The Family Business Voice

On this episode of The Family Business Voice, Laurette Rondenet discusses her journey with Edlong, a family business and leading innovator in the food-flavourings industry. Laurette has been Edlong's principal owner, President and CEO since 2012, making her the first and only woman to own a food flavouring company in the world. She sits on the board of several national and international business organisations and currently serves as the Vice President & Secretary of the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association of the United States. Laurette talks to us about what it takes to build a culture of innovation in a legacy business, the role of family dynamics and the journey towards defining her own leadership style. - Fighting imposter syndrome and acknowledging your true power is the first step in owning your legacy. Trust that you own your accomplishments. - The next generation can't be their parents; they have to find their own voice and approach to leadership, which is difficult. - Create an atmosphere that engenders authentic belonging. A culture where people can be themselves means that people will find their own way to success both for themselves and for the business. Listen and Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Amazon and YouTube.

On this episode of the Family Business Voice, author, consultant, and business coach Jonathan Goldhill speaks about the unique emotional and psychological hurdles many next-generation business owners confront. Jonathan and Ramia also discuss the importance of redefining how success is measured for the next-gen leaders of family enterprises, and the paradox they face when attempting to introduce disruption to long-standing business models that covet stability in pursuit of longevity. -Many next-gens feel the burden associated with believing they are not worthy enough compared to previous generations, which can result in a form of “imposter syndrome”. But the unique circumstances that contributed to the success of earlier generations must be taken into account. Next-gen business leaders must realise that contexts change and redefine what constitutes success for them using their own metrics. -Where previous generations were driven by a hunger to survive, next-gens need to find their own motivation, such as increasing profitability, bettering processes, improving culture or introducing transformative technology. -Creating a “sticky” environment that encourages employees to stay with the business is potentially critical for business successors, but next-gen's should also realise that some changeover is healthy. There is a Darwinian process for every business in transition. It may be difficult, but not everyone is well suited to continue on a company's journey when new leadership takes the reins. Listen and Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Amazon and YouTube.

On this episode of The Family Business Voice, François de Visscher talks about the important shift in mindset that can help families grow, manage, and safeguard their long-term wealth. Francois and Ramia also discuss the core values and other intangibles that families should consider when defining their wealth, how family members can support the transition from business owners to wealth owners, and the psychological impediments that get in the way. François de Visscher is the founder of de Visscher Advisors, one of the world's leading independent financial consulting firms for family businesses owners. He's also the Co-founder of FODIS, which specialises in direct investing for family offices. Read the full article here. -Families should take a ‘portfolio view' of their wealth using a green, yellow, and red labelling system identifying activities that should continue, change, or halt, given current market or economic conditions. -The assets in a portfolio should work toward the goal of stability, growth, or agility depending on the opportunities a family wishes to leverage or the uncertainty it hopes to sidestep. -Risk is an important consideration when families are determining a course of action, but avoiding risk altogether can leave families just as exposed — stuck in traditional models that will inevitably become obsolete. Instead, families should stay close to their core competencies when approaching risk, fully understanding why it's necessary and how it will lead to advancement. Listen and Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Amazon and YouTube.

On this episode of the Family Business Voice, Nike Anani discusses her new book, Lifetime to Legacy, and how it can help business families navigate succession. Nike and Ramia explore the importance of relational values to family business continuity and discuss techniques that founders and next-gens can use to facilitate the transfer process. - Founders typically focus on the technical and legal side of transition, but building bridges and relationships within their organisation is just as important in preparing the next generation. - Different cultures perceive the family structure within their unique and sometimes rigid context. Next-gens, exposed to Western ideas of independence and autonomy through school or travel, can clash with incumbent generations when they return home. Working through these complexities takes understanding and engagement from both sides. - Data suggests that most unsuccessful family business transfers are due to a lack of trust and communication, not through failed strategy or technical planning. Next-gen members looking to bridge the generational divide should start small with open discussions that include siblings and other family members. First-gen members can take a similar approach, speaking with their spouses about the kind of legacy they wish to leave. The most compelling legacies revolve around the collective family and not any single individual. Listen and Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Amazon and YouTube.

On this episode of The Family Business Voice, Sara Stern discusses her new work, Married to the Family Business: a Handbook for Spouses of Family Business Owners. Sara Stern is a speaker, author and consultant who decided to write a handbook for spouses of family business owners because of the apparent vacuum of resources out there for them. Though they might not sit on the board or hold an operational role in the business, spouses are at the centre of it all. They are often influential in decisions and are subject to some unique stressors because of the ambiguity of their roles. - Spouses often get caught in triangles as the go-between for people that wish to talk to their partners, which is almost always a bad idea as it conflates family relationships with business relationships. Maintain strong boundaries to keep these areas separate. - It's best for partners to provide support without taking sides. Try "That sounds hard. What would be an ideal outcome?" rather than "That sounds hard. Your sister is really difficult." - Spouses need to understand their 'why' and have firm boundaries around what they're willing to do. At the same time, they need to understand their partner's 'why' and decide what that means for their relationship. For example, is a call every night at dinner acceptable? If it isn't, those expectations need to be voiced and respected. Listen and Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Amazon and YouTube.

On this episode of the Family Business Voice, John Giovannini speaks with Ramia about having to plan 15 years into the future because of long production cycles, the importance of holding on to biodiversity in the caviar industry and how his father's dream developed over time. Read the full interactive article here. - As it takes 10-15 years for a sturgeon fingerling to grow large enough to produce caviar, the Giovannini family have to plan far into the future. An operational reality that John says would be impossible without entrepreneurial self-belief and a positive outlook. - Downturn and opportunity often go hand in hand. Demand for caviar actually went up over the pandemic, which, with a limited supply of caviar dictated by the spawning season ten years before, means that Ars Italica's product is worth more than ever. - According to John, the way that Ars Italica approaches biodiversity, spawning natural species even if it means lower yields and a longer production cycle compared to hybridized variants, should be applied across the food chain to guarantee more nutritious products that are healthy for us and the environment. Listen and Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Amazon and YouTube.

On this episode of The Family Business Voice, Dr Jamie Weiner and Russ Haworth speak with Ramia about their new book, The Quest for Legitimacy, which explores the unique struggle of those growing up in the family business. Dr Jamie Weiner's experience as a clinical psychologist gives him insight into the complex dynamics that exist between family members. Since 2018, he's devoted himself to qualitative research on the rising generation of prominent family businesses, culminating in The Quest for Legitimacy model. Russ Haworth is a UK based family business consultant who first entered the field nearly 20 years ago as a financial planner and wealth manager. Russ is also the host of The Family Business Podcast. - Rising gen family members often lack the sense that they belong in the position they find themselves in. Getting there requires awareness, introspection and exploration. - Being part of the rising gen isn't necessarily a product of age. Look at the new King Charles III, for example, who was a rising gen until 73. - A rising gen's path is often defined by transition points, which can be the death of a family member, the sale of a key company, or even something subtler, like a conversation. Listen and Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Amazon and YouTube.

On this episode of The Family Business Voice, Maya Prabhu and Dr Dennis Jaffe speak with Ramia about their work on the Tavares de Melo case study, which was published by Tharawat Magazine and written with Carolina Cintra. Read the full interactive article here. Dennis Jaffe is a family business consultant and acclaimed author of books in the field. He is based in San Francisco. Maya Prabhu, based in London, leads J.P. Morgan Private Bank's Wealth Advisory practice for the EMEA region and the International Family Governance practice. Tavares de Melo's story is one of constant reinvention — an instructive example for family businesses that must deal with changing contexts, personnel, and dynamics over time.After 90 years in business, Tavares de Melo sold its physical assets and became a family office. Their work to keep the extended family engaged and unified since then is a lesson in governance and organisation. Listen and Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Amazon and YouTube.

In this episode of The Family Business Voice, Tom McGinness and Andrea Calabró discuss the findings from KPMG Private Enterprise and the STEP Project Global Consortium's Annual Report, which surveyed 2,439 CEOs and other leaders from top family businesses across 70 countries and territories. Using this extensive data set, the report outlines three success factors that underpin multigenerational family success around the world. Tom McGinness is the Global Leader of Family Business for KPMG Private Enterprise and an Experienced Senior Partner at KPMG. Andrea Calabró is the Global Academic Director, STEP Project Global Consortium. - The entrepreneurial orientation of upcoming leaders — a quality that allows them to take calculated risks that benefit the growth and innovation of the business — is a learned behaviour that can be developed by letting next-gens use small amounts of family capital to explore their entrepreneurial instincts from a young age. - Unlike their non-family peers, family enterprises also measure their success through their socio-emotional wealth. This factor, which speaks to the intangible assets, including relationships, that an organisation holds, enables better decision-making and holistic, long-term strategising. - With such strong ties to the organisation, family business members tend to exhibit motivational and transformational styles of leadership, which, coupled with their entrepreneurial orientation and emphasis on socio-emotional wealth, can contribute to better performance. Read KPMG Private Enterprise and STEP Project Global Consortium's Annual Report "The Regenerative Power of Family Businesses" here. Listen and Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Amazon and YouTube.

On this episode of The Family Business Voice, we speak to Neus Feliu, Partner at Lansberg Gersick Advisors, about her work on the Family Enterprise Global Survey on Generational Perspectives. This important study indicates 'stress' areas that family businesses might want to focus on, while also breaking down stereotypes about generational perspectives in family enterprises. Next-gens and current leaders might not be as different as we may think, although there are some important distinctions that are worth paying attention to. Read the full survey here. - Younger generations often think that senior generations don't have the dynamism to undertake the change necessary to move forward, and trying to avoid conflict both generations avoid the subject, which can set this misconception in stone.  - Next-gens and their elders often disagree on the skills necessary to lead, which is significant because families must find common ground if they are to provide a structured road map to develop next-gens within the organisation. - Interestingly, both generations are generally in alignment when it comes to sustainability. - The survey shows that men and women have different priorities within the business. Women are generally more interested in sustainability and family, while being less aspirational about executive positions, which belies the fact that there still exists a level of discrimination that must be dealt with before family business can truly grow as equitable organisations. Listen and Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Amazon and YouTube.

On this episode of The Family Business Voice, we spoke to Jonathan Edgeley, the Founder of Montrose Advisory, about dealing with addiction in the family enterprise. Jonathan grew up in a family enterprise environment and as a young man, was outwardly successful while at the same time struggling with addiction and other mental health issues. Now, Jonathan uses those experiences to help others on their lifelong journey of recovery. - There is still a stigma associated with mental health in the family business. People are more willing to talk about it now than ever but much more work is needed. - Family businesses are generally very private, and this tendency to protect reputation can work against those who are suffering. Part of the problem lies in that people see what they want to see. - Blame or shame has no part in the recovery process. Instead, family members must approach the situation with love and compassion, while at the same time understanding how their behaviour might enable another's addiction and ceasing that behaviour. - Acknowledgement, acceptance and action are fundamental to the healing process. Family members around those who need help with addiction also need to go through a process of recovery so that everyone is on the same page. Listen and Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn and YouTube.

On this episode of the Family Business Voice, we speak with Dr Sofia Bordone, owner and CEO of legacy publishing house Editoriale Domus. Sofia works closely with her mother, Giovanna, to bring their grandfather's business to new heights in the face of a heavily disrupted publishing industry. We talk to Sofia about the mindset required to enable innovation as well as Editoriale Domus' celebrated history, her experience as a woman in publishing, and how she maintains influence in the age of social media. - Sofia's positivity allows her to see change as an opportunity. Editoriale Domus has changed time and again over the last 90 years and innovation remains at the core of the family publisher's outlook. - According to Sofia, there are distinct advantages to family ownership, especially when it comes to quick decision-making. As both CEO and owner, fewer obstacles stand in the way when the situation necessitates speed. - For women entering key positions in the family business, Sofia's advice is: be yourself. Act, dress, and think like a woman because that's who you are, and it's one of the positive attributes you bring to a company. Diversity adds value and brings power to any organisation. Listen and Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn and YouTube.

On this episode of the Family Business Voice Ramia speaks with Marshall Rabil, third generation owner and Marketing Director of Hubs Peanuts. See the full interactive article here. Marshall discusses what his family's legacy, started by his grandmother, means to him, why peanuts are in fact a superfood and why his vision for the future centres around community. - Community is at the core of Hubs Peanuts. The way Marshall sees it, their community helped his grandparents Dot and HJ build the business, so it's their responsibility to give back. - Hubs Peanuts has an incentivised volunteer program for it's employees called Hubs Hearts, which allows them to choose the causes they donate their time to, because volunteer service doesn't count for anything if it's not from the heart. - Hubs Peanuts also works closely with their peanut farmers, and has even started a single-origin product line that is partly inspired by Marshall's experiences in the development sector, where he saw the value of single-origin coffee and cacao initiatives. Listen and Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn and YouTube.

More than half of all companies globally are family owned or operated, contributing to 70% of the world's GDP and accounting for 65% of jobs. And of these family businesses, the 500 largest represent the third-largest global economic contribution and employ more than 24 million people worldwide. On this episode of the Family Business Voice, Helena Robertsson, EY's Global Family Enterprise and Family Office Leader, discusses findings and insights from the EY 2021 Family Business Index, which illustrates the importance of the 500 largest family businesses for the global economy. Key Takeaways The world's 500 largest family businesses have shown a remarkable degree of resilience during the pandemic, weathering the storm admirably. Due to lockdowns and travel bans, many families had a chance to spend more time together, giving them an opportunity to sit down and discuss sensitive but critical matters such as succession. There is an opportunity to engage with the next generation through next-gen programmes and education, which is key to helping younger family members ascend to leadership and board positions, as well as encouraging diversity. Family businesses benefit from investment in people, such as philanthropic efforts. The wellbeing of not just employees but also the wider community can strengthen a family business's position in the market, so they should strive to keep people at the centre of their business model. Listen and Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn and YouTube.

On this episode of The Family Business Voice, Nand Kishore Chaudhary, the visionary founder of Jaipur Rugs, discusses how his company transformed the Indian carpet industry with dignity and respect. See the full interactive article here. - When NK Chaudhary started his business, rug weavers were a disenfranchised minority. They were taken advantage of by middlemen who used the vagaries of a complex supply chain to their sole benefit. Jaipur Rugs cut out these middlemen, instead forging strong relationships with artisans and empowering them through economic independence and benefitting all of those involved. - Empathy and compassion are critical to NK Chaudhary's entrepreneurial model. Making sure these fundamentals are present at every level of the organisation means that people put their heart and soul into what they do. - NK Chaudhary believes that family businesses all over the world hold the keys to societal change by upholding the same values that underpin Jaipur Rugs' success. Listen and Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn and YouTube.

On this episode of the Family Business Voice, Saliza Abdullah, Managing Director and CEO of BG Capital Holdings, talks about her journey at the forefront of the Malaysian security industry, what she sees as the key ingredients for a family firm's longevity, and what the future might hold for BG Capital Holdings. See the full interactive article here. - For Saliza Abdullah, the Managing Director and CEO of BG Capital Holdings, the continued success of her family's business is only one part of her mission. With the help of technology, she's advancing the cause of women in her industry and ushering in a new kind of democratised security — achievements that are just as impactful as her family's extraordinary legacy. - In working well with her mother, the delineation between business and family roles was critical. Mother and daughter could have a heated discussion at work, leave it there and then go home for a family dinner together. They wouldn't pick up the work discussion until the next day. - In her work at BG Capital Holdings, as well as her role as vice-president of the association that governs the security industry in Malaysia, Saliza has overseen a dramatic rise in gender diversity in her industry. According to Saliza, there has been significant buy-in to the idea that gender diversity and inclusion hold the keys to sustainability in the long run. Listen and Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn and YouTube.

On this episode of the Family Business Voice, we talk to Abdulrahman Al Bassam, the Co-founder and CEO of AWN Enterprises, the CEO of Tilal Real Estate Development Company and a member of one of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's renowned family businesses, Al Bassam & Sons. See the full interactive article here. Abdulrahman speaks with us about the unique entrepreneurial journey he's been on and how he is contributing to his family's legacy, the challenges of bringing change in a family business environment, and how a culture based on consistency can take a company toward its full potential. - Working at the family business, Abdulrahman realised it wasn't feasible for him to implement the bold agenda he had in mind — it wouldn't appear fair to his cousins. So, he ventured out on his own. - With the support of both Al Bassam & Sons and his wife, Norah's, family business, the Tamimi Group, the couple established AWN Enterprises in 2009, a successful investment firm. - Abdulrahman's entrepreneurial model compliments his family business but also allows him to follow his own path — an ideal scenario where both the individual and the collective prosper. Listen and Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn and YouTube.

Listen and Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stictcher, TuneIn and YouTube. On this episode of the Family Business Voice, Joseph W Reilly talks about inheritance — the often-overlooked problems associated with wealth, strategies for young inheritors to cultivate a healthy relationship with wealth, and tools, including the family office, that enable inheritors to generate positive outcomes with their wealth. Joseph W Reilly is a family office advisor and Director of the Inheritance Project, a platform that allows inheritors to explore the emotional and social impact of wealth through the experiences of others. – That wealth can be burdensome in some ways is often surprising to people. The stigma associated with talking about these problems and wealth in general, can exacerbate the isolation some inheritors feel. – There’s no hiding affluence from next-gens in the digital age. Instead, healthy relationships with wealth are rooted in open communication — talking about where it comes from and the responsibility that comes with it. – For next-gens, finding a way to apply themselves to a project they are passionate about is key. Rather than feeling burdened by their wealth, they can utilise it to create the change they wish to see in the world.

On this episode of the Family Business Voice, Dr Nupur Pavan Bang talks about share-pledging — what it looks like in practice, where it works and what family businesses should avoid. Dr Bang, Associate Director of the Thomas Schmidheiny Centre for Family Enterprise at the Indian School of Business in Hyderabad, recently co-authored a study on the impact of share pledging for Indian firms. While it dispels some of the negative myths associated with share pledging, Dr Bang’s research also calls for caution, advocating a balanced approach for family enterprises considering the practice. – In India, share-pledging has been very popular for decades now. Almost a quarter of all businesses listed on the National Stock Exchange of India have pledged their shares in some way. The average percentage of their holding that’s pledged is a staggering 44 per cent. – There have been many high-profile cases in the last couple of years where Indian family promoters lost ownership of their company because of share-pledging. – Despite these cautionary tales, the practice also has its benefits, freeing up capital for family enterprises to expand. Dr Bang’s ongoing research seeks to understand share-pledging in greater detail so that families can make informed decisions about the practice.

When Pete and Cathy Delantar established Nature’s Legacy in 1986, sustainability wasn’t the buzzword that it is now. In the Philippines, very few people were familiar with the term, and the concept of upcycling was unheard of. But the Delantars didn’t let that stop them. Now, three-and-a-half decades later, Nature’s Legacy products, manufactured using upcycled waste materials, are some of the most sought after in the interior design and furniture industries. And not only are these products sustainable, but they also reinforce the company’s socially responsible values in how they are made. According to the founders, creating an environment where their people can thrive is equally important as maintaining a sustainable value chain. Read the full interactive article here: https://www.tharawat-magazine.com/stories/natures-legacy-business-of-doing-good/ On this episode of the Family Business Voice, Pete and Cathy Delantar, as well as their son Carlo, discuss their vision of sustainability, their innovative products and their commitment to social improvement. – Marketing never-before-seen sustainable products hasn’t been without its challenges. But when Nature’s Legacy started filling orders with major brands, their detractors had to start taking them seriously. – According to Pete, there’s plenty of ‘low-hanging fruit’ for companies that don’t know where to begin when it comes to initiating sustainability projects. Don’t be afraid to start. – Nature’s Legacy’s sustainability is their competitive advantage, becoming a commanding force in the market because of their proprietary, upcycled products. 

On this episode of the Family Business Voice, we speak to advisor, author and family business member Iraj Ispahani. Iraj is the CEO of Ispahani Advisory and the author of a new book, Family Business and Responsible Wealth Ownership: Preparing the Next Generation. Iraj’s book helps answer some of our burning questions about next-gens – how to engage, empower and prepare them for leadership positions – topics that Iraj has firsthand experience of. As a Group Director and sitting board member of his family’s business, The Ispahani Group, a family business with over 200 years of history, Iraj draws on his own journey as a next-gen finding his way back to the family business to inform others. – Next-gens must identify their purpose and be able to work towards it, regardless of whether that purpose overlaps with the purpose of the family business. – Outside experience is critical: next-gen family members need to develop their skills independently. That way, they can bring new aptitudes back to the family business if and when they join, and feel confident that they deserve their position. – Making mistakes, entrepreneurial or otherwise is an integral part of the learning process, and older generations need to make sure that next-gens know they are welcome in the family fold even if the risks they take don’t always pan out. Read Iraj’s book https://www.globelawandbusiness.com/special-reports/family-business-and-responsible-wealth-ownership-preparing-the-next-generation

When Ben Cross began his career as a marine biologist, he never imagined that years later he’d end up spending his days in a greenhouse. But soon enough, he felt the pull of his family’s legacy business — Crosslands Flower Nursery. Since his return, both have thrived. We spoke to Ben about his journey, how he markets homegrown, and why educating consumers is such a big part of his strategy. Read the full article here: https://www.tharawat-magazine.com/stories/crosslands-flower-nursery/ – Crossland’s longevity is rooted in the family’s ‘survival mindset’ — an attitude that’s helped them deal with the economic downturn associated with Covid. – The flower industry hasn’t benefitted from the same sustainable advocacy that the food industry has. As a result, flower labels in the supermarket don’t list where they come from or how they were grown — information that would bring more people to Crosslands. – As a result, Ben has taken matters into his own hands, teaching consumers about where and how mass-produced flowers are grown, what differentiates his flowers, and why people should care.

Reem Hassani and Ahmed Rahim, the siblings behind Numi Tea, are changing how tea impacts the world. Since 1999, they’ve been introducing people to new tastes and new possibilities through their creative and sustainable business model. On this episode of the Family Business Voice, Ahmed and Reem talk about the connection between tea and sustainable development, why hospitality and generosity are key brand values and how they are growing Numi tea around the world. – Numi’s culture of giving is tied to the hospitality that the drink signifies  — what the siblings refer to as the generosity of tea. – Reem and Ahmed’s determination to use tea as a method for healing mentally, physically and communally meant pioneering philanthropic operations at the source. – According to Ahmed, sustainable initiatives only hit the mark when you do your due diligence, surround yourself with talented, knowledgeable people, and pursue the objectives that are close to your heart.

Read the full interactive article here: https://www.tharawat-magazine.com/stories/state-garden-people-planet-produce/ Since 1938, the DeMichaelis family has built their business on a foundation of societal sustainability — prioritising suppliers, employees and consumers. The loyalty and trust they’ve received in return have made their business — State Garden — what it is today: one of the largest repackagers of organic salad greens in the Northeast US. On this episode of the Family Business Voice, we spoke to Mark DeMichaelis about the importance of relationships, how trust eases transitions, and how these values are passed to the next generation. – Societal sustainability is part of State Garden’s culture. Mark saw how his father and aunt treated suppliers and customers with the utmost respect, and models those behaviours for others. – State Garden’s good standing with suppliers was a critical part of the transition to organic, as farmers needed to trust DeMichaelis’ forecast that organic would be more profitable in the long-term. – For the most part, Mark and his two brothers ‘divide and conquer’. John mostly looks after operations, Kevin oversees sales and Mark provides the general direction for where the company is going, giving each the independence to do what is needed. For bigger decisions, however, the brothers only move forward unanimously.

Listen and Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stictcher, TuneIn and YouTube. On this episode of The Family Business Voice, we spoke to Genette Gregson, CEO of All States Trailer Spares (ASTS), about open communication, next-generation structuring and the characteristic family business work ethic.  Since ASTS was founded by Genette’s father, Peter Hilton, in 1997, it’s become one of the industry leaders as a distributor of spare parts for trailers to the automotive, industrial and OEM markets in Australia and New Zealand. Genette now works closely with her sister, Sheree Robartson, who helps steer the business as a director. – Genette and Sheree came into the business on a permanent basis after establishing successful careers elsewhere. Both credit these experiences with helping them transition to leadership roles in a male-dominated industry. – For Genette, working with family means a level of support that non-family businesses simply can’t offer. Because they know each other so well, Genette and Sheree can step in to help one other when needed, often without verbalising the need to do so. – ASTS has benefitted from the formalisation Genette and Sheree have implemented since taking over from their father. Gone are the days of stock paper, which for a company with over 5000 SKUs has been a gamechanger.

Listen and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, YouTube and TuneIn. On this episode of The Family Business Voice, we spoke to Fanie van der Merwe, ninth-generation General Manager of Boplaas 1743, about stewardship, legacy, innovation and pragmatism. Taking over from his father in the 1980s, Fanie has shouldered the responsibility of guiding the family business, a working farm that also accommodates guests, for more than three decades. Now, with the departure of his brother from the business after 28 of those years, he feels more than ever that instilling the value of stewardship in his sons and the generations that follow is his most important obligation. – Boplaas has one foot firmly planted in the future. The company’s Marlenique Packhouse operates using 90 per cent renewable solar energy produced in their floating solar plant — an African first. – At the same time, Boplaas embraces its history and the traditions that have grown up around it. The original farmyard was named a South African National Monument in 1973, with guests travelling from far and wide to get a sense of its heritage, enjoying its pastoral nostalgia. – One of Boplaas’ core values is stewardship, and to Fanie, that means being part of something special — a link in the chain. Having this kind of perspective leads to long-term continuity and has served the van der Merwe family and Boplaas 1743 well. Read the full article here: https://www.tharawat-magazine.com/stories/boplaas-1743-longlasting-success-responsible-stewardship/

Listen to the episode on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, Stitcher, Spotify and YouTube. On this episode of The Family Business Voice, Gonzalve Bich, CEO and third-generation owner of BIC, speaks with Ramia about the visionary spirit that inspired the company's evolution and how digitalisation represents a transformative opportunity for BIC and other family firms. Since 2018, Gonzalve Bich has been the CEO of the family business his grandfather, Marcel Bich, founded in 1945. He is guiding BIC through this period of unprecedented change using the same precepts of empowerment and family cohesion that made BIC a global brand in the first place. Episode Takeaways -The ability to transform has been one of BIC's most important assets. The company places a high degree of trust in its people, which, Gonzalve explains, has been a key component in BIC's international expansion — allowing BIC to adapt to every market at the local level. Adaptability is an asset that many family businesses possess, and it’s especially important now in this time of disruption. -Change simply for the sake of change is counterproductive, but re-evaluating strategies — even core business categories — is sometimes required to generate new successes. BIC leveraged this philosophy in developing its recent consumer centricity plan, which led to the creation of its BodyMark and EZ Reach product lines. -Delivering lifetime value is a foundational part of the family firm’s longstanding relationship with consumers all over the world. BIC is also fiercely proud of its entrepreneurial spirit and continuously innovates, creating value and finding new opportunities as a means to uphold its legacy. Read the full article here: https://www.tharawat-magazine.com/stories/bic-an-iconic-transformation/

Listen to the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, TuneIn, Stitcher and YouTube. On this episode of The Family Business Voice, Ramia speaks with business leader, entrepreneur and author Priyanka Gupta Zielinski talks about her book “The Ultimate Family Business Survival Guide”, which examines the effective characteristics of Indian family businesses that all enterprises can adopt to navigate unpredictable events, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Priyanka Gupta Zielinski, Executive Director of MPIL Steel Structures Ltd., draws on what she has experienced working in her own family's business to inform the findings in her book and present a unique manual to help family businesses thrive, even in times of crisis. Episode Takeaways -Many family business success stories begin when multiple generations are able to find common ground. Often, next generations can bring technological advantages to a business structure built with resiliency as a core tenant of its founding generation. -When confronted with business roadblocks, families benefit from looking within themselves and examining their business history and legacy. Leveraging a management style fortified by experience and wisdom can both empower and inspire those tasked with the tough decisions. -There are five tools that family enterprises can use as coping mechanisms during turbulent times, but the “flashlight tool”, which helps businesses visualise and fully understand future shifts brought on by disruptions such as digitization, is particularly relevant during the current times. Read Priyanka’s book here.

Listen to this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, TuneIn, Stitcher and YouTube. On this episode of The Family Business Voice, Ramia talks to Professor Pramodita Sharma about her new book “Pioneering Family Firms' Sustainable Development Strategies”, which charts the journey of 15 business families showing a commitment to sustainable development through their work in a diverse range of industries and geographies. Professor Pramodita Sharma is the Schlesinger-Grossman Chair of Family Business at the Grossman School of Business, University of Vermont. A prolific author and pioneer in her field, Professor Sharma’s work draws on her close ties to the business community as well as her experiences growing up in a family enterprise. Recently, her research has focused on understanding the role of spirituality, philanthropy and sustainability on strategic decision-making in the family business. Episode Takeaways: Sustainability is no longer considered an impediment to profitability; instead, it’s becoming a requirement. Long-term strategic planning has always been important for family businesses, where multigenerational entrepreneurship and succession are typically paramount. Sustainability supports survival and longevity by its very nature, connecting business activities with social and environmental initiatives that generate future prosperity. Examples from the book “Pioneering Family Firms' Sustainable Development Strategies” illustrate the drivers behind 15 family’s sustainability journeys. In many cases, both consumers and next-gen leaders share the same passion for mitigating the long-term impact of harmful human activities on planet and people, helping to make these sustainable strategies successful. It's typically easier for first-generation business owners to establish their sustainability strategies right out of the gate than for family businesses to pivot generations down the line. However, the case of a nearly century-old conventional produce packager that successfully shifted to offering 98 per cent organic products over 10 years shows how slow and consistent efforts can transform even the most established businesses. Despite the growing sustainability trend, many family businesses struggle with the first few steps on their path toward an environmentally and socially friendly business model. Business networks can be a valuable resource that brings business families together, allowing them to learn about sustainable development issues and approaches from each other. In addition, innovation focussed sustainability programs, such as the ones offered by the University of Vermont and others, provide a comprehensive education in sustainable marketing, accounting, and finance, accessible anywhere in the world through online learning. More and more, organisations are bringing families together in support of sustainability and helping to b

Listen to the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn and Youtube. On this episode of The Family Business Voice, Rodolfo Paiz and Ramia discuss how a family office can help families with everything from philanthropy to next-generation engagement, and what Rodolfo’s iceberg model reveals about the impact of the pandemic on family offices. Rodolfo Paiz grew up in a successful Guatemalan family business, and translated those experiences into a career in the family office space as a consultant and the CEO of Fidelius Family Office. Episode Takeaways:  When it comes to starting a family office, the two most significant barriers are a lack of awareness around family offices in general, and the myth that the primary purpose of family offices is wealth management. Many family business leaders never think of starting a family office because they don’t see how it applies to them, especially when there are so many other matters to contend with. Family offices are a priceless asset to family businesses when it comes to family unity, education and back-office services — aspects that only become more relevant with time as family principles disperse geographically and the culture gap between generations widens. Rodolfo’s iceberg model separates the family office into six constituent parts. Wealth, financial and otherwise, is the only part of the iceberg that’s visible to outsiders, and is kept afloat by the other five layers below, which are family, education, governance, people and business. The pandemic has most affected family offices on the level of business and family, but in many cases, owning families were able to turn this pressure into positive outcomes by spending more time with each other while protecting or pivoting their businesses. The iceberg model; graphic courtesy of Rodolfo

On this episode of The Family Business Voice, Rob Lachenauer and Josh Baron speak with Ramia about their new book The Harvard Business Review Family Business Handbook, and why we should challenge common misconceptions about family business. Rob Lachenauer, CEO and Partner at Banyan Global is an entrepreneur and consultant who advises owners of some of the world’s leading family businesses. Josh Baron is a Partner and Co-founder at Banyan Global. As a family business consultant, Josh has worked with a diverse range of family enterprises around the world, helping them manage conflict, achieve their goals, and move their businesses forward. He also teaches family business courses at Columbia Business School Episode Takeaways Many misconceptions exist around the family business — that family businesses are hotbeds of conflict, that family businesses aren’t agile, that the family business model becomes less relevant day-by-day — and these misconceptions, which proliferate in part because they make such good stories, can be harmful. Family businesses must understand that these ‘weak spots’, complicated family dynamics, for instance, when managed well, can give them a competitive advantage that non-family businesses can never access. Family businesses are exceptional survivors. While they may not be able to pull together as much capital as quickly as non-family firms, their history and identity gives them a natural acuity for prospering in harsh environments. The value of family ownership shouldn’t be underestimated. Family ownership influences every aspect of the organisation, especially the more innate factors including culture, which positions a business for success or otherwise. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn and Youtube.

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn and Youtube. On this episode of The Family Business Voice, Daniel G Van Der Vliet and Torsten M Pieper talk with Ramia about updating Astrachan and Shankar’s seminal 2003 research paper “Family Businesses’ Contribution to the U.S. Economy: A Closer Look,” and what their updated research says about the field of family business education. Daniel G Van Der Vliet is the John and Dyan Smith Executive Director of Family Business at Cornell University. Over the last 25 years, Daniel has worked with family business owners and next-gen successors, helping them connect with each other over the issues that matter most — those with the potential to impact continuity. Torsten M Pieper is an Associate Professor at UNC Charlotte Belk College of Business and the President of the International Family Enterprise Research Academy (IFERA), the largest network association of family business researchers in the world. Torsten’s and his team’s work allows for an unprecedented overview of the state of family businesses in 2021 and a good indication of where they might go next.   The research team was surprised to find that there are roughly 10 million more active family businesses now than there were in 2003 — encouraging news in the face of stereotyping that sees the family business model as outdated and losing momentum.  Family businesses have, traditionally, been quite hard to study, with private ownership and staggering diversity in size and industry making data harder to come by than it is for large public companies. Getting the facts together is no less important, however. Family business knowledge translates to policies and practices that can help family businesses succeed.  There is a huge gap between how people think of and idolise entrepreneurship (and how it’s generally taught) — the extraordinarily successful entrepreneur who builds a million-dollar company from nothing and then sells it for profit — and entrepreneurship in practice — families with a more long-term perspective and modest, compounding gains. A copy of the full research report, sponsored by Family Enterprise USA, and co-authored by Torsten Pieper, Franz Kellermanns, and Joe Astrachan, can be found here.

Listen to the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn and Youtube. On this episode of the Family Business Voice, Philip Grindell, CEO of Defuse Global, and Ramia talk about how family businesses can stay safe in the digital age. Philip Grindell’s background as a Scotland Yard Detective with time spent seconded to British Intelligence gives him an in-depth view on just what can happen in unsafe situations. And now, he’s applying those insights to the world of private security, helping family business members, politicians and other high-profile clients stay safe both online and in-person. Safety starts with people. Regardless of the type of threat a family business has to deal with, that threat originates from a person on the other end, and a person in the business must let that threat in — knowingly or unknowingly. As such, businesses should vet their employees thoroughly and check in with them regularly to make sure they are doing everything they can to keep the organisation safe. Check more than just a possible recruit’s experience or skills; check their associations and their potential to heighten risk.  Businesses should consider implementing safety governance. Even a few simple regulations can go a long way. Some examples of good safety governance are: changing passwords regularly and not using third-party hardware with unknown providence (thumb-drives from tradeshows, for instance). Start the conversation around safety before circumstance necessitates it. Only by encouraging a culture that recognises threats, whether physical, reputational or psychological, as real and serious can family businesses mitigate those threats when they arise.

On this episode of The Family Business Voice, John J Lamont from Nowchem talks with Ramia about how his family's bond shaped their succession strategy and how these experiences might translate to the family's next generation of leaders. – John and his siblings literally grew up in the chemical factory, even living on-premise for a year after their parents relocated the family and started the business — an experience that brought them closer together. – The Lamont family approached succession in the most pragmatic way, starting an open, honest dialogue between everyone involved years before transition was imminent. As a result, John was able to make ambitious plans for the future, confident that family issues wouldn’t stand in the way of Nowchem’s expansion. – Nowchem has played a critical role in their community through the pandemic, staying open six days a week to manufacture cleaning supplies and keep people employed. Listen to this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher and TuneIn. Experience the full interactive article here: https://www.tharawat-magazine.com/stories/nowchem-the-bond-that-shapes-family-and-business/

In this episode of the Family Business Voice, Albert Myles speaks with Ramia about family dynamics, behaviours that build resiliency in the face of adversity and what to do when we are confronted with negativity. Albert Myles is a former professional basketball player who is now a philanthropist, mentor and a leading expert in the family dynamic, mental health and healthspan issues affecting enterprising families around the world. In his work as a family advisor and health coach to a diverse range of clients from couples who manage SMEs to CEOs and professional athletes, he's seen both the pressure that prominence can exert on families as well as some effective strategies to help turn that pressure into a force for good. - Preserving wealth is only one small part of ensuring family business continuity. Family business leaders should invest as much time into preserving family dynamics and healthy family relationships as they do into looking after their more tangible assets. - Similarly, if next-gens are drawn away from the operational side of the business, they should be allowed to explore. They can still contribute to the health of the family's wider interests in what will likely be a more fruitful way than if they are pressured into doing something they don't want to do. - Establishing a safe place for open, honest dialogue is the first step in making sure that the health of a family's dynamic is as secure as the health of the family's business. Listen to the episode on Spotify, Itunes, Google, TuneIn and Stitcher.

On this episode of The Family Business Voice, Rania Labaki speaks with Ramia about how family businesses can support transformational leadership through governance, an exceptional skill in the face of disruption and adversity. Rania Labaki is the Director of the EDHEC Family Business Centre and Associate Professor of Management at EDHEC Business School. She also sits on several boards, including those of the predominant academic journals devoted to family business, offering her expertise both in an advisory and editorial capacity. In her work with family businesses all over the world, she’s seen transformational leadership in action, and has cultivated a deep understanding of the structures that make that transformational leadership possible in the first place. – Transformational leaders are agents of positive change in their family businesses. They set a course based on their values and motivate others to follow along in their stead, creating a ripple effect that stands to benefit the entire organisation. – Leadership is in no means static. Transformational leaders are perceptive, and act accordingly to the environment they are in, letting their context inspire or amplify the change they create. – Transformational leaders often initiate the process of building governance into the family business. Once that framework has been established, it paves the way for other transformational leaders, especially next-gens, to find their place and create the greatest impact. Listen to the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher and TuneIn.

As a sixth-generation leader in his family's meat processing business, Compaxo, Michael van der Post walks a virtual tightrope. He must honour five generations of his family’s business legacy while at the same time ensuring Compaxo’s sustainability with forward-facing strategy. Headquartered in Gouda in the Netherlands, Compaxo can trace its roots back to 1896 when Johannes van der Post opened a pork butcher's shop. Since then, Compaxo has grown into one of Europe's most successful pork processing operations. Today, Michael van der Post is one of 13 shareholders tasked with guiding this century-old operation through the era of digital disruption. On this episode of The Family Business Voice, Michael van der Post and Ramia discuss balancing tradition with the need to adapt to a rapidly changing industry. – With a total of 13 family owners in the business, maintaining harmony can sometimes be challenging. For Compaxo, it comes down to trust and clearly defined roles within the family. This way, there is room for everyone's ambition, and individuals can advance as far as they like within the business.  – Michael and his generation of leaders often look to the experience of their predecessors. Once every couple of months, the older generation comes together to offer formal advice and guidance where needed. – However, it’s important to maintain a balance between the traditions of Compaxo’s past and the need to innovate. The processed meats industry is changing rapidly, and new ideas, like vegetarian options, for example, must be part of the equation to ensure Compaxo’s continuity. Listen to this episode on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher or TuneIn.

Chris Bosley’s passion for entrepreneurship led him back to the family business, Amorini, an industry leader in kitchen and joinery components. Now, he works alongside his brother, Mitch, father Steven and uncle Paul Atkins, diversifying Amorini’s product offering and developing a proprietary software platform called the Amorini Edge. On this episode of The Family Business Voice, Chris and Ramia talk about Amorini’s family business dynamic, it’s new technological underpinnings and its continued commitment to the people that make it all possible. – Working outside Amorini with various start-ups provided Chris with a unique entrepreneurial environment, but he always felt somewhat removed because it was someone else's money at risk. By joining the family business, he became directly invested in its success and ensuring the longevity of its legacy. – Helping others grow remains one of the fundamental principles of Amorini, and a value that Steven Bosley instilled in his sons from an early age.

On this episode of The Family Business Voice, Ramia speaks to Russ Haworth, Family Business Advisor and Host of the show The Family Business Podcast, about where purpose and succession overlap. Haworth believes that healthy transitions lie at the heart of continuity, and as such, is passionate about helping next-generation family members find their place in the business. As Co-director of ‘The Land of Giants’, a research project that focuses on next-gen journeys, Haworth knows all too well the generational gap that threatens to derail even the most well thought out transitions. However, he’s also seen how purpose, defined in open, honest intergenerational dialogue can do just as much to get the transition process back on track, even if it means next-gens opting out of the active role envisioned for them by their parents. With baby boomers reconsidering their place at the family business in light of the pandemic, managing transitions effectively so that all stakeholders involved benefit has never been more important. – The meaning that family business leaders give to the values they hold through their actions is the purpose of the business. – Translating that purpose from one generation to the next is difficult because even if they hold the same values, they will invariably see how those values apply to the everchanging world around them in fundamentally different ways. – Getting over those differences requires a high level of emotional intelligence, which families can work on by levelling with each other regularly and approaching their collaboration with empathy and openness. Listen to this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google, Stitcher and TuneIn.

On this episode of The Family Business Voice, Dr Axel Göhler speaks to Ramia about BESTMALZ' expansion, his unique perspective on the world of German family beer and the modern concept of craft.  – Since 2014, CEO Dr Axel Göhler, the grandson of founder Max Göhler, has spearheaded the company's international expansion. Now, BESTMALZ distributes quality malts to more than 85 countries, including the US, China and Brazil. -The traditional German family malt producer is at the forefront of a recent surge in global demand for a modern bespoke beer experience, which, according to Dr Göhler, revolves around identity. – German brewers by law must adhere to purity guidelines set out in the 16th Century, but Dr Göhler’s approach shows that there is still plenty of room to innovate, especially when it comes to logistics, customer care and IT support. Read the full article here. Listen to the podcast on Spotify, Apple, Google, Stitcher and Tunein.

On this episode of The Family Business Voice, Tadesse Meskela speaks with Ramia about his experiences with cooperation, its positive impact on Oromo communities and how the Oromo coffee farmer’s journey serves as an excellent model for others around the world to create prosperity in life and business. For generations, 40 million Oromo have depended on coffee for their income – and, thanks to the Oromia Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union, they now see an appropriate share of the profits from a global market that depends on their labour and expertise. With extensive research, international NGO funding and hard-earned governmental support, Meskela completely revamped the Ethiopian coffee industry to a new standard that allows farmers to reap the benefits of their hard work. Throughout history, people have come together to solve their problems, and for places such as Ethiopia, where the primary economy is based on agriculture, cooperative formation directly translates to prosperity.  Read the full interactive article here. Listen to the podcast on Spotify, Apple, Google, Stitcher and Tunein.

Storytelling is essential to the intergenerational transfer of knowledge, values and culture. In the context of the family business, these narratives, according to Guillermo Salazar, usually revolve around the founder and adhere to a particular structure - a ‘monomyth' - that we are all familiar with: think the story of the Buddha, or Jesus. Moreover, subsequent generations of family business leaders look to this story -- the Hero's Journey - to continue to build the identity of the business - a critical piece in the multigenerational sustainability puzzle. On this episode of The Family Business Voice, we spoke to Guillermo Salazar, the Director of Exaudi Family Business Consulting, about the power of storytelling. Read the full article on the Hero's Journey here. Listen to the podcast on Spotify, Apple, Google, Stitcher and Tunein.

On this episode of The Family Business Voice, Kaben Smallwood speaks with Ramia about the revolution in sustainable food production, how his Native American heritage influences his entrepreneurship and what the pandemic might mean for the future of aquaponics. Aquaponics is an ancient agrarian practice that has been in use for thousands of years, but applying aquaponic principles to modern agriculture is revolutionary. When Kaben Smallwood first learned about aquaponic systems, they resonated with his vision of sustainability – a cultural tenet passed down to him through the generations of his tribe, the Choctaw Nation. Symbiotic Aquaponic's mission is to re-introduce aquaponic technology and bring it into the modern age to show people that they can feed themselves and their communities. Listen on Spotify, Apple, Google, Stitcher and TuneIn. Experience the full interactive article here.

On this episode of The Family Business Voice, Viviana Jaramillo speaks to Ramia about Sol de Minca’s collaboration with neighbouring communities, operating a business with Sierra Nevada indigenous values in mind and what indigenous leaders there are saying about the pandemic. As soon as Sol de Minca’s owners knew they wanted to start a business on indigenous land, they contacted the local indigenous community to ask for guidance. A spiritual leader came onto the property and conducted a ritual so that they could grow food and build structures with nature on their side. They’ve learned that profit and sustainability aren’t mutually exclusive and that the latter should always come before the former.  Listen to the podcast on Spotify, Apple, Google, Stitcher and TuneIn. Read the full interactive article here.

On this episode of The Family Business Voice, Samuel Bautista Lazo speaks with Ramia about indigenous production methods, the enduring quality they engender and the new channels he’s found to market his peoples’ product to the world. – In the remote mountain village of Xiguie’a (Teotitlán del Valle), Mexico, Benizaa (Zapotec) families combine a consummately modern approach to marketing with ancient artisanship and singular local wisdom. The 14,000-year-old craft of Benizaa textile has gained traction with a global audience on the digital marketplace through Dixza Rugs and Organic Farm. – Dixza is a business owned and operated by the Bautista Lazo family, master weavers for countless generations. Their rugs are hand-died and woven from “criollo” native wool, which honours both the timeless method of their ancestors, as well as the enduring quality they produced. – Samuel Bautista Lazo is the latest in a long line of Bautista Lazos to run the business. Unlike his ancestors, however, he studied in England where his research focused on eco-efficiency, industrial ecology, eco-design and industrial waste management. It was other more mundane experiences while in London, however, that led to a sea change in the way his family business would operate. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher and TuneIn. Also, read the full article here.

On this episode of The Family Business Voice, Michael Connolly Munda-gutta Kulliwari spoke to Ramia about the important lessons we can learn from aboriginal art and culture. – The world is out of balance. The cycle of life was established long before humans, but we disrupted it and altered or destroyed elements that keep the planet healthy. – To achieve this balance once again, the next generation must find fixing and maintaining their land more rewarding than supporting a world of economic disparity overseen by billionaires. For the world to heal and grow again, living in harmony must trump living in wealth. – It’s never too late to learn from the past. The world wasn't always run like a machine – there was a time when the sun and the seasons guided our actions. In many ways, that message is what Aboriginal stories convey. That message of harmony is exactly what the world needs to hear right now. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher and TuneIn. Also, read the full article here.

On this episode of The Family Business Voice, Anders Sorman-Nilsson, futurist, Founder of Thinque and part of a family business legacy, speaks with Ramia about how COVID-19 has changed our outlook on the world as well as our appetite for technology. The Australian-Swedish dual-citizen has shared the stage with heads of state, penned three books and featured as a keynote speaker around the world. Growing up in a family business environment, Anders is well-acquainted with the obstacles that SMEs come up against when faced with a crisis. But he’s also quick to point out that in times of upheaval, change and opportunity exist simultaneously alongside each other. – Those companies that place a high value on learning and curiosity are better positioned to navigate the crisis, finding opportunity through innovation and creativity. – Pandemics of the past have changed the way we work: the Black Death may have led to the Rennaissance and Spanish Flu saw women enter the workforce in unprecedented numbers. Looking past the hardships to pay attention to how our society is changing as a result of the pandemic will serve family business leaders well over the coming months. – Artificial Intelligence and Big Data are just two of the technologies that will likely be catalysed by COVID-19. Using these technologies to free up human talent for creative work has the potential to make family businesses even more sustainable. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher and TuneIn. Also, read the full article here.

On this episode of The Family Business Voice, Edward Gallagher, CEO of Irish Premium Oysters, speaks with Ramia about Ireland’s aquaculture industry, the impact of climate change on shellfish and the strategic partnership that helped their business expand. – Edward’s father, Jimmy Gallagher, started Irish Premium Oysters in the mid-90s hoping that his son would one day take an interest in entrepreneurship. – The international market for shellfish, and Irish Premium Oysters’ strategic partnerships with international dealers who have access to that market, has driven their expansion. – It’s not merely about the bottom line at Irish Premium Oysters. Sustainable aquaculture has been woven into the DNA of the multigenerational family business, and they have the accreditations to prove it. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher and TuneIn. Also, read the full article here.

On this episode of The Family Business Voice, Ramia speaks to Jan Ryde, Hästen’s fifth-generation CEO, as well as his son and sixth-generation family business member, Lukas Ryde, about leveraging the power of technology in product development while balancing cutting-edge innovation with timeless tradition. – Regardless of the decade, there is continuity in the message passed from one generation to the next: the means of production and distribution may change, but there is no substitute for quality, service or value. – A return to the businesses’ core product offering, exceptional handmade mattresses, has seen Hästens expand on a global scale. – Hästens focus on quality adds value to the customer experience over lifetimes; they’ve found some of their mattresses still in use after a century. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher and TuneIn. Also, read the full article here.

On this episode of The Family Business Voice, Feisal Alibhai speaks to Ramia about how COVID-19 has given health and wellbeing an immediacy that few regarded it with before the crisis. Informed by his work supporting others as the Founder and CEO of Qineticare, the world’s first Family Health Office, as well as his own experiences as a survivor, he offers actionable insight on how we can look after our physical, emotional, relational and spiritual selves as well as our businesses while isolated and at home. – Right now, most people are in fight or flight mode, which does not allow for logical thought and rational decision-making. – Reestablishing a sense of calmness with meditation is one way to regain the clarity of mind necessary to get through this crisis in the best way possible. – While change is uncomfortable and uncertainty is stressful, this is also an opportunity for individuals to get back in touch with themselves, and families to get back in touch with each other. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher and TuneIn. Also, read the full article here.

On this episode of The Family Business Voice, Dennis Jaffe, author and family office consultant, speaks to Ramia about his latest book, Borrowed from your Grandchildren: The Evolution of Stewardship in 100-Year Families, and what we can learn from these longstanding companies in times of crisis. Borrowed from your Grandchildren is less of a how-to manual and more of a collection of shared wisdom from families that have gone the distance – a wealth of insight into the experience of enterprising generations. While the families Jaffe surveyed may not yet have survived the economic fallout of COVID-19, they have survived other crises over their operational tenures, and their resiliency provides a framework for sustainability through the downturn. – Successful multigenerational family businesses tend to have healthy relationships between the principal owners. Often, they are united by a common goal beyond financial success; their values bind them together and keep them on track.  – Generally, the subsequent generations of successful multigenerational family businesses are actively building wealth rather than just living off it. Determined next-gens look for meaningful ways to put their families' fortunes to good use. – Large corporations can learn from family businesses by developing more long-term thinking. They should look to reinvest their money and clarify their financial values. – With each generation comes strengths that the previous generation does not necessarily have. Not only does each generation bring its strengths to the alliance, but they are also willing to collaborate. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher and TuneIn. Also, read the full article here.