 |
A Seat at the TableAuthor: Capital Region Family Business Center
Welcome to A Seat at the Table, Trials and Triumphs of Family Business, hosted by Natalie Mariani Kling, a 4th generation family business owner. This program is a creation of The Capital Region Family Business Center, a non-profit agency whose purpose is to help family businesses grow and prosper.One thing about being a part of a family business, is that its unique. Family businesses often began very simply, with a person who had an idea. Rarely were these people educated in business or finance, they usually didnt have big investors, sometimes, they didnt even speak English. But they saw an opportunity that could support their family, and so they started.Once these family businesses grow and are handed to 2nd, 3rd, 4th generations, there are not only the complexities of any growing business, but also the dynamics of family and relationships and navigating things like, which family member will be CEO, should this year's profits be reinvested or distributed? Differences in opinions can complicate Sunday night dinners, estate planning, who wants to keep running this business, preserving a legacy, entitlement, privilege, imposter syndromebut there can also be magic.In a time where we want to KNOW the people behind a brand, and where authenticity and trust play a big part in our purchases as consumers, having a family that runs and operates a business over generations can create a very special culture where its success is built on relationships from vendors to employees to customers.On this podcast, expect real conversations with real family business members about what its like to be in a family business, run a family business, and the trials and triumphs of taking it into the next generation. Language: en-us Genres: Business, Management, Non-Profit Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
Listen Now...
Episode 37: How Co-Owners, Allie and Andrew Taylor, Navigate the Personal and Professional Relationship Within Orange Kiwi.
Thursday, 30 October, 2025
Let us know what you thought of this episode and any other comments you may have. In this episode your host Natalie Kling sits down with Andrew and Allie Taylor—spouses, co-CEOs, and founders behind Conveyance Solutions (ERP implementations for industrial distributors) and Orange Kiwi (family-business consulting). They unpack Andrew’s shift from sole CEO to sharing the reins with Allie—what it cost in control and “relational equity,” and what it unlocked in scale and systems. You’ll hear their simple but powerful shorthand—“squiggly line vs. straight line”—for balancing entrepreneurial improvisation with operational discipline, and how a family “safe word” (“albatross”) protects home life from shop talk. Allie frames why emotional intelligence (self-awareness, other-awareness, self-regulation) is a core performance driver in family firms, while Andrew illustrates how “rational” debates (like upgrading an ERP) often mask identity and control concerns. They share candid lessons on working with three of their six kids in the business, the dangers of enablement and artificial harmony, and why embracing community and grace—for yourself and each other—keeps a multigenerational enterprise healthy. Yes, you'll recognize the practiced sense of "therapy" in their personal and professional structure and that's no wonder. It's quite intentional, actually. "Allie" is Dr. Allie Taylor and holds a PhD in psychology. Enjoy the episode.To learn more about Orange Kiwi, you can visit the website: www.ockiwi.comIf you would like more information about Conveyance Soutions, visit: www.conveyance365.comChapter Summaries(00:00) Navigating Challenges in Family BusinessesAndrew and Allie share their experience as co-CEOs of their family business, discussing the challenges of scaling and balancing spontaneity with necessary systems.(10:03) Navigating Emotions in Family BusinessesBalancing family dynamics and business operations in family-run enterprises, using "albatross" as a safe word, and the importance of emotional intelligence.(18:25) Navigating Family Business DynamicsFamily businesses face challenges blending dynamics, navigating conflict, and adapting to generational resistance.(28:32) Balancing Family Dynamics in BusinessFamily businesses led by first-generation founders struggle with transitioning to modern systems and balancing family involvement with individual aspirations.(38:45) Family Business Challenges With GraceEntrepreneurial families face mental health challenges, coping behaviors, and the role of luck in achieving success.To learn more about the Capital Region Family Business Center visit our website HERE
