100 episodes

Safe Space is the Premiere Podcast for NXTGEN Family Business Leaders. Your host Francesco Lombardo is a much-sought after international speaker and trusted advisor who has coached some of the world’s most successful and affluent families for over twenty years. Through his extensive work with  families, Lombardo has identified a universal connection between people’s relationship to money and the impact this has on their families, businesses and legacies. On this show he will dive in with some of the worlds most prestigious families to talk about that.

Safe Space with Francesco Lombardo Francesco Lombardo

    • Business
    • 5.0 • 7 Ratings

Safe Space is the Premiere Podcast for NXTGEN Family Business Leaders. Your host Francesco Lombardo is a much-sought after international speaker and trusted advisor who has coached some of the world’s most successful and affluent families for over twenty years. Through his extensive work with  families, Lombardo has identified a universal connection between people’s relationship to money and the impact this has on their families, businesses and legacies. On this show he will dive in with some of the worlds most prestigious families to talk about that.

    Navigating the Emotional Terrain of Family Wealth with Felicia Heng

    Navigating the Emotional Terrain of Family Wealth with Felicia Heng

    Join Francesco Lombardo for this week's Safe Space as he speaks with Felicia Heng, founder and managing director of Wise Purpose, a boutique consulting firm specializing in family wealth advisory, leadership coaching, and next-generation succession.

    Felicia shares her diverse expertise in psychology, investments, and family governance, and sheds light on her work with families and the next generation, specifically focusing on the emotional aspects of inheritance and succession.
     
    The conversation delves into the profound impact of sudden deaths and accidents on succession planning, and addresses how narratives related to money and wealth play a crucial role in shaping the emotional journey of individuals involved in the succession process.

    Felicia’s advice to the Senior and NxtGen…unpack the emotional journey from practical aspects of succession, inheritance, and family business transitions, as clarity in separate narratives allows for better alignment; recognize that this is both an art and a science, seeking support from independent professionals or networks with codified knowledge; and start discussions earlier when everyone is healthier and less stressed, recognizing the importance of time in addressing complex matters, and embracing the proverb that the best time to act was 20 years ago, and the next best time is now.

    To contact Felicia Heng, reach out to her at felicia.wisepurpose@gmail.com
     
    If you would like to keep up to date with all our insights, latest research and stories, click to subscribe to our "Veritage Insights  Newsletter." (https://bit.ly/3JOd7Qq)
     

    • 26 min
    Leading with Legacy: Family Business Success and Evolution with Julie Charlestein

    Leading with Legacy: Family Business Success and Evolution with Julie Charlestein

    Join Francesco Lombardo for this week's Safe Space as he speaks with Julie Charlestein, a fourth-generation President and CEO with Premier Dental.

    Julie shares the inspiring journey of the business, which started with her grandfather, Julius Charlestein, who was a dental instrument sharpener and eventually evolved into a global leader in developing and manufacturing innovative dental consumables.

    Julie and Francesco discuss the importance of having governance structures and a board of directors in place to ensure the business's continuity and success. They highlight the value of open communication and the concept of a "safe space" within family businesses, which is vital for addressing challenges and fostering growth.

    Julie’s one piece of advice to the Senior and NxtGen…there has to be a mutual level of respect and sometimes that's a challenge. Under everything, there needs to be a reciprocal respect. Irrespective of the others' views.
     
    If you would like to keep up to date with all our insights, latest research and stories, click to subscribe to our "Veritage Insights  Newsletter." (https://bit.ly/3JOd7Qq)

    • 13 min
    Preparing the Next Generation for Family Business Success: Dealing with the Emotional Stuff with Chris Larson

    Preparing the Next Generation for Family Business Success: Dealing with the Emotional Stuff with Chris Larson

    On this week's episode of Safe Space, Francesco Lombardo is joined by Chris Larson, a fourth-generation shareholder of a 107-year-old family-owned and operated business, IDEAL INDUSTRIES. In this episode, Franco and Chris discuss the emotional side of transitioning family businesses. Chris emphasizes the importance of addressing the emotional aspects of letting go of control and passing it on to the next generation, not just the intellectual aspects. Highlighting how emotional preparation is crucial for family business success and how coaching family members on an individual basis can help them become content and happy with their roles in the family business. The episode sheds light on the emotional aspects of transitioning family businesses and the importance of addressing them. It's a must-listen for anyone looking to prepare their family business for the next generation.
     
    The one piece of advice Chris offers for both the senior and next generations is... it's worth it. It's hard to focus on the emotional stuff, but it's worth it. 
     
    If you would like to keep up to date with all our insights, latest research and stories, click to subscribe to our "Veritage Insights  Newsletter." (https://bit.ly/3JOd7Qq)
     

    • 25 min
    Navigating Financial Insecurity and Unique Challenges in Family Businesses with Stefanie Kyles

    Navigating Financial Insecurity and Unique Challenges in Family Businesses with Stefanie Kyles

    Join Francesco Lombardo for this week's Safe Space as he speaks with Stefanie Kyles, a fourth-generation family business member, and former CEO.

    Stefanie discusses financial insecurity that is common in family businesses and how family businesses need accountability and transparency to succeed. She shares her experience negotiating with family members to understand their personal sensitivities around risk, financial security, and lifestyle, and emphasizes the importance of separating emotions from conversations around money.

    The one piece of advice Stefanie offers for both the senior and next generations is simple... talk about it.
     
    If you would like to keep up to date with all our insights, latest research and stories, click to subscribe to our "Veritage Insights  Newsletter." (https://bit.ly/3JOd7Qq)

    • 25 min
    Equipping Successors: Insights from a Fifth-Generation Family Business Owner with Philip McKeown

    Equipping Successors: Insights from a Fifth-Generation Family Business Owner with Philip McKeown

    Join Francesco Lombardo for this week's Safe Space as he speaks with Philip McKeown, a fifth-generation family business owner from Ireland.

    Philip discusses family governance and succession planning, as well as his book, Successors Voice, which emphasizes the importance of understanding one's value and role in a family business and the emotional complexities of family dynamics. He also stresses the need to nurture family talent in order to sustain family businesses. Overall, the goal is to prepare successors with the knowledge, confidence, and skills required to successfully integrate into the family enterprise.
     
    If you would like to keep up to date with all our insights, latest research and stories, click to subscribe to our "Veritage Insights  Newsletter." (https://bit.ly/3JOd7Qq)

    • 32 min
    Preparing for the Future: Insights on Succession Planning and Self-Belief in a Family Business with Cecily McGuckin

    Preparing for the Future: Insights on Succession Planning and Self-Belief in a Family Business with Cecily McGuckin

    Join Francesco Lombardo for this week's Safe Space as he speaks with Cecily McGuckin the CEO and managing director of Queensland Steel and Sheet, in Brisbane, Australia.

    Cecily talks about the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated industry and the difficulties of succession planning in a family business. Stressing the importance of being prepared for the worst-case scenario and making the business sustainable for future generations, she highlights the need for a clear roadmap to preparedness, including an emotional component.

    Cecily's advice encourages people to stop apologizing unnecessarily and recognize their worth.
     
    If you would like to keep up to date with all our insights, latest research and stories, click to subscribe to our "Veritage Insights  Newsletter." (https://bit.ly/3JOd7Qq)

    • 27 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
7 Ratings

7 Ratings

Matthew Andrade, CFA ,

Excellent thought in bite size amounts

Franco has done an excellent job at keeping these interviews to a manageable size - if you have time for a workout you have time for these interviews (during the workout perhaps?).

Great speakers, fantastic summing up at the end to make sure the key messages land.

Thank you for this Franco - keep up the good work!

Scott Rands ,

Brilliant!

Great start to what I expect will be an extremely successful podcast. What a fantastic resource for Next Gen Leaders and their families. Congratulations.

Dov Baron ,

Essential Listening for Succession and Next Gen Leadership

This is an outstanding podcast with a host who so profoundly knows his subject that he is able to bring the best out in his guests to serve them and his audience. Even though many of these guest are in their public lives extremly private Francesco's conversational genius has them open up and share what it takes to creat Safe Space in multi-generational family business.
Essential Listening for Succession and Next Gen Leadership.
I am honoured to have been a gust and to interview Francescofor the first episode.
Dov Baron... FullMontyLeadership.com

Top Podcasts In Business

The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
DOAC
The Ramsey Show
Ramsey Network
TLDR
Kyla Scanlon, Devin Friedman, Kat Angus, Sarah Rieger, Matthew Karasz
Financial Feminist
Her First $100K
Planet Money
NPR
PBD Podcast
PBD Podcast