Let's Talk Family Enterprise

73: Understanding ADHD in Family Enterprises

Host Aileen Miziolek speaks with Dr. Tamara Rosier about how ADHD can show up in adults and the common misconceptions that can shape family enterprise dynamics. They explore how traits such as emotional dysregulation, risk-taking and divergent thinking influence communication, trust and generational roles within enterprising families. Dr. Rosier also shares practical ways to design systems that support neurodivergent minds, and highlights the value of coaching and self-awareness in helping families work more effectively together. All views, information, and opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Family Enterprise Canada [https://familyenterprise.ca/]. Guest bio Dr. Tamara Rosier is a captivating and highly regarded speaker, widely recognized as a leading authority on ADHD and neurodiversity. Her signature blend of warmth, humor, and practical wisdom transforms complex concepts into relatable, actionable insights that resonate with diverse audiences. As the founder of the ADHD Center of West Michigan, Dr. Rosier has dedicated her career to empowering individuals, families, and organizations to embrace the unique strengths of ADHD. Drawing on her rich professional background as a college administrator, professor, leadership consultant, high school teacher, business owner, and ADHD coach, she offers invaluable insights into how ADHD shapes and impacts daily life. You can learn more about Tamara Rosier on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamara-rosier-phd] and on her website [https://www.tamararosier.com/about-1]. Key Takeaways [:26] Aileen Miziolek welcomes Dr. Tamara Rosier and asks her to share a little bit about what ADHD is and some common misconceptions around adult ADHD. [3:54] Dr. Tamara nerds out for a minute explaining the role of the frontal cortex and the missing inner butler when it comes to ADHD. [7:05] For all our listeners who don't have ADHD, be cool! Dr. Tamara explains emotional dysregulation. [10:16] ADHDers tend to be risk takers and hunters, and in the maintenance phase of a business, this can cause friction. [12:15] Dr. Tamara breaks down the effects of ADHD on different family business generations. [15:45] Neurodiversity is diversity! Dr. Tamara explains the benefits — and pitfalls — of divergent thinking and how it can affect family system trust. [20:07] Dr. Tamara shares how she addresses how to work without naming the elephant in the room. [23:11] How to design a system that will benefit neurodivergent minds. [24:50] Challenging roles for ADHDers? They can do anything, as long as they get to know themselves. [31:04] The role of ADHD coaching in family systems. [33:23] Dr. Tamara's resources for advisors and families working with ADHD. [35:07] Aileen thanks Dr. Tamara Rosier for sharing so much of her knowledge, and closes this episode by reminding listeners to rate and subscribe. If you enjoyed today's episode, you can subscribe to Let's Talk Family Enterprise on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3blLgzlyWh2KPtlbrPEhaj], Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-talk-family-enterprise/id1461762424], and other podcast apps. Please remember to share this episode with family, friends, and colleagues. Share your thoughts with us at fea@familyenterprise.ca [fea@familyenterprise.ca]. Mentioned in this episode Your Brain's Not Broken: Strategies for Navigating Your Emotions and Life with ADHD [https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/your-brains-not-broken-strategies-for-navigating-your-emotions-and-life-with-adhd/9780800739423.html], by Tamara Rosier, PhD You, Me, and Our ADHD Family: Practical Steps to Cultivate Healthy Relationships [https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/you-me-and-our-adhd-family-practical-steps-to-cultivate-healthy-relationships/9798228298668.html], by Tamara Rosier, PhD More about Family Enterprise Canada Family Enterprise Canada [https://familyenterprise.ca/] FEC on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/FamilyEnterpriseCanada] FEC on Twitter [https://twitter.com/FamBizCanada] FEC on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-enterprise-canada/]

72: Navigating Complexity in Enterprising Families

Host Steve Legler speaks with Michelle Osry about how families need to deal with both complicated issues that require specific solutions, as well as complex challenges that require different skills to navigate to help the family make progress. They discuss the challenges in getting both advisors and families to understand these distinctions and find ways to work on having each family's best outcome emerge from co-creation. Guest bio Michelle Osry works with family enterprises and offices on governance and generational transition. She draws from a broad experience and range of disciplines and practices, blending systems thinking with traditional consulting frameworks, to help families navigate the complexities of wealth and family dynamics. Before co-founding A&O Partners in 2023, Michelle was a partner at Deloitte Canada. She has been a Board member of Family Enterprise Canada since 2018 and is an instructor in their Family Enterprise Advisor program. You can learn more about Michelle Osry on LinkedIn [https://ca.linkedin.com/in/michelleosry] and the FEA website [https://familyenterprise.ca/fea-program-faculty/]. Key Takeaways [:26] Steve Legler welcomes Michelle Osry and asks her to share a bit about how she became interested in the difference between complicated and complex. [3:33] Michelle explains how planning a very complicated event led her to discover how roleplay could facilitate an understanding of complex situations. [7:25] Experiencing unpredictability is part and parcel of understanding complex systems. [8:44] FEA training is very technical and can lead to predictions that can easily be upended in a complex system. [12:20] Michelle shares an overview of Theory U by Otto Scharmer and how it applies to advisors. [14:13] Michelle shares an example of helping a family do their best thinking together, from a recent interaction with an FEA. [18:55] There are many ways the facilitator helps families; Michelle shares a noticing tip for advisors. [21:24] Michelle talks about sharing your feelings with a family as an advisor and offers another tool to use before and after meetings to help families get into a flow state. [25:55] Instead of just looking at a screen, when describing a family organization, have the family members stand in their place! [27:13] What Michelle has noticed in the evolution of her work with families, and how AI is affecting her practice. [29:15] Michelle shares her book suggestion and her advice for advisors. [33:36] Steve thanks Michelle Osry for sharing her insights, and closes this episode by reminding listeners to rate and subscribe. If you enjoyed today's episode, you can subscribe to Let's Talk Family Enterprise on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3blLgzlyWh2KPtlbrPEhaj], Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-talk-family-enterprise/id1461762424], and other podcast apps. Please remember to share this episode with family, friends, and colleagues. Share your thoughts with us at fea@familyenterprise.ca [fea@familyenterprise.ca]. Mentioned in this episode The Ten Domains of Family Wealth [https://www.uhnwinstitute.org/our-thinking/] Johari window [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johari_window] The essentials of theory U - PRESENCING: 7 Practices for Transforming Self, Society, and Business [https://ottoscharmer.com/publications/], by Otto Scharmer Unleash Your Complexity Genius: Growing Your Inner Capacity to Lead [https://www.sup.org/books/business/unleash-your-complexity-genius], by Jennifer Garvey Berger and Carolyn Coughlin We Can Do This! 10 Tools to Unleash Our Collective Genius [https://katersutherland.com/we-can-do-this-2-2/], by Kate Sutherland More about Family Enterprise Canada Family Enterprise Canada [https://familyenterprise.ca/] FEC on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/FamilyEnterpriseCanada] FEC on Twitter [https://twitter.com/FamBizCanada] FEC on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-enterprise-canada/]

71: Parenting Adult Children in Family Business

Aileen Miziolek hosts an in-depth conversation with Alyson Schafer, an acclaimed author and Adlerian family counsellor. In this thoughtful 30-minute episode, they touch on issues around over- and under-functioning children, why the notion of fair vs. equal in childhood can impact long-term family business dynamics, and how tackling the unique challenges of enterprising families requires maturity, open-mindedness and an understanding that sometimes personal responsibility is the only path forward. All views, information, and opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Family Enterprise Canada [https://familyenterprise.ca/]. Guest bio Alyson Schafer is one of Canada's leading parenting experts. She promotes a firm but friendly "democratic parenting" style and offers practical solutions backed by extensive evidence-based research. Alyson is an Adlerian family counsellor, author, and internationally acclaimed expert who empowers families by sharing her principles, rules, and tools for raising co-operative and resilient kids. You can learn more about Alyson Schafer on her website [https://alysonschafer.com/] and LinkedIn [https://ca.linkedin.com/in/alysonschafer]. Key Takeaways [0:26] Aileen Miziolek welcomes Alyson Schafer and asks her to share about her experience with family business dynamics. [3:01] Understanding the notion of fair vs. equal is a large part of how a family orients itself. Alyson explains how the abundance and scarcity models may influence how this manifests. [6:48] While intergenerational patterns are real, there is always hope for change when there is maturity and open-mindedness. [10:36] Family businesses do not have the freedom of relative anonymity in the workplace: family tensions can easily translate into business tensions. [12:52] Personal responsibility is required for change. Alyson offers a dance metaphor to illustrate that the "other" doesn't always need to start the process. [15:15] Children differentiate to stop competition. Alyson warns against bean-counting to prevent under-functioning. [20:46] Alyson shares tips to manage over- and under-functioning in any given system. [23:34] Co-leading siblings is possible, but will require strong buy-in, well-defined roles and responsibilities, and generational support. [26:15] Solving problems at the parent level is usually the fastest way to power change. [27:29] North America is singular in its propensity to cut off family members! [29:43] Links to Alyson Schafer's contact, podcast, and books can be found in the links below. [31:11] Aileen thanks Alyson Schafer for sharing so much of her knowledge, and closes this episode by reminding listeners to rate and subscribe. If you enjoyed today's episode, you can subscribe to Let's Talk Family Enterprise on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3blLgzlyWh2KPtlbrPEhaj], Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-talk-family-enterprise/id1461762424], and other podcast apps. Please remember to share this episode with family, friends, and colleagues. Share your thoughts with us at fea@familyenterprise.ca [fea@familyenterprise.ca]. Mentioned in this episode Alyson Schafer's Podcast: Parenting The Adlerian Way [https://alysonschafer.com/podcasts/] Ain't Misbehavin': Tactics for Tantrums, Meltdowns, Bedtime Blues and Other Perfectly Normal Kid Behaviors [https://www.amazon.ca/Aint-Misbehavin-Meltdowns-Perfectly-Behaviors/dp/0470679093], by Alyson Schafer Honey, I Wrecked the Kids: When Yelling, Screaming, Threats, Bribes, Time-outs, Sticker Charts and Removing Privileges All Don't Work [https://www.amazon.ca/Honey-Wrecked-Kids-Screaming-Privileges/dp/0470156031], by Alyson Schafer Breaking The Good Mom Myth [https://www.amazon.ca/Breaking-Good-Myth-Alyson-Schafer/dp/1443427675/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1410439319&sr=1-3&keywords=alyson+schafer], by Alyson Schafer More about Family Enterprise Canada Family Enterprise Canada [https://familyenterprise.ca/] FEC on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/FamilyEnterpriseCanada] FEC on Twitter [https://twitter.com/FamBizCanada] FEC on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-enterprise-canada/]

70: How to NOT Ruin Your Kids With Money

Steve Legler speaks with U.S. estate planning attorney Mark Shiller about his book, How to NOT Ruin Your Kids With Money: Navigating the Challenges of Transitioning Wealth in Families. Together, they discuss issues around character, competence, and capacity, the maturation process, and the uniqueness of each family member, with lots of useful tidbits for parents and rising generation family members along the way. All views, information, and opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Family Enterprise Canada [https://familyenterprise.ca/]. Guest bio Mark A. Shiller has been a practicing estate and business succession attorney [http://www.certuslegalgroup.com/] and wealth consultant for over 20 years. He works with individuals, couples, and families in connection with their estate, tax, and business planning. His clients are typically business owners, professionals, and senior executives who appreciate his thoughtful and creative approaches to their often complicated personal, tax, and financial planning challenges. He is a Fellow of the American College of Trusts and Estates Counsel, former Chair of the Board of Governors of the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of the State Bar of Wisconsin, Past President of the Milwaukee Estate Planning Forum, and Past Chair of the Estate and Trust Law Section of the Milwaukee Bar Association. Mark also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Wisconsin Law School for four years, teaching a course on estate and business planning for the privately-held enterprise. You can learn more about Mark Shiller on his website [http://markshiller.com/about/] and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mshiller/]. Key Takeaways [:26] Steve Legler welcomes Mark Shiller and asks him to share about the process that took him through to writing his book. [3:48] The minority, maturation, and maturity needs of any person impact their relationships with others and wealth; Marc shares an anecdote. [6:16] Wealth magnifies and reveals character; money can enable people to do damage. [8:08] Mark explains why resisting the urge to "fix it for them" is important when it comes to advising families. [12:08] Mark's allowance system and how it both worked and failed. [14:52] Money conversations shouldn't be all or nothing; raising kids is a process. [16:34] What's the purpose of apple trees? [19:02] The definition of success as a parent shouldn't be an imposition; involving the upcoming generation is a requirement of a continued legacy. [21:44] Modelling as a way of ensuring success. [22:47] On Al, Brittany and Carl, and the difference between value and virtue. [26:45] The danger zone and some tips on how to navigate it best, according to Mark. [29:32] Mark's book recommendation and advice for advisors. [32:13] Steve thanks Mark Shiller for sharing his wisdom, and closes this episode by reminding listeners to rate and subscribe. If you enjoyed today's episode, you can subscribe to Let's Talk Family Enterprise on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3blLgzlyWh2KPtlbrPEhaj], Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-talk-family-enterprise/id1461762424], and other podcast apps. Please remember to share this episode with family, friends, and colleagues. Share your thoughts with us at fea@familyenterprise.ca [fea@familyenterprise.ca]. Mentioned in this episode How to Not Ruin Your Kids with Money: Navigating the Challenges of Transitioning Wealth in Families [https://www.amazon.com/Ruin-Your-Kids-Money-Transitioning/dp/B0D33THR11], by Mark Shiller How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen [https://www.amazon.com/How-Know-Person-Seeing-Others/dp/059323006X], by David Brooks More about Family Enterprise Canada Family Enterprise Canada [https://familyenterprise.ca/] FEC on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/FamilyEnterpriseCanada] FEC on Twitter [https://twitter.com/FamBizCanada] FEC on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-enterprise-canada/]

69: The Skilled Facilitator

In this episode, Aileen Miziolek speaks with renowned facilitator and author Roger Schwarz about the critical roles facilitators and consultants play—especially in complex systems like family enterprises. Roger explores how mutual learning, clear boundaries and transparency can elevate the value professionals bring to their clients, offering practical insights and tools for navigating advisory roles with compassion and clarity. All views, information, and opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Family Enterprise Canada [https://familyenterprise.ca/]. Guest bio Roger M. Schwarz, PhD, is an organizational psychologist and president and CEO of Roger Schwarz & Associates. For more than forty years, he has helped leadership teams and organizations achieve strong performance, solid working relationships, and individual well-being. His work is grounded in the premise that creating fundamental, systemic, and sustainable change requires that individuals, teams, and the larger organization change the mindset that guides their behaviour. You can learn more about Roger M. Schwarz on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerschwarz] and the Roger Schwarz and Associates website [https://schwarzassociates.com/who-we-are/?xpnd=roger-schwarz]. Key Takeaways [2:03] Aileen Miziolek welcomes Roger M. Schwarz and asks him to share a little bit about his background. [4:10] Roger starts off sharing the proper definition of a facilitator, and more importantly, what they cannot be. [6:28] The facilitator and consultant roles intersect and give rise to different possible titles. For Roger, it boils down to one question: What value do you bring to the client? [9:31] Roger underscores the more obvious traps of the facilitative consultant with a few examples. [12:06] The decision of which role to play is fraught with challenges, and the first may be a conversation with your client. [16:31] Engaging a system without becoming enmeshed is critical. Roger talks about boundaries and becoming a mirror. [18:38] Roger explains the unilateral control approach and mutual learning. [21:38] The five core values of mutual learning. [24:24] Roger shares the chess versus puzzle analogy. [25:40] Many facilitators and consultants often get stuck. Roger offers that they try the transparency test. [28:42] The role compassion plays in facilitating. [31:34] Roger tackles an issue he is passionate about: the use of agendas! Or rather, using the purpose and process method. [34:31] The purpose and process are established right before a meeting, but not so early as to become the meeting itself! [37:05] Roger shares the story of a good and a bad facilitation. [44:02] Roger shares who his books are for as well as some of the services and resources his office provides. [45:55] Aileen thanks Roger Schwarz for sharing so much of his knowledge, and closes this episode by reminding listeners to rate and subscribe. If you enjoyed today's episode, you can subscribe to Let's Talk Family Enterprise on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3blLgzlyWh2KPtlbrPEhaj], Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-talk-family-enterprise/id1461762424], and other podcast apps. Please remember to share this episode with family, friends, and colleagues. Share your thoughts with us at fea@familyenterprise.ca [fea@familyenterprise.ca]. Mentioned in this episode Venesa Vasilakeris from McQuaig.com [https://mcquaig.com/] on building better teams. Smart Leaders, Smarter Teams: How You and Your Team Get Unstuck to Get Results [http://www.amazon.com/Smart-Leaders-Smarter-Teams-Unstuck/dp/0787988731/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1363742922&sr=8-1&keywords=smart+leaders%2C+smarter+teams], by Roger M. Schwarz The Skilled Facilitator: A Comprehensive Resource for Consultants, Facilitators, Coaches, and Trainers [https://www.amazon.ca/Skilled-Facilitator-Comprehensive-Consultants-Facilitators/dp/1119064392], by Roger M. Schwarz More about Family Enterprise Canada Family Enterprise Canada [https://familyenterprise.ca/] FEC on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/FamilyEnterpriseCanada] FEC on Twitter [https://twitter.com/FamBizCanada] FEC on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-enterprise-canada/]