Episodes
In this episode of the show I discuss three common myths that are often thrown at family businesses as rules or facts in order for them to act to avoid becoming a statistic themselves. The first myth is that around the number of family businesses making it to the third generation and what the often cited statistics are actually related to. We then look at the shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves myth, which has been around far longer than the statistics about succession, but is equally as...
Published 11/24/22
In this episode I am joined by Fiona Graham from the Institute for Family Business as we discuss Family Business Week, some interesting research that will shortly be published and we debunk the myth that family businesses are old fashioned, “Mom and Pop Shops”. We also explore the contribution that family businesses make to the UK and global economies and discuss the topics that have been front of mind for family businesses on the recent IFB Tour! Useful Links You can find out more about the...
Published 11/23/22
I am joined on this show by Kristin Keffeler as we discuss the myth of the silver spoon. This happens to be the title of Kristin's excellent new book which you can find out more about here In this really engaging conversation with Kristin we hear about her own story of growing up in a wealthy family. Kristin discusses how our relationship with wealth is not the same as our relationship with money and that there are various forms of clutter that, if we can address, we can transform those...
Published 11/22/22
In this episode of the show I am joined by Dr Jim Grubman as we discuss an article he has written for International Family Offices. In this article he explores the so called "70% Rule". This "rule" states that 70% of wealth transfers globally, fail.  In the show Jim highlights which studies, evidence and statistics went in to the publication of the "rule" and why it is essential for practitioners and the families that we serve to ensure that we are not repeating so called "rules" as a...
Published 11/21/22
Well, it has been a while since I hit record on my laptop but I am back with a new series of the show that is focussing on some of the common myths that exist within the world of family business and in particular when 'marketing' to family businesses. Joining me in this series are Dr Jim Grubman, Kristin Keffeler and Fiona Graham as we look at the following: The 70% Rule Myth The Myth of the Silver Spoon The Myth that family businesses are old fashioned, andThe Shirtsleeves to Shirtsleeves...
Published 11/21/22
Welcome to this special bonus episode of the show. This follows an incredible week spent in the US with Jamie and Maureen Kelley from Bank of Oklahoma, or BOK Financial. Jamie and I attended and spoke at the brilliant Purposeful Planning Institute Rendezvous conference in Denver and then spent some time with Maureen and her team along with some clients. We wanted to share with you this experience and the benefits that can come from collaboration amongst professionals. As we embrace the age...
Published 07/29/22
We conclude our series looking at the ground-breaking research called The Quest for Legitimacy. This research spoke with rising gen family members from around the globe and asked them to share their experiences of growing up in "The Land of Giants". In this episode Jamie and I discuss the importance of humanising the giants in our lives to allow us to be able to walk in the land of giants. The Quest for Legitimacy: How Children of Prominent Families Discover Their Unique Place in the World...
Published 07/22/22
As we continue our look at The Quest for Legitimacy research Jamie and I explore what is referred to in the book at "Breaking Moments". What are they? What do they feel like? Why are they important? We then discuss what liminality is and how we are all currently living through a period of liminality. The Quest for Legitimacy: How Children of Prominent Families Discover Their Unique Place in the World is available to buy on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. It will also be available in book...
Published 07/15/22
In this episode we delve much deeper into The Quest for Legitimacy and explore the four phases.  In particular we look at examples from the research that highlight how the phases feel and are experienced. We discuss the fact that the phases are not linear and that at any point in your life you can be taken back into an awareness phase that can lead to opportunities for growth.  The four phases of The Quest are:  Awareness Tug of War Exploration Ownership The Quest for Legitimacy: How...
Published 07/08/22
In the first episode of the series we meet Jamie and hear about the depth of his experience across all of society, from Cook County Jail to large family enterprises. He shares the experience of growing up as the son of a Rabbi and the impact it had on his own life.  We dive into the research and what motivated it along with an outline for the four phases of The Quest.  The Quest for Legitimacy: How Children of Prominent Families Discover Their Unique Place in the World is available to buy on...
Published 07/01/22
For the past 5 years or so I have been working alongside the brilliant Dr Jamie Weiner on a research project that has been asking members of the rising generation "what is it like to grow up in the Land of Giants?" In this series we bring you the findings from the research project and share stories from those we spoke with during this ground-breaking research. Jamie has written an amazing book called The Quest for Legitimacy: How Children of Prominent Families Discover Their Unique Place in...
Published 06/29/22
On this weeks show I spend some time with Stephanie Brobbey as we discuss The Good Ancestor Movement. The impacts of the global pandemic and the war in Ukraine is bringing into focus some families relationships with their wealth and Steph has developed a fascinating way to discuss topics such as radical wealth distribution, wealth minimisation and values led wealth management. We also cover the importance of knowing your purpose and how the book Start with Why by Simon Sinek changed...
Published 05/02/22
On this weeks show I am joined by psychologist Dr. Moira Somers as we discuss the fascinating topic of The Psychology of Wealth. We look at the following: What is the Psychology of Wealth How can advisers work together to better serve our clients Why do we procrastinateWhy we are such good fun at parties! You can find out more about Moira by visiting her website here. Moira's Book can be found here Support the Show The podcast is entirely self-funded by me. I am not looking for sympathy...
Published 04/25/22
In this interview I speak with Dennis Jaffe, Kristin Keffeler and Jim Grubman about what developments and evolutions are happening within "Wealth 3.0". We discuss the history of modern wealth advice and what we can learn from Wealth 1.0 and Wealth 2.0. Jim spends some time at the beginning of the episode explaining these terms in case you are unfamiliar with them. We look at what can be learned from a study of 100 year old family businesses as well as other fields such as positive...
Published 04/18/22
On this episode of the show I speak with Dr Jim Grubman and Tom McCullough about the topic of Family Wealth Integration. We discuss what the term means for you as a family but also for you if you are a practitioner working with families of wealth. We explore the four levels of integration that currently exist within the market; - No Integration  - Basic Integrated Financial Management   - Integrated Wealth Management  - Family Wealth Integration We then explore the challenges of developing a...
Published 04/11/22
Welcome to this trailer for Series 9. This series I will be looking at the topic of Family Wealth in a little more detail and in particular some interesting thought leadership from some great guests. I have an interview with Jim Grubman and Tom McCullough in episode 1 of the series looking at Integrated Family Wealth, we then move on to an episode that looks at Wealth 3.0 with Dennis Jaffe, Jim Grubman and Kristin Keffeler. I then have an interview with Dr Moira Somers where we explore some...
Published 04/11/22
On this weeks show the tables are turned! I am interviewed by my friend and colleague Martin Stepek. Following some requests from listeners to know more about me, I finally succumbed and asked Martin to interview me. If you want to hear more about how I became a family business adviser and how growing up in a home where my parents fostered other children impacted my life, have a listen. Support the Show The podcast is entirely self-funded by me. I am not looking for sympathy as it is...
Published 02/28/22
On this weeks episode of the show I discuss the fact that often the definition of success for a family business is its ability to pass the legal ownership of the business between generations. This is obviously a fantastic part of a family business, if that is what everyone wants. But, what happens if that isn't the case and yet all the advice that is being received is focussed solely on the technical, legal and tax benefits of passing the business to the next generation? I cover some of...
Published 02/14/22
On this weeks show, I speak about the topic of 'professionalising' the family business. The term is not one that I am a huge fan of as it can suggest that until that point everything you did was unprofessional. I explain what the term 'professionalisation' means and the circumstances under which it can arise. I also look at some of the common concerns or barriers to professionalisation and how to overcome them. There are many benefits to professionalising your family business and I...
Published 02/07/22
On this weeks episode I discuss ownership philosophy. Have you as an ownership group sat down and discussed why you own a business together and what ownership means to each of you? My thoughts are that when a business is set up, ownership is a byproduct of the founders passion, but as the business becomes something to pass to the next generation different perceptions of what ownership might mean to each of you can tensions within the business and the family. Having the conversation around...
Published 01/31/22
At the beginning of any new year it is easy to set ourselves New Year's Resolutions that normally fizzle out by February. For the past couple of years I have approached my years in a different way and I thought I would share this with you in this episode. There are applicable tips in this show for you and your family business and how to shape your vision and goals. Remember to sign up to the newsletter to receive my 2022 Mission Statement LINKS: My Three Words from Chris Brogan -...
Published 01/24/22
Welcome to 2022! This episode provides you with a preview of what to expect in Series 8 of the show. These will be shorter episodes covering specific topics that I think you will find useful. I also signpost you to the playlists that I have created covering topics such as Succession Planning Governance Next Generation Family Wealth Sustainability and much more. Support the Show The podcast is entirely self-funded by me. I am not looking for sympathy as it is something that I love to...
Published 01/24/22
To celebrate Family Business Week we are looking back over some of our favourite interviews with UK family businesses. Today's interview is with Sir John Timpson. Timpson's is one of the UK's most recognisable brands and their culture is the envy of most. We hear about how this culture is embedded into the business and reflected across the country by empowered staff. We also hear about Sir John's experience of fostering many children alongside his late wife Alex. As someone who grew up in a...
Published 11/26/21
To celebrate Family Business Week here in the UK we are looking back over some of our favourite interviews with UK family businesses. Today's interview is with Jonathan Falder of HMG Paints. We talk about how their culture is embodied throughout the business with multiple generations of the same families working for HMG. We also hear about Jonathan's experience of coming face to face with an alien! About Family Business Week Family Business Week is a week long celebration of family...
Published 11/25/21
To celebrate Family Business Week we are selecting some of our favourite interviews with family businesses here in the UK. Today's interview is with Iain Stirling from Arbikie. We discuss the collaboration that led to them creating the worlds first carbon positive Gin. About Family Business Week Family Business Week is a week long celebration of family businesses as a force for good The pandemic has once again highlighted the vital role that businesses play in supporting their local...
Published 11/24/21