In this episode, Adam welcomes Peter Bissonnette, former President of Shaw Communications and author of 'Count On Me: My Life Lessons and Legacy as a Former President of Shaw Communications.' Peter shares his remarkable journey from a challenging childhood to leading a multi-billion dollar family business. Despite facing emotional hardships and growing up in humble beginnings, Peter developed an unwavering faith in himself and others. This faith, coupled with life lessons, fueled his rise in the corporate world without succumbing to ruthless business practices.
The conversation covers the value of mentorship, the importance of a strong work ethic, and the philosophy of being a 'Good Shepherd' in leadership. Peter also touches on the importance of creating lasting legacies and the role of family trusts in supporting future generations. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone questioning their ability to lead or overcome past wounds.
00:00 Introduction to Peter Bissonnette's Journey
02:33 Early Life and Family Struggles
05:14 Boarding School Experiences
09:25 Finding Strength and Mentors
15:09 Career Beginnings and Mentorship
19:55 Transition to Family Businesses
31:55 The Influence of JR and Family Values
34:00 Scaling the Business and Maintaining Values
36:08 Leadership and Team Dynamics
38:50 Navigating Family and Business Challenges
47:33 Legacy and Generational Trust
52:05 Writing the Memoir: Count on Me
57:28 Final Thoughts and Reflections
Buy Peter's book, "Count On Me: My Life, Lessons, and Legacy as a Former President of Shaw Communications"n
In this episode, we dive into the world of conflict mediation with Katie Kolon, who transitioned from an attorney to a mediator to help businesses, especially family-owned ones, navigate their conflicts before they escalate into costly litigation. Katie shares her journey, insights, and practical strategies for handling disputes, fostering understanding, and strengthening relationships in business settings.
She emphasizes the importance of addressing conflicts early and with intention to build trust and ensure long-term success. Tune in to learn about the process of mediation, the critical role of dignity in conflict resolution, and the actionable steps that businesses can take to manage tensions and plan for smooth successions.
This episode is essential for anyone involved in managing family businesses and looking to transform conflict into growth opportunities.
00:00 Introduction to Conflict in Family Business
00:19 Meet Katie Kolon: From Attorney to Mediator
02:10 Katie's Background and Early Career
05:12 Navigating Small Town Dynamics
14:05 Transition to Mediation and Conflict Resolution
18:35 The Mediation Process Explained
21:53 Challenges in Mediation
25:16 Reframing Conflict for Growth
32:01 Succession Planning and Dignity
35:54 Conclusion and Contact Information
Find Katie HERE: https://www.mutual-ground.com/
In this episode of Fearless Family Business, the focus is on succession planning from various perspectives: passing the business to the next generation, selling it to another entity, and everything in between. Adam emphasizes the importance of having a succession plan regardless of the business's current situation and shares key steps to ensure seamless leadership and ownership transitions.
Topics covered include placing the right people in the right roles, identifying future leaders early, creating a leadership development pipeline, documenting vision and processes, and creating a timeline for transition. Additionally, the episode highlights the importance of building financial, human, structural, customer, and social capital to enhance the business's value and ensure a smooth and valuable transition.
00:00 Introduction to Succession Planning
00:34 The Importance of Succession Planning
01:14 Steps to Create a Bulletproof Succession Plan
03:33 Leadership Succession: Key Steps
10:57 Identifying and Developing Future Leaders
16:50 Documenting Vision and Values
19:01 Defining the Transition Timeline
23:11 Ownership Transition Strategies
23:47 Building Inherent Value in Your Business
26:44 The Five Capitals of Business Value
32:21 Summary and Final Thoughts
In this episode, host Adam sits down with Ed Hart, a family business expert, host of the 'From the Heart' podcast, and co-author of 'Boomer Wisdom.' They delve deep into why emotional intelligence is a crucial yet underrated element in family businesses. The conversation covers the significant impact of seeking external help for sustained success across generations, with examples of businesses that flourished due to humility and openness to outside insights. Ed shares stories from his extensive experience working with family businesses, offering valuable advice on conflict resolution, the importance of servant leadership, and preparing for retirement. The episode is a treasure trove of insights for family business leaders navigating legacy and generational dynamics, eager to strengthen love, legacy, and lifestyle within their organizations. If you're a family business leader, this episode is a must-listen. Enjoy the deep, fearless conversation that encapsulates the essence of maintaining a thriving family business.
00:00 Introduction to Emotional Intelligence in Family Business
01:41 Welcoming Ed Hart: A Journey Through Family Business
02:34 The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of Family Businesses
04:26 The Importance of Emotional and Cultural Intelligence
06:11 The Role of Advisors and External Help
13:00 Generational Dynamics and Succession Planning
24:08 Conflict Resolution and Family First Philosophy
29:53 Navigating Family and Business Dynamics
30:12 Examples of Successful Family Businesses31:26 The Importance of Managing Expectations
32:15 The Pressure of Maintaining a Family Legacy33:41 The Reality of Selling a Family Business
34:09 Transitioning Leadership in Family Businesses
37:39 Preparing for Retirement and Finding New Passions
43:55 Boomer Wisdom: Lessons for the Next Generation
48:45 The Value of Intergenerational Learning
50:12 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsFind Ed HERE
The True Cost of Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill on Family Business
In this episode of Fearless Family Business, Adam critically examines a recent piece of legislation—referred to as Donald Trump's 'One Big, Beautiful Bill'—that entails multi-trillion dollar tax cuts, program cuts, and spending increases. Adam argues that while some may benefit financially in the short term, the bill has dire long-term implications for family businesses and society as a whole. Key points include the exacerbation of the humanitarian crisis through increased immigration enforcement, the enlargement of the federal deficit, and the widening wealth gap. Adam advocates for investment in education, healthcare, and inclusion as essential pathways for sustainable economic prosperity and value creation. The episode underscores the need for family businesses to focus on innovation and long-term legacy rather than short-term gains.
00:00 Introduction: The Big Beautiful Bill
00:19 Why I Oppose the Bill
01:46 Overview of the Legislation
03:51 Impact on Social Programs and Defense Spending
06:44 Humanitarian Crisis and Immigration Enforcement
10:35 Deficit and Fiscal Responsibility
22:06 Wealth Gap and Value Creation
26:38 Conclusion: A Call to Action for Family Businesses
What if everything we believe about family, legacy, and love is just a cultural illusion layered over millions of years of primal instinct?
Tim Ash, executive advisor, bestselling author, and evolutionary psychology expert, forces us to wrestle with this uncomfortable question. As CEO and co-founder of a digital optimization agency, Tim helped create over $1.2 billion in value for companies like Google, Expedia, and Facebook. But his real expertise lies in understanding the primal brain that drives all human behavior.
In this fascinating conversation, Tim reveals how evolutionary psychology impacts everything from family business succession to marketing strategy to relationship dynamics. Discover why traditional family business advice might be fighting against millions of years of human evolution, how to properly initiate employees into your tribe, and why your personal purpose determines your company's success.
This episode pulls back the curtain on the biological forces shaping your business decisions—whether you realize it or not.
0:00 Intro
3:14 From AI Research to $1.2 Billion in Digital Growth
6:37 Why Evolution Only Cares About Reproduction, Not Happiness
10:35 The Surprising Truth About Grandparent Investment Patterns
14:22 Why "We're All Family" May Be Sabotaging Your Business
20:26 The Fractional Executive Solution for Mid-Market Companies
26:03 Brand Voice: The One Thing You Can't Outsource
31:14 The Four Elements of Tribal Initiation in Business
39:56 Primal Dating: The Science Behind Modern Relationship Failure
44:41 Why 50% Divorce Rate Threatens Family Business Planning
51:36 The Minimum Relationship Framework for Business Partners
Resources Mentioned:
📚 "Unleash Your Primal Brain" by Tim Ash
📚 "Primal Dating" by Tim Ash & Dr. Lamour Gottlieb
🌐 Tim's Executive Advisory: https://www.timash.com
🌐 Primal Dating: https://www.primaldating.com
📧 Contact Adam to request a free 90-minute EOS workshop: adam.hill@eosworldwide.com
Follow Adam:
IG: @theadamchill
YouTube: @adamchill
Shownotes:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamchill
Why do family businesses always end up as the punchline in Hollywood?
From “Billy Madison” to “Succession”, from “Tommy Boy” to “The Righteous Gemstones”, family businesses are entertainment gold because of their dysfunction. But behind all that chaos lies a blueprint for what NOT to do—and more importantly, what TO do instead.
Adam Hill breaks down the most iconic family business disasters in movies and TV, revealing the three critical elements that could have saved them all. Drawing from his experience leading a fourth-generation company and analyzing shows like “Arrested Development” and “Schitt's Creek”, he uncovers why 70% of family businesses fail and how to build a drama-free operation that won't end up as Hollywood's next comedy.
This episode is your guide to creating the kind of boring, successful family business that would never make it to the big screen—and why that's exactly what you want.
0:00 Intro
2:15 Why Family Businesses Are Hollywood's Favorite Punching Bag
8:45 Arrested Development: The Anatomy of Denial
12:30 Succession: When Power Trumps Purpose
15:20 Tommy Boy & Billy Madison: The Unpreparedness Problem
18:10 The Righteous Gemstones: Identity vs. Mission
21:45 The Three Elements That Could Save Every Hollywood Family Business
25:20 Building Accountability Through Structure, Not People
30:15 Communication: From Artificial Harmony to Healthy Conflict
35:40 Preparation: Teaching Value Creation Over Preservation
Resources Mentioned:
🌐 Patrick Lencioni's Conflict Continuum: https://www.tablegroup.com/conflict-continuum
🌐 Harvard's Strategic Insights in Three Circles: https://hbr.org/2007/11/strategic-insight-in-three-circles
🌐 EOS Accountability Chart: https://www.eosworldwide.com/accountability-chart-download
📧 Contact Adam to request a free 90-minute EOS workshop: adam.hill@eosworldwide.com
Follow Adam:
IG: @theadamchill
YouTube: @adamchill
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamchill
What if the very thing you think is preserving your legacy is actually destroying it?
Drawing from his experience as a fourth-generation leader of a 100-year-old company, Adam Hill reveals why the traditional focus on preservation is creating a "legacy trap" that's dooming families to the three-generation curse.
This isn't just theory. It's hard-won wisdom from someone who watched his own family business nearly collapse under the weight of trying to preserve what was–instead of preparing what could be.
Discover why 70% of family businesses fail to transition to the second generation, how the hero's journey applies to family legacy, and the critical difference between creating mythology versus building a blueprint for the future.
If you're a family business leader worried about succession, this episode will fundamentally shift how you think about preparing the next generation.
0:00 Introduction
6:45 The Legacy Trap That Nearly Destroyed Our Business
9:12 Why 70% of Family Businesses Fail by Generation Two
12:30 Preservation vs. Preparation: The Critical Difference
15:18 The Sacred Cow Problem in Multi-Generational Companies
18:45 Why Value Creation Is the True Foundation of Legacy
21:33 Individual Legacy vs. Collective Legacy
23:20 The Hero's Journey and Family Business Succession
Resources Mentioned:
📚 “The Hero's Journey” by Joseph Campbell: https://a.co/d/64dkfvZ
📧 Contact Adam to request a free 90-minute EOS workshop: adam.hill@eosworldwide.com
Follow Adam:
IG: @theadamchill
YouTube: @adamchill
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamchill
What happens when you achieve everything you thought you wanted in your 20s…but feel completely unfulfilled?
Cathy Christen, founder of Elevated You, co-founder of GoBundance Women, and bestselling author of "Life as a Masterpiece," thought she had it all figured out by 25. Multiple six-figure income, broken records, outward success—but inside she was lonely, exhausted, and questioning everything.
Her transformation from workaholic achiever to intentional leader offers a masterclass in building life and business with purpose. Discover how she shifted from "everything in her head" to documented systems that freed up six months of travel time per year, why treating employees like family might be sabotaging your culture, and how to develop people who can be better than you.
0:35 Introduction
2:51 The Catalyst: Achievement Without Fulfillment
7:39 How Cutco Shaped Her Leadership Foundation
15:37 The Great Shift: From Hustle to Systems
29:28 From Operator to True Business Owner
30:31 Developing Women Leaders in Male-Dominated Industries
41:25 Finding Your Tribe: The GoBundance Story
47:01 Raising Kids in Abundance vs. Poverty Mindset
Resources Mentioned:
📚 "Life as a Masterpiece" by Cathy Christen
🌐 GoBundance Women: https://www.gobundancewomen.com
🌐 Cathy's website: https://www.cathychristen.com
🌐 Elevated You: https://elevatedyou.org/
📧 Contact Adam to request a free 90-minute EOS workshop: adam.hill@eosworldwide.com
Follow Adam:
IG: @theadamchill
YouTube: @adamchill
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamchill
How do you transform from the family business's biggest skeptic into its most passionate advocate?
Kevin Tsao, Chief Sustainability Officer of Eno Brands, a fashion jewelry manufacturing company, didn't just resist the family business—he rejected it outright. But sometimes our strongest resistance reveals our deepest calling.
In this powerful conversation, Kevin shares his transformation from a state government employee who vehemently opposed joining the family business to a leader who has found his purpose in community building and sustainability.
Discover how he shifted the narrative from "Joyce's son" to a respected leader, why treating employees as "family" might not be the best approach, and how he's preparing for the next generation without repeating the pressures he once faced.
This episode is a masterclass in finding your authentic path within a family legacy and turning resistance into purpose.
0:04 Introduction and Initial Resistance
3:21 The Immigrant Journey
7:39 Overcoming Fear and Finding Logic
11:52 Starting as a Receptionist: Earning Respect
16:18 The Hidden Value of Small Family Businesses
19:22 Redefining "Family" in Family Business
25:05 The Manufacturing Journey from Taiwan to China
28:00 Navigating Succession and Geographic Challenges
31:47 Adapting to Tariffs and Global Changes
36:22 Breaking Through the Leadership Plateau
42:40 From CEO to Chief Sustainability Officer
46:22 Building Legacy for the Next Generation
Resources Mentioned:
📧 Kevin’s email: kevin@enobrands.com
🌐 Kevin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-tsao28/
🌐 Kevin’s Company - Eno Brands: https://www.enobrands.com/
📧 Contact Adam to request a free 90-minute EOS workshop: adam.hill@eosworldwide.com
Follow Adam:
IG: @theadamchill
YouTube: @adamchill
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamchill
What happens when a fourth-generation family business leader finds himself drowning in anxiety despite outward success?
Franklin Swann, CEO of the 130-year-old Swann's Furniture and Design, shares his raw journey from overwhelming self-doubt to thriving leadership. He reveals how implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) didn't just save his business during the pandemic—it transformed his entire life.
Discover the powerful truth about emotional health in leadership, why systems matter more than hustle, and how working on yourself is just as important as working on your business. This episode is a masterclass in sustainable leadership and building generational wealth through intentional growth.
0:00 Intro
2:22 The 130-Year Legacy of Swann's Furniture
5:35 Surviving the Great Depression Through Oil Booms
8:02 High Service, High Quality Business Model
13:01 How EOS Transformed Operations
16:22 Surviving the Pandemic Through Systems
20:45 From Managing to Leading
23:57 Starting in the Family Business at 12
28:59 The Dark Season of Leadership
32:38 Discovering Emotional Health
36:42 Daily Practices for Self-Relationship
39:54 The World Needs Men Podcast
43:43 Building Legacy for the Next Generation
Resources Mentioned:
📚 "Outlive" by Peter Attia
🎙️ The World Needs Men podcast: https://theworldneedsmen.com/
🌐 Swann's Furniture and Design: https://www.swanns.com/
Follow Adam:
IG: @theadamchill
YouTube: @adamchill
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamchill
📧 Contact Adam to request a free 90-minute EOS workshop: adam.hill@eosworldwide.com
What if the secret to building wealth wasn't working harder, but building better systems?
Jay Bourgana shares his remarkable journey from an impoverished childhood in Morocco to building a $350 million real estate empire. He reveals how curiosity-driven pattern recognition, strategic system building, and the discipline to "fire yourself" from every role can create both financial freedom and personal resilience.
Discover how this serial entrepreneur applies the same frameworks to business acquisition, parenting, and building generational wealth through innovative approaches to risk reduction and value creation.
0:04 Intro
2:40 Growing Up Poor in Morocco
6:58 Building a $350M Real Estate Company in 4 Years
10:11 What Drives Entrepreneurial Success
12:40 Teaching Kids Through Daily Exploration Conversations
14:37 Tariffs and China
19:44 Preparing Family Businesses for Acquisition
24:32 Why CEOs Struggle to Delegate
26:17 The Elon Musk Sprint Method
31:09 Building Systems for Client, Talent, and Capital Acquisition
39:47 Communicating Meaning Across Generations
41:15 Raising Lions
45:41 Teaching Kids the System of Making Friends
52:10 Build vs. Buy
57:59 The Acquisition Collective
Resources Mentioned:
🌐 Acquisition Collective: https://www.acquisitionscollective.biz/
📧 Contact Adam to request a free 90-minute EOS workshop: adam.hill@eosworldwide.com
Follow Adam:
IG: @theadamchill
YouTube: @adamchill
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamchill
Balancing a thriving real estate empire with family life and full-time jobs…is it even possible?
Logan and Bostyn Brodine share their journey from purchasing their first investment property to building a portfolio of six single-family homes in just two years. They reveal strategies for maintaining a strong relationship while working together, discuss their new venture into gym franchising, and offer insights on achieving abundance in all areas of life.
Discover how this power couple navigates the challenges of entrepreneurship, parenthood, and personal growth through innovative time management and strategic coaching.
0:00 Intro
10:41 Hiring Coaches for Personal Growth
18:11 Family Business and Farming Background
26:27 Exposing Kids to Business Concepts
35:29 Balancing W2 Jobs and Investments
40:33 New Venture: Alloy Gym Franchise
49:20 Closing Remarks and Contact Information
Resources Mentioned:
IG: @familyofrei
🌐 National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA): https://www.nsca.com/
🌐 Dave Ramsey: https://www.ramseysolutions.com/
🌐 Ramit Sethi: https://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/
📧 Contact Adam to request a free 90-minute EOS workshop: adam.hill@eosworldwide.com
Follow Adam:
IG: @theadamchill
YouTube: @adamchill
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamchill
Wondering how to thrive in the unique dynamics of a family business?
In this episode, Adam sits down with Taylor Gandy, a third-generation CEO, to unpack his journey of stepping into leadership and the game-changing impact of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS).
They dive into how clearly defined core values can shape hiring decisions, why community involvement matters, and what it really takes to lead a legacy business into the future.
Whether you're part of a family-run company or simply passionate about leadership, you’ll walk away with practical advice and fresh inspiration for your own business path.
0:00 Intro
5:43 Learning To Love The Family Business
10:55 Separating Visionary And Integrator Roles
16:27 Hiring For Character And Core Values
21:45 Implementing EOS In Family Business
27:51 Focusing On Solving Important Problems
34:28 EOS Journey And Annual Meetings
38:04 Building Legacy For Next Generation
41:42 Advice For Entering Family Business
Resources Mentioned:
🌐 Gandy Installations: https://gandyinstallations.net/
🌐 Instagram: @gandyhvac
🌐 EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) https://www.eosworldwide.com/
🌐 Nexstar Network https://www.nexstarnetwork.com/
🌐 Feel the Love program https://www.feelthelove.com/
📚 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven Covey
📚 Traction by Gino Wickman
📧 Contact Adam to request a free 90-minute EOS workshop: adam.hill@eosworldwide.com
Follow Adam:
IG: @theadamchill
YouTube: @adamchill
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamchill
How do family-owned enterprises overcome resistance to change and other dysfunctions, setting a course for success from generation to generation?
Join Adam Hill as he talks with seasoned CEO and family business advocate, Rob Ferguson, about the dynamics of family-controlled entities. They discuss the importance of leadership, implementing proper governance, facing change, and how to prioritize for success. They also cover building value, maintaining identity beyond the business, recognizing dysfunctions, and much more.
Discover how prioritizing business amidst the unique dynamics of family relations can lead to functional success. Tune in to gain insights that could transform your family business journey.
0:00 Intro
5:07 Tale Of Two Family Businesses: Functional vs. Dysfunctional
10:35 Addressing Family Business Governance Early
15:34 Balancing Growth, Control, And Liquidity
20:24 Importance Of Family Businesses To The Economy
24:38 Memorializing Priorities In Family Constitution
29:59 Leading Through Change In Family Businesses
33:44 Key Steps For Effective Succession Planning
38:50 Building Value Through Leadership Transition
41:20 Finding Purpose Beyond The Family Business
45:08 How To Contact Rob Ferguson For Advice
Resources Mentioned:
🌐 Ferguson Alliance: https://ferguson-alliance.com
📧 Contact Adam to request a free 90-minute EOS workshop: adam.hill@eosworldwide.com
Follow Adam:
IG: @theadamchill
YouTube: @adamchill
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamchill
How can you ensure your family's wealth is preserved and wisely managed across generations?
Adam Hill talks with international speaker and founder of Generational Wisdom, Julia Myers, about the vital importance of passing on not just generational wealth, but wisdom, to our children.
Julia shares the transformative journey that led her to discover how financial acumen must be wedded to wisdom in order to create true abundance for one’s family. She offers profound insights and practical strategies on financial education, emphasizing the creation of a family constitution and other unique financial tools and methods to help guide values and decisions.
Discover how to prepare the next generation for responsible wealth management and instill lasting family values. Tune in to learn more!
0:00 Introduction
3:38 Julia's career-ending medical emergency
7:10 Shifting from wealth to generational wisdom
11:37 Adopting good money habits early on
16:24 Embracing privilege and finding purpose
22:16 Developing the right financial mindset
26:57 The 75% charity wealth distribution plan
30:06 The discernment quadrant for financial decisions
34:44 Starting money conversations with kids
38:59 Teaching financial independence to children
44:41 Discussing economic shifts with children
48:44 Creating a family constitution for legacy
55:23 Closing thoughts and contact information
Resources Mentioned:
📚 "Z Economy" by Jason Dorsey
📚 "Who Moved My Cheese?" by Spencer Johnson
🌐 Julia’s website: https://juliamyers.com
Email: adam.hill@eosworldwide.com
Follow Adam:
IG: @theadamchill
YouTube: @adamchill
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamchill
How does a decades-old family business adapt and survive despite modern challenges?
Join Adam Hill as he chats with Ben Hertzman, president of Progress Luv2Pak, about the company's rich history, the transition between generations, and their innovative steps in domestic manufacturing and sustainability.
From his Procter & Gamble days to launching Gather Packaging, Ben reveals how sustainability is reshaping the packaging world. Whether you're a business leader or an eco-conscious consumer, this episode offers valuable lessons on embracing change while honoring the past.
Tune in to learn how to lead with purpose and vision!
0:00 Introduction
5:07 Transitioning from P&G to family business
10:56 Balancing tradition and evolution in business
16:06 Persistence in landing a job at P&G
21:26 The importance of packaging in customer experience
27:31 Adapting to changing customer demands
32:16 Packaging's role in brand messaging
37:59 Challenges of becoming company president
43:12 Investing in domestic manufacturing capabilities
48:29 Pioneering sustainability in the packaging industry
51:24 Thoughts on next generation succession planning
Resources Mentioned:
🌐 Ben Hertzman LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/benhertzman
🌐 Progress Luv2Pak: https://www.progressluv2pak.com
🌐 Gather Packaging: https://www.gatherpackaging.com
Email: adam.hill@eosworldwide.com
Follow Adam:
IG: @theadamchill
YouTube: @adamchill
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamchill
Curious about how to successfully transition a family business while preserving its legacy?
In this episode, Adam chats with Andrea Carpenter, a seasoned expert in family business succession who shares her personal experiences growing up in a family business and the critical role that open communication played in her formation, while exploring how both family business leaders and next-generation members can balance honoring legacy with pursuing their own authentic paths.
Whether you're planning to pass your business to the next generation or contemplating other transition options, Andrea's wisdom about creating authentic spaces for rising generations while honoring family legacy will transform how you think about succession.
Discover why it's never too early to start planning your transition and how to ensure everyone in your family business feels valued in the process.
0:00 Introduction
5:26 Transition Strategists: Helping family businesses
10:15 Open communication about family wealth
20:44 Protecting wealth for future generations
25:14 Joining Transition Strategists as a successor
29:49 Framework for succession planning
34:36 When to start transition planning
38:26 The Next Gen Friend: Supporting the next generation
43:53 Creating resources for next generation leaders
Resources Mentioned:
📚 It's a Journey - Book by Elizabeth Ledoux
🌐 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yournextgenfriend/
🌐 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreashaver/
🌐 Free Resource! Let's Talk Transition - https://letstalktransition.com/adam
🌐 The Transition Strategists - https://www.transitionstrategists.com/
🌐 Your Next Gen Friend - https://yournextgenfriend.com/
🌐 Tiger 21 - Mentioned as a group Andrea's father is part of - https://tiger21.com/
🌐 GoBundance Women - Mastermind group mentioned https://gobundancewomen.com/
Email: adam.hill@eosworldwide.com
Follow Adam:
IG: @theadamchill
YouTube: @adamchill
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamchill
Ever thought about using an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) as a way to transition your business?
In this episode, Adam Hill sits down with ESOP expert Kelly Finnell to break down how these plans work, why they’re the best move for some family-owned businesses, and what it really takes to put one in place.
They’ll cover how ESOPs can protect your company’s culture, reward your team, and offer a meaningful path to succession—all while keeping the heart of the business intact.
0:00 Intro
5:37 Kelly's journey as an ESOP pioneer
19:22 Tax benefits and "losers" in ESOP transactions
25:52 Minimum requirements for ESOP candidates
31:43 ESOPs in different industries and cultures
36:32 Governance structures in ESOP companies
40:11 The concept of compassionate capitalism
43:42 How owners can prepare for ESOPs
Resources Mentioned:
The ESOP Coach by Kelly Finnell
Email: adam.hill@eosworldwide.com
Follow Adam:
IG: @theadamchill
YouTube: @adamchill
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamchill
Join Adam Hill in exploring the journey of Andrew Cohen as he navigates the ownership transition of Moosylvania, the legendary advertising agency his father started. Andrew candidly shares the challenges of taking the reins, the dynamics of working alongside his father, and how his leadership role has unfolded over time.
Discover how Andrew is embracing creativity in the face of AI advancements (including their innovative brainstorming tool, Collabsurdity!) and gain insights into balancing family ties with business responsibilities and the future of advertising.
0:00 Intro
5:24 Childhood dynamics and parental relationships
16:30 Integrating into the family business
23:53 Ownership transition and gifting challenges
30:32 Finding clarity in family business roles
37:47 Advice for succession planning
40:08 Legacy and vision for Moosylvania's future
45:02 Current state and future of Moosylvania
48:52 Closing thoughts on family business resources
Resources Mentioned:
Andrew Cohen's LinkedIn profile
Email: adam.hill@eosworldwide.com
Follow Adam:
IG: @theadamchill
YouTube: @adamchill
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamchill
