Join Francesco Lombardo for this week's Safe Space as he speaks with Ramia El Agamy, second generation CEO at Orbis Terra Media, editor-in-chief of Tharawat Magazine, and host of The Family Business Voice and Women in Family Business podcasts. Why does traditional governance need to evolve for family business to be successful? How have topics and concerns within family business changed? Ramia’s one piece of advice to the Senior and NxtGen…forever is the most dangerous word in the family enterprise vocabulary. Nothing lasts forever, and nothing should last forever. That is okay, it is not failu ..read more

Join Francesco Lombardo for this week's Safe Space as he speaks with Charlie Rhomberg, 4th generation member of the Schmid family, Crescent Electric Supply Company. Founded in 1919, Crescent Electric Supply has grown significantly over the decades. The 3rd generation of owners realized there needed to be more structure in place for the future generations to keep the business going strong. Now with over 130 family members, how exactly was this accomplished? How is the family keeping the business of the business and the business of the family separate? Why is it just as important for the younges ..read more

On this week’s Safe Space, Francesco Lombardo is joined by Aubrey Shapiro Ginn, third-generation family business member with Shapiro & Duncan, Inc. where they discuss business succession planning, and how to set up the NxtGen to be successful business owners. In the second-generation of Shapiro & Duncan, the company grew exponentially. As third-generation business members, how do Audrey and the rest of the NxtGen fit into the equation of the continuation of this success? Aubrey’s one piece of advice to the Senior Generation is don’t be afraid of losing control. Her advice for the NxtGe ..read more

Join Francesco Lombardo for this week's Safe Space as he speaks with Zale Tabakman, first generation owner of Local Grown Salad and his son, Tzvi. Many family businesses make the mistake of mixing work life with personal life. This creates constant conflict, stress and often the demise of the business. In this episode, the group discusses how having clear expectations, setting boundaries, showing respect and learning to trust each other can make all the difference. Tzvi’s advice to the Senior Gen… set healthy boundaries for relationships to be stronger and better. Treat each other with basic r ..read more

Join Francesco Lombardo for this week's Safe Space as he speaks with Marisa Zabalak, Educational Psychologist, TEDx & Keynote Speaker and Author. Conflict should be constructive, but it is difficult for many to see it this way. How can family members understand triggers and reactions, and then find the tools and skills to interact with others in order to move forward positively? How can emotions be used as data to give us feedback on interacting with others without using those emotions to manipulate them? Trust should be earned, especially within a family. It’s not just a given. Marisa’s o ..read more

Moe Vela joins this week's episode with Francesco Lombardo to discuss the power of identity, and how self-expression leads to purpose in family business. Coming from a family of legacy, a family of pioneers, and growing up in the midst of expectation and responsibility, Moe shares with us his journey as a NxtGen living through trauma and moving towards a journey of healing. Moe's advice to all NxtGen listeners is, "you can either live your life based on what others want you to do, or you can march to the beat of your own drum, thereby enhancing and expanding your family legacy."   Moe has ..read more

Stephen Hecht returns to the Safe Space podcast to speak with Francesco Lombardo about Nonflict Resolution within the family business. How can families find the tools to resolve conflicts in relationships and within the family business? How does focusing on the NxtGen of the family help us learn and grow? How can families stop the disrespect between generations in the family business?  Stephen’s one piece of advice to the Senior and NxtGen…conflict can be positive. We need conflict. We need constructive conflict for innovation and growth.   If you would like to keep up to date w ..read more

Join Francesco Lombardo for this week's Safe Space as he speaks with Jenny Dinnen and Katie Rucker, second-generation co-owners and co-presidents of Mackenzie Corp. How is being vulnerable an important piece of making a family business successful? What is the narrative you want for yourself and your family business?  Katie & Jenny’s one piece of advice to the Senior and NxtGen…be vulnerable and open, but get to know yourself first. If you would like to keep up to date with all our insights, latest research and stories, click to subscribe to our "Veritage Insights  Newsl ..read more

Join Francesco Lombardo for this week's Safe Space as he speaks with Sunil Soni, Family Business Advisor with Indian Family Business Network. Many Indian family businesses are still first generation, or beginning to think about the transition to the second generation. Most don’t recognize there are or will be challenges, not knowing what to do about them, and continue to unintentionally “push everything under the carpet”. How can families change this for the better? Sunil’s one piece of advice to the Senior and NxtGen…if you are thinking about your family business becoming multi-generation, lo ..read more

Join Francesco Lombardo for this week's Safe Space as he speaks with Author, Speaker and Facilitator, Unni Turrettini from Oslo, Norway. Anyone can feel lonely surrounded by family, friends and colleagues, a successful job or business they love. In fact, many do. What can be done in order to feel a connection? In order to break away from loneliness? It comes down to four elements, beginning with self-worth. Unni’s one piece of advice to the Senior and NxtGen…Prioritize connection in your business. Find a way for people to contribute more and be seen. If you would like to keep up to date with a ..read more