Courageous Conflict

Episode Description: Ever wondered how a family business can navigate the treacherous waters of personal relationships and financial hurdles? Join us as Al Zdenek, a veteran in the wealth management industry, opens up about his transformative journey from working in his father's bakery to nearly declaring bankruptcy, only to rise again with the unwavering support of his wife. Al's candid r...

Episode Description: Growing up in a hotel teaches you more than just how to swim and ride a bike—it shapes your entire outlook on life and business. This episode brings you an intimate conversation with Libby Lok, a third-generation family business stakeholder, who shares her vibrant experiences of being a "hotel kid." Discover the invaluable life skills she gathered amidst the hustle of...

Episode Description: Can you imagine a single mistake sculpting your entire career path? Dr. Deborah Johnson-Blake, affectionately known as Dr. DJ, turned a career-altering error into a mission for mastering time management. This episode is packed with her practical wisdom on accurately estimating task durations and keeping distractions at bay, transforming both professional and personal productiv...

Episode Description: What does it take for a family business to ensure long-term success? Join us as we explore this question with Jamie Flinchbaugh, founder of J Flinch, who brings his invaluable experience from working at family businesses to advising industry giants like Harley Davidson and Amazon. We dive into the unique committee structures that private company boards can create to tackle spe...

Episode Description: Is it possible to harmonize tradition and innovation within a family business? Join us as we uncover the fascinating career of Kim Salems, who transitioned from social work to becoming an HR and operations expert in industries ranging from optical to veterinary services. Kim’s journey offers a captivating look into the unique challenges non-family members face when navigating...

Episode Description: What happens when a family business transitions through different generations and ownership structures? Join us as Tammy Buss, a veteran in succession planning, shares her compelling journey from being a first-generation family business owner to overseeing its division into three distinct entities. Tammy opens up about the trials and triumphs she encountered during this transf...

Episode Description: Join me, Dr. Donna, and my insightful guest Mike Thorne as we explore the unique world of family-run enterprises and the nuances of leadership within these environments. Mike shares his extensive journey from his family's square dancing business to leading major corporations, emphasizing the importance of trust and psychological safety in fostering successful teams. Listen...

What happens when the driving force behind a family business shifts from one generation to the next? Join us as Bill Stranberg, a second-generation leader at Stranberg Resource Group, shares his family's remarkable journey, beginning with his parents' serendipitous encounter at the Sears Tower. Bill recounts his father's transition from a corporate life to home-based entrepreneurship,...

At just 24, Matt Lesser found himself at the helm of his family's ailing business, facing crushing debt, environmental problems, and tax issues that left him battling severe anxiety and depression. His candid recount of this period reveals not just the immense pressure of such responsibility but also the profound support that emerged from his community. This episode uncovers how resilience, em...

Episode Description: Unlock the secrets to family business success with Ryan Weiss, founder of Effective Performance Strategies (EPS). Discover how documented processes can transform your operations, reduce chaos, and ensure a seamless transition to the next generation. Ryan shares his personal journey from a teenage entrepreneur to leading a multinational company, offering invaluable insights int...

Join us on this fascinating journey as we explore the rich history and enduring legacy of Nielsen Massey Vanillas with Matt Nielsen, a third-generation owner. Listen in as Matt shares the origins of the company, founded in 1907, and its evolution under the Nielsen family's ownership. Discover the secrets behind their renowned cold extraction process, which takes three to five weeks to produce...

Episode Description: What shaped a visionary leader from a young boy working at an ice cream parlor? Join us as Joe Morgan recounts his incredible journey from those humble beginnings to leading major companies like Sony Chemicals Corporation of America. Through heartfelt stories about his family, particularly the strong female figures who influenced his path, you'll discover how resilience an...

Episode Description: Struggling with family business dynamics or curious about the secrets to successful hiring? This episode of Courageous Conflict is a goldmine of insights! Ken Schmitt, founder and CEO of Turning Point Executive Search, brings over 27 years of recruiting expertise to the table. Growing up in an entrepreneurial family and working in his father's Jack in the Box franchise, Ke...

Episode Description: Join us on a fascinating journey through the history and evolution of L&M, a family-run business now in its third generation of leadership. Listen in as Steven Lopes, the current co-owner alongside his siblings, shares the compelling story of their grandfather's entrepreneurial spirit that sparked L&M's inception in 1979. Discover the challenges and triumphs fa...

Join me, Dr. Donna, your dedicated guide through the fascinating landscape of family-run enterprises, as we navigate the tricky terrain of succession planning with expert Damon Pistulka, Co-founder of Exit Your Way. Together, we explore the importance of having clear goals and the dangers of misaligning family members with roles that don't suit their strengths. Listen in as Damon brings his pe...

Join me, Dr. Donna, your dedicated family business psychologist, as I welcome Julie Wanzer to our conversation. Julie, an expert in marketing communications for family-run businesses in the construction industry, shares her invaluable insights on women's evolving roles and the importance of digital marketing in these traditionally male-dominated sectors. Listen in as Julie recounts her persona...

Join us at Executive Forums Leadership Workshop 2024 on Thursday, May 9th from 8 AM to 12 PM at Elgin Community College. Address : 1700 Spartan Drive, Bldg. E • Elgin, IL 60123 Get your tickets to the Leadership Workshop HERE . This year's topics are: "Process Automation" with guest speakers David Lesser and Anabel Lopez Panel Discussion "Pivot Point Decisions (for Business Owners)...

Join us as we navigate the complex and emotional terrain of family business and legacy planning with our guest, Kris Fu, a financial advisor and exit planning specialist. Together, we dissect the intricacies of preparing for business exits that are more than mere financial transactions; they are about preserving personal identity and values for the generations to come. Kris shares poignant anecdot...

Unlock the secrets behind the success of family businesses and the art of maintaining a vibrant company culture even as businesses scale. Our latest episode featuring special guest, Rico Nasol takes you on a deep dive into the world of Zappos and Netflix, contrasting their unique approaches to leadership and culture development. We examine the transformation of Zappos under Tony Hsieh, whose inves...

Join me, Dr. Donna, on a journey through the complex and emotionally-charged landscape of family-run businesses, where the confluence of personal relationships and professional responsibilities often leads to unique challenges. Listen in as Stephanie Polen, an expert in team dynamics and founder of The Polen Group, shares her invaluable insights on navigating conflict using the CARE method. We dis...

Join us for an enlightening discussion with Gregory Monday, a seasoned family business attorney who brings his wealth of knowledge to our conversation about the nuances of succession in family-run businesses. Listen in as Greg sheds light on why governance, ownership, and the right succession strategies are pivotal for the longevity of these enterprises. Through an engaging case study from India,...

How often do you consider the legacy your family leaves on the world and the values that propel you through life's challenges? Embark with me, Dr. Donna, on a narrative that weaves together the threads of familial bonds, an unwavering work ethic, and the transformative power of tragedy. This episode is not just a recount of my family's story and their connection to New York's towering...

Welcome to Courageous Conflict, hosted by Dr. Donna Marino, a family-run business specialist. Join us to nurture a "Dream Team" mindset, ensuring seamless succession, scalability, and new leadership. Gain expert insights and practical tips for harmonious, thriving family enterprises. Your journey starts now!