The stories, strategies and successes driving multigenerational family business success are among the themes of an increasingly popular podcast.

The “Family Business Connection” podcast is hosted by Stephanie Larscheid, executive director of the Prairie Family Business Association, and is a go-to resource for inspiring narratives and practical advice designed to help family businesses thrive through generations.

“At Prairie Family Business Association, we believe in the transformative power of storytelling,” Larscheid said.

“Each episode features candid conversations with family business leaders, experts and innovators who share their unique experiences and insights. From navigating complex family dynamics to fostering healthy relationships and scaling businesses for future generations, our podcast offers valuable lessons and actionable strategies.”

Highlights of the podcast include:

• Engaging interviews: Hear from industry leaders and family business veterans who share their personal stories and expert advice.
• Practical insights: Learn strategies for overcoming common challenges and seizing opportunities within family businesses.
• Community-building: Connect with a network of family business professionals and gain insights that resonate with your own experiences.

“We explore a diverse range of topics, from the triumphs and trials of family-run enterprises to the collaborative efforts that propel businesses forward,” Larscheid said. “Whether you’re part of a multigenerational family business or considering the future of your enterprise, our podcast provides the tools and inspiration needed to succeed.”

We caught up with her for a closer look at how the podcast is evolving.

As you’ve grown the first season of the podcast, what have some of the takeaways been?

One major insight is how important it is to share stories of family business successes and failures to give other family businesses a picture of what their future could look like. For instance, Brittney Ray, a family council chair who is a married-in, offered invaluable advice on navigating complex family dynamics in a family business that’s over 100 years old. It takes real effort to create healthy, trusting relationships within the family. I hope other family business leaders can apply one or two of the examples Brittney shared to their family situations.

Another takeaway is the unique partnerships and support that develop between family businesses, not just within the individual family business. A notable example is our episode with Tim Meagher of Vanguard Hospitality.

He highlighted how collaborations with local, family-run farm and ranch producers are an uncommon approach in the industry but have become a key to success for their restaurant business.

While the topics are distinct for each episode, are you finding there are some common themes?

A common theme of the stories shared in Season One is family businesses need to boldly reinvent themselves to thrive for generations. For example, when talking about Cloverdale Foods’ 110-year history, T.J. Russell described several key pivots that changed the trajectory of the family business, including shifting from a creamery to a meat producer, selling half of the company to their archrivals to be a segment leader in bacon, and T.J. shifting to a different role to unleash their executive team’s energy. To thrive for generations, family businesses need to continue to evolve!

What kind of feedback have you received from listeners?

Listener feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Many of our audience members express pride in the episodes, and those who share their stories are connecting with other family business leaders who relate to their experiences. For instance, there are families who believe their only option is to sell the family business because their kids cannot afford the business. In our conversation with Paul Steffes, he shared how he created a new path forward where the kids can afford to be next-generation owners instead of resigning to selling the business.

How do you determine which businesses to feature? Can PFBA members reach out if they’re interested?

Our goal is to continue delivering episodes that are engaging and filled with practical lessons for family businesses. If you have a story that could inspire others, we encourage you to reach out and share it!

How do you see the podcast continuing to evolve?

Looking ahead, we envision the podcast to continue to evolve as a valuable resource for family businesses. In Season Two, we will continue to harness the power of storytelling, featuring more stories that provide learning opportunities for both the business and the family.

Don’t miss out on the chance to enrich your family business journey. Tune in to the “Family Business Connection,” and be part of a community dedicated to long-term success and meaningful connections.