Coming from a family with a recognized last name has its challenges. There’s constant pressure and obligation to honor the family legacy. Some might assume that you won the birth lottery, but the truth is that it can be a very lonely path. There are few people who can relate and discuss topics like trusts, family dynamics, succession planning and more.
Ellie Frey Zagel, President and Founder of Successful Generations understands because she’s lived this experience. She’s created Successful Generations Coaching so people have a place to come together, share, learn and grow into the best leaders they want to be.
About our founder, Ellie Frey Zagel
Ellie Frey Zagel is a leadership coach specializing in multi-generational family businesses. She helps next generation leaders thrive in times of uncertainty and crisis. Committed to serving her audience and sharing her expertise, Ellie founded Successful Generations, LLC and launched a same-name podcast for family businesses and philanthropic communities. Ellie has spoken around the country on next generation issues in family business and family philanthropy.
Ellie is also third generation Vice Chair and Trustee of her family’s foundation, The Frey Foundation (based in Grand Rapids, MI). For nearly a decade, Ellie has been deeply involved in working with the next generation of family businesses; first, as Director of the Family Business Alliance and now, as President of Successful Generations Coaching.
Ellie earned her Bachelor’s degree in international relations and economics from Boston University, and has certificates in Family Business and Family Wealth Advising from the Family Firm Institute.
Ellie serves as a trustee on several nonprofit boards, including The National Center for Family Philanthropy and The Frey Foundation.
Outside of work, Ellie is an avid fly fisherwoman. When she is not in a trout stream, you can find Ellie and her husband, Chad, in East Grand Rapids, MI with their son, Steven Monroe.
