MUSINGS
Ideas and inspiration from what I’m
watching, reading and researching.
Strong Families, Strong Businesses: Recognize the Power of External Guidance, Embrace Growth Mindset, Overcome Challenges.
Family businesses possess something that doesn’t exist in conventional ones. The unique family bond. The blood ties that fuel innovation and build resilience in difficult times.
Succession Planning: The Example of Bernard Arnault
With a net value of over $220bn, LVMH founder and CEO Bernard Arnault is the wealthiest person in the world. But while the company is Europe’s largest by market capitalization, it’s run as a family business. How did he build a succession plan?
Referees and Family Dynamics: How Executive Coaching Can Restore Harmony
Are you reeling from a referee decision that cost your NBA team points over the weekend? Sports would not be sports without fans complaining about a referee decision.
Priorities
If I was to ask you honestly what your priorities were, what would you say? Maybe there’s a difference between what you think they are and what the time you allocate to each of them would reveal. It’s easy to lose focus on the big things, like family, friends, and experiences. The things that allow us to be our authentic selves.
Shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three generations
‘Shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three generations.’ You may have heard that proverb. It highlights the point that wealth rarely survives beyond three generations. The actual figures make for stark reading. According to a report by the Boston Globe, only 12% of family-owned businesses make…
2023 has seen the largest family growth increase in family businesses in 15 years.
Why? According to an article I read over the weekend by Pricewaterhouse Cooper, it’s down to the modernizing of family business governance. A couple of things really stood out to me: It said, “73% of family businesses that experienced double-digit growth over the last financial year…
Vision
Having vision is not about sight, it’s about how you perceive and interact with your reality, whatever that may be. It’s about taking advantage of the time you have right here, right now. And discerning what is important and what is not. If you’re having…
Crying CEO
Stress is real. Tears are a healthy coping mechanism. And had the crying CEO* consulted me, I would have said “make it short and sweet and NOT about you”.
“Can’t of Coke”
When coaching executives, one point I try to drive home is don’t be a “Can’t of Coke”. What does this mean? Just because the voice inside your head is saying you “can’t do it” with a long list of reasons why it won’t work, challenge…
- « Previous
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- Next »
90-Day Plan to Help New Managers Adapt to Leadership
In recent weeks, I’ve shared tips and strategies on how to overcome challenges as a new manager. But what do they look like in action? Today, I want to share a real-life case study with you. It highlights how one of my clients successfully implemented…
Fireside Chat #3 With JB: Navigating Governance Challenges in Family-Owned Real Estate Businesses
Fireside Chat #3 With JB: Navigating Governance Challenges in Family-Owned Real Estate Businesses We’re back with another fireside chat. Today we’re focusing on family-business boardrooms and governance. Kelly: Jennifer let’s kick things off by looking at the role of external board members. What’s your view…
Fireside Chat #2 With JB: Navigating Challenges and Finding Solutions in Real Estate Family Businesses
Kelly: Ok, so we’ve touched on your journey and your expertise in leadership development. But let’s delve a little deeper into the unique challenges that real estate family businesses face. What are they? Jennifer: One of the most common challenges is the differing expectations among family members….
Fireside Chat with JB: Navigating Leadership Succession in Family Real Estate Business
This week, I wanted to do something a little different from usual. So, I got together with Kelly, a friend and colleague, for a brief Zoom fireside chat/interview. On the agenda? Leadership succession planning within the real estate industry. Kelly: Jennifer, it’s a pleasure to speak…
Unveiling the Power of Values in Family Business Leadership
Values play a pivotal role in defining the path to success. They act as guiding stars. They illuminate the way forward and ensure that actions align with the core essence of the organization. But not every company has them. And it’s easy to get stuck…
Transforming Values into Action: The Blueprint for Business Success
Patagonia is well known for its values of sustainability and social responsibility. Why? Because everyone visits their website to read them? No – because they put them into action. They use recycled and organic materials in their clothing. Donate 1% of their sales to environmental…
Nurturing Authenticity: Defining Business Values
Remember how Apple Inc. borrowed a page from Nike’s playbook with the iconic “Think Different” campaign? “Nike sells a commodity, they sell shoes,” said Steve Jobs. “And yet when you think of Nike, you feel something different than a shoe company. In their ads, as…
Unveiling the Power of Values in Family Business Leadership
Values play a pivotal role in defining the path to success. They act as guiding stars. They illuminate the way forward and ensure that actions align with the core essence of the organization. But not every company has them. And it’s easy to get stuck…
How to Avoid Common Mistakes in Family Businesses – Part 2
In 1991, Gerald Ratner wiped £500m off the value of the family business, Ratners Jewellers, with one much-maligned speech. He said, “We also do cut-glass sherry decanters complete with six glasses on a silver-plated tray that your butler can serve you drinks on, all for…
How to Avoid Common Mistakes in Family
In 1962, two executives from Decca Records invited The Beatles for an audition. But they weren’t very impressed. Two weeks later, they told the band’s manager they wouldn’t be signing them. The reason? “Four-piece groups with guitars? That trend is over.” Whoops. Whilst not all…