What does it take to lead a family business through personal loss, industry upheaval, and generational transitions? In this episode, Adam Hill sits down with Chrissy Myers, CEO of the third-generation AUI, as she shares her remarkable journey of navigating personal tragedies, industry disruptions, and complex family dynamics to build a resilient and purpose-driven enterprise.

Be inspired by Chrissy's story of transforming grief into growth and her unwavering commitment to balancing the needs of her family, her business, and her well-being. Her insights on communication, next-gen involvement, and the importance of self-care offer a roadmap for family business leaders seeking to thrive amidst change.

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

• Mastering communication and forgiveness within family business dynamics

• Incorporating philanthropy and community engagement as a core value

• Strategically involving the next generation while respecting their autonomy

• Cultivating a cohesive family culture through intentional practices

• Prioritizing self-care and professional growth for effective leadership

Episode Highlights:

[02:11] - AUI's Family Business History

AUI is a third-generation family-owned insurance business started by Chrissy's grandmother. Chrissy eventually took over and expanded after navigating complex family dynamics and industry changes.

[06:03] - How Chrissy found her voice within the family business

Chrissy embraced a "forgiveness over permission" mindset, contrary to the greater challenge she faced in asserting her leadership outside the organization. Chrissy highlights the unique dynamics and comfort level inherent in family enterprises.

[13:37] Chrissy’s therapy helped align their family business dynamics

Chrissy underscores the vital importance of communication in overcoming family business challenges, leveraging therapy and professional guidance to align with her mother on the path forward for their enterprise.

[16:34] Chrissy's reluctantly resilient journey

Chrissy lost her husband to suicide, which coincided with adapting her family business to the Affordable Care Act. She was grieving while ensuring the enterprise's financial viability.

[23:08] The Extended Family of the Family Business

Deep bonds and mutual care can develop within family and small businesses, where employees often become an extended family, supporting one another during challenging times.

[24:26] - Philanthropy and community involvement

Small businesses can have a huge impact on their local communities, touching the lives of employees, their families, and the broader community, more profound than larger corporations.

[28:21] - Chrissy’s advice for small business owners seeking to build a culture of philanthropy and community engagement

Start with your own passions, lead by example through personal involvement, and leverage your time and expertise to create a greater community impact than financial contributions alone.

[33:47] How to leave a legacy business that your kids will love

If you want your kids to have the potential to want your business, you have to have a healthy relationship with your business.

Resources Mentioned:

Reluctantly Resilient

www.auiinfo.com

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What does it take to build a thriving family business, a transformative nonprofit, and a legacy that spans generations? JoBen and Amanda's inspiring journey provides the answer. In this episode, Adam Hill sits down with JoBen and Amanda, a husband-wife entrepreneurial couple who have built an incredible life and legacy together.

From humble beginnings — JoBen arriving in North America with just $15 in his pocket— to Amanda growing up as the child of immigrants and political refugees, they've faced challenge after challenge. But through it all, they've managed to build a thriving franchise business and launch a transformative nonprofit that's making a generational impact in developing countries.

Get inspired, learn their secrets to success, and discover how you can create positive change in the world – just like they have!

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

• JoBen's journey from the Amazon rainforest to North America with $15 in his pocket

• JoBen and Amanda's whirlwind romance and early days of building a business together

• Implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to transform their business and family life

• JoBen and Amanda's nonprofit work and its generational impact

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] From the Amazon to the altar: JoBen and Amanda's remarkable roots

JoBen and Amanda's remarkable roots trace their journeys from the jungles of Peru and the refugee camps of Canada to building a life and legacy together as entrepreneurial powerhouses.

[08:25] A whirlwind romance and the birth of a dream

The couple’s ove story blossomed quickly, leading them to take a leap of faith and start building a life and business together, despite facing immense challenges.

[14:11] Grit, hustle, and the thrill of the chase

With unwavering determination, they launched a business with nothing but the clothes on their backs and overcame obstacle after obstacle to make their mark.

[21:04] Partners in life, partners in crime

JoBen and Amanda's dynamics as a family business duo is a delicate balance of ups and downs, raising their five children while building an entrepreneurial empire together.

[51:30] Unlocking the power of EOS: A transformative turning point

Their turning point was discovering the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), which they used to revolutionize both their business and personal lives.

[1:01:53] Changing the world, one community at a time

JoBen and Amanda are developing sustainable models to empower communities in developing countries across Africa and South America.

[1:11:36] Leaving a legacy larger than life

JoBen and Amanda's vision extends far beyond their own lifetimes, as they work tirelessly to prepare the next generation for diverse opportunities and make a profound, lasting impact on the world.

Resources Mentioned:

www.b7family.com

Soccer Shots

EOS

Traction by Gino Wickman

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Family businesses are the backbone of the global economy, yet they face unique challenges that can make or break their success. The Fearless Family Business Show is dedicated to helping multi-generational family enterprises thrive.

Hosted by Adam Hill, a fourth-generation family business leader, this podcast aims to provide family business owners and leaders with the strategies and insights needed to overcome the complexities of balancing family dynamics and business operations.

Whether you're a first-gen founder or part of a centuries-old dynasty, the Fearless Family Business Show is your guide to building a thriving, sustainable family enterprise.

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

• Navigating family conflicts and power dynamics

• Addressing generational differences and succession planning

• Preserving founder values while adapting to market changes

• Maintaining work-life balance and avoiding the "my work is my life" trap

• Leveraging the expertise of family business advisors and consultants

Episode Highlights:

[00:01] Unlock the potential of family enterprises.

Family businesses face unique challenges, yet present immense opportunities to build lasting legacies and thriving enterprises.

[00:22] You are not alone.

As a multi-generational family business leader, the struggles you face are not unique.

[01:29] Family business leaders face unique challenges.

Family businesses face a unique and overwhelming set of challenges that place an enormous weight of responsibility on generational leaders.

[02:29] A guide for family businesses to sustainable success

The Fearless Family Business Show provides family business leaders with expert insights and a supportive community to navigate the path to sustainable, thriving enterprises.

[03:15] Seize the opportunity to build an enduring family legacy.

Craft lasting legacies that honor the founder's vision and empower future generations.

[03:51] Forge the lifestyle of your choosing.

Create a legacy that doesn't feel like an obligation, but a platform driven by passion for the next generation to build their success.

[04:28] Elevate a family business lifestyle.

As business leaders, we want to build a lifestyle where we love the work we do and the people we’re working with, intentionally take time away to pursue our passions, and live an abundant life beyond the business.

[05:44] This is a rewarding, yet often lonely and chaotic journey.

Family business leadership can be an inherently challenging, lonely, and chaotic journey, but also one of the most rewarding experiences if you have the right systems and support to help all stakeholders thrive.

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