Episodios

  • Rediscovering the Leader Beneath the Stewardship

    Rediscovering the Leader Beneath the Stewardship
    Mar 26 2026
    Host Steve Legler speaks with Executive Coach Jill Nykoliation ahead of her Keynote set for Family Enterprise Canada's upcoming Symposium in Vancouver, taking place May 25-27, 2026. The discussion covers some of the limits of a stewardship mentality, and delves into helping each family member discover their own innate drivers and talents to use in service of the family enterprise 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. Guest bio Jill Nykoliation is an award-winning business leader with 30 years of experience shaping global brands, from Fortune 100 to entrepreneurial companies. For over three decades, she has dedicated herself to understanding why we do what we do. Her fascination with human insight was the driving force behind her co-founding a creative agency eighteen years ago — and now drives her work as a Personal Coach. Jill now applies her deep expertise to help people unlock their true potential and navigate pivotal moments in their lives and careers. Jill coaches executives one-on-one across the globe and facilitates workshops for corporations, YPO, and MEA Wisdom School, guiding leaders toward greater clarity, confidence, and impact. You can learn more about Jill Nykoliation on LinkedIn. Key Takeaways [:23] Steve Legler welcomes Jill Nykoliation and launches the episode by asking her to share her thoughts on the notion of stewardship and how it holds importance for enterprising families. [3:21] Jill speaks on the rigidity of stewardship in a world of increasingly fast-paced change. [4:45] Is stewardship an ingredient of great leadership or vice versa? Jill shares her perspective. [7:00] Leadership is an individual recipe, Jill explains how evolving styles and hierarchies can better serve upcoming generations and enterprises. [8:05] Who is Carl Jung, and what are the 12 archetypes? Jill explains how each of them can impact leadership styles. [11:04] Jill shares the exercise she will be walking the audience through at the Symposium in Vancouver and how it often leads to marvel and a new understanding of the people we have been living with our whole lives. [15:24] The bicep and tricep as analogies for the part of ourselves we think we need to be versus our true selves. [20:43] Jill touches on how a family enterprise needs to go beyond the needs of the business and always remember its family members, and how to empower each individual. [22:36] It is OK for family members to go out and find their way outside of the family enterprise. [23:32] Some archetypes do better in certain cycles: Who doesn't want an explorer in this fast-paced time? [26:02] Are we "just like dad" or "just like mom"? Jill answers the heredity question and how it might be a trap. [27:34] When it comes to family enterprise, can you make the role fit the person, or is it really just the other way around? [32:00] Jill's promise to the audience! [32:20] Jill shares her book recommendation and a piece of advice for advisors. [36:13] Steve Legler thanks Jill Nykoliation for sharing so much of her expertise and invites listeners to sign up for Symposium, which will be held May 25‒27 in Vancouver, BC. If you enjoyed today's episode, you can subscribe to Let's Talk Family Enterprise on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast apps. Please remember to share this episode with family, friends, and colleagues. Share your thoughts with us at fea@familyenterprise.ca. Mentioned in this episode From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life, by Arthur C. Brooks Working Identity, Updated Edition, With a New Preface: Unconventional Strategies for Reinventing Your Career, by Herminia Ibarra Symposium 2026 More about Family Enterprise Canada Family Enterprise Canada FEC on Facebook FEC on Twitter FEC on LinkedIn
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    38 m
  • 76: Love, Wisdom, Money

    76: Love, Wisdom, Money
    Feb 26 2026
    Host Steve Legler speaks with Buddy Thomas, the author of Love, Wisdom, Money: The Family Fiduciary's Guide to Generative Wealth. Together, they discuss the concept of a 'Family Fiduciary' and the importance of putting those three elements—Love, Wisdom and Money—in the right order. 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. Guest bio Buddy Thomas is the founder of Superior Planning – Family Office, specializing in customized family wealth and relationship enrichment programs for HNW and UHNW families since 1982. A Certified Financial Planner and Accredited Estate Planner with a background in psychology and economics, Buddy is a thought leader in personal wealth management. He has authored four books, over 50 articles, and produced 200+ educational videos, including the Fifty-Five Second Family Fiduciary series. You can learn more about Buddy Thomas on LinkedIn and on the Love, Wisdom, Money website. Key Takeaways [:23] Steve Legler welcomes Buddy Thomas and launches the episode by asking about his book Love, Wisdom, Money: The Family Fiduciary's Guide to Generative Wealth. [2:15] Buddy explains what a Family Fiduciary is, how Love, Wisdom, and Money must come in the correct order, and how he came to understand why the order is so important. [6:06] From Jay Hughes, through years of meeting families: translating "human capital" into an understandable concept for all was key for Buddy to flesh out this book. [7:42] Learning to write books is quite the experience. "No one wants to read a whitepaper!" Buddy shares how finding your author's voice is part and parcel of learning how to write for good reading. [10:03] Buddy shares how his own family founded and grew their own successful family enterprise. [11:42] How can advisors encourage families to foster "the right stuff" and support them in growing? [14:24] The family fiduciary has to lead the movement for the benefit of the whole family. [15:54] How The Gift of Lift by David R. York opened Buddy's eyes. [17:23] The gamification of enterprising families' dynamics. [20:13] Why separating the portfolio and the cash flow games is really important. [21:57] What Buddy believes a comprehensive planner should hope for. [23:11] Helping families see what they have not been able to understand, so that they can make the best decision for themselves. [25:32] If you've seen one family office… You've seen one family office. Buddy shares that in the course of his 40-year career, he has concluded that no two families will take the same decision. [27:34] Buddy talks about separate vs. community property law and how surprised he was by the differences between Ohio and California. [29:02] Buddy's book recommendation and advice for families and advisors. [31:26] Steve thanks Buddy for sharing so much of his experience and invites listeners to sign up for Symposium, which will be held May 25‒27 in Vancouver, BC. If you enjoyed today's episode, you can subscribe to Let's Talk Family Enterprise on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast apps. Please remember to share this episode with family, friends, and colleagues. Share your thoughts with us at fea@familyenterprise.ca. Mentioned in this episode Values-Based Estate Planning: A Step-by-Step Approach to Wealth Transfer for Professional Advisors, by Scott C. Fithian Family Trusts: A Guide for Beneficiaries, Trustees, Trust Protectors, and Trust Creators, by James E. Hughes Jr. Family Wealth: Keeping It in the Family--How Family Members and Their Advisers Preserve Human, Intellectual, and Financial Assets for Generations, by James E. Hughes Jr. Symposium 2026 More about Family Enterprise Canada Family Enterprise Canada FEC on Facebook FEC on Twitter FEC on LinkedIn
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    33 m
  • 75: Cognitive Optimization for Leadership

    75: Cognitive Optimization for Leadership
    Jan 29 2026
    In this episode, host Aileen Miziolek speaks with Celina Caesar-Chavannes about why 'change' can feel so difficult in family businesses. Celina explains, in simple terms, how our brains get used to certain ways of thinking and reacting—and how that affects family relationships and decision-making. She also offers practical advice and resources to help families and professionals better navigate change and work together more effectively. 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. Guest bio Celina Caesar-Chavannes is a globally respected leader and humanitarian who, for over 25 years, has been dedicated to helping individuals awaken their innate potential and live in alignment with their unique gifts. Widely regarded as one of the foremost experts in leadership, neuroscience, and personal transformation, Celina has worked with leading organizations such as TD Bank, Canadian Tire, Aga Khan Foundation, and McDonald's Canada. A national bestselling author and celebrated international speaker, Celina's work in cognitive consistency and inclusive leadership continues to shape the global conversation on equity, humanity, and meaningful impact. You can learn more about Celina Caesar-Chavannes on LinkedIn and on her website. Key Takeaways [0:23] Aileen Miziolek welcomes Celina Caesar-Chavannes and launches the episode by asking her a little more about her career and what drives her passions. [2:49] Change is very hard in family business systems. Celina explains how well-established neural pathways reinforce existing thoughts and behaviours. [5:32] Trusting your gut might be a good pathway to finding alignment. [7:38] Before alignment, there is motivated cognition. Celina breaks down how this process works and why being aware of this process is part of how the self shapes over time. [10:42] Resistance to change is linked to neuroplasticity, and Celina likens some neuro-pathways to concrete highways. [13:25] There are no shortcuts! [14:44] The default mode network, the central executive network, and the salience network, and how the interaction between the three largely dictates relational dynamics. [18:19] There is no good, bad, right, or wrong; it's just how the brain is wired. Celina offers tips on how to short-circuit the default mode network. [20:42] How the salience network hijack makes family business more challenging. [23:23] Celina offers a path for advisors to educate families both in individual settings and as groups. [25:44] Aileen invites listeners to register for the FEA Kinnect Toronto event coming up this February 19th, during which Celina will be speaking. [26:37] Celina shares some resources and advice for families and advisors listening — grab a pen! [28:57] Aileen thanks Celina Caesar-Chavannes for sharing so much of her knowledge and invites listeners to sign up for Symposium, which will be held May 25‒27 in Vancouver, BC. If you enjoyed today's episode, you can subscribe to Let's Talk Family Enterprise on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast apps. Please remember to share this episode with family, friends, and colleagues. Share your thoughts with us at fea@familyenterprise.ca. Mentioned in this episode Can You Hear Me Now?: How I Found My Voice and Learned to Live with Passion and Purpose, by Celina Caesar-Chavannes FEA Kinnect Toronto: Cognitive Optimization for Leadership Symposium 2026 More about Family Enterprise Canada Family Enterprise Canada FEC on Facebook FEC on Twitter FEC on LinkedIn
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    30 m
  • 74: The Best of 2025 (A Retrospective)

    74: The Best of 2025 (A Retrospective)
    Dec 18 2025

    Regular hosts Aileen Miziolek and Steve Legler discuss some of their favourite episodes and insights from 2025's episodes of the Let's Talk Family Enterprise podcast. Hear them share their greatest takeaways and bring back good memories while encouraging listeners to subscribe for more!

    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.

    Key Takeaways

    [0:26] Steve Legler and Aileen Miziolek come together for a year-end review for the Let's Talk Family Enterprise podcast.

    [1:21] Steve shares his favourite takeaways and how what we see in general culture tends to be far from correct when it comes to addiction from episode #64 on addiction with Jeffrey Foote.

    [4:01] Aileen talks about how the "Owner's Mindset" has now made it into her own practice from episode #65 on Ownership with Barbara Dartt.

    [8:47] The distinction between Frankenstein and Frankenstein's monster, creating a vision, and the 10 domains, from episode #68 on collaboration and cooperation with Cindy Radu.

    [14:00] Aileen and Steve share their favourite moments, ranging from the multiple hats advisors have to wear to what it means to work FOR a system from episode #69 with Roger Schwarz.

    [18:01] The relationship kids develop with money can evolve poorly if it isn't managed. Steve and Aileen share their favourite insights from episode #70 with Mark Shiller.

    [22:26] The difference between an abundance and a scarcity mindset, over- and under-functioning when parenting adult children, and more from episode #71 with Alyson Schafer.

    [28:05] Aileen and Steve thank listeners for their continued support and close this episode with well wishes for the coming year and an invitation to sign up for Symposium, which will be held May 25‒27 in Vancouver, BC.

    If you enjoyed today's episode, you can subscribe to Let's Talk Family Enterprise on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast apps. Please remember to share this episode with family, friends, and colleagues.

    Share your thoughts with us at fea@familyenterprise.ca.

    Mentioned in this episode

    Symposium 2026

    Episode #64 with Jeffrey Foote — Getting Beyond Addiction in Enterprising Families

    Episode #65 with Barbara Dartt — "Owning" Ownership with Barbara Dartt

    Episode #68 with Cindy Radu — Stop Frankesteining It

    Episode #69 with Roger Schwarz — The Skilled Facilitator

    Episode #70 with Mark Shiller — How Not to Ruin Your Kids With Money

    Episode #71 with Alyson Schafer — Parenting Adult Children in Family Business

    More about Family Enterprise Canada

    Family Enterprise Canada

    FEC on Facebook

    FEC on Twitter

    FEC on LinkedIn
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    30 m
  • 73: Understanding ADHD in Family Enterprises

    73: Understanding ADHD in Family Enterprises
    Nov 27 2025
    Host Aileen Miziolek speaks with Dr. Tamara Rosier about how ADHD can show up in adults and the common misconceptions that can shape family enterprise dynamics. They explore how traits such as emotional dysregulation, risk-taking and divergent thinking influence communication, trust and generational roles within enterprising families. Dr. Rosier also shares practical ways to design systems that support neurodivergent minds, and highlights the value of coaching and self-awareness in helping families work more effectively together. 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. Guest bio Dr. Tamara Rosier is a captivating and highly regarded speaker, widely recognized as a leading authority on ADHD and neurodiversity. Her signature blend of warmth, humor, and practical wisdom transforms complex concepts into relatable, actionable insights that resonate with diverse audiences. As the founder of the ADHD Center of West Michigan, Dr. Rosier has dedicated her career to empowering individuals, families, and organizations to embrace the unique strengths of ADHD. Drawing on her rich professional background as a college administrator, professor, leadership consultant, high school teacher, business owner, and ADHD coach, she offers invaluable insights into how ADHD shapes and impacts daily life. You can learn more about Tamara Rosier on LinkedIn and on her website. Key Takeaways [:26] Aileen Miziolek welcomes Dr. Tamara Rosier and asks her to share a little bit about what ADHD is and some common misconceptions around adult ADHD. [3:54] Dr. Tamara nerds out for a minute explaining the role of the frontal cortex and the missing inner butler when it comes to ADHD. [7:05] For all our listeners who don't have ADHD, be cool! Dr. Tamara explains emotional dysregulation. [10:16] ADHDers tend to be risk takers and hunters, and in the maintenance phase of a business, this can cause friction. [12:15] Dr. Tamara breaks down the effects of ADHD on different family business generations. [15:45] Neurodiversity is diversity! Dr. Tamara explains the benefits — and pitfalls — of divergent thinking and how it can affect family system trust. [20:07] Dr. Tamara shares how she addresses how to work without naming the elephant in the room. [23:11] How to design a system that will benefit neurodivergent minds. [24:50] Challenging roles for ADHDers? They can do anything, as long as they get to know themselves. [31:04] The role of ADHD coaching in family systems. [33:23] Dr. Tamara's resources for advisors and families working with ADHD. [35:07] Aileen thanks Dr. Tamara Rosier for sharing so much of her knowledge, 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, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast apps. Please remember to share this episode with family, friends, and colleagues. Share your thoughts with us at fea@familyenterprise.ca. Mentioned in this episode Your Brain's Not Broken: Strategies for Navigating Your Emotions and Life with ADHD, by Tamara Rosier, PhD You, Me, and Our ADHD Family: Practical Steps to Cultivate Healthy Relationships, by Tamara Rosier, PhD More about Family Enterprise Canada Family Enterprise Canada FEC on Facebook FEC on Twitter FEC on LinkedIn
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    37 m
  • 72: Navigating Complexity in Enterprising Families

    72: Navigating Complexity in Enterprising Families
    Oct 28 2025
    Host Steve Legler speaks with Michelle Osry about how families need to deal with both complicated issues that require specific solutions, as well as complex challenges that require different skills to navigate to help the family make progress. They discuss the challenges in getting both advisors and families to understand these distinctions and find ways to work on having each family's best outcome emerge from co-creation. Guest bio Michelle Osry works with family enterprises and offices on governance and generational transition. She draws from a broad experience and range of disciplines and practices, blending systems thinking with traditional consulting frameworks, to help families navigate the complexities of wealth and family dynamics. Before co-founding A&O Partners in 2023, Michelle was a partner at Deloitte Canada. She has been a Board member of Family Enterprise Canada since 2018 and is an instructor in their Family Enterprise Advisor program. You can learn more about Michelle Osry on LinkedIn and the FEA website. Key Takeaways [:26] Steve Legler welcomes Michelle Osry and asks her to share a bit about how she became interested in the difference between complicated and complex. [3:33] Michelle explains how planning a very complicated event led her to discover how roleplay could facilitate an understanding of complex situations. [7:25] Experiencing unpredictability is part and parcel of understanding complex systems. [8:44] FEA training is very technical and can lead to predictions that can easily be upended in a complex system. [12:20] Michelle shares an overview of Theory U by Otto Scharmer and how it applies to advisors. [14:13] Michelle shares an example of helping a family do their best thinking together, from a recent interaction with an FEA. [18:55] There are many ways the facilitator helps families; Michelle shares a noticing tip for advisors. [21:24] Michelle talks about sharing your feelings with a family as an advisor and offers another tool to use before and after meetings to help families get into a flow state. [25:55] Instead of just looking at a screen, when describing a family organization, have the family members stand in their place! [27:13] What Michelle has noticed in the evolution of her work with families, and how AI is affecting her practice. [29:15] Michelle shares her book suggestion and her advice for advisors. [33:36] Steve thanks Michelle Osry for sharing her insights, 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, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast apps. Please remember to share this episode with family, friends, and colleagues. Share your thoughts with us at fea@familyenterprise.ca. Mentioned in this episode The Ten Domains of Family Wealth Johari window The essentials of theory U - PRESENCING: 7 Practices for Transforming Self, Society, and Business, by Otto Scharmer Unleash Your Complexity Genius: Growing Your Inner Capacity to Lead, by Jennifer Garvey Berger and Carolyn Coughlin We Can Do This! 10 Tools to Unleash Our Collective Genius, by Kate Sutherland More about Family Enterprise Canada Family Enterprise Canada FEC on Facebook FEC on Twitter FEC on LinkedIn
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    34 m
  • 71: Parenting Adult Children in Family Business

    71: Parenting Adult Children in Family Business
    Sep 30 2025
    Aileen Miziolek hosts an in-depth conversation with Alyson Schafer, an acclaimed author and Adlerian family counsellor. In this thoughtful 30-minute episode, they touch on issues around over- and under-functioning children, why the notion of fair vs. equal in childhood can impact long-term family business dynamics, and how tackling the unique challenges of enterprising families requires maturity, open-mindedness and an understanding that sometimes personal responsibility is the only path forward. 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. Guest bio Alyson Schafer is one of Canada's leading parenting experts. She promotes a firm but friendly "democratic parenting" style and offers practical solutions backed by extensive evidence-based research. Alyson is an Adlerian family counsellor, author, and internationally acclaimed expert who empowers families by sharing her principles, rules, and tools for raising co-operative and resilient kids. You can learn more about Alyson Schafer on her website and LinkedIn. Key Takeaways [0:26] Aileen Miziolek welcomes Alyson Schafer and asks her to share about her experience with family business dynamics. [3:01] Understanding the notion of fair vs. equal is a large part of how a family orients itself. Alyson explains how the abundance and scarcity models may influence how this manifests. [6:48] While intergenerational patterns are real, there is always hope for change when there is maturity and open-mindedness. [10:36] Family businesses do not have the freedom of relative anonymity in the workplace: family tensions can easily translate into business tensions. [12:52] Personal responsibility is required for change. Alyson offers a dance metaphor to illustrate that the "other" doesn't always need to start the process. [15:15] Children differentiate to stop competition. Alyson warns against bean-counting to prevent under-functioning. [20:46] Alyson shares tips to manage over- and under-functioning in any given system. [23:34] Co-leading siblings is possible, but will require strong buy-in, well-defined roles and responsibilities, and generational support. [26:15] Solving problems at the parent level is usually the fastest way to power change. [27:29] North America is singular in its propensity to cut off family members! [29:43] Links to Alyson Schafer's contact, podcast, and books can be found in the links below. [31:11] Aileen thanks Alyson Schafer for sharing so much of her knowledge, 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, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast apps. Please remember to share this episode with family, friends, and colleagues. Share your thoughts with us at fea@familyenterprise.ca. Mentioned in this episode Alyson Schafer's Podcast: Parenting The Adlerian Way Ain't Misbehavin': Tactics for Tantrums, Meltdowns, Bedtime Blues and Other Perfectly Normal Kid Behaviors, by Alyson Schafer Honey, I Wrecked the Kids: When Yelling, Screaming, Threats, Bribes, Time-outs, Sticker Charts and Removing Privileges All Don't Work, by Alyson Schafer Breaking The Good Mom Myth, by Alyson Schafer More about Family Enterprise Canada Family Enterprise Canada FEC on Facebook FEC on Twitter FEC on LinkedIn
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    32 m
  • 70: How to NOT Ruin Your Kids With Money

    70: How to NOT Ruin Your Kids With Money
    Aug 21 2025
    Steve Legler speaks with U.S. estate planning attorney Mark Shiller about his book, How to NOT Ruin Your Kids With Money: Navigating the Challenges of Transitioning Wealth in Families. Together, they discuss issues around character, competence, and capacity, the maturation process, and the uniqueness of each family member, with lots of useful tidbits for parents and rising generation family members along the way. 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. Guest bio Mark A. Shiller has been a practicing estate and business succession attorney and wealth consultant for over 20 years. He works with individuals, couples, and families in connection with their estate, tax, and business planning. His clients are typically business owners, professionals, and senior executives who appreciate his thoughtful and creative approaches to their often complicated personal, tax, and financial planning challenges. He is a Fellow of the American College of Trusts and Estates Counsel, former Chair of the Board of Governors of the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of the State Bar of Wisconsin, Past President of the Milwaukee Estate Planning Forum, and Past Chair of the Estate and Trust Law Section of the Milwaukee Bar Association. Mark also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Wisconsin Law School for four years, teaching a course on estate and business planning for the privately-held enterprise. You can learn more about Mark Shiller on his website and LinkedIn. Key Takeaways [:26] Steve Legler welcomes Mark Shiller and asks him to share about the process that took him through to writing his book. [3:48] The minority, maturation, and maturity needs of any person impact their relationships with others and wealth; Marc shares an anecdote. [6:16] Wealth magnifies and reveals character; money can enable people to do damage. [8:08] Mark explains why resisting the urge to "fix it for them" is important when it comes to advising families. [12:08] Mark's allowance system and how it both worked and failed. [14:52] Money conversations shouldn't be all or nothing; raising kids is a process. [16:34] What's the purpose of apple trees? [19:02] The definition of success as a parent shouldn't be an imposition; involving the upcoming generation is a requirement of a continued legacy. [21:44] Modelling as a way of ensuring success. [22:47] On Al, Brittany and Carl, and the difference between value and virtue. [26:45] The danger zone and some tips on how to navigate it best, according to Mark. [29:32] Mark's book recommendation and advice for advisors. [32:13] Steve thanks Mark Shiller for sharing his 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, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast apps. Please remember to share this episode with family, friends, and colleagues. Share your thoughts with us at fea@familyenterprise.ca. Mentioned in this episode How to Not Ruin Your Kids with Money: Navigating the Challenges of Transitioning Wealth in Families, by Mark Shiller How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen, by David Brooks More about Family Enterprise Canada Family Enterprise Canada FEC on Facebook FEC on Twitter FEC on LinkedIn
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    33 m