Legacy Builders: Strategies for Building Successful Family Enterprises

In this episode, Franco Lombardo, Founder and CEO of Veritage International, offers a fresh perspective on the symbiosis between personal growth and family business success. Franco uncovers how confronting entrenched narratives and building emotionally secure environments can reshape family business operations. He delves into practical strategies for nurturing genuine relationships and refining de...

In this episode, Steve Legler a Senior Consultant at Blackwood Family Enterprise Services, talks about his experiences helping wealthy families make tough decisions and work through challenges that span generations. Steve, who grew up in a business family himself, shares what he's learned about keeping families and their businesses healthy over time. Throughout the conversation, Steve touches on i...

In this episode, Russ Haworth, Family Business Advisor at The Family Business Partnership, shares his extensive expertise in guiding families of wealth through complex decisions and multi-generational challenges. Russ delves into the critical aspects of effective governance frameworks and personal accountability, introducing his innovative approach to reimagining the role of the family advisor. He...

In this episode, Tom McCullough, Chairman & CEO of Northwood Family Office, shares his extensive expertise on sustaining family enterprises across generations. Tom delves into the critical aspects of strategic planning and adaptability, introducing the Ikigai framework as a powerful tool for aligning family values and aspirations. He emphasizes the importance of balancing valuable traditions with...

In our latest episode, we welcome James Grieve, Founder & Principal Strategic Advisor at Catalyst Strategies Consulting and Past President of the Institute of Certified Management Consultants of British Columbia. Join us as we discuss the significance of humility, curiosity, and a purposeful process in uncovering blind spots, fostering alignment, and preparing businesses for successful transitions...

In this episode, Melanie Harty, Partner at Grant Thornton LLP, shares her expertise in guiding agricultural families through generational transitions and legacy planning. With her background as a CPA and certified Family Enterprise Advisor, as well as her firsthand experience working on her family farm, Melanie brings a unique and practical perspective to her clients. She emphasizes the importance...

In this episode, Gavin Brauer, a Professional EOS Implementer, shares his insights on the vital role of confidence in an entrepreneur's journey and the challenges of staying true to oneself and one's vision in the face of obstacles. With diverse experience in industries such as health tech, manufacturing, consumer brands, professional services, and non-profits, Gavin has successfully guided his cl...

In this episode, Darrin Hotte, a certified Family Mediator and Family Enterprise Advisor at New Solution Mediation, shares insights from his 35 years of experience in conflict resolution, family business dynamics, and complex relationships. Darrin emphasizes the importance of curiosity, empathy, and clarity in navigating difficult conversations and decision-making processes within families. He hig...

In our latest Legacy Builders episode, Anne Evamy, Owner and Advisor at Junction Point Inc., shares her journey and insights as a Certified Value Builder and Family Enterprise Advisor. Drawing from her experience as a successful entrepreneur, Anne emphasizes the importance of intentionality, adaptability, and open communication when navigating family business dynamics and succession planning. She...

In this engaging episode, Jas Butalia shares his journey from a traditional CA to a family business advisor, highlighting the importance of mentorship, learning from mistakes, and adapting to meet clients' evolving needs. Jas discusses how his mentors encouraged him to explore tax planning, even if it meant making errors, as they provided a safety net for growth. A pivotal moment in 2009 led Jas t...

In this episode, Sharon Gray, CPA CA CBV, shares her expertise in navigating the complexities present in family business assignments. We explore the importance of proactive planning, education, and clear communication among parties involved in business transactions to ensure better outcomes for both the family and the business. Hear Sharon's perspective on the need for shareholders to have a clear...

In this episode, Spencer Mellace shares his journey from his early days as a financial advisor to his current role as a trusted guide for families seeking alignment and prosperity. As a fee-only adviser specializing in estate and succession planning, Spencer emphasizes the importance of a personalized, client-centric approach that focuses on understanding each family's unique dynamics, values, and...

In this episode, Tim Yeung shares his insights on navigating family businesses. As a family enterprise advisor, he emphasizes the importance of finding one's path, maintaining a growth mindset, and effectively communicating with others. Tim discusses the challenges of differentiation and creating an identity separate from the family business. He highlights the psychological barriers that next-gene...

In this episode, Judi Cunningham shares insights on building resilience when faced with adversity during strategic planning for family enterprises. We explore the importance of facilitating open and curious dialogue to understand differing perspectives, giving family members agency in conversations, and assessing what's truly important to make clearer decisions. Hear Judi's perspective on transfor...

In this episode, Leah Tolton shares insights on business governance and ownership transitions for family enterprises. We explore the importance of flexibility in shareholder agreements, setting clear expectations around participation to prevent disputes, formalizing information flow as more households get involved, and not letting perfect planning delay progress. Hear Leah's perspective on navigat...

We're honoured to tap pioneering succession advisor Gerry Meyer for the first 2024 episode of Legacy Builders. Guiding families and firms through leadership changeovers for over 30 years, Gerry unpacks the forward-thinking strategies that enable generational continuity. He spotlights communication and accountability as the bedrocks for seamless transition planning. We discuss best practices for al...

In this podcast, Cory engages in a conversation with Barb, unveiling the intricate dynamics of family enterprises through Barb's extensive experience. Throughout their discussion, Barb sheds light on the varied yet common threads among family-owned businesses, particularly emphasizing the pivotal areas of succession and continuity planning. She underscores the often-overlooked aspect of thoughtful...

In this podcast episode, Cory engages with Shauna Feth, President and CEO of the Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC), delving into the pivotal value of family enterprises in communities. Shauna emphasizes embracing opportunities for growth and learning, drawing from her privileged experience within a multi-generational business family. She passionately highlights how family enterprises not only con...

In this episode of the Legacy Builders Podcast, we sit down with Trevor MacLean, a Partner at MNP's Agriculture team in Lethbridge. With over two decades of experience, Trevor is dedicated to providing creative, customized, and practical solutions to agricultural producers and agribusinesses throughout Western Canada. Drawing on his extensive background in agribusiness and financial services, Trev...

In this engaging episode of "Legacy Builders," Cory Gagnon, your host, deepens our understanding of family business legacies with the guidance of the esteemed David Blom from Black Blackwood Family Enterprise Services. Together, they unravel the intricate fabric of generational continuity and the imperative task of defining, protecting, and evolving these unique legacies. David masterfully illustr...

  In this episode of "Legacy Builders," Cory Gagnon navigates the intricacies of family and business well-being while unraveling the enigmatic "happiness factor." Happiness emerges as a pivotal component in the prosperity of family enterprises. It is shown that a content family, in which individuals find happiness, operates with enhanced effectiveness and communication, fostering commitment to bot...

In this episode, Shauna Frederick, a renowned expert in family enterprise advising, engages in a thought-provoking discussion with host Cory Gagnon. The conversation begins with Shauna emphasizing the value of acknowledging uncertainty and the power of saying "I don't know." She underscores how this humility can be a key strength, especially for individuals, including women, entering family enterp...

Welcome to episode 6, where we unravel the intricacies of wealth transition and the vital role of family values in preserving legacies.   In this episode, we delve into the art of aligning family values with astute financial strategies. I bring over a decade of experience advising family enterprises to the forefront, sharing real-life stories that highlight the transformative power of values-drive...

In this episode, we're joined by Cindy Radu, a seasoned finance professional with 35+ years of experience. Her journey is a testament to seizing opportunities and overcoming challenges. Cindy's diverse career spans legal, fiduciary, trust, and governance realms, granting her a holistic grasp of wealth complexities. Her impressive credentials include B.Comm, FCPA, LL.B., LL.M, TEP, ICD.D, and Famil...

Defining Philanthropy: Philanthropy is introduced as a means of improving the world by utilizing available resources. Melinda Gates' quote on philanthropy is shared to emphasize its significance. Philanthropy's role in legacy planning is discussed, focusing on passing down shared values and making a positive impact on society. Generational Wealth and Philanthropy: Generational wealth is explained...