Welcome back to another episode of Better Business, Better Life. Host Debra Chantry-Taylor is joined once again by family business expert, Sara B. Stern to tackle one of the most critical and often avoided topics of family businesses: succession planning.

On this second part of the family business special, they discuss why successful transitions take time (often up to eight years), how to start the conversation early, and why clearly separating family, ownership, and business roles is key. Sara also shares practical tools like EOS and the Three-Circle Model to help families define legacy, align on goals, and make confident decisions about the future.

If you're thinking about handing over the reins or just want to set your business up for long-term success, this episode is packed with actionable advice and real-life insights.

CONNECT WITH DEBRA:        

___________________________________________        

►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner

►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.co.nz

►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/      

____________________________________________        

GUEST’S DETAIL:

► Website Link

► Grab a copy of Start Here: A Guide for Family Business Succession and

► Grab a copy of Married to the Family Business

► Sara B. Stern - LinkedIn

Chapters:  

00:32 - Introduction

02:15 - Sara B. Stern's Background and Expertise

04:23 - Challenges in Family Business Succession Planning

07:25 - Importance of Defining Legacy and Ownership Philosophy

09:29 - Operating the Business Professionally

21:38 - Addressing Conflicts and Seeking Professional Help

22:24 - Real-Life Examples and Practical Advice

26:12 - Final Tips and Tools for Succession Planning

31:55 - Conclusion and Future Plans

In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, host Debra Chantry-Taylor is joined by Sarah B Stern, an EOS implementer and family business expert, for part one of a powerful two-part series on navigating the complex intersection of family dynamics and business strategy.

Together, they explore the Harvard three-circle family business model and how to apply EOS tools to create clarity, define roles, and manage conflict in family-run businesses. Sarah shares practical insights on fairness across family, business, and ownership circles, the importance of clearly defined roles like Visionary and Integrator, and why conflict can be healthy if handled in the right context.

If you're navigating blurred roles, tension, or unclear expectations on leading a multi-generational company or just beginning succession planning, this episode offers essential tools for building a stronger business and healthier family relationships.

CONNECT WITH DEBRA:        

___________________________________________        

►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner

►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.co.nz

►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/      
____________________________________________        

GUEST’S DETAIL:

► Website Link

► Grab a Copy of Start Here: A Guide for Family Business Succession and Married to the Family Business

► Sara B. Stern - LinkedIn

Chapters:  

00:32 - Introduction

02:12 - Balancing Family Dynamics and Business Strategy

03:38 - Challenges in Family Business Dynamics

05:18 - Defining Fairness in Family Business

08:21 - Role Assignment and Succession Planning

11:14 - The Importance of the Owner's Box

20:54 - Handling Conflict in Family Businesses

23:10 - Practical Tips for Family Business Owners

32:21 - Recommended Books for Family Business Owners

Welcome to Better Business, Better Life. In this episode, host Debra Chantry-Taylor tackles a common challenge in family businesses and professional services firms: too many people wearing too many hats.

She explains how too many hats, like founders micromanaging or family members in the wrong roles, can slow growth and drain energy. Debra also introduces powerful tools like the EOS Accountability Chart, GWC framework, and RACI model with an S to bring structure, clarity, and accountability back into the business.

If your team is stretched thin or unsure who’s doing what, this episode will help you untangle the mess and move forward with confidence.

Tune in to learn how structure leads to confidence, where confidence drives results.

CONNECT WITH DEBRA:        

___________________________________________        

►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner

►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.co.nz

►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/      

____________________________________________        

Chapters:  

00:08 - Problem of Too Many Hats in Family Businesses

01:46 - Complexity in Family Businesses

02:18 - Using the EOS Accountability Chart

04:19 - Example of a Multi-Generational Family Business

04:34 - RACI Tool with an S for Complex Businesses

06:46 - Cost of Inaction in Family Businesses

08:55 - Tough Conversations and Emotional Triggers

09:42 - Conclusion