MUSINGS

Ideas and inspiration from what I’m
watching, reading and researching.

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…

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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…

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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….

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

> READ ARTICLE

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…

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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…

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How to survive Thanksgiving dinner family and their different “opinions”

Wondering how to avoid heated discussions this holiday season? Try watching “All in the Family” created by Norman Lear in 1971. The principal character, Archie Bunker, mocks or belittles minorities and ethnic groups over 9 seasons in 205 episodes. His wife, Edith, is submissive, eager…

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Top-3 Tips for Managing Change in Trying Times

Jennifer Bush, is president and CEO of JB Advisors Inc. and a trusted advisor to senior leaders in philanthropy in the United States. Jennifer helps achieve clarity & confidence in their day-to-day operations. JB Advisors Inc. helps transform ideas into action, build roadmaps to success,…

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Understanding trusts

Trusts can be difficult to get your head around. Check out George Clooney movie The Descendants. A land baron discovers that a trust holding 25,000 acres of land in Hawaii for his family will soon be coming to an end, and they have some important…

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Sibling wars

As in all families, some siblings get along, while others have the occasional falling out. If you’re having brother or sister troubles in your family business, here are two movies and a book that could inspire you to sort things out! Already a modern classic, Disney…

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Transitions of power

Family businesses are among many of the world’s most powerful companies. But how do they approach the transition of their businesses and the wealth between generations? Check out these three… France – Bienvenueen Suisse gives a comedic look to family business life, showing the importance…

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Global family business

Learning about family business doesn’t always have to come from textbooks. Let’s keep it entertaining with a glimpse at family businesses around the world. Discover the close relationship between business, family, community and country, through the eyes of South African shopkeeper-philosopher Clive Stillerman, in the…

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Family business spearheads

Throughout history, there’ve been countless family enterprise figures whose decisions have shaped their family’s – and their company’s – legacy. Find out more about their stories in these must-watch documentaries. Gianni Agnelli was the extravagant principal shareholder of Italian car giant Fiat. Agnelli showcases how his…

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Family enterprise for all the family

Introduce your kids to family business dynamics with these fun animated movies guaranteed to give them – and you – a new perspective. 15 years after retiring as superheroes, Mr and Mrs Incredible are back in the family crimefighting business, but alongside their 3 kids, in…

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A series of family businesses

There are more family businesses on TV than you think – including these three Emmy winning series. Give them a watch to learn more about the issues every family business faces at one point or another. As the name suggests, Succession is the tale of…

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Mother knows best

Undoubtedly one of the most remarkable women in US (and family business) history is publisher Katherine Graham, who led the Washington Post for three decades. Learn more about her incredible life… The bestselling memoir Personal History. Katherine Graham charts how she saved a struggling newspaper and…

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