Beyond The Family Business

Hosted by Luke Hansen-MacDonald

Business Management

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Latest episode

May 2026

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About the show

Family Office President, Luke Hansen-MacDonald, explores lessons, strategies and stories from the world of family business.

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60 recent

May 22, 2026Episode 621 hr 3 min

Canadian Investor, Founder of EQ Bank & Family Office Leader | Iqbal Kassam, Zynik Corporation

Iqbal Kassam is one of Vancouver’s most successful investors. He is the founder of EQ Bank and Chairman of Zynik Corporation, his family office. In this interview, we discuss how his youth in Kenya and London shaped him as a leader. We delve into his first success in Canada which became EQ bank. He shares valuable lessons on how to think as an entrepreneur. Lastly, he explains his latest thesis in the industrial manufacturing sector that seeks to attract top talent through huge profit sharing and employee benefits. This is an illuminating discussion about entrepreneurship, thoughtfulness and legacy.

April 23, 2026Episode 6040 min

Evolving from Family Business to Family Office | Luke Hansen-MacDonald, HanMac Capital

In this episode, the tables are turned on host Luke Hansen-MacDonald as his cousin, Colin Michael MacDonald (COO of Micco Group of Companies), takes over as the interviewer. They dig into the history of Luke's family business Clearwater Seafoods and what it was like to sell this legacy business in 2021. Luke discusses his early entrepreneurial venture in the music video industry and why he decided to join Clearwater Seafoods. He delves into his biggest challenges and what is most exciting on the horizon for his family business.

April 2, 2026Episode 5946 min

Diamond Diving Family Business in South Africa | Michael Cooke, Westcoast Gems

In this episode, Michael Cooke—second-generation owner of Westcoast Gems—takes us inside the high-risk, little-known world of offshore diamond diving along South Africa’s rugged coastline. He shares how his father entered the industry and forged an unlikely partnership with a biracial diver during apartheid-era South Africa, defying social norms of the time. Michael reflects on stepping into the family business, learning tough lessons firsthand beneath the ocean’s surface, and navigating the realities of a changing industry. As synthetic diamonds disrupt the market, he explains how Westcoast Gems is leaning into its authentic, family-driven story to stand apart in an increasingly competitive landscape.

March 19, 2026Episode 5853 min

How War Transformed This Family Business | Peace by Chocolate, Tareq Hadhad

In this episode, Tareq Hadhad, CEO of Peace by Chocolate, shares the extraordinary story of his family business, from surviving the Syrian war to rebuilding their lives and company in rural Nova Scotia. He reflects on his role as a storyteller, the power of resilience, and how purpose helped transform hardship into hope. Tareq also offers practical advice for other immigrant entrepreneurs looking to build something meaningful in a new country.beyondthefamilybusiness.com

March 6, 2026Episode 5736 min

Taking Over The Family Business in Your Early 20s | Mack Csaszar, UCEL Inc.

Mack Csaszar is the 3rd generation CEO of UCEL Inc. They are a family business based in Toronto that focuses on industrial elevators and construction lift systems. Mack has grown the family business across Canada and into the USA. In this episode, we dive into the story of taking over the family business as a young man. Mack shares what was the most valuable experience and where he spent his time in the early days of succession. Lastly, we discuss his strategy for diversifying away from UCEL with a family bank.beyondthefamilybusiness.com

February 20, 2026Episode 5639 min

My Cousin, Colin MacDonald, and I Debate Investment Company Structures | Micco Group of Companies

My cousin Colin Michael MacDonald is the COO of his family business, Micco Group of Companies. Much like my family business, they are invested in private businesses, real estate and marketable securities. Today we debate the pros and cons of our two distinct approaches to an investment company. Micco is much more hands on with their operations, whereas my business uses distributed leadership. beyondthefamilybusiness.com

February 6, 2026Episode 5532 min

Investing in Precious Metals: Gold, Silver, Mining & Outlook | Chris Ritchie

Chris Ritchie is the former President of SilverCrest, a mining firm that sold for $2.5B CAD in 2024. In today’s episode, we discuss the fundamentals of the precious metals market. Chris explains the major differences between investing in a mining business and precious metals. He shares tips on how to buy gold or silver. Lastly, we discuss the outlook for precious metals given the recent market correction.beyondthefamilybusiness.com

January 23, 2026Episode 5416 min

Where to Invest in 2026 According to JP Morgan's Annual Report

In this episode, I provide a clear, plain-English summary of J.P. Morgan’s 2026 Outlook—“Promise and Pressure.” We walk through the major themes shaping markets, including AI’s investment boom, global fragmentation, and a shifting inflation regime. Along the way, I add my own commentary throughout from a family office perspective, focusing on what these trends could mean in real-world decision-making. This conversation is for educational purposes only and reflects my personal views. It is not investment advice, and nothing discussed should be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security.beyondthefamilybusiness.com

January 9, 2026Episode 5346 min

Danielle Saputo: Finding Your Own Voice as Next Gen in a Family Business

What does it really take for the next generation to find their own voice in a family business?In this episode, I speak with Danielle Saputo, third generation of the Saputo family and author of I Am Enough, about identity, expectations, and engagement across generations. We discuss why some next-gen family members choose a different path, how families can better support those decisions, and the lessons Danielle has learned as an advisor, mother, and sister working with family enterprises.beyondthefamilybusiness.com

December 12, 2025Episode 521 hr 4 min

Lee Bragg: Inside the Bragg Group’s Investment Strategy (Eastlink, Inland & Oxford Frozen Foods)

In this episode, Lee Bragg, Vice Chair of Eastlink and member of the Bragg Business Family, shares how a Nova Scotian family business grew from its rural roots into a diversified enterprise spanning telecom, frozen foods, and airport services. Lee explains the group’s disciplined approach to risk, return, and diversification—and why capital allocation, not just entrepreneurship, sits at the heart of their long-term success. He also discusses why the Braggs prioritize meritocracy over nepotism, and how strong governance and clear expectations help protect both the family and the business across generations.beyondthefamilybusiness.com/