Let's Talk Family Enterprise

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Aug 2026

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Lets Talk Family Enterprise explores global ideas, concepts and models related to family enterprise advising. Brought to you by Family Enterprise Canada, specifically created for FEA designates and members of Family Enterprise Canada.

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August 25, 202631 min

81: From G1 to G4: How the Cockshott Family Built Innovair

Host Steve Legler speaks with father-son duo Grant and Owen Cockshott, President/CEO and Product & Marketing Manager of Innovair, a third-generation, Winnipeg-based supplier of industrial gases and equipment, and the most recent winner of FEC's Family Enterprise of the Year Award. Grant and Owen open up about accepting the award on stage together, and what the experience of Symposium looked like from a first-timer's perspective versus someone who attended peer advisory groups decades earlier. The conversation traces the business's evolution across four generations, from Grant's entrepreneurial grandfather to his engineer father to the sibling partnership that shaped Grant's own leadership style, and now to Owen's arrival with a marketing background and fresh instincts for social media and e-commerce. They speak candidly about working with family enterprise advisors on both governance and structure, the value and limits of requiring outside work experience before joining the business, and how Owen built a standalone e-commerce venture from a Harvard case study, turning it into a genuine business within a business. The episode closes with father and son each offering advice to the next generation stepping into family enterprise. This episode offers a grounded, multigenerational perspective for family businesses navigating succession, new ideas, and the balance between honoring legacy and continuing to reinvent. 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 Grant Cockshott is President and owner of the Innovair Group, a third-generation family business with its head office located in Winnipeg. The family business was started in 1946 by Grant's grandfather and has just over 100 employees between Ontario and Saskatchewan. Grant is a graduate of the University of Manitoba (BCom, Hons.), and has attended Harvard Business School's annual Executive Education program through YPO (Young Presidents' Organization) for the last 8 years. Grant has a background in the Balanced Scorecard strategic planning process, Innovation Engineering, and Continuous Improvement. You can learn more about Grant Cockshott on Innovair Group's website and on LinkedIn . Owen Cockshott is Product and Marketing Manager at Innovair Group, a family-owned Canadian supplier of industrial and medical gases, equipment, and related technologies. He holds a Bachelor of Management in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from Dalhousie University and completed an MBA at Queen's University in 2025. As a fourth-generation member of the Cockshott family enterprise, Owen contributes to the continued development of a company whose roots date back to a Winnipeg acetylene distributor founded in 1946. You can learn more about Owen Cockshott on Innovair Group's website and on LinkedIn . Key Takeaways [:22] Steve Legler welcomes two special guests — family enterprise leaders of Innovair Group: Grant Cockshot, CEO, and Owen Cockshot, Product and Marketing Manager, and asks them about their experience winning the Family Enterprise of the Year award at the 2026 Family Enterprise Symposium in Vancouver. [2:53] Owen shares his first experience at Symposium and offers a few key takeaways for young family leaders. [4:40] Attending Symposium requires a bit of preparation; Grant shares how he and Owen chose to tackle the event to maximize their visit. [5:59] Grant shares how he and his brother joined peer advisory groups in the early 90s and found those experiences extremely formative. [7:19] Owen shares his own experience joining a PAG in what seems to be a rebirth of that kind of offering. [8:26] Owen and Grant take turns talking about the work they have been doing with their own family advisors. [12:13] Grant offers that while structure may be one of the more important aspects of working with an FEA, governance is far more critical in maintaining an enterprise over time. [14:43] From generation 1 to 3 and beyond, Grant shares his experience. [18:09] Working outside the business doesn't need to be a hard rule, but it does have some serious benefits. Owen shares his own recent experience. [21:04] Working outside the business offers you an opportunity to see what you want to add to your own enterprise, but also what you don't. [23:45] Becoming an intrapreneurial organization requires listening to the youth! Grant shares how he likes watching Owen launch businesses within businesses. [26:17] Owen shares his advice on making your own path as a young family enterprise leader. [28:44] Grant shares his piece of advice for an enterprising parent! [29:57] Owen shares his piece of advice for young family enterprise members about to join. [30:47] Steve thanks Grant and Owen Cockshott for sharing their experience and invites listeners to 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 Innovair Group Dear Younger Me: Wisdom for Family Enterprise Successors , by David Bentall FEC podcast episode: "Dear Younger Me with David Bentall" , August 17, 2021 More about Family Enterprise Canada Family Enterprise Canada FEC on Facebook FEC on Twitter FEC on LinkedIn

July 20, 202635 min

80: How Assessments support Leadership Development in Family Business

Host Aileen Miziolek speaks with Managing Director of The McQuaig Institute, Venessa Vasilakeris. Together, they talk about how using assessments in leadership development can be transformative inside a family business. In family systems where trust, perceived favouritism, and emotional history can distort even the most straightforward decisions, objectivity is not a luxury — it's a leadership necessity. Aileen and Venessa unpack how assessments create a shared, neutral reference point that depersonalizes tension and reframes differences as strengths rather than flaws. The conversation moves from personality and competency tools to 360 feedback, benchmarking, and leadership development, exploring not just what assessments measure, but what conditions need to be in place for them to actually work. They're candid about where assessments go wrong: the fear of being pigeonholed, the danger of running a 360 process before a team has the psychological safety to hold it, and the all-too-common pattern of a great debrief followed by nothing. What emerges is a clear argument that implementation matters more than the tool itself, and that the families who get the most value are the ones who keep the conversation alive long after the results come in. For business-owning families and the advisors who work with them, this episode is a practical and thought-provoking look at how awareness becomes the lever for lasting leadership growth. 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 Venessa Vasilakeris is a dynamic leader with over a decade of experience helping hiring managers and HR professionals build, grow, and develop individuals and teams. As Managing Director at McQuaig, she combines deep expertise in recruitment and talent management with a passion for innovation. Venessa has led the development of tools that empower organizations to make better people decisions, enhance productivity, and foster stronger human connections. Venessa holds a BA from McMaster University and is certified in The McQuaig System. Outside of work, she's an avid learner, passionate traveler, and devoted dog mom to Douglas. You can learn more about Venessa Vasilakeris on LinkedIn . Key Takeaways [:22] Aileen Miziolek opens the episode with an observation about leadership in family enterprise and introduces Venessa Vasilakeris, Managing Director at the McQuaig Institute. [1:08] Venessa shares what services McQuaig offers in the context of leadership within family business. [2:55] The core differences between corporate and family enterprise when it comes to talent management. [4:57] Venessa explains how the vast array of assessments can make it difficult to choose the right tool. She shares some tips to ensure you use the one tailored to your needs. [6:15] The power of personality. [7:47] Unlike personality, competency can be developed and nurtured. Vanessa speaks to the synergies that can arise between personality and the great 8 leadership competencies and shares the functioning of the Competency 360 assessment. [11:36] Venessa weighs in on the importance of transparency when it comes to assessment. In order to avoid conflict, some conditions must be met to remain outside of personal dynamics. [14:35] Correcting the fear of pigeon-holing with assessments. [18:39] When it comes to succession, keep in mind the number one thing successful leaders have in common, regardless of style! [20:00] Venessa shares prime examples of the opposing siblings phenomenon. [22:22] From relative pet peeve to super power. [24:06] What does it look like when the assessment results are embedded into how the company functions? [26:34] Venessa explains benchmarking through the lens of recruitment and development. [29:53] How can families get started with assessments, what should they look at, and what do they need to prepare for? [33:49] Aileen thanks Venessa for sharing so much of her expertise and invites listeners to 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 For more resources on assessments, visit McQuaig.com — A proud family-owned Canadian business. More about Family Enterprise Canada Family Enterprise Canada FEC on Facebook FEC on Twitter FEC on LinkedIn

May 21, 202635 min

79: The Burton Report on Family Business in Canada 2026

Host Steve Legler speaks with Susan St. Amand, President and CEO of the James A. Burton and Family Foundation, about the upcoming release of the 'Burton Report' on Canadian Family Business. Their conversation explores the vital role family enterprises play in Canada's economy and communities, the challenges surrounding succession and public policy, and the importance of stronger collaboration between enterprising families and government. 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 Susan St. Amand is President and CEO of the James A. Burton & Family Foundation and Founder of The Sirius Group Inc., based in Ottawa. With more than 30 years of experience advising enterprising families, she is a trusted authority on family enterprise governance, continuity planning, and strategic philanthropy. She is the immediate Past Chair of Family Enterprise Canada (FEC). She has chaired more than six boards while serving on over two dozen others, including the Ottawa Community Foundation, the Ottawa International Airport Authority, the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health, CALU, the Institute of Corporate Directors Ottawa Chapter, and a privately held steel company. Susan is also a founding member of the Women for Mental Health campaign at the Royal Ottawa Centre for Mental Health. You can learn more about Susan St. Amand on LinkedIn and on the James A. Burton Foundation website . Key Takeaways [1:20] Steve Legler introduces Susan St. Amand, President and CEO of the James A. Burton and Family Foundation. He launches the episode by introducing the Burton Report on Canadian Family Business to the audience. [2:53] The Burton Report was a long time in the making, Susan explains its genesis, construction, and purpose to support and maintain Canadian enterprises. [5:28] Family enterprises seed, water, nourish, and grow more entrepreneurs, a necessity in today's economically shifting world. [6:56] Susan touches on the importance of family enterprise in the changing demographic structure of Canada. [8:11] Proper data and information are needed for the government to support family businesses effectively. [10:02] Susan discusses the current information gaps and how to palliate them both on the business and the government sides. [14:14] Transitions can be scary, but family enterprises think multi-generationally, and as such, provide stability through time. Advisors are critical in creating that long-term vision. [19:00] Susan shares her thoughts on the role advisors may have in the sale of family enterprises outside of the family or even internationally. [23:06] Succession planning currently marries poorly with the Canadian Income Tax Act. Susan offers a perspective on overcoming this. [26:00] Susan shares a vision for family enterprises and their relationship with the government of Canada. [28:21] Susan explains how the James A. Burton Family Foundation plans to support family enterprises for the economic future of Canada. [29:47] Susan offers some of the results that enterprising families would be looking for in an amelioration of their relationship with the government. [32:05] The importance of family enterprises in our very own communities. [32:48] Susan shares her reading recommendation and a piece of advice for advisors. [34:36] Steve thanks Susan for sharing some preliminary information on the Burton Report 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 www.ppi.ca James A. Burton Family Foundation Symposium 2026 The History of Money: A Story of Humanity , by David McWilliams More about Family Enterprise Canada Family Enterprise Canada FEC on Facebook FEC on Twitter FEC on LinkedIn

April 29, 202632 min

78: Compensation in Family Business: Challenges and Strategies

Host Aileen Miziolek speaks with Gerry Meyer about navigating the complexities of compensation in family enterprises through the lens of the three-circle model. Their conversation explores the tension between fairness and equality, the importance of role-based pay and formal policies, and how remuneration differs across the business, ownership and family systems. 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 Gerry has over 40 years of experience in all aspects of business strategy, organizational culture and design, business transition/change management, and Human Resources, as both a practitioner and an advisor, with the last 20 years focused exclusively on family enterprises. He provides advisory services to family enterprises in Canada and the U.S. to founding, active, and next-generation families and non-family executives, covering family, ownership/shareholder and business governance, family dynamics and communication, family vision and values, family constitutions, next-generation development for succession/continuity planning, and optimizing existing family and organizational culture and structures. You can learn more about Gerry Meyer on LinkedIn and on the Blackwood Family Enterprise website . Key Takeaways [0:23] Aileen Miziolek welcomes Gerry Meyer and launches the episode by asking him to start the conversation with his perspective on compensation within the lens of the three circles model. [2:07] Gerry acknowledges that compensation is a very complex and delicate subject and that the three circles model can effectively structure the conversation. [3:02] Gerry touches on how the business circle offers the first way to look at the three components of compensation for family members as well as outside parties. [7:41] The equal versus fair perception in family dynamics often drives compensation decisions, and this can lead to difficult outcomes. [9:47] Gerry shares an example from his practice that illustrates the trap of equal remuneration. [12:44] Gerry's bias: pay for the role. He offers a few resources to pinpoint the fair market value of a role. [15:06] Formality is your friend. This saying of Gerry's enables enterprise decisions to remain policy-driven as opposed to people-driven. [16:20] The ownership circle offers a different kind of conversation when it comes to remuneration for people who are active in multiple roles. [21:22] Gerry shares an example of multiple-tier remuneration and dividend allocation from his own practice. [24:11] When it comes to the family circle, Gerry prefers to talk about remuneration versus compensation. He explains why. [26:45] Gerry's thoughts on family counsel member remuneration, knowing that every family is different, and what works in one might not work in another. [29:49] Gerry will be speaking at Symposium 2026 in Vancouver, where he will discuss managing family member performance. [30:54] Aileen Miziolek thanks Gerry Meyer for sharing so much of his 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 Symposium 2026 More about Family Enterprise Canada Family Enterprise Canada FEC on Facebook FEC on Twitter FEC on LinkedIn

March 26, 202637 min

77: Rediscovering the Leader Beneath the Stewardship

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

February 26, 202633 min

76: Love, Wisdom, Money

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

January 29, 202629 min

75: Cognitive Optimization for Leadership

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

December 18, 202529 min

74: The Best of 2025 (A Retrospective)

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

November 27, 202536 min

73: Understanding ADHD in Family Enterprises

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

October 28, 202534 min

72: Navigating Complexity in Enterprising Families

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