Disruptive Successor Podcast Salescast

Steven Wilkinson is a seasoned advisor with 35 years of experience in investing and company leadership, specializing in guiding owner managers of mid-market companies through transitions and growth phases. Based in Ireland, Steven brings a unique perspective rooted in his background working at the intersection of finance and entrepreneurship, particularly in Germany's Mittelstand sector. With a deep understanding of financials and various business models, Steven is known for his holistic approach to advising, prioritizing strategic visioning, financial integrity, and governance. His insights into the symbiotic relationship between ethical business practices and prosperity make him a sought-after mentor for entrepreneurs aiming to achieve sustainable success.

SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of The Disruptive Successor Show, Jonathan Goldhill features returning guest Steven Wilkinson, exploring strategies for next-generation leaders in family businesses and entrepreneurs aiming to disrupt and advance their industries. Jonathan introduces the podcast's focus on inspiration, advice, and resources for entrepreneurial leaders seeking impact. The episode delves into Steven's background and the ethos behind his company, Good and Prosper Limited, highlighting the synergy between being good in businesses and achieving prosperity. Through discussions around financials, business models, and strategic planning, Steven shares insights into improving a business's margin structure, differentiating pricing strategies, and the essential mindset shifts necessary for success. The conversation also touches upon the importance of preparing for economic cycles and the potential impacts of global and political changes on small and medium-sized businesses. Additionally, Steven emphasizes the significance of mental preparation and risk management ahead of economic downturns, offering practical advice for business positioning during uncertain times.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Ethics vs. Prosperity: Steven challenges the misconception that being good in business and being prosperous are mutually exclusive, emphasizing the correlation between ethical conduct and financial success.

Financial Mastery: Understanding the intricacies of the business model, including revenue streams, cost structures, and market dynamics, is essential for optimizing profitability and sustainability.

Specialization and Differentiation: The top 10% of successful businesses excel through disciplined planning, specialization, and constant improvement, setting themselves apart from the competition.

Owner Manager vs. Owner: Distinguishing between the roles of an owner manager, who predominantly operates as a manager, and an owner who strategically oversees the business, is crucial for effective leadership and long-term growth.
Pricing Strategy: Rather than mirroring industry norms, businesses should adopt a proactive approach to pricing, recognizing their unique value proposition and avoiding the trap of pricing for failure.


QUOTES

"The choice between being good and being prosperous is a false dichotomy. The better you are, the more prosperous you'll become."

"Success in business hinges on mastering the financial model, understanding market dynamics, and making intentional decisions for growth."

"The top 10% achieve profitability not by accident but through disciplined planning and specialization."

"Owner managers often spend the majority of their time as managers, neglecting their role as owners in strategic decision-making."

"Pricing strategy is a key determinant of profitability; pricing for failure occurs when businesses fail to differentiate and understand their value proposition."

Connect and learn more about Steven Wilkinson.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenknwilkinson/

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, review, and share with a friend who would benefit from the message. If you’re interested in picking up a copy of Jonathan Goldhill’s book, Disruptive

Madeline Miller, a seasoned executive coach and former attorney, brings a unique blend of experience and insight to her work. With a career spanning across diverse sectors and continents, from corporate law to entertainment, including a role as a production attorney on the James Bond franchise, Madeline has honed her ability to navigate uncertainty and achieve milestone successes. Fueled by her own quest for purpose and fulfillment, she founded Coaching with Madeline to empower rising leaders, particularly Gen Z and millennial men and women, in aligning their career choices with their values, developing interpersonal skills, and combating burnout. Through her AIR framework, Madeline helps individuals craft meaningful careers, navigate intergenerational workplaces, and cultivate impactful leadership styles.

SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of The Disruptive Successor Show, Jonathan Goldhill features career and leadership coach Madeline Miller, who specializes in making executive coaching more accessible and inclusive for Gen Z and millennial leaders. Madeline shares her journey from a career in law, including a role as a production attorney for the James Bond movie franchise, to founding Coaching with Madeline, where she helps young leaders align their work with their values, develop interpersonal skills, and build resilience. The discussion encompasses the differences between baby boomers, Gen X, millennials, and Gen Z in the workplace, focusing on the latter's higher expectations, need for purpose, financial insecurities, and unprecedented levels of burnout. Madeline introduces her AIR framework (Alignment, Influence & Impact, and Resilience) designed to guide young professionals in their leadership journeys. The episode also addresses the challenges of virtual communication, the importance of managing difficult conversations, and the benefits of group coaching for fostering a sense of community among younger employees. The conversation highlights the need for personalized coaching to help individuals navigate the complexities of modern work environments while preparing them to become emotionally resilient leaders.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Generational Differences: Understanding the distinct mindset and behaviors of Gen Z and millennials compared to previous generations.

Alignment: Recognizing the importance of aligning personal values with career choices to combat misalignment burnout.

Influence and Impact: Developing interpersonal skills, leadership profiles, and conflict resolution abilities to enhance recognition and effectiveness in the workplace.

Assertiveness vs. Aggression: Exploring the nuanced differences between assertive communication and aggressive behavior, particularly relevant for younger professionals.

Creating Psychological Safety: Building environments where employees feel empowered to voice concerns and navigate challenges without fear of reprisal.

QUOTES

"Misalignment burnout is one of the most common forms of burnout in the workplace."

"Assessments are great, but personalized exploration often yields deeper insights."

"Assertiveness isn't about aggression; it's about authentically using your voice."

"Psychological safety fosters productivity by empowering employees to address deeper issues."

Connect and learn more about Madeline Miller.
Email: madeline@coachingwithmadeline.com
Website: https://www.CoachingwithMadeline.com/

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, review, and share with a friend who would benefit from the message. If you’re interested in picking up a copy of Jonathan Goldhill’s book, Disruptive Successor, go to the website at www.DisruptiveSuccessor.com

Maryann G. Bell is a seasoned partner at Wingspan Legacy Partners, an esteemed family business advisory firm. With a wealth of experience garnered from her tenure at Goldman Sachs across New York, Boston, and London, coupled with her MBA from Harvard University, Maryann brings invaluable insights to the complexities of multi-generational family enterprises. As a philanthropic leader in Austin, Texas, and a governance authority chairing numerous boards, Maryann is dedicated to helping enterprising families navigate succession, governance, and legacy planning with clarity and strategic foresight.

SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of The Disruptive Successor Show, Jonathan Goldhill delves into the intricacies of having difficult conversations in family businesses, particularly regarding succession planning and ownership transfer. Joined by guest Maryann G. Bell, they explore the challenges, consequences, and strategies for effective communication within family enterprises.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Succession planning involves delicate discussions about authority, ownership, and financial matters, crucial for the sustainability of family businesses.

Open communication and mutual understanding are essential to navigate through difficult topics such as succession, ownership, and financial planning.

Advanced notice and framing the conversation with clear objectives can help set a positive tone and facilitate productive discussions.

Neutral settings and active listening without distractions foster an environment conducive to meaningful dialogue.

Facilitators or advisors can provide valuable support in navigating complex family dynamics and mediating challenging conversations.

Establishing policies and procedures, such as buy-sell agreements, distribution policies, and family constitutions, can provide clarity and structure for succession planning and ownership transfer.

QUOTES

"Clarity is kindness when it comes to addressing difficult topics within family businesses."

"Succession planning involves delicate discussions about authority, ownership, and financial matters, crucial for the sustainability of family businesses."

Connect and learn more about Maryann G. Bell.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryann-bell-1212074/

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, review, and share with a friend who would benefit from the message. If you’re interested in picking up a copy of Jonathan Goldhill’s book, Disruptive Successor, go to the website at www.DisruptiveSuccessor.com

Franco Perez is an innovative entrepreneur and the driving force behind Franco Mobile Homes. Growing up in a family with unstable housing, Franco was determined to create affordable housing solutions in Silicon Valley and beyond. He discovered the potential of mobile home parks and has since built a successful business focused on helping families transition from renting to mobile home ownership. Franco's goal is to provide a stepping stone for families to achieve financial security and ultimately purchase their own homes.

SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of The Disruptive Successor Show, Jonathan Goldhill interviews Franco Perez, the founder of Franco Mobile Homes. Franco shares his personal journey from experiencing housing instability to becoming a pioneer in affordable housing solutions. He discusses the misconceptions and stigmas associated with mobile homes and highlights the benefits of mobile home ownership. Franco explains how his company is reimagining mobile homes and converting old trailers into luxurious, modern homes. He also addresses the housing crisis and the importance of providing affordable housing options for middle-class families. Franco's passion for helping others and his commitment to creating positive change in the housing industry shines through in this inspiring conversation.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Franco Perez's personal experience with housing instability inspired him to create affordable housing solutions.

Mobile homes offer a more affordable option for families looking to transition from renting to homeownership.

Mobile homes provide the benefits of homeownership, including tax breaks, appreciation, and the ability to build equity.

Franco Mobile Homes is focused on rebranding and destigmatizing mobile homes through education and showcasing the modern, luxurious options available.
The company is expanding its reach to other metro areas and partnering with construction companies to provide affordable housing solutions nationwide.

QUOTES

"Mobile homes are a perfect stepping stone and a beautiful place for people to start their wealth-building journey."

"Mobile homes provide a more flexible and affordable option for middle-class families to enter the housing market and build financial security."

"Our goal is to enable people in other areas to build affordable housing solutions by sharing our blueprints and partnering with construction companies."

Connect and learn more about Franco Perez.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/francotv/
http://franco.tv/

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, review, and share with a friend who would benefit from the message. If you’re interested in picking up a copy of Jonathan Goldhill’s book, Disruptive Successor, go to the website at www.DisruptiveSuccessor.com

Jennifer Lee is a highly experienced financial expert and the founder of Modern Wealth, a Sarasota-based firm specializing in guiding individuals through significant life transitions. With over three decades of industry experience, Jennifer's approach is deeply rooted in understanding her clients' values and aspirations, translating financial resources into meaningful life goals. She particularly focuses on empowering women through life changes such as divorce, inheritance, and retirement planning, bridging the emotional and financial aspects seamlessly. Central to her philosophy is the concept of the "family love letter," facilitating communication of values, wishes, and financial plans to loved ones. Jennifer's accessible demeanor and unwavering commitment to client success make her a trusted advisor, whether through her book, podcasts, or personalized consultations, as she helps clients achieve financial well-being and leave a lasting legacy.

SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of The Disruptive Successor Show, Jonathan Goldhill delves into the intricate world of family businesses and financial planning with guest Jennifer Lee, founder of Modern Wealth. From her unique perspective as a successor in a family business, Jennifer shares insights on the emotional intersections of finance, family, and legacy. Key topics include the importance of communication, crafting a family love letter, and bridging generational transitions in wealth and business.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Navigating Generational Transitions: Understanding the complexities of transitioning wealth and business ownership between generations, from succession planning to fostering communication.

Emotional Intelligence in Financial Planning: Recognizing the emotional impact of financial events and leveraging emotional intelligence to guide clients through transitions.

The Power of the Family Love Letter: Exploring the concept of the family love letter as a tool for communicating values, intentions, and financial plans to loved ones.
Challenges Facing Women in Finance: Addressing the unique challenges women face in financial planning, from divorce to navigating family business dynamics.

Building Trust and Connection: Establishing meaningful connections with clients by aligning financial strategies with personal values and goals.

QUOTES

"Money is just a tool. It's not something to fear. It's a tool to facilitate where you want to go."

"It's never too late to get started today."

"Opening the mind of the existing owner to the future and to different scenarios is key to bridging generational transitions."

"The family love letter softens communication between family members and explains the intentions behind legal documents."

"Succession planning isn't a 1+1=2 scenario. It requires ongoing discussions and strategic considerations." - Jonathan Goldhill

Connect and learn more about Jennifer Lee.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-lee-awma%C2%AE-aif%C2%AE-1b5aa56/

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, review, and share with a friend who would benefit from the message. If you’re interested in picking up a copy of Jonathan Goldhill’s book, Disruptive Successor, go to the website at www.DisruptiveSuccessor.com

Gina Cotner is the founder and CEO of Athena Executive Services, a pioneering firm that pairs virtual executive assistants with busy entrepreneurs and executives across the United States. With over 15 years of experience working remotely on national and international teams, Gina brings a wealth of knowledge in optimizing productivity and streamlining operations. She has a passion for empowering her team members and fostering a culture of innovation within her organization.

Dorian Zarbakhsh serves as the Operations Manager at Athena Executive Services, working closely with Gina in the process of succession planning and business development. As a member of the next generation, Dorian brings fresh perspectives and technological savvy to the table. With a background in coaching and personal development, Dorian is committed to guiding the company towards continued growth and success. Together with Gina, Dorian is navigating the challenges and opportunities of transitioning leadership from one generation to the next in a family business setting.

SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of The Disruptive Successor Show, Jonathan Goldhill delves into the complex world of succession planning in family businesses. He is joined by Gina Cotner and Dorian Zarbakhsh, CEO and operations manager respectively, of Athena Executive Services. Gina shares the origin story of her business and how Dorian, from a different generational perspective, is being groomed as her successor. They discuss the challenges and dynamics involved in passing the baton from one generation to the next, touching on conflicts, changes in technology, and the importance of trust and empowerment.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Succession planning in family businesses involves navigating generational differences and evolving business landscapes.
Empowering the next generation involves giving them room to make discoveries and learn from mistakes.
Trust and patience are essential in fostering growth and development within the business.
The purpose of the business extends beyond financial success to include personal fulfillment and connection with purpose.
Balancing tradition with innovation is crucial for sustained success in family enterprises.

QUOTES

"What got you here isn't going to get you there. You're going to need new tools, new technology, new people, new processes."
"I believe and have experienced nine times out of ten, what they do is great. And when they do it, and they got the bandwidth given by me to do it, then they experience themselves as triumphant."
"The purpose of the business is not to make money. The purpose of the business is to give you freedom in your life or to connect with your purpose."

Connect and learn more about Dorian Zarbakhsh.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorian-zarbakhsh/

Connect and learn more about Gina Cotner.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/athenaea/

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, review, and share with a friend who would benefit from the message. If you’re interested in picking up a copy of Jonathan Goldhill’s book, Disruptive Successor, go to the website at www.DisruptiveSuccessor.com