My guest this week is Matt Lesser. He was given his family’s oil business at just 22 years old. Things didn’t quite go to plan in the beginning, but …
Podcast
Ep #21: The Ripple Effect in Decision Making
This week, we’re talking about decision making. Are you aware of the ripple effect of being stuck in indecision? Whether it’s decisions in your family …
Ep #20: Early Engagement of the Next Generation of Family Philanthropists with Molly Stifler
I’m back with another conversation around engaging the next generation of adults in family philanthropy, this time with Molly Stiffler, the director …
Ep #19: The Yet Statement
Today, I’m talking about what I call the Yet Statement. This is one of those truly powerful ways of thinking that changes everything. So, this is a …
Ep #18: Preparing the Next Generation with Courtney Scott
Welcome back for the third installment of our series on engaging adults in family philanthropy, in partnership with The National Center for Family …
Ep #17: Engaging the Next Generation in Family Philanthropy with Tripp Frey
Welcome back to my three-part series on engaging adults in family philanthropy, based on work I’m doing with The National Center for Family …
Ep #16: Engaging New Board Members in Your Family Foundation with Theo Avery
It’s been a while, but I’m super excited to relaunch this podcast by bringing you at least a few episodes on the topic of engaging adults in …
Ep #15: Taking Back Control
So many of my clients feel lost and experience overwhelm when it comes to making decisions. And if this sounds familiar, I want you to listen in …
Ep #14: Learner’s Mindset
When I was a very young child, my family used to have game nights, and no matter what we were playing, I always wanted to win so I could tell myself I …
Ep #13: 2 Tools for Tough Conversations
Do you look forward to having those tough conversations in your family business? Very few of us do. We know they’re coming, but when we’re around the …
Ep #12: Banning the Badge of Busyness
Several years ago, I was experiencing a lot of busyness in my life, and anytime someone asked me how I was doing, I would automatically respond, “I’m …
Ep #11: Power Dynamics in Family Systems
If you’re encountering difficult and often uncomfortable power dynamics in your family systems, trust me, you are not alone. Power dynamics are at …
Ep #10: Getting Out of Other People’s Brains
I hear some variation of this from my clients on a regular basis. They’ll come to me upset and angry at somebody else, usually a family member or …
Ep #9: The Reality of Being an Entrepreneur Couple with Jake and Whit Roehl
I hear from people all the time who work with their family or significant other, that they want to be on the same page more and clash less. Well, …
Ep #8: The Truth About Confidence
Pretty much all of my clients come to me wanting more confidence. This is especially the case when they are stepping into a new role within the …
Ep #7: The Emotional Armoire
We’re talking today about one of my favorite topics: emotions. Specifically, I’m discussing processing emotions while you’re at work, which comes up …
Ep #6: Entitlement with Kim Eddleston
Kim Eddleston is a Professor of Entrepreneurship and an academic fellow who specializes in family business. She comes from a family that runs several …
Ep #5: Purposeful Vacation Planning
Have you ever come back from vacation and thought, “I seriously need a real vacation”? We’ve all been there. We’ve taken what we believed would be a …
Ep #4: Why Tracking and Celebrating Your Wins Matters
Today’s topic is one of the often-overlooked fundamentals when it comes to our growth as leaders, both in the culture we create around us and our …
Ep #3: The Practice of Same-Page Leadership
Last week, I spoke about the concept of Same-Page Leadership. This week, I want to share some examples in practice and how significant others working …
Ep #2: Same-Page Leadership
What I’m sharing today is so useful because a lot of you work closely with others in your family business. Whether that is your parents, siblings, or …
Ep #1: Why the Name Change?
I made the decision to change the name of my podcast from Successful Generations to The Family Business Leader Podcast for a few reasons. I originally …
BONUS Episode: The Real Work of Mindset Transformation with Neill Williams
I’m so excited to bring you a bonus episode. I don’t usually do things like this, but a client of mine Neill Williams, a productivity coach, has a …
Episode 089: Millennial Engagement in Family Philanthropy with Bob Reid
Today, I’m interviewing a friend of many years, Bob Reid: a past CEO for the JF Maddox Foundation. Alongside this position, Bob is also a researcher …
Episode 088: Growing into Wealth with Logan Angel
Last week on the podcast, we had Andrew Doust from KORE Venture on the podcast. And he gave us some amazing insights into his work with the next …
Episode 087: Helping the Rising Generation Flourish with Andrew Doust of Kore Venture
On the show today, I’m talking to Andrew Doust of KORE Venture. Andrew has made his life’s mission to help guide the next generation of young adults …
Episode 086: Family Business Succession w/ Steven Goodman
Family Business Succession Planning with Steven Goodman In This Episode: Steve Goodman recently wrote a book on Business Succession Planning. …
Episode 085: Family Office 101 w/ Glen Johnson
Family Office 101 with FOX's Glen Johnson NOTE: This episode was recorded at the beginning of COVID-19. In This Episode: In this episode, Glen …
Episode 084: Rising Generation Education w/ CLO Mindy Earley
Rising Generation Education with Chief Learning Officer, Mindy Earley In This Episode: "Education is omnipresent" -Mindy Earley, Chief Learning …
Episode 083: A Vibrant Family Business Vision w/ Richard Seaman
A Vibrant Family Business Vision with Richard N. Seaman, 2nd Generation Chairman In This Episode: Another business model: …
Family Business Retirement: “I am Only Leaving Feet First”
In This Episode: “I am only leaving feet first” In today’s episode, Kathy and I talk about retiring as the leader of a …
BONUS Episode: Family Business and the Seaman Family Foundation
BONUS EPISODE! Richard Seaman talks about Family Philanthropy In This Episode: "Decedents aren't all going to have a passion for the …
Episode 081: Family Business with 2nd Gen Richard Seaman of Seaman Corp
The Family Business Story of Seaman Corporation with Richard N. Seaman, 2nd Generation Chairman In …
Episode 080: Delusional Altruism with Kris Putnam-Walkerly
Become Unstoppable. In This Episode: "Together the philosophy behind these strategies constitute a mind-set …
Episode 079: Getting on the Same Page as Your Spouse at Work
In This Episode: “Everything just works better when we are on the same page.” My clients tell me being on …
Episode 078: Best Practices in Family Councils Part 2
In This Episode: After interviewing Chris, I decided to split this interview into two parts. Welcome to …
Episode 077: Getting Started with Family Councils Part 1
In This Episode: After interviewing Chris, I decided to split this interview into two parts. Here are the questions I asked during my …
Episode 076: Family Philanthropy Trends 2020
In This Episode: Nicholas Tedesco, President and CEO of the National Center for Family Philanthropy (NCFP), returns to the podcast to talk about …
Episode 075: Get to Know NCFP’s Nick Tedesco
In This Episode: In this episode, Ellie Frey Zagel speaks with Nicholas Tedesco, President and CEO of the National Center for Family …
Episode 074: Be Like The Best with Anthony Renna
In this episode, Ellie Frey Zagel speaks with Anthony Renna, entrepreneur, personal trainer, owner of Five Iron Fitness, host of the Strength Coach …
Episode 073: Power20—Now Is Not The Time To Give Up On Your Goals
The first of the year is a time of renewal and new beginnings. Many of us draw a line at the end of 2019 and start fresh with new goals and …
Best of 2019: 12 Steps to Achieving Your Goals This Year
We're continuing our look back at the top episodes of the Successful Generations Podcast from 2019. This one seems perfect for this week as we start a …
Best of 2019: Family Business Governance with Bruce Werner
We're looking back at the top episodes of the Successful Generations Podcast from 2019. Next up is this episode with Bruce Werner, part of the third …
Best of 2019: Understanding Community Foundations with Neel Harja
We're looking back at the top episodes of the Successful Generations Podcast from 2019. Next up is this episode with Neel Harja, CEO of the Ann Arbor …
Best of 2019: Entitlement? No Thanks! With Dr. John Townsend
We're looking back at the top episodes of the Successful Generations Podcast from 2019. First up is this episode with Dr. John Townsend, author of …
Episode 072: A Conversation With Julie Charlestein, 4th Generation and CEO of Premier Dental
Julie Charlestein is part of the fourth-generation of Premier Dental, where she currently serves as CEO. Premier is a 106-year-old business that …
Episode 071: The Family Business of Tharawat Magazine with Ramia El Agamy
Ramia El Agamy is the Editor-in-Chief of Tharawat magazine, the global publication for family businesses, and a product established by her family. In …
Episode 070: Raising Money-Smart, Money-Empowered Kids with John Lanza
John Lanza and his wife recognized early on that they had very different money personalities. After becoming parents 16 years ago, they agreed they …
Episode 069: Morning Routine—5 Steps to Lead Strong
In her role as a leadership coach, Ellie noticed that she fairly consistently received calls and messages from her clients around the morning commute …
REPLAY: My Summertime Pause, Reflect & Connect Challenge
We live in the age of busy. (Did you catch my recent blog post on The Badge of Busyness?) Think of all the times you ask friends how they’re doing. …
Episode 068: Family Business Governance Done Right with Bruce Werner
In this episode, Ellie Frey Zagel speaks with Bruce Werner, who is a member of the third generation of Werner Co., a ladder and climbing equipment …
Episode 067: Helping Families Heal From Addiction with Arden O’Connor
In this episode, Ellie Frey Zagel and Arden O'Connor talk about addiction and its impact on families. Arden grew up in a family business and is the …
Episode 066: Sharing Generosity Between Generations with Andrea Pactor
Andrea Pactor is the interim director of the Women’s Philanthropy Institute at Indiana University's Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. She's been …
Bonus Episode: Philanthropy Focus on Human Trafficking with Mitzi Perdue
Recently, Mitzi Perdue (featured in episode 065) heard a lecture on human trafficking that changed her life. She learned about sting operations taking …
Episode 065: Advice and Traditions for Strong, Successful Families from Mitzi Perdue
If anyone knows family business, it's the amazing Mitzi Perdue. Her family's first enterprise, Henderson Estate Company, got its start in 1840. Her …
Episode 064: Next Gen Leadership Development with Janice DiPietro
In this episode, Ellie is joined by Janice DiPietro, Founder and CEO of Exceptional Leaders International. Janice grew up in a family business and is …
Episode 063: The Succession Solution with Brad Franc
In this episode, Ellie interviews Bradley J. Franc, Director with Houston Harbaugh Attorneys at Law and author of The Succession Solution: The …
Bonus Episode: 6 Things to Help You Lead Strong!
In this bonus episode, I’m introducing six things to help you lead strong. If you follow my podcast or blog, you know that I coach family business …
062: Effective Philanthropy with Phil Buchanan
In this episode, Ellie interviews Phil Buchanan, President of the Center for Effective Philanthropy and author of the new book, Giving Done Right: …
Episode 061: Family Business and Real Estate with Chris Prefontaine
In this episode, Ellie interviews family business owner, real estate leader, and coach Chris Prefontaine. While Chris grew up in a family business—he …
Episode 060: Finding Joy After Trauma with Polo Tate
In this episode, Ellie interviews Polo Tate, author of Deep Dark Blue: A Memoir of Survival. In the book, Polo recounts the loss of her sister at a …
Episode 059: 4 Steps to Setting Your Priorities
As you likely know, I coach leaders in family business. Depending what leads someone to seek coaching, often one of my first questions is to ask my …
Episode 058: Understanding Community Foundations with Neel Harja
What exactly is a community foundation? And why would a donor choose to work with one over starting their own foundation? To explore these questions, …
Episode 057: Giving a Gift Beyond Your Imagination with Arlene Cogen
In this episode, Ellie is talking with Arlene Cogen, a certified financial planner and the author of GIVE TO LIVE: Make A Charitable Gift You Never …
Episode 056: Strategies for Reducing Stress in the Workplace with Alisa Craig
In this episode, Ellie and Alisa Craig, Administrator of Wellness & Population Health with Hurley Medical Center dive into stress in the …
Episode 055: Entitlement? No, thank you with Dr. John Townsend
In this episode, Ellie is joined by Dr. John Townsend, a psychologist, leadership expert, speaker, and New York Times Best Selling Author. Dr. …
Episode 054: 12 Steps to Achieving Your Goals in 2019
At a conference last year dedicated to goal getting, Michael Hyatt said that of 200 million Americans who make New Year’s resolutions, fewer than 50% …
Best of 2018 #1: Taking Over the Family Business with Mitchell Kaneff
You voted and we listened. Here's the #1 Successful Generations Podcast Episode for 2018! PLEASE NOTE: there is adult language in this episode. …
Best of 2018 #2: An Action Plan for Mental Health with Christy Buck
You voted and we listened! Here's Best of 2018 Episode #2. When we talk about our health and wellness we focus on our physical bodies. We talk …
Best of 2018 #3: Digging Into the Family Business Landscape with Daniel G. Van Der Vliet
You voted and we listened! Here's Best of 2018 Episode #3. In this episode, Dann Van Der Vliet and I dig into family business from the family …
Episode 053: Top Resources From Ellie and Our Podcast Guests
Over the last year on this podcast our guests have shared an incredible number of resources related to family business, family wealth, family …
Episode 052: The Important Role of Professional Advisors in Discussing Philanthropy with Rebecca Miller
In this episode, we explore The U.S. Trust Study of The Philanthropic Conversation with Rebecca Miller, Senior Philanthropic Advisor with The …
Episode 051: 3Gen Perspectives on Philanthropy with a Boomer, a Gen Xer and a Millennial
In this episode, Ellie Frey Zagel is joined by Colleen Mitchell, Founder and Principal of VENTURE3Philanthropy, and Paige Cornetet, Chief Millennial …
Episode 050! What I’ve Learned in 50 Episodes with Guest Host Chad Zagel
We are so excited to celebrate this milestone 50th episode! In this episode, Ellie is joined by her husband, Chad Zagel for a bit of reflection. …
Episode 049: The Hidden Challenges of Wealth and the Path to Thrive as a NextGen with Kristin Keffeler
Kristin Keffeler is the founder and owner of illumination360. She is an advisor and certified professional coach with specializations in business …
Episode 048: How Family Champions Lead to Success with Joshua Nacht, Ph.D.
Joshua Nacht, Ph.D. is a consultant with the Family Business Consulting Group. He recently co-authored Family Champions and Champion Families: …
Episode 047: Power20—Combating Negative Self-Talk
Negative self-talk does not help us achieve our goals, yet I hear it all the time in my work with my coaching clients and from my peers who are fellow …
Episode 046: Critical Conversations for Succession Planning with Rochelle Clarke
In this episode, we talk to Rochelle Clarke, CEO & Founder of Succession Strength and author of The 5 Critical Succession Conversations: A …
Episode 045: Exploring Donor-Advised Funds with Bob Roth
In this episode, we're talking with Bob Roth who is President & CEO of RoMan Manufacturing, a global manufacturing business based in Grand Rapids, …
Episode 044: Philanthropic Due Diligence with Lynne Ferrell
Ellie Frey Zagel is a third generation Trustee and Vice Chair of her family's foundation, the Frey Foundation. The foundation was endowed with the …
Replay: A Legacy Lost with Douglas D. Box
Do you have a strong matriarch or patriarch? Do you have more drama in your family business than is healthy? Do you know someone who has sued a family …
Episode 043: Why Hire a Family Business Consultant? with Drew Mendoza
The Family Business Consulting Group (FBCG) consistently comes up as a top resource when we talk to family business leaders on the Successful …
Episode 042: Blending Passion, Family & Business with Anne Huntington, 2nd Generation
Anne Huntington is the second generation of her family's business, Huntington Learning Center. Based in New Jersey, they have over 300 locations in 41 …
Episode 041: An Action Plan for Mental Health with Christy Buck
So often when we talk about our health and wellness we focus on our physical bodies. We talk about things like diet and exercise. In this episode, …
Episode 040: My Journey to Coaching with Ellie Frey Zagel
The newest pillar of service offered by Successful Generations is Executive Coaching. In this week's episode, Ellie talks about the journey that led …
Episode 039: Selecting the Right Trustee with Attorney Mark Harder
It's been said that choosing a trustee is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. Let that settle in for a minute. Why is this one …
Episode 038: Standing Up in a Male-Dominated Industry with Aviation Executive René Banglesdorf
René Banglesdorf is CEO of Charlie Bravo Aviation, an Austin, Texas-based company that buys, sells and leases corporate aircraft worldwide. René and …
REPLAY: Answering the Question I’m Always Asked About Family Philanthropy
As a third generation board member of my family’s foundation, philanthropy plays a big role in my life. I was first introduced to our foundation when …
REPLAY: How My Parents Raised Us to Be Business Smart with Paige Cornetet
Replay? Yep, that's right, this week and next, we are working on some really big and exciting new things at Successful Generations. While we …
Episode 037: Making Your Mark on the Family Business with Cara Mackay, 2nd Generation
In this episode, we're talking with Cara Mackay—a 31-year-old dynamo who has taken her family's shed construction business in Scotland to new heights. …
Episode 036: Financial Literacy, Leadership and Entrepreneurship for Teens with Whitney Webb
In this episode, we're talking with Whitney Webb. She is co-founder of Launch Generation, which produces unique summer programs for teenagers focused …
Bonus Episode: Power20—My Reflect and Connect Challenge
We live in the age of busy. Think of all the times you ask friends how they’re doing. I bet more times than not in return you hear, “I’m so busy.” We …
Episode 035: Great Governance for Your Investment Committee with Becky Wood
If you’re involved in a family foundation, a family office, or if you sit on the board of nonprofit with an endowment, you likely know something about …
Episode 034: Trapped in the Family Business with Dr. Michael Klein, Part 2
In part one of the interview with Dr. Michael Klein, we talked about what it means to be trapped in the family business and various the emotions that …
Episode 033: Trapped in the Family Business with Dr. Michael Klein
Do you feel trapped in the family business or do you think you may be contributing to a loved one feeling trapped? If so, this episode is for you. My …
Episode 032: Are You a Spendthrift or a Tightwad? with Dr. Scott Rick
Take a 5-minute survey to see where you fall on the Tightwad-Spendthrift Scale. How do you feel about spending money? Does it give you a thrill or …
Episode 031: Impact Investing with Jennifer Oertel
Jennifer Oertel serves as the Impact Investing Expert in Residence at the Council of Michigan Foundations (CMF). In this episode, she and I dig into …
Episode 030: Holistic Weight Management with Cynthia Damaskos
The number on the scale, and whether it needs to go up or down, weighs heavily in the minds of many. In this episode, Cynthia Damakos, Certified …
Episode 029: Giving Back Through Giving Circles with Dr. Jason Franklin
Back in episode 026 my guest Rob Collier, President of the Council of Michigan Foundations mentioned giving circles as a trend to watch in …
Episode 028: Stories from The Family Business Podcast with Russ Haworth
My new friend, Russ Haworth, is the host of The Family Business Podcast and a contributor to many family business publications. Russ was writing a …
Episode 027: The Power of Mindset with Dr. Nancy Jonker
Mindset, also referred to as buoyancy or resiliency, speaks to our ability to bounce back. This week’s guest, Dr. Nancy Jonker explains it as, “an …
Episode 026: Reflections from Nearly Four Decades in Philanthropy with Rob Collier
Rob Collier is President & CEO of the Council of Michigan Foundations (CMF), a nonprofit membership association of more than 330 community …
Episode 025: Power20—10 Ways to Set Your NextGen Up for Success in the Family Enterprise
In this Power20 episode, I'm speaking to my friends who are NowGen leaders. As you think about succession planning and preparing the NextGen to …
Episode 024: Pump It Up! Strength Training and Leadership with Nick Klein
Blog Post: Pump It Up! Why Strength Training is Essential to the Success of Your Health Plan with Nick Klein Strength training and leadership …
Episode 023: Leadership Development and Agility with Greg McCann
In this episode, Greg McCann of McCann & Associates and I dive into the family enterprise model, vertical leadership development, and leadership …
Episode 022: Getting Started in Family Philanthropy with Colleen Mitchell
Colleen Mitchell is the founder of Venture3Philanthropy, a global philanthropic advisory firm. In her role, Colleen helps clients across generations …
Episode 021: Taking Over the Family Business with Mitchell Kaneff
PLEASE NOTE: there is adult language in this episode. It's only 1-2 words, but if you are listening with little ones, you may want to use …
Episode 020: Women and Wealth with Adrienne Penta
Happy 20th episode of the Successful Generations podcast! Our listeners are in for a treat this week. We wanted a dynamo guest for this …
Episode 019: Allyn Family 2.0—After the Sale with Eric Allyn (4th Gen), Part 2
In the previous episode, Eric Allyn shared the history of his family’s business, Welch Allyn. He told us how his generation banded together to change …
Episode 018: The Welch Allyn Family Business Story with Eric Allyn (4th Gen), Part 1
Eric Allyn grew up in a family with a legacy of entrepreneurship and innovation. His great-grandfather, William Noah Allyn and Francis A. Welch …
Episode 017: Power20—Achieving Your Goals Through a Mastermind or Peer Group
Peer groups, sometimes referred to as mastermind groups, can be incredibly helpful and effective at moving you along the path to achieving goals. …
Episode 016: Power20—Reframing Limiting Beliefs
For the past couple of years, I’ve been doing a lot of personal work, self-reflection, and goal-setting. As I’ve mentioned previously, I’m a big fan …
Episode 015: Beyond the Piggy Bank with Father, Author, and Entrepreneur Clint Greenleaf
After selling his publishing company, my guest, Clint Greenleaf recalls being on flight to Hawaii with his wife and two young daughters. …
Episode 014: More Awareness and Less Stress Through Yoga with Ashley Yost and Mali Jane
In one way or another, we are all on a health and wellness journey. My guests in this episode are dedicated to helping people on this journey through …
Episode 013: Raising Children to be Amazing Business Owners with Paige Cornetet
Paige Cornetet is a fourth generation family business owner and she’s involved in her family’s council. She’s also an entrepreneur who runs her own …
Episode 012: Raising Kids with Generous Genes with Susan Crites Price
Susan Crites Price is a Washington, DC-based author and speaker. Her most recent book, which she co-wrote with her daughter, Julianna Price, is titled …
Episode 011: Digging Into the Family Business Landscape with Daniel G. Van Der Vliet
In this episode, my guest Dann Van Der Vliet and I dig into family business from the family business center/academic perspective. Dann is …
Episode 010: 10 Things My Family Did to Engage Us in Philanthropy with Ellie Frey Zagel
As a third generation board member of my family’s foundation, philanthropy plays a big role in my life. I was first introduced to our foundation when …
Episode 009: Stress Management and Holistic Health with Cynthia Damaskos
After losing her father and discovering that the causes of his death could have been prevented, Cynthia Damaskos made dramatic changes to her own …
Episode 008: Family, Fights and Ferry Tales with Chris Shepler
In this episode, we hear the story of a seventy year old family business in Northern Michigan. My guest, Chris Shepler, is part of the third …
Episode 007: Raising Financially Responsible Kids Through the Holidays (and Beyond)
10 Activities to do with your Kids this Holiday Season The holidays— full of magic, wonder, traditions, and more. For many families, especially those …
Episode 006: Join the Philanthropic Revolution with Michael Moody
'Generation Impact' is Taking Over Research says that the rising generation of family philanthropy will take a different approach to giving. For …
Episode 005: Estate Planning 101 aka Estate Planning is Not Optional with Susan Gell Meyers
Everything You Need to Know Before You Meet with your Attorney The estate planning process can seem a little daunting. Having gone through the …
Episode 004: Engaging Your Family in Philanthropy with Ginny Esposito
The question I get asked the most, is “Ellie, how can I engage my family in philanthropy?” In this episode, Virginia “Ginny” Esposito, Founder of the …
Episode 003: Leadership, Wellness, and Concierge Medicine with Dr. Bill Baer
Successful Generations Podcast Are you struggling with your health and wellness? Are you feeling stretched thin, in a mental fog, constantly …
Episode 002: A Legacy Lost with Douglas D. Box
Successful Generations Podcast Do you have a strong matriarch or patriarch? Do you have more drama in your family business than is healthy? …
Episode 001: About Your Host Ellie Frey Zagel
Successful Generations Podcast Welcome to the first episode of Successful Generations, a podcast for the next generation of family business, family …