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…

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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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Evolution of Succession Planning

Family-owned businesses have long been the backbone of Asia’s economic landscape. Key to their renowned longevity are succession plans. But as the years pass, the dynamics of succession plans are changing – not just in Asia, but worldwide.

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Why JB’s Executive Coaching is a Must-Have for Family Businesses

In the world of family businesses, challenges are common, and the stakes are high. Often, family business leaders only realize they need help after facing tough times and failures. Perhaps you can relate to that. Perhaps you’ve considered working with an executive coach but deemed it a luxury rather than a necessity. Let me show you why this isn’t the case.

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Nurturing Legacy and Values in Family Business Growth

The story of Doucette’s Boat Building is a heartwarming one. It’s a blend of legacy, mentorship, and unwavering values – the keys to sustained success. What can we learn from their example?

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Empathy: The Key Trait in Business That Sets Exceptional Leaders Apart

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It goes further than sympathy. Why? Because it needs people to genuinely connect with others on an emotional level. But it’s more than an emotion – it’s a skill. And, like any skill, it can be developed to create a more supportive and harmonious environment within your business.

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How Family Dynamics Shape Family Business

Combining personal and professional lives also presents unique challenges within the family dynamics. Sibling rivalry, birth-order effects, and parent-child relationships can all impact the unity within the family. And therefore, the success of the business.

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Heinz’s Colorful Experiment: Breaking the Rules of Ketchup

In the year 2000, Heinz Corporation made a bold and risky move. Something that defied the norms of the condiment industry and dared to break the sacred law of ketchup: that it must always, always be red.

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A Legacy of Giving: Uniting Generations for a Brighter Future

In a small Southern town, an established family foundation faced a pivotal moment. Their founder had passed and their Executive Director was set to retire.

What would happen next? How could they transition to new leadership with an interspersed next generation? How could the board align and set the foundation on the right path?

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Resolving Interpersonal Conflicts in Family Businesses

Resolving conflicts in family businesses: The inspiring Alvarez family journey. Join the Alvarez family on their transformative path to harmony within their fourth-generation bakery. With open communication and a commitment to resolution, see how they overcame mounting tensions, and rebuilt trust as well as their business.

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Taking a Closer Look at the Correlation Between Trust and Profitability

Today’s leaders must go beyond chasing profits. Now, it’s about making a lasting difference and creating positive change. It’s a huge challenge and responsibility for next-gen leaders – and achievable.

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Coaching Next-Gen Leaders: Inspiring Positive Change

Today’s leaders must go beyond chasing profits. Now, it’s about making a lasting difference and creating positive change. It’s a huge challenge and responsibility for next-gen leaders – and achievable.

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