Effective Exit Planning (February 2025)

Very little attention is paid to how to understand, manage, and achieve a successful business owner exit/transition from a psychological and emotional perspective. Three key areas are identified in this article.

An unusually straightforward interview with Dan Beeken from the University of Northern Iowa. Topics include: 360 assessments, family business consultants v. coaches, and the fit between an individual and their family business

In this discussion, Michael speaks with Darryl Bates-Brownsword from Succession+  and delves into the psychology of exiting a family business, and the dynamics of family relationships in this process.

As the focus has increased on considering NextGen interests, motivations, and fit for their family enterprises, most family businesses still struggle to clearly and comprehensively understand and address them.

Understanding & working through the psychology of talking to your children about finances is the focus of Dr. Klein's  interview with Tom Henske. As always, Tom's style is entertaining, informative, and laser-focused.

In this conversation, Mark Dorman (CEO of Legacy Business Advisors) speaks with Michael Klein on how multigenerational businesses trap family members with the expectation of joining the family business. 

Jeff Wolf describes his sudden departure from the family business in this half-hour interview on None of Your Business, The Family Business Podcast. Sometimes, life decisions are made for you, without your input.

Listen to a discussion between Dr.Klein and Dr. Sharon Spano about the state of the workplace post-COVID and how family-run businesses should approach issues around succession and retirement.

Watch, or listen to, this casual and wide-ranging conversation about family, growing up, and how business challenges are unique in some ways, and very common in others.

Hear from Dr. Klein (and Emily Benson of Bensonwood) on the strengths and needs of family businesses in the time of COVID

Watch an interview with Mass Appeal host Danny New as Michael discusses the psychology of teams.

Watch Michael talk on WWLP about coaching, why it is relies on psychology but is different than psychotherapy, and how it works.

Listen to a two-part interview about family business with Michael on the Successful Generations podcast hosted by Ellie Frey Zagel.

View this brief presentation about how people get trapped in family businesses, and what can be done to avoid it. Recorded at the Pioneer Valley Family Business Center.

Ted & Karen, hosts of the Family Business Podcast, talk to Michael about how being in a family business can paper over some major addiction problems; how family tensions can affect the day to day business, and how to assess the different members of a family.

This episode of the WHMP business show focuses on a variety of topics related to individual psychology, nature vs. nature, and different skills needed for different jobs.

Hear an interview from the UK as Michael and Russ Haworth discuss the pros and cons of working in a family business. 

In Part Two, the focus is on who is the one "trapped" in the Family Business.