The Leap to Independent Governance: Lessons from Mills Manufacturing

The Leap to Independent Governance: Lessons from Mills Manufacturing

In this episode of Family Business Matters, host Peter Begella sits down with John Oswald, Brian Turner, and Robin Turner of Mills Manufacturing, a 3rd generation manufacturer of highly technical parachute systems based in Asheville, NC, to explore the company’s evolution following the introduction of an independent board.   Drawing on their experiences as operators, shareholders, and board members, they share candid insights into how this governance shift has strengthened alignment, clarified decision-making, and enabled more strategic long-term planning.   They also reflect on the challenges that come with change, emphasizing that while adopting an independent board can be a learning curve, the right structures, conversations, and role clarity can ultimately foster both a healthier business and stronger family relationships. In Notes: Get Connected [https://unc.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_56gqEnjBUkSNe1o] Peter Begalla [https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-begalla-0b4a262/] John Oswald [https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-oswald-a32ab06/] Brian Turrner [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-turner-nc/] Robin Turner [https://www.robinturner.work/about] Mills Manufacturing [https://www.millsmanufacturing.com/]

The Science of Sustainable Leadership with Dr. Mike Christian

In family businesses, leadership isn’t just about performance, it’s about endurance, relationships, and legacy. But what if sustaining yourself as a leader wasn’t about pushing harder?   In this episode of Family Business Matters, host Cooper Biersach sits down with Dr. Mike Christian, award-winning researcher and expert in human energy and resilience, to explore a different approach: energy crafting.   Together, they unpack why the traditional narrative of grit and burnout falls short, especially in family enterprises where leaders carry overlapping roles and emotional demands. Mike shares how energy, physical, cognitive, and emotional, is not fixed, but something leaders can actively generate, direct, and renew. You’ll learn: * Why resilience is really a story of energy, not endurance * How your personal energy directly shapes your team and culture * Practical ways to identify hidden “energy leaks” and make small, meaningful shifts This conversation reframes leadership capacity as something you can intentionally design, not just sustain. In Notes:   * Get Connected [https://unc.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_56gqEnjBUkSNe1o] * Mike Christian [https://mikechristian.web.unc.edu/] * 6 “Ms” of Energy Crafting * Motion and Rest * Mastery Experience * Making Connections * Meaning * Mindfulness * My Choice * 3 Cs of Hardiness * Commitment * Control * Challenge

Family Enterprise Fundamentals: Three Questions Every Business Family Must Answer with Cooper Biersach and Steve Miller

Where should we start? How do we manage conflict? How do we help the next generation find purpose and avoid entitlement? In this episode of the The Family Enterprise Center [https://www.linkedin.com/company/27247152/admin/dashboard/], host Cooper Biersach is joined by Steve Miller, co-founder of the Family Enterprise Center and former president of the Biltmore Estate, to explore the three foundational questions business-owning families ask most often as they think about continuity across generations. Drawing on decades of experience working with family enterprises, and Steve’s research on next-generation leadership development, this conversation offers practical, accessible insights for families at any stage of their journey. Together, Cooper and Steve discuss: * * Why shared purpose is the true starting point for family enterprises * How families can move from avoiding conflict to managing it productively * How early responsibility, communication, and intentional preparation help the rising generation develop purpose, accountability, and stewardship Listeners will walk away with a clearer understanding of family enterprise fundamentals and at least one concrete idea or question they can apply immediately within their own family or organization. Whether you are an owner, family member, advisor, or next-generation leader, this episode provides a thoughtful framework for strengthening both the business and the family behind it. Links  Get Connected [https://unc.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_56gqEnjBUkSNe1o]

Student Voices: The Power of Community and Belonging at Carolina with Molly Malek

This Student Voices episode spotlights the undergraduate experience at Carolina through the lens of Molly Malek [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollymalek/], a driven student leader whose journey has been shaped by the Family Enterprise Center and the Family Business Club. Molly reflects on her path to UNC, her family business background, and the donor‑supported programs that have helped her find direction, community, and career clarity.   Perfect for prospective students, families, and supporters, this episode captures the heart of what donor generosity makes possible. Join us as we celebrate Molly’s story and look ahead to Giving Day.           Get Connected [https://unc.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_56gqEnjBUkSNe1o] Chesney Maniaci [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chesney-maniaci-7b1424122/] Family Enterprise Center Website [https://www.kenan-flagler.unc.edu/family-enterprise-center/team/]

From Anxiety to Curiosity: Tools from Bowen Systems Theory with Dr. Kathleen Smith

Families are powerful systems, and sometimes, they’re anxiety‑creating machines. In this episode of Family Business Matters, host Cooper Biersach [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cooperbiersach/]sits down with therapist and bestselling author Dr. Kathleen Smith [https://kathleensmithwrites.com/] to explore how Bowen Family Systems Theory can transform the way we understand ourselves, our families, and our roles in family enterprises.   Kathleen breaks down how anxiety moves through a family, why we repeat automatic patterns, and how even small shifts in our behavior can change long‑standing dynamics. Together, Cooper and Kathleen discuss real-world examples, including a multigenerational family business scenario, to illustrate how concepts like triangles and differentiation show up in everyday work and life.   Listeners will walk away with: * A clear, conversational introduction to Bowen Theory * Practical ways to observe and interrupt reactivity * First steps for applying these ideas in your family or family enterprise   Whether you’re leading a family business, navigating complex relationships, or simply curious about how families operate, this episode offers tools to help you respond thoughtfully rather than react automatically. Books Everything Isn’t Terrible [https://kathleensmithwrites.com/books/everything-isnt-terrible/] True to You [https://kathleensmithwrites.com/books/true-to-you/] Family Enterpise Center Links The Family Enterprise Center [https://www.linkedin.com/company/27247152/admin/dashboard/] Get Connected [https://unc.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_56gqEnjBUkSNe1o]