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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: |
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Episode 32: Succession Sidelined. River Vista Farms' Melissa Yerxa Ortiz Shares Her Difficult Decision to Leave the Family Business.
Thursday, 2 January, 2025
Let us know what you thought of this episode and any other comments you may have. Can family loyalty coexist with personal fulfillment in a family business? What happens when the family legacy is upended by a choice to leave? And when that choice is made by a woman or daughter vs a son? Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Melissa Ortiz of River Vista Farms as we unravel the emotional complexities of returning to family-run enterprises. Through candid storytelling, we examine the challenges of stepping into roles shaped by generational expectations and how these experiences can lead to the difficult decision to step away. This episode promises to deliver insights on balancing family ties with personal aspirations, offering guidance for those navigating similar paths.Melissa and I reflect on the wisdom handed down by our family members and the courageous journey of implementing change in traditional business environments. We share stories of embracing modern tools and strategies to breathe new life into family businesses, from digital systems to employee wellness programs. These experiences highlight the importance of aligning one's skills and passions with their professional roles and how this alignment—or lack thereof—can impact personal well-being and relationships as well as the family business itself.Throughout the episode, we explore the delicate dance of communication and legacy within family enterprises. We touch on the value and power of open dialogues and the courage needed to pursue paths that truly resonate with one's individual dreams. Whether you're part of a family business or simply intrigued by the dynamics of these unique ventures and how a woman's role in them can be difficult, you'll find our discussion underscores the lasting value of prioritizing personal growth and familial harmony over traditional notions of business success.CHAPTER SUMMARIES(00:00) Navigating Family Business ChallengesFamily business members discuss the emotional journey of returning to and leaving a family business, highlighting the tension between loyalty and personal fulfillment.(11:36) Returning to Family Business LegacyReturning to a family business in Colusa, California, reflecting on childhood experiences, navigating dynamics and challenges, and fostering a thriving work environment.(18:01) Navigating Family Business LeadershipReturning to a family-run agricultural business in California, navigating HR compliance, and balancing personal fulfillment with family loyalty.(32:13) Implementing Digital Systems for Family BusinessNature's challenges and successes in implementing the H-2A worker visa program on a ranch, utilizing familial connections and transitioning to digital processes.(42:03) Entrepreneurial Vision in Family BusinessTransitioning from traditional to digital marketing, facing resistance, prioritizing employee wellness, and community support in a family business.(46:56) Navigating Family Business SuccessionReturning to hometown, balancing family loyalty and personal fulfillment, facing financial pressures, and transitioning to align with passions.(54:23) Balancing Family Business and RelationshipsFamily business complexities, stepping away for improved relationships, challenges of change, prioritizing personal well-being and relationships.(01:02:20) Family Business Communication and LegacyCommunication, education, work-life balance, and parental expectations in family businesses and the importance of open dialogues.To learn more about the Capital Region Family Business Center visit our website HERE
