Episodios

  • Navigating Legacy and Wealth in Family Business with Jason Smith

    Navigating Legacy and Wealth in Family Business with Jason Smith
    May 5 2025

    Secret Thoughts of CEOS Ep. 133

    Navigating Legacy and Wealth in Family Business with Jason Smith

    In this powerful episode, host Chris Yonker sits down with Jason L Smith, founder of JL Smith Group, author of The Bucket Plan, and a nationally recognized financial advisor. Jason opens up about being fired by his own father, building a purpose-driven business from the ground up, and the holistic philosophy that now guides his wealth management firm—which oversees more than $4 billion in assets. Jason also shares deeply personal stories about resilience, raising grounded kids, and how intentional structure and values shape both his legacy and his clients’.

    Timestamps

    • 03:30 – Jason’s origin story: Fired by his dad, starting from scratch
    • 14:20 – "Everything’s fine" vs. proactive planning: health + financial parallels
    • 22:45 – The biggest tax mistake business owners make
    • 34:00 – Educating next-gens: Financial stewardship in action
    • 41:45 – The Bucket Plan: Now, Soon, Later framework
    • 53:15 – Self-worth after financial collapse and bouncing back

    Quotes

    · “I’m actually the youngest of 11 and, um, it was a mixed marriage like my mom and dad, you know, both had kids came together and had me kinda like the Brady Bunch and I was like, uh, Alice or the dog.”[03:24]

    · “Yeah, I. I. I feel like unfortunately our educational system is pretty broken in, in, in regards to teaching basic, you know, financial literacy, right?” [27:32]

    · “And my top five are the top five most important things to me, like my true north in life. And you know, my top five is number one is health. Mind, body, and soul. Number two is Holly, my wife. Number three is my kids. Number four is my family and friends. And number five is leading and learning.” [48:45]

    Websites:

    fambizforum.com.

    www.chrisyonker.com.

    jlsmithgroup.com

    Buy “The Bucket Plan” book Bucket-Plan®

    Facebook: @JLSmithGroup

    Instagram: @jl_smith_holistic_wealth

    LinkedIn: @JLSmithGroup
    Más Menos
    54 m
  • Priorities for Family Offices Working in a Fractured World with Angelo Robles

    Priorities for Family Offices Working in a Fractured World with Angelo Robles
    Apr 21 2025

    Secret Thoughts of CEOS Ep. 132

    Priorities for Family Offices Working in a Fractured World with Angelo Robles

    In this episode of the Secret Thoughts of CEOs and Business Leaders podcast, host Chris Yonker interviews Angelo Robles, a prominent figure in the family office sector. The discussion covers various topics crucial to family businesses, such as the importance of hiring the right people, the disruptive impact of AI, and how geopolitical changes are reshaping the business landscape. Angelo shares his thoughts on the future of AI, the significance of understanding global trends, and how family offices can better prepare for rapid changes. Chris and Angelo also delve into the complexities of governance within family offices and the critical need for adaptability and continuous learning.

    Angelo Robles is a global authority on family offices, renowned for his forward-thinking approach and bold vision for the future. As a family office strategist and futurist, Angelo has dedicated over 20 years to helping elite families navigate the complexities of wealth management, governance, and legacy building in an era of rapid change. With a deep understanding of the evolving landscape—from the rise of AI to increasing geopolitical risks—Angelo empowers families to break free from outdated models and build future-forward family offices designed to thrive for generations.

    Timestamps

    · 03:50 Angelo's Background and Career Journey

    · 07:19 The Concept and History of Family Offices

    · 18:08 Top Trends in Family Offices: People, Technology, and Systems

    · 33:09 Integrating AI in Family Offices

    · 35:14 First Steps for Family Offices

    · 39:47 Geopolitical Shifts and Their Impact

    · 46:55 The Role of AI in Global Power Dynamics

    Memorable Quotes

    · “ So the majority of family offices are built for a world that no longer exist.” [13:25]

    ·  ” AI is being under hyped. Under hyped. You look at the math behind it, Jensen Wong and Nvidia doubling its quote unquote power once every 1.08 years. Do the math behind that.” [29:23]

    ·  ” It’s rare, rare to find people who are willing to change their minds on topics they refuse to investigate.” [56:12]

    Websites:

    Angelorobles.com

    Facebook: @AngeloJRobles

    Instagram: @angeloroblesmedia

    LinkedIn: @angelorobles

    fambizforum.com.

    www.chrisyonker.com.
    Más Menos
    1 h y 1 m
  • Unlocking Leadership Potential: How Shadow Work Transforms Leaders with Kim Barta

    Unlocking Leadership Potential: How Shadow Work Transforms Leaders with Kim Barta
    Apr 7 2025
    Secret Thoughts of CEOS Ep. 131 Unlocking Leadership Potential: How Shadow Work Transforms Leaders with Kim Barta In this episode of 'Secret Thoughts of CEOs and Business Leaders’, host Chris Yonker delves into deep discussions with Kim Barta, a renowned psychotherapist and thought leader. Kim shares insights into his work around shadow therapy, explaining how our unconscious beliefs and patterns shape our lives. He talks about the nuances of family dynamics, personal growth, and healing from trauma. Listeners learn practical strategies for identifying and overcoming shadow aspects, fostering greater joy and fulfillment in both personal and professional realms. Chris also promotes the Family Business Executive Forum, a resource aiding those in family businesses to navigate issues like succession, financial management, and sibling rivalry. Timestamps · 03:45 Kim Barta's Background and Early Influences · 07:02 Developing a Metamodel for Healing · 13:34 Understanding Shadow Work · 23:03 Identifying and Addressing Shadow Patterns · 30:42 Awakening to the Problem · 42:13 Practical Steps for Escaping Abuse · 45:33 Adapting Systems for Healing Memorable Quotes · “ If you really tune in to the nuances of their micro behaviors, you can create change that helps people move to greener pastures a lot sooner. [05:40] ·  ”Everywhere I go, my shadow comes with me. I can't outrun my shadow. [22:08] ·  ” I say, no, what you've been living is not you. You've been living the lie. That you believe? Mm, if we take away the lie, you don't know who you are and I don't know who you are. We only know who you are when you're holding the lie. Let's take away the lie and discover who you are. [25:03] Websites: fambizforum.com. www.chrisyonker.com. Free Relationship Assessment Free Shadow Assessment kimbarta.org LinkedIn: @Kim Barta Kim Barta is an internationally award-winning lecturer, multi-culturally informed developmental psychotherapist, spiritual guide, author, workshop creator, and speaker. His work is grounded in an experiential practice, blending his unique, sophisticated healing with practical everyday usability. He has written and lectured on diverse topics such as Shadow, Spiritual Development, Developmentally Informed Meditation, Developmental Psychology, Shadow and Health at Every Developmental Level, Healthy Power, Developmental Leadership, Organizational leadership, Power and Bliss, Grief, Parenting, Relationships, and Love, to name a few. He has developed several new forms of therapy, including The Evolution of Shadow Resolution, Psychosocial Cartography, Stages of Developmentally Informed Psychotherapy, Shadow to Spirit, and more. Kim Co-founded Stages International with Dr. Terri O’Fallon, PhD., an organization focused on researching and teaching evolutionary consciousness. Kim is releasing his latest trilogy on love: Love, Relationship, and Flow, The Love, Relationship and Flow Journal, and Love Letters from Consciousness. They are available at Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and other outlets. Kim's Shadow books are available on his website. You can find kim at Kim Barta | Illuminating Your Hidden Self .
    Más Menos
    55 m
  • Unlocking Family Business Potential Through Advisory Teams with Dr. Jeremy Lurey

    Unlocking Family Business Potential Through Advisory Teams with Dr. Jeremy Lurey
    Mar 24 2025

    Unlocking Family Business Potential Through Advisory Teams with Dr. Jeremy Lurey

    In this episode of the 'Secret Thoughts of CEOs and Business Leaders' podcast, host Chris Yonker discusses the complexities of managing family business transitions with Dr. Jeremy Lurey. The episode covers key topics such as building effective advisory teams, succession planning, and the nuances of family dynamics in business settings. Chris and Jeremy explore the importance of external advisors, the challenges of sibling rivalries, and how to prepare for pivotal moments like selling a business. They also offer insights into identifying the right advisors and emphasize the importance of continuous learning and personal development for effective leadership.

    What You’ll Learn

    · Why it’s important to have an independent advisor

    ·  The necessity of being a continuous learner to belong in the field.

    Timestamps

    03:07 Introduction to Dr. Jeremy Lurey

    05:20 The Role of Family Business Advisors

    20:06 Navigating Family Business Relationships

    32:46 The Importance of Independent Advisors

    38:42 Generational Transitions and Family Harmony

    44:47 The Importance of Personal Connection

    Memorable Quotes

    · “Common sense is not that common. Right. People just don't stop and think about how I'm interacting with my partner, my child, my cousin, my uncle, my whomever it is. And so we get to shine the flashlight in places where people typically don't look..” [11:16]

    ·  ”for my dad, I will always be the 16 year old who wrapped a car around the tree. I always will be because I did. I did stupid things when I was 16 and 17 year old when I got my driver's license..” [17:34]

    ·  ”We could all get hit by the buff. I prefer the metaphor of when the lottery and move to Fiji myself. But regardless life happens when we least expect it. So having a plan is critical.” [23:01]

    Websites:

    fambizforum.com.

    www.chrisyonker.com.

    Familylegacy1st.com

    LinkedIn: @jeremylurey

    Jeremy Lurey PhD Bio:

    Family Advisor & Leadership Coach

    Dr. Lurey is a talented family advisor, executive coach, and business consultant with more than 25 years of experience helping clients—from families of significant wealth to Fortune 500 corporations—achieve their strategic objectives and build sustainable futures. He specializes in leadership development, succession planning, governance, and strategic planning, guiding family offices and family businesses through critical transitions and long-term planning. A PhD in Organizational Psychology, Dr. Lurey is a US Ambassador for the Global Family Office Community and frequently speaks at industry events. Recognized as a “40 Under 40” executive, he is known for his compassionate approach, enabling clients to unlock their leadership potential and focus on what matters most.
    Más Menos
    1 h
  • Balancing Tradition & Innovation: What Businesses Can Learn from Harley Davidson with Ken Schmidt

    Balancing Tradition & Innovation: What Businesses Can Learn from Harley Davidson with Ken Schmidt
    Mar 10 2025
    STOC 129: Balancing Tradition & Innovation: What Businesses Can Learn from Harley Davidson with Ken Schmidt In this episode of 'Secret Thoughts of CEOs and Business Leaders,' host Chris Yonker interviews Ken Schmidt, a former Harley Davidson executive renowned for his innovative repositioning strategy. They discuss the key elements holding back family businesses and privately held companies, including family harmony, succession, financial management, and innovation. Ken shares insights into Harley Davidson's transformation, emphasizing the need for businesses to connect on a human level, foster a strong internal culture, and leverage their unique history. They explore how companies can balance maintaining core values with embracing new innovations to delight and retain customers. What You’ll Learn · Humans naturally seek and return to sources of delight, regardless of how minor they are. ·  When the human connection is made, business wins. Timestamps 03:48 Ken Schmidt's Journey to Harley Davidson 20:16 The Importance of Company Identity 32:04 The Role of Technology in Customer Interaction 34:30 Human Connection 37:55 Building a Memorable Business 43:20 Creating a Culture of Delight Memorable Quotes · “Harley does all this other stuff that, that hits people at a human level. And at the end of the day, that makes the business more desirable. It makes people willing to pay more, for the privilege of being part of that community.” [19:45] ·  ” How can we do what we do faster, better, and cheaper to get more stuff out into the marketplace? That's exactly what customers are not looking for.” [27:55] Websites: fambizforum.com. www.chrisyonker.com. kenspeaks.com LinkedIn: @KenSchmidt Tailgating with Geniuses Podcast Ken Schmidt Bio: It’s an impersonal world, where so many products and services are seen as easily-replaced, indistinct commodities. Whether you stand out or get lost in the crowd is a choice. A mindset. Ken Schmidt faced those same challenges himself and gained acclaim for his role in the extraordinary turnaround of the legendary Harley-Davidson Motor Company. That transformation was based on a change in mindset and a focus on answering three key strategic questions. While times have changed, what humans want and need from the businesses they buy from and work for hasn’t. In his high-energy speeches, Ken inspires companies and individuals to shift their thinking and ride a path to success by becoming memorable – not for what they do or what they make, but for how they connect with people. Ken is author of Make Some Noise: The Unconventional Road to Dominance. He’s also host of the Tailgating with Geniuses podcast and co-founder of Torque Sessions Leadership Training. In all of his endeavors, Ken brings an unconventional perspective that helps organizations and individuals reframe how they engage with their marketplace. Ken Schmidt’s career in the motorcycle industry began in 1985 as a specialist in corporate positioning and media relations for the then-struggling Harley-Davidson. He was tasked with helping the company restore its image, improve its competitiveness, and create demand for its motorcycles. Within a few short years, sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles skyrocketed, and the company returned to prominence as one of the most respected, profitable, and frequently reported-on companies in the world. In 1990, Ken became director of Harley-Davidson’s corporate and financial communications, serving as its primary spokesperson to the media and the financial communities. He frequently appeared in mainstream and business media to offer insights on nontraditional communications, customer attraction, and brand-building. His expertise and success at Harley- Davidson ultimately led to consulting assignments and speaking invitations from all over the world. In 1997, Ken left Harley-Davidson to take an ownership position with a highly successful Chicago-based marketing firm, VSA Partners. In addition to Harley-Davidson, VSA served a virtual who’s who of the world’s best-known brands. In 1999, he sold his portion of VSA to start his own business, Ken Schmidt Company, to combine two of his greatest passions, motorcycling and speaking. He uses motorcycles as a metaphor to expose people to proven ideas and concepts they’ve likely never imagined. In addition to speaking and consulting, Ken is co-founder of Torque Sessions Leadership Training. Through a combination of hands-on training and interactive workshops, these sessions help individuals and organizations re-position themselves to become dominant competitors, maximize leadership effectiveness, build a people-first culture of innovation and foster loyalty among customers and employees. Ken is also the host of the popular podcast Tailgating with Geniuses, wherein he talks with some of the most innovative and successful ...
    Más Menos
    50 m
  • Building Family Legacy and the Keys to Early Education Success with Richie Huffman

    Building Family Legacy and the Keys to Early Education Success with Richie Huffman
    Feb 24 2025
    Building Family Legacy and the Keys to Early Education Success with Richie Huffman In this episode of 'Secret Thoughts of CEOs and Business Leaders,' host Chris Yonker talks with Richie Huffman, the founder, president, and CEO of Celebrate Schools, and a leader in early childhood education. The discussion delves into Richie's entrepreneurial journey, approaches to building a family legacy, and the innovative ways he runs his family akin to a business. The conversation highlights the importance of family vision, quarterly family huddles, and good stewardship. Richie shares valuable insights on the evolving landscape of early education and emphasizes parental involvement in children’s education. Additionally, Chris promotes the Family Business Executive Forum, a resource offering expert advice on overcoming challenges in family businesses. Richard O. Huffman is the founder, President, and CEO of Celebree Schools. Richie founded Celebree in 1994, growing our brand from a single preschool into the company we are today. In his current role, Richie shares his expertise, insights, and leadership with Celebree School franchisees, while continuing to shape Celebree’s short-term and long-term vision. Over the course of more than two decades, Richie has grown Celebree from a single location into Maryland’s largest privately held chain of childcare centers. With Celebree’s entry into the franchise sector, Richie now shares the secrets to his success with Celebree franchisees. In his work with Celebree School franchise owners, Richie shares more than 20 years of industry experience and entrepreneurial expertise. He offers direct support to franchisees as they develop their locations while challenging assumptions that could impede their business. He is committed to the success of every franchisee and is available on a daily basis for one-on-one support. As the President and CEO of Celebree Schools, Richie continues to guide the core vision of our brand: a vision that embraces change, innovation, and the constant pursuit of self-improvement. Thanks to Richie’s combination of leadership and experience, Celebree continues to set industry standards within the early childhood education sector. Richie has also shaped Celebree’s dynamic corporate culture, helping us attract some of the most forward-thinking leaders and executives in our industry. What You’ll Learn · Emphasizing the importance of building a family legacy and raising children with strong values and stewardship. · The role of parents in shaping a child's future · The significance of family vision and mission Timestamps · 04:04 Richie's Entrepreneurial Journey · 10:41 Building a Family Legacy · 15:01 Family Vision and Mission · 25:25 The Importance of Early Education · 34:44 Setting Expectations and Covenants · 40:04 Where to Learn More Memorable Quotes · “I knew at a very young age, I knew 2 things. I knew that I wanted to do it my way. I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I knew I probably would not do well working for somebody else. And at a very young age, I knew one thing and I struggle with saying this, but I have to say it was true. I knew that I wanted to be wealthy.” [04:54] · “I’m not a know it all. I know nothing. Right? Which is another right? I know nothing and that's my philosophy. I surround myself with really, really great people that are committed as much as I am to achieving the vision of the mission.” [14:27] ·  I reach over. I take his cell phone and I ask him the next. I ask him the same question over again. Now, let's try this again. What did you do yesterday in history class? And now at least I got a 50 percent chance because I just put the distraction away. [32:08] Websites: Richie Huffman Instagram Celebree School fambizforum.com. www.chrisyonker.com.
    Más Menos
    42 m
  • Trust, Transparency, and Culture: The Cornerstones of Leadership with Susan Riley

    Trust, Transparency, and Culture: The Cornerstones of Leadership with Susan Riley
    Feb 10 2025

    Trust, Transparency, and Culture: The Cornerstones of Leadership

    with Susan Riley

    Susan Riley is a resident of Exeter, NH and is married with two children. She started her career with a technical foundation (undergraduate and graduate education in Chemistry (Boston College, Brandeis University), followed later by an MBA at Babson College. She then spent the majority of her 40-year career in the life sciences industry. Having started in research and development, Susan gradually expanded her skillset and experience by spending significant time in international business development, marketing & sales, production & operations. In the last decade of her career, she was appointed Vice President & General Manager for two mid to large size divisions of Fortune 100 companies having revenues of $750M+. Susan was known as a straight shooter that built strong teams and executed well. She set high expectations yet was very nurturing to her employees. She always rolled up her sleeves and never asked anyone to do something she would not do herself. Susan recently retired and now resides in Exeter, NH. She views her most significant accomplishment as being able to have coupled a wonderfully fulfilling career with a fabulous family life. She credits her husband of 40+ years as her secret sauce in being able to come as close to “having it all” as is possible and looks forward to enjoying her retirement with him and her two grown daughters

    What You’ll Learn

    ● What it takes to uplevel an organization.

    ● How to secure trust by being authentic.

    ● The importance of the value proposition.

    ● How to navigate male-dominated spaces.

    ● Why we should make space for life experiences.

    Timestamps

    · [04:17] Susan’s background.

    · [09:30] Upleveling an organization.

    · [13:30] Prioritizing key areas.

    · [18:36] How to secure trust by being authentic.

    · [24:39] The value proposition.

    · [30:09] Creating a culture for success.

    · [33:45] Navigating the male-dominated spaces.

    · [39:34] Blocking off time to prioritize life experiences.

    Memorable Quotes

    · “People can sniff you out if you’re not [authentic].” – Susan Riley [20:05]

    · “You’ve got to learn from your mistakes.” – Susan Riley [27:25]

    · “You really have to start thinking about what’s important to your life.” – Susan Riley [44:54]

    Websites

    fambizforum.com.

    www.chrisyonker.com.

    Susan Riley.
    Más Menos
    46 m
  • Holistic Success: Mind, Body, Spirit, and Leadership with Shane Carter

    Holistic Success: Mind, Body, Spirit, and Leadership with Shane Carter
    Jan 27 2025

    Holistic Success: Mind, Body, Spirit, and Leadership with Shane Carter

    Shane is President and CEO of Hampshire Capital, LLC based in NH. Hampshire Capital, LLC buys, develops, renovates, repositions and holds apartment buildings, commercial assets and land in New England and the Southern states. Since 1996, Shane has acquired and managed more than $315M in multi-family and commercial assets and has developed and built over $120M in real estate through his construction and development firm. Shane's first book entitled "Optimize Your Life" is soon-to-be-released in 2024. With a mission to help others succeed, the book distills many personal life lessons and details Shane's recipe for fulfillment with relationships, personal passions, and business. With over 25 years of active real estate experience under his belt, Shane balances his business with passions for fitness, wellness, the outdoors and travel while prioritizing being a dad to three awesome kids. All of this is 'in bounds' and Shane is thrilled to discuss how he built a thriving lifestyle with audiences on their own growth & wealth building journeys

    What You’ll Learn

    ● Shane's personal approach to reducing disappointments by lowering expectations of outcomes and others

    ● Shane continues to challenge the status quo, advocating for a life that harmonizes professional success with personal fulfillment

    Timestamps

    · [00:05:35] Writing a book for oneself.

    · [00:10:53] Authentic leadership through experience.

    · [00:18:17] Optimize your life holistically.

    · [00:21:48] Mindset and health connection.

    · [00:30:37] Attachment to outcomes in entrepreneurship.

    · [00:35:28] Dealing with disappointment effectively.

    · [00:40:49] Culture of decentralized ideas.

    · [00:46:15] Balancing life and business.

    Memorable Quotes

    · "All of the work, all of the benefits of the work are not in knowing what to do. It's in actually doing the work."

    · "I personally have less disappointments because I have less expectations of outcomes and I have less expectations of others."

    · "The more I empower, the more I'm compassionate and empathetic, the more I attract others that resonate with me and want to be in the environment that we've created at our company, the more success we have."

    Websites

    · https://hampshirecap.com/

    · https://www.facebook.com/shane.carter.566790

    · https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanecarternh/
    Más Menos
    50 m
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_T1_webcro805_stickypopup