Secrets of Enterprising Families

The Northern Trust Institute
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Why are some families successful at building and sustaining their wealth, generation after generation? Welcome to Secrets of Enterprising Families, a podcast from The Northern Trust Institute devoted to unlocking the specific strategies that multi-generational families use to transfer their values, wealth and legacy from one generation to the next. In each episode, hosts Nikè Anani and Eric Czepyha will interview a nationally recognized expert on a different wealth planning topic, from marriage to the arrival of children to specific advice for business owners and corporate executives. Northern Trust is a leading global financial institution that has helped families navigate the complexities of wealth for more than 130 years. Nikè Anani is the Director of Next Gen Advisory at Northern Trust, specializing in preparing future generations for wealth ownership. Eric Czepyha is the Director of Business Services at Northern Trust and works with multi-generational business owning families on business transitions and succession planning. Brought to you by the same team behind The Road to Why podcast, Secrets of Enterprising Families will empower you with strategies to tackle financial challenges in a way that engages each member of your family. Subscribe today.

Episodes

  1. EPISODE 1

    Secrets of Enterprising Families

    How do families build and sustain wealth across generations? In Secrets of Enterprising Families, hosts Nikè Anani and Eric Czepyha offer an insider's view of the strategies that successful multi-generational families have used during pivotal life events, such as marriage, the arrival of children, or the sale of the family business. Each episode will feature an interview with a nationally recognized expert on a specific wealth planning topic and will provide actionable insights that you and your family can use at each stage of your own wealth journey.  Subscribe today.

    2 min

  2. EPISODE 1

    The Five Secrets of Enterprising Families with Jen Risher

    In this episode, we discuss the five secrets that enterprising families have used to build and sustain wealth across generations. These foundational principles, based on our 130 years of experience advising families, are the backbone of the Secrets of Enterprising Families book recently published by The Northern Trust Institute. Our guest today is Jen Risher, author of We Need to Talk: A Memoir About Wealth. Jen knows firsthand the complexities of sudden wealth and how open communication, thoughtful planning, and addressing family dynamics head-on are essential for long-term success. In this episode, you will learn: (01:50) Secret 1: Silence doesn’t make it go away(08:48) Secret 2: Resist the carrot and the stick(12:24) Secret 3: Write it down and communicate(16:16) Secret 4: Develop the financial skills to meet each family member where they are(18:27) Secret 5: Anticipate conflict and find opportunityWant to continue the conversation? More on Northern Trust’s Secrets of Enterprising FamiliesJen Risher’s book, We Need to Talk: A Memoir About WealthRemember to subscribe to Secrets of Enterprising Families to stay connected as we dive deeper into the strategies that support generational wealth. Don’t miss our next episode, where we’ll explore the unique financial challenges and conversations that come with marriage.

    23 min

  3. EPISODE 2

    Entering a Marriage: Critical Conversations on Prenuptial Agreements

    What are the primary benefits, and limitations, of a prenuptial agreement when entering a marriage? What are the most common misconceptions surrounding the agreements, and how can they be used to help foster peace of mind and form a cohesive union? In this episode, we explore the critical financial conversations that build trust and transparency in marriage. From navigating the complexities of wealth alignment to understanding the tools available for protecting your partnership, this discussion highlights the steps couples can take to ensure financial harmony.  Guided by insights from Morgan Stogsdill, a leading family and divorce attorney, we also discuss how to find the right attorney to navigate these important decisions. In this episode, you will learn: (02:45) Prenuptial agreements(18:30) Cohabitation considerations(21:05) Postnuptial agreements(23:30) Finding the right attorney Want to continue the conversation? More on Northern Trust’s Secrets of Enterprising FamiliesMore on Morgan StogsdillReach out to your Northern Trust advisorRemember to subscribe to Secrets of Enterprising Families to stay connected as we dive deeper into the strategies that support generational wealth. Don’t miss our next episode, where we’ll explore the unique financial challenges and conversations that come with having children.

    27 min

  4. EPISODE 3

    When Children Arrive: Preparing for the Unexpected

    In this episode, we explore the financial and legal steps essential for starting or expanding a family. From naming guardians to establishing education funds and creating a solid estate plan, we discuss the key strategies for protecting your family’s future. Our conversation is guided by Stacy Singer, the National Practice Leader for Trust and Wealth Advisory Services at Northern Trust, who combines her professional expertise with personal experience as a parent of two adopted children. Together, we look at how thoughtful planning can provide security, stability, and a strong foundation for generations to come. In this episode, you will learn: (02:00) Essential steps to prepare for the arrival of a child(07:32) Strategies for estate planning(14:02) Considerations for nontraditional families(23:06) How to provide ongoing support for adult childrenWant to continue the conversation? More on Northern Trust’s Secrets of Enterprising FamiliesMore on Stacy SingerReach out to your Northern Trust advisor Remember to subscribe to Secrets of Enterprising Families to stay connected as we dive deeper into the strategies that empower families to manage wealth across generations. Don’t miss our next episode, where we’ll explore creating a wealth plan.

    31 min

  5. EPISODE 4

    Preparing Your Family for the Wealth They Will Inherit

    In this episode, we delve into the essential steps families can take to prepare the next generation to inherit and manage wealth responsibly. From initiating conversations about money to fostering financial literacy and aligning values, we explore strategies to equip future generations with the tools and mindset needed to steward family resources effectively. Our guests, Joan DiFuria and Emily Bouchard, are leaders in wealth psychology and family dynamics. Joan is the Co-Founder of the Money, Meaning & Choices Institute, specializing in helping families navigate the emotional and relational aspects of wealth. Emily, Executive Director at Blended Families Flourishing, brings decades of experience in coaching families through the complexities of wealth transitions and legacy planning. Together, they provide actionable insights for families at every stage of wealth preparation. In this episode, you will learn: (03:57) Engaging Young Children(09:07) Guiding Teenagers(14:02) Empowering Young Adults (21:17) Supporting the Rising GenerationWant to continue the conversation? More on Northern Trust’s Secrets of Enterprising FamiliesMore on Joan DiFuriaMore on Emily Bouchard Reach out to your Northern Trust advisor Remember to subscribe to Secrets of Enterprising Families to stay connected as we dive deeper into the strategies that empower families to manage wealth across generations. Don’t miss our next episode, where we’ll explore wealth planning for business owners.

    29 min

  6. EPISODE 5

    Navigating Ownership & Succession: Planning for Your Family Business

    In this episode, hosts Eric Czepyha and Nike Anani dive into the challenges and opportunities of business succession and wealth planning. They explore the complexities of ownership transitions, long-term financial planning, and the importance of engaging the next generation to ensure a business’s success across generations. Our guest, Gina Staudacher, a tax lawyer with deep expertise in business transitions and succession planning, brings both personal experience and professional insight to the conversation. She shares strategies for structuring ownership, preparing for transitions, and balancing family dynamics with business priorities to create a lasting legacy. In this episode, you will learn: (04:33) Why long-term planning is essential for business owners(11:21) Engaging the next generation (13:53) Balancing family and business priorities(18:29) To sell or not to sell?(20:05) Building a strong leadership teamWant to continue the conversation? More on Northern Trust’s Secrets of Enterprising FamiliesMore on Gina StaudacherReach out to your Northern Trust advisor Remember to subscribe to Secrets of Enterprising Families to stay connected as we dive deeper into the strategies that empower families to manage wealth across generations. Don’t miss our next episode, where we’ll shift the focus to the rising gen - exploring their evolving roles, how they can prepare for leadership, and what it takes to step into ownership successfully.

    26 min

  7. EPISODE 6

    Passing the Baton (and Letting Go of It): Leadership Strategies for the Rising Generation

    In this episode, we explore the critical role that the rising generation plays in a family business. Succession is not just about the strength of the current management team—it also depends on how well the next generation is prepared, engaged, and developed as future leaders, from building credibility and experience to navigating difficult family dynamics and governance responsibilities. Our guest, Meghan Juday, Chair of the Board at Ideal Industries, brings firsthand experience navigating the challenges of stepping into governance and leadership roles within a multigenerational family business. Meghan shares insights on overcoming imposter syndrome, earning credibility and ensuring rising gen members contribute meaningfully—whether actively involved in day-to-day operations or as a board member, owner or trustee. In This Episode, You Will Learn: (03:14) Preparing to Join the Family Business(13:09) Effective Governance and Risk Management(17:46) Challenges of Family Business Transitions(28:02) Advice for Rising Gen LeadersWant to continue the conversation? More on Northern Trust’s Secrets of Enterprising FamiliesMore on Meghan JudayReach out to your Northern Trust advisor Remember to subscribe to Secrets of Enterprising Families to stay connected as we dive deeper into the strategies that empower families to manage wealth across generations. Don’t miss our next episode, where we’ll shift the focus to managing wealth for success—exploring the key principles, strategies, and decisions that help families sustain and grow their wealth over time.

    31 min

  8. EPISODE 7

    Managing Wealth for Success: Planning with Purpose

    In this episode, explore what it means to manage wealth effectively across generations. Whether you’re creating a new estate plan or rethinking an existing structure, wealth management is about more than tax strategy—it’s about aligning your financial assets with your personal values, goals and relationships. Our guests bring a unique blend of professional expertise and lived experience to the conversation. Jack Terrill is an estate attorney who has spent decades helping families navigate complex legal structures and succession planning. Kate Gardner, a next-gen inheritor and leader of Magnify, shares how she’s approached her own wealth journey with purpose, stewardship and a commitment to personal growth. Together, they offer a 360-degree view of managing wealth in a way that empowers families today—and strengthens their legacy for tomorrow.In This Episode, You Will Learn: (07:50) Goal setting and aligning wealth with your values(12:32) Understanding estate planning essentials(18:17) Choosing the Right Trustees(22:35) Structuring Gifts for Responsibility(28:04) Family office structure optionsWant to continue the conversation? More on Northern Trust’s Secrets of Enterprising FamiliesMore on Jack TerrillMore on Kate GardnerReach out to your Northern Trust advisor Remember to subscribe to Secrets of Enterprising Families to stay connected as we dive deeper into the strategies that empower families to manage wealth across generations. Don’t miss our next episode, where we’ll turn our attention to wealth planning for executives—including how to evaluate new or expanding roles, navigate transitions, and manage the ongoing financial decisions that come with executive leadership.

    38 min

  9. EPISODE 8

    Divorce, Remarriage, and Redefining Your Financial Future

    In this episode, we explore the emotional and financial complexities of divorce and remarriage with guest Steph Wagner, National Director of Women & Wealth at Northern Trust. Drawing from both her personal journey and years of experience advising clients, Steph offers powerful insights on how to prepare for divorce, navigate transitions with clarity and rebuild a confident financial future. We discuss the most common mistakes families make, the importance of financial empowerment (especially for those who haven’t traditionally managed the finances) and how to approach remarriage with clear communication and thoughtful planning. Whether you’re entering a new chapter, supporting a loved one or rethinking your estate plan, this episode provides the tools to move forward with confidence. In This Episode, You Will Learn: (05:57) Preparing for Divorce and Getting Organized(10:28) Navigating Emotional and Financial Uncertainty(16:25) Estate Planning After Divorce (21:42) Prenups, Postnups, and Protecting Future Wealth(28:28) Advice for Executives and the Next ChapterWant to continue the conversation? More on Northern Trust’s Secrets of Enterprising FamiliesMore on Steph WagnerReach out to your Northern Trust advisor Remember to subscribe to Secrets of Enterprising Families to stay connected as we dive deeper into the strategies that empower families to manage wealth across generations. Don’t miss our next episode, where we’ll turn our attention to wealth planning for executives—including how to evaluate new or expanding roles, navigate transitions, plan for retirement and manage the ongoing financial decisions that come with executive leadership.

    31 min

  10. EPISODE 9

    Leading with Purpose: Executive Wealth and Retirement Planning

    In this episode, we explore the unique financial considerations executives face throughout their careers — especially as they prepare for retirement. From negotiating compensation packages to managing concentrated stock positions and navigating major transitions, the path can be complex. Guests Christian Klaas, CPA, and Matt Hochstetler, estate planning attorney, share their deep experience working with high-level executives and explain how planning early — and revisiting your plan often—can help preserve wealth, reduce tax exposure, and align financial decisions with long-term goals. Whether you're in the C-suite or advising someone who is, this episode offers actionable insights to help turn executive complexity into clarity. In This Episode, You Will Learn: (04:12) Negotiating Compensation in Executive Roles(10:50) Managing Concentrated Stock and Deferred Income(14:40) Structuring Financial Plans to Reflect Your Goals(18:02) What to Do When Retirement is on the Horizon(24:40) Finding Purpose After the C-SuiteWant to continue the conversation? More on Northern Trust’s Secrets of Enterprising FamiliesMore on Matthew HochstetlerMore on Christian KlaasReach out to your Northern Trust advisor Remember to subscribe to Secrets of Enterprising Families to stay connected as we dive deeper into the strategies that empower families to manage wealth across generations. Don’t miss our next episode, where we’ll turn our focus to one of the most difficult transitions families face: the loss of a loved one. We’ll share practical steps to help ease the process—and stories that remind us what truly matters in times of grief. © 2025 Northern Trust Corporation. Head Office: 50 South La Salle Street, Chicago, IL 60603. Incorporated with limited liability in the U.S. Member FDIC. This information is not intended to be and should not be treated as legal, investment, accounting or tax advice and is for informational purposes only. Readers, including professionals, should under no circumstances rely upon this information as a substitute for their own research or for obtaining specific legal, accounting or tax advice from their own counsel. All information discussed herein is current only as of the date appearing in this material and is subject to change at any time without notice. The information contained herein, including any information regarding specific investment products or strategies, is provided for informational and/or illustrative purposes only, and is not intended to be and should not be construed as an offer, solicitation or recommendation with respect to any investment transaction, product or strategy. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All material has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy, completeness and interpretation cannot be guaranteed. This information does not constitute and should not be understood as a recommendation with respect to the rollover, transfer or distribution of assets from an existing retirement plan or IRA account of any kind, including, without limitation, whether, in what amount, in what form, and to what destination such a rollover, transfer, or distribution should be made. The views and opinions expressed by the interview subjects in this publication are solely theirs and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Northern Trust Corporation or its affiliates. Northern Trust takes no position with respect to such views and opinions in distributing this publication.

    31 min

  11. EPISODE 10

    Navigating the Loss of a Loved One

    In this episode, we explore the emotional complexities and logistical challenges of managing an estate after the loss of a loved one. Guests Jon Jackson from Northern Trust’s Estate Settlement Group and Heather Nickerson, CEO of Artifcts, share personal stories and professional insights on planning ahead, avoiding common pitfalls and communicating clearly with family. The conversation highlights the importance of both practical steps — like organizing documents and building the right advisory team — and the more human side of legacy, like preserving family stories and navigating grief with intention. In This Episode, You Will Learn: [05:24] The Challenges in Estate Settlement[08:00] Practical First Steps to Get Started[11:00] Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them[13:58] The Power of Communication[21:19] Passing on Values, Not Just Valuables[23:39] Creating the Right Team for YouWant to continue the conversation? More on Northern Trust’s Secrets of Enterprising FamiliesMore on Jon JacksonMore on Heather NickersonReach out to your Northern Trust advisor  Remember to subscribe to Secrets of Enterprising Families to stay connected as we dive deeper into the strategies that empower families to manage wealth across generations. Don’t miss our next episode, where we’ll focus on building a legacy—how to define it, shape it, and ensure it lasts.

    32 min

  12. EPISODE 11

    Building a Legacy through Philanthropy

    In the final episode of Secrets of Enterprising Families, we dive into the powerful intersection of philanthropy and legacy. Whether your family is just beginning to think about giving or already has an established foundation, this episode offers rich insight into how values, strategy, and intergenerational collaboration can shape meaningful impact. We’re joined by two dynamic guests; Marguerite Griffin, Head of Philanthropic Advisory at Northern Trust, brings decades of experience helping families align their values and charitable goals. Sid Efromovich, co-founder of Generation Pledge, shares how a new generation of inheritors is reimagining wealth and responsibility. Together, they explore how families can give with intention—and pass down more than just money. In This Episode, You Will Learn: (06:00) Why starting with “why” is essential when embarking on a giving journey(09:15) Ways to build intergenerational trust and alignment around legacy and impact(14:52) Frameworks for structuring your giving(24:01) Key considerations when giving non-cash assets and maximizing tax benefits(30:00) Strategies to meaningfully involve family members across generations in charitable planningWant to continue the conversation? More on Northern Trust’s Secrets of Enterprising FamiliesMore on Marguerite GriffinMore on Sid EfromovichReach out to your Northern Trust advisor This marks the final episode in our 11-part series. Thank you for joining us for these vital conversations around wealth, values, and legacy. © 2025 Northern Trust Corporation. Head Office: 50 South La Salle Street, Chicago, IL 60603. Incorporated with limited liability in the U.S. Member FDIC. This information is not intended to be and should not be treated as legal, investment, accounting or tax advice and is for informational purposes only. Readers, including professionals, should under no circumstances rely upon this information as a substitute for their own research or for obtaining specific legal, accounting or tax advice from their own counsel. All information discussed herein is current only as of the date appearing in this material and is subject to change at any time without notice.

    39 min

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About

Why are some families successful at building and sustaining their wealth, generation after generation? Welcome to Secrets of Enterprising Families, a podcast from The Northern Trust Institute devoted to unlocking the specific strategies that multi-generational families use to transfer their values, wealth and legacy from one generation to the next. In each episode, hosts Nikè Anani and Eric Czepyha will interview a nationally recognized expert on a different wealth planning topic, from marriage to the arrival of children to specific advice for business owners and corporate executives. Northern Trust is a leading global financial institution that has helped families navigate the complexities of wealth for more than 130 years. Nikè Anani is the Director of Next Gen Advisory at Northern Trust, specializing in preparing future generations for wealth ownership. Eric Czepyha is the Director of Business Services at Northern Trust and works with multi-generational business owning families on business transitions and succession planning. Brought to you by the same team behind The Road to Why podcast, Secrets of Enterprising Families will empower you with strategies to tackle financial challenges in a way that engages each member of your family. Subscribe today.

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