The Succession Conversation

Vantage Leadership Consulting
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Management

Most advice about succession stops at the structure. The harder part is the conversation that decides who leads next, and making sure they're ready when the time comes. Whether you advise family businesses or you're the founder deciding who leads next, this is where you learn what it actually takes. Vantage founding partner Carl Robinson and partner Susan Ko, head of the firm's family enterprise practice, have spent decades in the rooms with family enterprises. Each episode starts with a problem most families don't see coming, then gets into how Vantage works through it, what's worked, what hasn't, and what it really took. When it's time for your family to hand things over, this is where you get ready.

Episodes

  1. 3d ago

    Why Family Business Succession Can’t Wait Any Longer with Carl Robinson and Susan Ko

    When a family trusts you, you can get pulled into problems that go well beyond your role. That’s where the pilot of The Succession Conversation opens. Vantage Leadership Consulting’s Carl Robinson, Ph.D. and Susan Ko, Ph.D., both clinical psychologists, talk about family business succession planning at a time when a massive wealth transfer is putting many family enterprises in the middle of leadership transitions. Carl shares the story of a sports franchise owner who planned to hand leadership to his daughter, without the two of them ever having a conversation about it. They also talk about why a bad succession decision is harder to undo in a family business, what outside advisors underestimate about family dynamics, and how to set boundaries with a family before that trust gets tested. For family business owners, rising gen leaders, outside executives and the advisors who support them. Key takeaways Ask the rising generation if they want the role before you plan around themAgree with the family up front on what you have permission to raiseKnow when an issue is beyond your role, and say so early Timestamps (00:00) When a family issue goes beyond your role  (01:29) The wealth transfer tipping point  (02:20) What Vantage does and who it serves  (04:05) Why family businesses aren't easier to lead  (05:08) The succession conversation that never happened  (07:22) What an objective lens adds to succession decisions  (10:08) Why a bad leadership pick is harder to undo in a family business  (11:08) What family advisors underestimate  (12:55) Setting ground rules at the start of an engagement  (13:44) "I'm your sponsor's sponsor"  (17:10) Who this series is for  (19:57) What Carl hopes every listener takes away Resources Connect with Carl Robinson, Ph.D. on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-robinson-ph-d-2b31042/Connect with Susan Ko, Ph.D. on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drsusankoLearn more about Vantage Leadership Consulting: vantageleadership.comCreated in partnership with Share Your Genius: shareyourgenius.com

    Why Family Business Succession Can’t Wait Any Longer with Carl Robinson and Susan Ko

  2. Episode 1

    Welcome to The Succession Conversation

    Ensuring that a family enterprise thrives across time and generations is no easy feat. Central to this challenge is skillfully navigating leadership transitions and the inevitable tensions, conflicts, and potential missteps that often come with this.   The Succession Conversation is a podcast for family business owners, rising-generation family members, executives, and their advisors who help ensure these crucial leadership transitions succeed.   Hosted by Drs. Carl Robinson and Susan Ko of Vantage Leadership Consulting, this series brings together Founders, next generation leaders, outside executives, and respected experts to share their experiences, insights, and lessons they’ve learned the hard way.   Through these candid conversations, Carl and Susan explore the human dynamics behind family wealth and the enterprises they built, from cultivating stakeholder relationships to engaging family members in the right way and at the right time.   Whether you are preparing for a transition or planning for the future, the Succession Conversation offers valuable perspectives on building a legacy that endures.

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    1 Episode

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About

Most advice about succession stops at the structure. The harder part is the conversation that decides who leads next, and making sure they're ready when the time comes. Whether you advise family businesses or you're the founder deciding who leads next, this is where you learn what it actually takes. Vantage founding partner Carl Robinson and partner Susan Ko, head of the firm's family enterprise practice, have spent decades in the rooms with family enterprises. Each episode starts with a problem most families don't see coming, then gets into how Vantage works through it, what's worked, what hasn't, and what it really took. When it's time for your family to hand things over, this is where you get ready.

Information

  • Creator
    Vantage Leadership Consulting
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    2
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Vantage Leadership Consulting