Asia, Europe, and beyond, Philip challenges the assumption that culture determines planning outcomes, arguing that wealth's destructive potential is universal. The conversation spans governance structures, the role of advisors, next-generation stewardship, tax system reform, and the concept of regenerative wealth — connecting the internal health of a family enterprise to its obligations and impact in the wider world.

00:00 Welcome & Philip Marcovici Introduction
02:22 Career Background & Baker McKenzie Years
03:16 Culture, Governance & Global Family Patterns
05:31 Family Enterprise: Long-Term Vision Planning
08:30 Advisors, Education & Asking Better Questions
10:45 Governance Structures & Legal Frameworks
15:54 Using a Governance Entity Across Structures
16:50 Tax Systems, Non-Dom Reform & the UK Example
20:53 Corporate Tax, Family Wealth & Economic Impact
23:41 Regenerative Wealth & the Family Enterprise Role in Society
26:00 Internal vs. External Sustainability: Bridging the Silos
30:13 Tax, Branding & Wealth's Obligation to Society
32:58 Emotional Intelligence & Next-Gen Succession
37:19 Closing Reflections & Sign-Off]]> 2401 false 61 full <![CDATA[Episode 62: Long-Term Stewardship Within Family Enterprise Kelly Pollock and Betsy Cohen]]> fbx/d0331c48-2d68-11f1-b581-ba5fa9561315 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Wed, 01 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0400 Kelly Pollock, CEO of the Burgess Family Foundation, and Betsy Cohen, philanthropic futurist and founder of FutureGood, join R. Adam Smith for a wide-ranging conversation on strategic philanthropy, community impact, and the evolving role of family enterprise in shaping long-term social change. Drawing on decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, trust banking, and futurism, Kelly and Betsy explore how family foundations can deepen community relationships, navigate generational transitions, and move from transactional giving to sustained impact. The conversation also touches on AI's emerging role in the nonprofit sector, the diverging philanthropic priorities of G1 and G2, and what it means to be a builder — not just a buyer — in your community.00:00 Welcome, Introductions &amp; Guest Backgrounds02:01 The Burgess Family Foundation: Mission and Structure03:04 FutureGood: Philanthropic Futurism Explained04:19 Kelly's Path from COCA to Family Foundation CEO06:07 Betsy's Journey from Corporate Futurist to Philanthropic Advisor08:10 Translating Family Passion into Strategic Philanthropic Investment10:31 St. Louis Philanthropy: Depth of Community and Collaboration12:11 Collaborative Funding Initiatives Across the Region15:51 FutureProof: Bringing Nonprofits Together for Shared Planning16:35 Next Gen Engagement Inside the Burgess Family Foundation18:29 G1 vs. G2 Philanthropic Priorities and the Generational Shift20:53 Scale of Family Office Philanthropy: Data and Trends24:50 Unlocking Capital Beyond Grant Making26:37 Innovation, Risk Capital, and Scenario Planning in Philanthropy29:02 AI's Impact on Nonprofits and Family Foundations31:09 Next Gen Leadership and Being a Student of the Work35:07 Closing Reflections: Buyers vs. Builders Kelly Pollock, CEO of the Burgess Family Foundation, and Betsy Cohen, philanthropic futurist and founder of FutureGood, join R. Adam Smith for a wide-ranging conversation on strategic philanthropy, community impact, and the evolving role of family enterprise in shaping long-term social change. Drawing on decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, trust banking, and futurism, Kelly and Betsy explore how family foundations can deepen community relationships, navigate generational transitions, and move from transactional giving to sustained impact. The conversation also touches on AI's emerging role in the nonprofit sector, the diverging philanthropic priorities of G1 and G2, and what it means to be a builder — not just a buyer — in your community.

00:00 Welcome, Introductions & Guest Backgrounds
02:01 The Burgess Family Foundation: Mission and Structure
03:04 FutureGood: Philanthropic Futurism Explained
04:19 Kelly's Path from COCA to Family Foundation CEO
06:07 Betsy's Journey from Corporate Futurist to Philanthropic Advisor
08:10 Translating Family Passion into Strategic Philanthropic Investment
10:31 St. Louis Philanthropy: Depth of Community and Collaboration
12:11 Collaborative Funding Initiatives Across the Region
15:51 FutureProof: Bringing Nonprofits Together for Shared Planning
16:35 Next Gen Engagement Inside the Burgess Family Foundation
18:29 G1 vs. G2 Philanthropic Priorities and the Generational Shift
20:53 Scale of Family Office Philanthropy: Data and Trends
24:50 Unlocking Capital Beyond Grant Making
26:37 Innovation, Risk Capital, and Scenario Planning in Philanthropy
29:02 AI's Impact on Nonprofits and Family Foundations
31:09 Next Gen Leadership and Being a Student of the Work
35:07 Closing Reflections: Buyers vs. Builders]]> 2315 false 62 full <![CDATA[Episode 63: Amy Griman on Trust, Governance, and Human Readiness in Family Office Services]]> fbx/11a96f50-3373-11f1-a2a1-ba5fa9561315 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Wed, 15 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0400 Amy Griman — founder of Delta Creative Group and former global president of the BMO Family Office — joins R. Adam Smith to explore what she calls the readiness gap: the distance between technically sound estate and governance structures and a family's actual preparedness to act on them. Drawing on more than 30 years at the intersection of trust law, family office services, and human capital, Amy unpacks how communication breakdowns, undefined decision-making architecture, and generational misalignment can unravel even the most sophisticated plans. The conversation spans succession, legacy, the Canadian versus U.S. wealth landscape, and how culture must inform governance — not the other way around.00:00 Welcome &amp; Amy Griman Introduction01:53 Founding Delta Creative Group03:54 Trust &amp; Estate Settlement: Early Career Lessons06:13 M&amp;A, Liquidity Events &amp; Readiness for Day Two08:48 Decision Architecture: Boards, Councils, and Charters10:46 Stress Testing Governance &amp; Communication Cadence14:53 BMO Family Office: Platform, Culture &amp; Client Experience17:14 Boutique vs. Institutional Advisory Models18:09 Family Culture, History, and the Ownership of Story22:36 Canadian Wealth Landscape vs. U.S. Market Dynamics24:28 Fusing Governance with Culture: G1 to G2 Transitions29:11 Defining Legacy: The Why Behind the Wealth30:10 Closing Reflections &amp; Sign-Off Amy Griman — founder of Delta Creative Group and former global president of the BMO Family Office — joins R. Adam Smith to explore what she calls the readiness gap: the distance between technically sound estate and governance structures and a family's actual preparedness to act on them. Drawing on more than 30 years at the intersection of trust law, family office services, and human capital, Amy unpacks how communication breakdowns, undefined decision-making architecture, and generational misalignment can unravel even the most sophisticated plans. The conversation spans succession, legacy, the Canadian versus U.S. wealth landscape, and how culture must inform governance — not the other way around.

00:00 Welcome & Amy Griman Introduction
01:53 Founding Delta Creative Group
03:54 Trust & Estate Settlement: Early Career Lessons
06:13 M&A, Liquidity Events & Readiness for Day Two
08:48 Decision Architecture: Boards, Councils, and Charters
10:46 Stress Testing Governance & Communication Cadence
14:53 BMO Family Office: Platform, Culture & Client Experience
17:14 Boutique vs. Institutional Advisory Models
18:09 Family Culture, History, and the Ownership of Story
22:36 Canadian Wealth Landscape vs. U.S. Market Dynamics
24:28 Fusing Governance with Culture: G1 to G2 Transitions
29:11 Defining Legacy: The Why Behind the Wealth
30:10 Closing Reflections & Sign-Off
]]> 1951 false 63 full <![CDATA[Episode 64: Luke Jernagan on Building Family Office Services That Go Beyond the Balance Sheet]]> fbx/cb196496-43a8-11f1-8ffd-ba5fa9561315 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Wed, 29 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0400 Luke Jernagan, Director of Family Learning and Culture at Matter Family Office, joins R. Adam Smith for a conversation about the relational and human dimensions of managing multi-generational wealth. Luke traces his unusual path from Episcopal ministry to family advisory work, and describes how Matter structures its engagement model around communication, shared values, and generational learning — the elements he believes sustain a healthy family enterprise over time. He covers the firm's recent merger with IWP in Denver, the philosophy behind permanent capital ownership, next-gen wealth preparedness, and how families can build a living legacy that outlasts the sale of any single business.00:00 Welcome and host introduction&nbsp;01:07 Introducing Luke Jernagan and Matter Family Office&nbsp;02:36 Matter's service model and family office services&nbsp;04:09 Luke's path from Episcopal ministry to family advisory&nbsp;07:07 What distinguishes Matter's culture and ownership structure&nbsp;09:50 Communication as the foundation of family enterprise&nbsp;12:30 Concentrated wealth and preparing families for a sale&nbsp;15:09 Next-gen readiness and whole-family education&nbsp;17:21 Human capital, Barry Wehmiller, and Kathy Lintz's vision&nbsp;20:58 Trends in ultra-high-net-worth families and the industry&nbsp;25:41 Stewardship curriculum and next-gen engagement&nbsp;28:34 Redefining legacy beyond the family business&nbsp;31:05 Closing reflections and a note on St. Louis Luke Jernagan, Director of Family Learning and Culture at Matter Family Office, joins R. Adam Smith for a conversation about the relational and human dimensions of managing multi-generational wealth. Luke traces his unusual path from Episcopal ministry to family advisory work, and describes how Matter structures its engagement model around communication, shared values, and generational learning — the elements he believes sustain a healthy family enterprise over time. He covers the firm's recent merger with IWP in Denver, the philosophy behind permanent capital ownership, next-gen wealth preparedness, and how families can build a living legacy that outlasts the sale of any single business.

00:00 Welcome and host introduction
 01:07 Introducing Luke Jernagan and Matter Family Office
 02:36 Matter's service model and family office services
 04:09 Luke's path from Episcopal ministry to family advisory
 07:07 What distinguishes Matter's culture and ownership structure
 09:50 Communication as the foundation of family enterprise
 12:30 Concentrated wealth and preparing families for a sale
 15:09 Next-gen readiness and whole-family education
 17:21 Human capital, Barry Wehmiller, and Kathy Lintz's vision
 20:58 Trends in ultra-high-net-worth families and the industry
 25:41 Stewardship curriculum and next-gen engagement
 28:34 Redefining legacy beyond the family business
 31:05 Closing reflections and a note on St. Louis]]> 2024 false 64 full <![CDATA[Episode 65: Stephan Gerwert on Family Wealth Succession Planning, Cybersecurity, and the German Family Enterprise Ecosystem]]> fbx/b3db8e90-4c1c-11f1-9079-ba5fa9561315 https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-business-co/?viewAsMember=true Wed, 13 May 2026 07:00:00 -0400 Stephan Gerwert, Head of Family Office Services at PwC Deutschland, joins R. Adam Smith for a wide-ranging conversation on what it takes to build and sustain a modern family office — particularly within Germany's uniquely secretive ultra-high-net-worth landscape. Stephan draws on a career that spans big-bank wealth management, leading a Swiss single-family office, and co-founding a fintech platform to offer a genuinely holistic perspective. Topics include building governance from scratch using RACI frameworks, the growing importance of family succession planning, Germany's conservative capital allocation habits, cybersecurity threats facing affluent families, and the collaborative opportunity — still largely untapped — among Europe's most powerful entrepreneurial dynasties.00:00 Welcome &amp; Introduction01:36 Guest Introduction: Stephan Gerwert and PwC Deutschland03:17 PwC Germany as an Independent, Holistic Family Advisor05:06 Stephan's Career Path07:31 Advisory Philosophy: Starting with Family Vision09:52 Building Governance from Scratch11:23 The Family Capital Ecosystem and Scaling Trends14:56 European Family Dynasties Reinvesting as Business Platforms16:00 Germany's Secretive Family Office Culture vs. the US18:29 Proactive PR and Brand Ownership for Prominent Families19:26 Germany's Economic Headwinds and Family Business Succession24:01 German Family Business Statistics and Cash Allocation26:03 Low Equity Ownership and Long-Term Implications28:06 Holistic Wealth Reporting and Technology29:56 Cybersecurity Threats Facing Ultra-High-Net-Worth Families32:39 Closing Reflections on Stewardship and Legacy Stephan Gerwert, Head of Family Office Services at PwC Deutschland, joins R. Adam Smith for a wide-ranging conversation on what it takes to build and sustain a modern family office — particularly within Germany's uniquely secretive ultra-high-net-worth landscape. Stephan draws on a career that spans big-bank wealth management, leading a Swiss single-family office, and co-founding a fintech platform to offer a genuinely holistic perspective. Topics include building governance from scratch using RACI frameworks, the growing importance of family succession planning, Germany's conservative capital allocation habits, cybersecurity threats facing affluent families, and the collaborative opportunity — still largely untapped — among Europe's most powerful entrepreneurial dynasties.

00:00 Welcome & Introduction
01:36 Guest Introduction: Stephan Gerwert and PwC Deutschland
03:17 PwC Germany as an Independent, Holistic Family Advisor
05:06 Stephan's Career Path
07:31 Advisory Philosophy: Starting with Family Vision
09:52 Building Governance from Scratch
11:23 The Family Capital Ecosystem and Scaling Trends
14:56 European Family Dynasties Reinvesting as Business Platforms
16:00 Germany's Secretive Family Office Culture vs. the US
18:29 Proactive PR and Brand Ownership for Prominent Families
19:26 Germany's Economic Headwinds and Family Business Succession
24:01 German Family Business Statistics and Cash Allocation
26:03 Low Equity Ownership and Long-Term Implications
28:06 Holistic Wealth Reporting and Technology
29:56 Cybersecurity Threats Facing Ultra-High-Net-Worth Families
32:39 Closing Reflections on Stewardship and Legacy]]> 2100 false 65 full