This week we are pleased to continue our series of guest-curated FFI Practitioner pieces—this time, exploring past FFI Practitioner podcast episodes with Russ Haworth, host of The Family Business Podcast. Thanks to Russ for sharing his selection of episodes highlighting a range of topics and insights from practitioners.

 

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Introduction

As an advisor to family businesses and a podcast host myself, I enjoy the range of topics and style of the podcasts that are published by FFI. They are all informative and engaging and so trying to pick a selection of the episodes to highlight here was tricky.

However, I have chosen five that I think emphasize all the great things about the podcast, along with the willingness of guests to share their insights and expertise with us all.

 

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Practice Insights

Becoming a More Conscious Advisor: Models for Managing Differences

With Dennis Jaffe, Marta Widz, and Hakim Benbadra

In this episode the focus is on enhancing the awareness and effectiveness of advisors in family enterprises.

The conversation delves into strategies for developing deeper self-awareness, improving client relationships, and fostering a more mindful approach to advising.

I particularly enjoyed the fact there are practical insights and techniques to become a more thoughtful, empathetic, and impactful adviser, which ultimately will benefit me, my clients and their businesses.

 

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Practice Insights

Running Against Time: An Interview with Henry Krasnow, Carlo Salvato, and Allison Krasnow

A very long time ago, I ran a marathon and so I was really interested in hearing the guests on this episode delve into the parallels between marathon running and managing a multi-generational family enterprise. The discussion highlights themes such as the importance of time, discipline, and generational dynamics, illustrating how these elements play a crucial role both in running a marathon and in making strategic decisions within a family business.

Great to hear the story of how Henry started his marathon journey too.

 

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Podcast

How Does an Aging Society Disrupt Enterprising Families? An Interview with Maria Sinanis

I really enjoyed the way that Maria explores the multifaceted challenges and opportunities that aging populations present to family enterprises, including succession planning, intergenerational dynamics, and maintaining business continuity.

She emphasises the importance of adapting governance structures and fostering open communication to navigate these disruptions effectively.

The idea of using the term “evolution” rather than “retirement” in discussions around transitions really resonated, and my view is that this will become an even more pertinent topic over time.

 

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Podcast

Creating Climate Futures: Business in a Changing World

With Jason Jay

Climate change is something that is or will affect all of us and so I enjoyed the fact that this episode delves into the crucial role family enterprises can play in addressing climate change whilst also exploring innovative strategies that businesses can adopt to foster sustainability.

Jason highlights how businesses can navigate the complexities of environmental challenges while also pursuing growth and innovation.

For those who are committed to making a positive impact on the planet, this discussion underscores the potential for family enterprises to lead the way in creating a sustainable future, offering inspiration and practical advice for those looking to make a difference.

 

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Other Surveys & Studies

Success or Failure? Rethinking the Three-Generation Rule

With Josh Baron and Rob Lachenauer

I am a fan of the work that Rob and Josh have done in the field and this interview with them both is another example of why.

Challenging the “rule” that most family businesses do not survive beyond three generations, they instead provide encouragement to focus on the positives that can come from family enterprise, rather than using scare tactics or fear in our interactions.

For me, this offers a far more realistic view of the future for family businesses, and it is great to hear them advocate for this approach in this episode.

 

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About the Contributor

Russ Haworth, ACFBA, is a UK-based specialist family business advisor who has been working with families in business for 15 years. He is the host of The Family Business Podcast and has hosted past episodes of the FFI Practitioner podcast. He can be reached at russ@familybusinesspartnership.com.