Let's Talk Family Enterprise

Join host Steve Legler for a video episode with guest Cindy Radu, recorded at the 2025 Family Business Symposium right after Cindy's session, which she conducted for a room full of attendees. Together, they discuss the challenges of professional collaboration when working with families, and highlight just how important it is for the families we serve so they don’t end up having to deal with a “scary monster.” 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 Cindy Radu has had the privilege of supporting families globally through the intricate journey of wealth transition for over 30 years. Working collaboratively with existing advisors, her purpose is to integrate across disciplines to develop and implement effective governance structures, support families in their family and enterprise succession planning, and prepare the rising generation to be confident in their roles and responsibilities as wealth inheritors. Her approach to family wealth transition is a unique blend of in-depth technical expertise and a deep understanding of how family dynamics can preserve legacies and strengthen bonds across generations. You can learn more about Cindy Radu on LinkedIn [https://ca.linkedin.com/in/raducindy] and the Radu Family Wealth Transition website [https://www.cindyradu.ca/about].   Key Takeaways [0:26] Jodi Butts, Partner at Watson Board Advisors [https://www.watsoninc.ca/] in partnership with Compensation Governance Partners [https://www.compgovpartners.com/], invites you to complete their 2025 Private Company Director Compensation Survey [https://www.compgovpartners.com/private-company-director-compensation#:~:text=To%20meet%20this%20commitment%2C%20CGP,additional%20visibility%20into%20market%20practices.]. [1:46] Steve Legler and Cindy Radu are in person at The Family Business Symposium 2025 [https://events.familyenterprise.ca/family-business-symposium-2025/]. This episode is a nice recap of Cindy’s session and an idea of what to look forward to for the Symposium 2026 in Vancouver. [2:50] Frankenstein and his monster; Cindy breaks down how siloed projects show up in enterprising families and foster overall disconnection. [6:02] From cooperation to collaboration, how The Ten Domains of Family Wealth model facilitates a shift that generates cohesion. [7:09] Steve mentions Episode #29, 10 Domains of Family Wealth [https://familyenterprise.ca/resource/10-domains-of-family-wealth/], featuring Dr. Jim Grubman. [7:23] Cindy explains what the Ten Domains of Family Wealth are. [9:03] Why is the monster’s heart so teeny tiny? Cindy explains what the new role of the integrated wealth advisor can do about it. [10:08] Steve mentions a previously shared article, The Rise of the Integrated Advisor [https://www.uhnwinstitute.org/tom-mccullough-in-the-journal-of-wealth-management-the-rise-of-the-integrated-advisor/], by Tom McCullough. [11:24] Getting families involved requires building awareness; the Symposium involving both families and advisors is a nice step. [12:59] The fear of opening a can of worms is often the primary reason why family leaders don’t ask the tough questions. [14:39] How litigation expenses factor into this within a demographic bubble of wealth transition. Cindy lists all the things that could go wrong. [16:52] Steve mentions Episode #50, Wealth 3.0 [https://familyenterprise.ca/resource/wealth-30-podcast/], featuring Jim Grubman, Dennis Jaffe and Kristin Keffeler. [17:00] When it comes to wealth 3.0, how do we stop Frankenstein-ing it? Cindy talks about raising awareness, but more importantly, taking the ten domains model to the next level. [18:26] Getting someone who understands legal documents to review them is critical to avoiding painful outcomes. [19:28] How to approach delicate conversations when it comes to families and their advisor relationships. [21:20] If you had asked, you would have learned something! [22:29] Cindy advocates for having the people affected by the will brought up to speed and equipped to understand. [23:52] No two families — or family members — are ever the same, and all services need to be tailored as such. [26:52] Cindy’s piece of advice for advisors. [28:20] Steve thanks Cindy Radu for sharing her experience and 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 Jodi Butts, Partner at Watson Board Advisors [https://www.watsoninc.ca/] in partnership with Compensation Governance Partners [https://www.compgovpartners.com/], invites family business leaders to complete their 2025 Private Company Director Compensation Survey [https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2025PCDCSurvey].   The Ten Domains of Family Wealth [https://www.step.org/events/ten-domains-family-wealth-new-framework-understanding-what-families-need-advisors-4-february] with Cindy Radu and Dr. James Grubman, Ph.D   Let’s Talk Family Enterprise, Episode 29: 10 Domains of Family Wealth, with Dr. James Grubman [https://familyenterprise.ca/resource/10-domains-of-family-wealth/]   Let’s Talk Family Enterprise, Episode 50: Wealth 3.0, with Kristin Keffeler, Dennis Jaffe, and Dr. James Grubman [https://familyenterprise.ca/resource/wealth-30-podcast/]   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/]

Host Aileen Miziolek sits down with Philip Marcovici to explore long-term wealth continuity, the pitfalls of tax policy and how enterprising families can avoid common traps while building meaningful legacies. 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 Philip Marcovici is retired from the practice of law and consults with governments, financial institutions, and global families in relation to tax, wealth management, and other matters. An area of focus for Philip relates to the many issues faced by wealth and business-owning families, including governance approaches and the trust, partnership, and other structures used in the ownership of family assets. He is on the boards of several entities within the wealth management industry, as well as entities within family succession and philanthropic structures. You can learn more about Philip Marcovici on his website [https://philipmarcovici.com] and LinkedIn [https://hk.linkedin.com/in/philip-marcovici-642a7914].   Key Takeaways [:26] Aileen Miziolek welcomes Phillip Marcovici and asks him to explain how he came to jump into the wealth management industry. [6:40] Philip touches on what continuity means for a family of wealth, and what is required for it to be achieved. [8:54] Sometimes the beginning requires one to think about the destination; Philip explains how the Theory of Change can help guide such a reflection. [10:53] Tax law is complex and emotionally charged. Philp points out where governments make critical mistakes in creating further wealth within their economies. He shares an example from his book. [13:52] Philip offers advice for governments in the face of today’s ever-changing policies. [16:21] Circular economy principles are easily transferable to family wealth management. Philip discusses waiting resources, human or otherwise. [20:19] What advantages the “revolving door” feeling brings for enterprising families in transition. [21:28] Communication with your wealth is not a good strategy. Philip explains why and how those trappings can lead to stalling the upcoming generation well into adulthood. [24:34] Philip touches on how families can begin the exercise of planning for the long term for a collective. He offers real-world examples to illustrate his ideas. [28:36] Does wealth destroy families and relationships? Philip offers a nuanced perspective. [30:18] What gives Philip hope in governance, both political and within families. [31:41] Philip offers his advice for families looking to project into the far future when it comes to governments. [34:34] Aileen thanks Philip Marcovici for sharing his expertise 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 Family Business Symposium 2025: Navigating the Calm and the Storm in Family Business [https://events.familyenterprise.ca/family-business-symposium-2025/], May 26 to 28 in Halifax, Nova Scotia The Transformative Power of Family Wealth: Helping Families and their Communities Capture its Regenerative Potential [https://www.amazon.com/Transformative-Power-Family-Wealth-Regenerative/dp/1394280505], by Philip Marcovici The Destructive Power of Family Wealth: A Guide to Succession Planning, Asset Protection, Taxation and Wealth Management [https://www.amazon.ca/Destructive-Power-Family-Wealth-Succession/dp/1119327520], by Philip Marcovici   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/]

Host Steve Legler speaks with Dan Doty, an executive and wilderness guide, about his upcoming session at Family Enterprise Canada's Symposium in Halifax. Together, they discuss the challenges that fathers face when leading a business and a family, and how the roles and expectations of fathers are rapidly evolving.   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 Dan Doty is a writer, wilderness guide, men’s work leader, and somatic meditation teacher, and has helped to instigate and lead a part of the current global men’s movement. Most comfortable in nature, he is committed to practicing and sharing work that brings wildness and love into the open. A three-time guest on the Joe Rogan Experience, Dan has spent substantial time as a wilderness therapy guide and an inner-city high school teacher, and directed and produced over 50 episodes of the hit hunting show MeatEater.   He has two young sons and a baby daughter, is in love with his wife and living very close to the land, near the sea, where life is quiet and beautiful.   You can learn more about Dan Doty on the Dan Doty [https://dandoty.com/] website.   Key Takeaways [:26] Steve Legler welcomes Dan Doty and asks him to share what audiences can expect from him at Symposium.   [3:19] Dan explains why and how he wants to open up the conversation on fatherhood in family business and how his background set the stage for centralizing the father’s role.   [5:33] How the unseen wall between father and son can be broken down has been central to Dan’s career; he speaks to the profound experience reconnection provides.   [8:05] An imbalance between doing and being has led to a loss of connection in most men.   [11:09] Becoming self-aware may be remarkably fast but developing the lexicon to talk about it is a longer endeavour.   [12:52] From one-on-one to group work, Dan breaks down how he works with fathers, sons, and men as well as organisations.   [16:47] Sometimes what is required is a safe space, stripped of expectation, for two people to reconnect on a personal level, as humans.   [18:46] Working in the family business space is very complex, and working on a case-by-case basis remains the best way to peel back the layers and find connection.   [20:41] Dan shares how masculinity and fatherhood are going through a wonderful evolution and today offers so much opportunity.   [23:19] Evolution can stun previous generations, but the good news is that all relationships are workable.   [24:56] Everyone is welcome, not just men!   [26:13] Dan’s hope for his session at Symposium.   [28:17] Dan shares his reading recommendation as well as his advice for fathers everywhere.   [30:07] Steve Legler thanks Dan Doty for sharing his expertise 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 Family Business Symposium 2025: Navigating the Calm and the Storm in Family Business [https://events.familyenterprise.ca/family-business-symposium-2025/], May 26 to 28 in Halifax, Nova Scotia   Adam’s Return: The Five Promises of Male Initiation [https://www.amazon.ca/Adams-Return-Five-Promises-Initiation/dp/082452280X], by Richard Rohr [https://www.amazon.ca/Richard-Rohr/e/B000AQ2WB4/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1]   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/]

In our 65th episode, Aileen Miziolek sits down with ownership expert and co-author of Own It!: How to Develop a Family Enterprise Owner's Mindset at Every Age, Barbara Dartt, to ask her how she started and grew her career in the family business consulting world, what being an owner of a family enterprise can mean and the different roles that owners often have to navigate in their ownership journey.   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 Barbara Dartt has more than 20 years’ experience helping individuals and family groups grapple with the joys and challenges that are a natural part of families owning and managing businesses together. As a principal consultant for FBCG, Barb helps families get aligned, anticipate and prevent future challenges, and communicate effectively to grow their businesses.   Growing up, Barb watched her grandfather and father provide educational extension services to family-owned farms. Her interest in serving farm families led her to study veterinary medicine, receiving her doctoral degree from Michigan State University in 1996. In 1998, Barb earned a master’s degree in Agricultural Economics at MSU where she worked as a graduate research assistant, and then as a Farm Business Management Specialist.   You can learn more about Barbara Dartt on the Family Business Consulting Group [https://www.thefbcg.com/consultants/barbara-dartt/] website.   Key Takeaways [0:26] Aileen Miziolek welcomes Barbara Dartt and asks her to share how she came to a career in the family business consulting world.   [4:49] Regardless of the industry, the need for ownership development tends to sneak up on families; Barbara explains how that evolution can take place.   [9:40] Both operating and non-operating ownership can become complex and challenging, but non-operating ownership is not for everyone.   [11:12] Highly expert industries can evolve beyond their owners’ knowledge base so creating a team for strategic ownership is critical. Barbara explains a good perspective and a few non-negotiables to guide ownership development.   [17:00] Patient capital as a quantifiable way to measure the return on time and energy.   [18:45] The owners’ mindset, beliefs, and behaviors chart is one of the many tools provided in the book; Barbara shares her favorite.   [24:42] Barbara breaks down the common symptoms of underdeveloped ownership and what to do to prevent it.   [27:56] Generation friction can also be an issue when it comes to ownership, Barbara shares her experience with intergenerational cohorts and how their different perspectives affect what feels important to them.   [30:24] Barabara offers what advisory structure she would provide for proper ownership development.   [33:20] Aileen Miziolek thanks Barbara Dartt for sharing her expertise 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 Family Business Symposium 2025: Navigating the Calm and the Storm in Family Business [https://events.familyenterprise.ca/family-business-symposium-2025/], May 26 to 28 in Halifax, Nova Scotia   Own It!: How to Develop a Family Enterprise Owner's Mindset at Every Age [https://www.amazon.ca/Ownership-Development-Family-Business-Generation/dp/3030204189], by Wendy Sage-Hayward, Gaia Marchisio, and Barbara Dartt   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/]

Host Steve Legler speaks with Dr. Jeffrey Foote, one of the authors of Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change. Together, they discuss how family members and FEAs can become important catalysts in helping people with addiction issues overcome them, for the benefit of the entire family.   Welcome to Let’s Talk Family Enterprise, a podcast that explores the ideas, concepts, and models that best serve Family Enterprise Advisors in supporting their clients.   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. Jeffrey Foote is a psychologist and nationally recognized clinical research scientist with over 30 years of experience utilizing evidence-based treatment approaches for the treatment of substance use issues and Post-traumatic Stress. He is the Co-President and CEO of the CMC: Foundation for Change, a not-for-profit organization with the mission of improving the dissemination of evidence-based ideas and strategies to the families of persons struggling with substance use. Dr. Foote was a psychologist for the NY Mets for 11 years and has continued in sports psychology as an independent performance consultant to professional athletes. Before co-founding CMC in 2003, Dr. Foote was the Deputy Director of the Division of Alcohol Treatment and Research at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in NYC and Senior Research Associate at The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University in NYC. Dr. Foote is a member of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies and the American Association of Addiction Psychiatrists.   You can learn more about Dr. Jeffrey Foote on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-foote-7352a17] and the CMC Foundation For Change [https://cmcffc.org/team/jeff-foote-phd] website.   Key Takeaways [:26] Steve Legler welcomes Dr. Jeffrey Foote and invites him to share a little bit about how the cultural discussion on substance abuse hasn’t evolved a lot in the past decades and how his book addresses this issue head-on.   [3:09] Cultural norms around addiction are hugely stigmatizing, Dr. Jeffrey raises another very damaging side-effect of culture as a variety of approaches that are not evidence-based are recirculated.   [5:17] Advisors are in a unique and very powerful position, and as such do need to be both sensitive and informed to provide a truly helpful direction.   [7:10] Dr. Foote touches on how Eddie Ford managed to move the perception of addiction forward from a simplistic moral issue to that of a disease.   [9:00] Stepping back and being able to look at the potential reasons for a person’s behavior is a good step toward understanding.   [10:56] Dr. Jeffrey offers the one thing he would ask advisors and families to do first and foremost: slow down.   [13:06] It turns out kindness is an evidence-based idea and it can motivate change.   [15:22] The invitation to change the model and some of the tools used to put it into practice.   [17:04] Dr. Foote explains why and how figuring out why those behaviors make sense helps you be kind while tackling addiction.   [18:36] The most powerful resource! Navigating out of addiction is more often successful when the families are involved, but families are the most underserved voices in addiction treatment.   [20:36] Self-awareness and self-care are a major part of helping others, but Dr. Foote cautions that it doesn’t necessarily mean detaching and walking away.   [22:44] Good communication tools are a huge asset, whatever the pain point! The Beyond Addiction Workbook offers compassionate, evidence-based tools.   [25:10] The past decades have offered some incremental change in addiction treatment, but the very high prevalence of co-occurring psychiatric issues still needs to be brought to light and addressed.   [28:01] Having a moderating voice in a family discussion on addiction is important to help slow things down.   [29:58] Dr. Jeffrey Foote shares his book recommendations as well as his advice for advisors and families.   [33:14] Steve Legler thanks Dr. Jeffrey Foote for sharing his expertise 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 Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change [https://www.amazon.ca/Beyond-Addiction-Science-Kindness-People/dp/1476709475], by Jeffrey Foote PhD [https://www.amazon.ca/s/ref=dp_byline_sr_audible_2?ie=UTF8&field-keywords=Jeffrey+Foote+PhD&search-alias=audible], Carrie Wilkens PhD [https://www.amazon.ca/s/ref=dp_byline_sr_audible_3?ie=UTF8&field-keywords=Carrie+Wilkens+PhD&search-alias=audible], Nicole Kosanke PhD [https://www.amazon.ca/s/ref=dp_byline_sr_audible_4?ie=UTF8&field-keywords=Nicole+Kosanke+PhD&search-alias=audible], and Stephanie Higgs PhD [https://www.amazon.ca/s/ref=dp_byline_sr_audible_5?ie=UTF8&field-keywords=Stephanie+Higgs+PhD&search-alias=audible] The Beyond Addiction Workbook for Family and Friends: Evidence-Based Skills to Help a Loved One Make Positive Change [https://www.amazon.ca/Beyond-Addiction-Workbook-Family-Friends/dp/1648480187], by Jeffrey Foote PhD [https://www.amazon.ca/Jeffrey-Foote-PhD/e/B0BCHD4F4N/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1], Kenneth Carpenter PhD [https://www.amazon.ca/s/ref=dp_byline_sr_book_2?ie=UTF8&field-author=Kenneth+Carpenter+PhD&text=Kenneth+Carpenter+PhD&sort=relevancerank&search-alias=books-ca], and Carrie Wilkens PhD [https://www.amazon.ca/s/ref=dp_byline_sr_book_3?ie=UTF8&field-author=Carrie+Wilkens+PhD&text=Carrie+Wilkens+PhD&sort=relevancerank&search-alias=books-ca] Listening Well: The Art of Empathic Understanding [https://www.amazon.ca/Listening-Well-Art-Empathic-Understanding/dp/1532634846], by William R. Miller [https://www.amazon.ca/William-R-Miller/e/B001KII9XG/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1] Inside Rehab: The Surprising Truth About Addiction Treatment-and How to Get Help That Works [https://www.amazon.ca/Inside-Rehab-Surprising-Addiction-Treatment/dp/0143124366], by Anne M. Fletcher [https://www.amazon.ca/Anne-M-Fletcher/e/B000AP9IX0/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1]   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/]