Successful Generations

In this episode, Ellie takes a deep dive into the role of due diligence in philanthropy. What is it? Why is due diligence important? How do you do it? To help explain, Ellie is joined by Lynne Ferrell, Program Director of the Frey Foundation. Ellie and Lynne have known each other for two decades and Ellie says Lynne has been instrumental in her growth as a philanthropist. Get the show notes at  https://successfulgenerations.com/episode044

This week we're offering a rerun of a great conversation with Douglas D. Box, author of Texas Patriarch: A Legacy Lost. This was originally the second episode of the Successful Generations Podcast, so you may have missed it. Doug's family business story reads like a Hollywood movie. There's conflict, love, loss and, in the end, many lessons learned. Get the show notes here:  https://successfulgenerations.com/replayepisode002

The Family Business Consulting Group (FBCG) consistently comes up as a top resource when we talk to family business leaders on the Successful Generations podcast. In this episode, we're talking to FBCG's Managing Principal Drew S. Mendoza. Drew and Ellie discuss what it means to hire a family business consultant, who should (or shouldn't) work with a consultant, trends in the family business space and much more! Get the show notes and a great list of resources at https://successfulgenerations.com/episode043/.

In this episode, Anne shares her journey to joining the family business, where she currently serves as Vice President of Business Development. She talks about the relationship she has with her parents in the office and how the family sets professional boundaries. She also talks about how she has remained connected to her passion areas through board service and special committee work.  Access the show notes at https://successfulgenerations.com/episode042/    

In this episode, we're focusing on a aspect of wellness that gets a little less airtime: our mental health. Joining Ellie for this conversation is Christy Buck, Executive Director of the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan. Christy defines mental health and provides some startling statistics. She  also shares the Mental Health Foundation's be nice. Action Plan, which is being rolled out in schools and businesses throughout Michigan (and beyond).  Get the show notes and links to resources at  https://successfulgenerations.com/episode041/

In this week's episode, Ellie talks about the journey that led her to become a certified coach. She candidly shares issues she's encountered as the next generation of her family's business, and describes how her experiences have been validated by friends and peers from the family business world who are working to fill the shoes of the leaders who came before them, while simultaneously figuring out how to be their own person. Through coaching, Ellie aims to help rising generation leaders set their own path for success. To learn more, check out SG Executive Coaching and sign up for a free 30-minute session to see if coaching is right for you. Show notes and resources are available at https://successfulgenerations.com/episode040/.

Why is choosing a trustee such an important decision? How do you select the right person? What qualities should you look for in a trustee? Should it be a family member or not? For answers, we turned to attorney Mark Harder of Warner Norcross + Judd. For the full show notes, please visit: www.successfulgenerations.com/episode039 SURPRISE ALERT!  I LOVE surprises. And this week I am giving you not one, but two fun surprises related to this episode.  First: This episode is chock-full of information! Check out the show notes for the link to the FREEBIE Mark Harder's marketing team created just for you!  Second: Listen to the end of this episode or subscribe to our Facebook page @successfulgenerations to learn what else we have planned for you.       

René Banglesdorf is CEO of Charlie Bravo Aviation, an Austin, Texas-based company that buys, sells and leases corporate aircraft worldwide. She's learned a lot as a female leader in a male-dominated industry, and now she's creating a platform to help other women stand up. We discuss her path to empowerment, how she and her husband are engaging their children in the family business, and her new platform in this episode. Get the show notes and links to resources at Successful Generations Podcast Ep 038.

People always ask how our family got us involved in philanthropy. So, this episode is dedicated to answering that question. I provide 10 things my family did well (because who doesn’t love a top 10 list) and I also share some of our lessons learned. Get show notes and a bonus handout here.

Paige Cornetet is a fourth generation family business owner and she’s involved in her family’s council. In this episode, Paige shares the purposeful activities her parents used to prepare her and her siblings for success in business. The stories are entertaining, and the strategies are fun and creative! We cover everything from family values, to allowance, athletics, education and social graces. Get the show notes, resources and a handout here.

Warning: This episode contains adult language. In this episode, we're talking with Cara Mackay—a 31-year-old dynamo who has taken her family's shed construction business in Scotland to new heights. We discuss her journey to leadership and how she navigates tough conversations with family. Cara describes the focus for her work now which is to ensure the business lasts for generations to come. She also tells us about her own exciting new venture. Get the show notes and links to resources here.

In this episode, we're talking with Whitney Webb. She is co-founder of Launch Generation which produces unique summer programs for teenagers focused on financial literacy, leadership and entrepreneurship. She's also the founder of Launch Education which provides private financial, philanthropic and entrepreneurial education for the next generation and their families. Whitney shares her path to this work and why teaching financial literacy is so important. Get complete show notes and links to resources here.

In this Power20 Episode, I’m issuing the Reflect and Connect Challenge. For the next four days, I want challenge you to intentionally take time for yourself to pause and reflect, and connect with your loved ones. Learn more about the challenge here.  

If you’re involved in a family foundation, a family office, or if you sit on the board of nonprofit with an endowment, you likely know something about the importance of an investment committee. In this episode, Ellie is joined by Rebecca (Becky) Wood of Fund Evaluation Group (FEG). Becky is a Managing Principal and Head of Institutional Services with FEG.  Becky is a tremendous resource. During this interview she helps us understand what great governance looks like and how to achieve it. She describes the different levels of fiduciaries, what makes up an investment policy, the importance of asset allocation and time horizon, who should be on an investment committee and tips for investment committee success. Get the full show notes and list of resources here. 

In part one of the interview with Dr. Michael Klein, we talked about what it means to be trapped in the family business and various the emotions that can come along with it. In part two, we explore what to do if you identify as feeling trapped. What are your options and how do you choose what's best for you? Dr. Klein also offers advice for parents sharing what can be done proactively to prevent the rising generations from feeling trapped in the first place. Access the complete show notes and links to resources here.

Do you feel trapped in the family business or do you think you may be contributing to a loved one feeling trapped? If so, this episode is for you. My guest is psychologist Dr. Michael Klein, author of Trapped in the Family Business: A Practical Guide to Uncovering and Managing This Hidden Dilemma. He released an expanded edition of his book this week. In this episode, we explore the factors that can lead to someone feeling trapped. Dr. Klein introduces us to the idea of emotional handcuffs—those feelings of guilt, obligation, doubt and even love—that can make a person feel unable to leave something that is not a good fit for them. We discuss the importance of differentiating yourself from your family unit and how this relates to personal fulfillment. Get the show notes and links to resources here.

How do you feel about spending money? Does it give you a thrill or fill you with anxiety? My guest, Dr. Scott Rick, an Associate Professor at University of Michigan's Ross School of Business, has dedicated his research to understanding the emotional causes and consequences of these feelings. In this episode, Dr. Rick shares what it means to be a tightwad or a spendthrift. Who’s happiest? We discuss where our feelings about spending come from and how/when they are developed.  Take this survey first! Here's an online version of the tightwad-spendthrift scale.   Get complete show notes, resources and a link to Dr. Rick's Tightwad-Spendthrift Survey at successfulgenerations.com.    

Jennifer Oertel serves as the impact investing expert in residence at the Council of Michigan Foundations (CMF). In this episode she and I dig into impact investing, conscious capitalism and shareholder activism. Jennifer also addresses the common misperception that investments made with social good in mind don’t produce market rate returns. Access complete show notes and a list of resources here. 

The number on the scale, and whether it needs to go up or down, weighs heavily the minds of many. In this episode, Cynthia Damakos, Certified Holistic Life Coach is back to talk about weight management. She uses science to dispel several common misconceptions, provides tools and insights, and discusses the layers that must be pulled back to understand why weight can be a challenge. As Cynthia says, “Weight issues don’t happen in a vacuum.”   Access complete show notes and links to resources at successfulgenerations.com/episode030/.

Back in episode 026 my guest Rob Collier, President of the Council of Michigan Foundations mentioned giving circles as a trend to watch in philanthropy. To take a deeper dive into giving circles, I’m joined by my long-time friend and self-proclaimed “philanthropy geek” Jason Franklin, Ph.D. During our interview, Jason defines what a giving group is, how and why you should consider joining one, and some best practices to help you find success.   Access full show notes and links to resources at https://successfulgenerations.com/episode029.