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equal is not fair

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Lauren Lyman Family Business, LeadershipTags: , , , , , , ,

Equal Is Not Fair (And It’s Quietly Destroying Family Businesses)

In family businesses, few ideas are as emotionally appealing—and as dangerous—as the belief that “equal is fair.” It sounds reasonable. It feels just. And in many families, it’s the default starting point for ownership, inheritance, and decision-making. But when you move from the dinner ta...
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hidden bottlenecks

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Lauren Lyman Business GrowthTags: , , , ,

The 3 Hidden Bottlenecks Slowing Your Business Growth

Most business owners don’t have a growth problem.   They have a diagnosis problem.   When something feels off — slower growth, team friction, declining margins — the natural instinct is to focus on revenue or profit.   But in our experience, business challenges almost always fal...
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family business successors

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Lauren Lyman Family Business, LeadershipTags: , , , , ,

What Family Business Successors Really Need (That No One Talks About)

There’s no shortage of advice for family business successors. Take more responsibility. Earn respect. Prove yourself. Grow the business.   But almost none of that advice addresses what’s actually happening beneath the surface. Because stepping into a family business isn’t just a leadershi...
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los angeles

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Lauren Lyman Family BusinessTags: , , , ,

Is Los Angeles a Family Business City? You Bet It Is!

In the past, when I thought of family businesses, I tended to think more readily of Midwest agricultural farms and manufacturing companies, and of those wholesome family values. It is a common perception that the Midwest is the “heartland” of family businesses, and the data supports this...
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distinctive leadership

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Lauren Lyman LeadershipTags: , , , ,

From Doubt to Distinctive Leadership: A Next-Gen Success Story in the Making

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with dozens of rising leaders in family businesses. While each story is unique, three challenges come up again and again:   Imposter Syndrome – “Do they really see me as a leader, or just the founder’s kid?” Blurred Boundaries – When...
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lead the family business

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Lauren Lyman Exit Strategy, LeadershipTags: , , , , ,

If You’re Next in Line to Lead the Family Business, Read This

Stepping in to lead the family business rarely feels as straightforward as people expect.   On paper, it may look like a natural progression. You’ve grown up around the business. You understand its history. You care deeply about what’s been built.   However, when it’s time to step in...
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Strategic Partner

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Lauren Lyman Family Business, LeadershipTags: , , , , , , , ,

Spotlight on Our Strategic Partner: Lenox Advisors

Guiding family businesses through transition requires wisdom, strategy, and trusted advisors who understand both the financial and relational challenges involved.   That’s why we’re proud to partner with Abbe F. Large, CLU®, CLTC, Managing Director at Lenox Advisors, a trusted professional...
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Uncomfortable Truths

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Lauren Lyman Business Growth, Leadership, StrategyTags: , , , , , , ,

11 Uncomfortable Truths Every Family Business Must Face and How to Overcome Them

Family businesses carry an incredible legacy, built on shared values, relationships, and generations of hard work. Yet, they also face unique challenges that, if unaddressed, can threaten the business and the family.   That’s why I’m excited to share a new eBook from The Goldhill Group: The...
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Lauren Lyman Business Growth, Family BusinessTags: , ,

Getting Out of Your Own Way: How Business Owners and Family Leaders Get Stuck and How to Move Forward

“There are known knowns… there are known unknowns… but there are also unknown unknowns.” – Donald Rumsfeld   After more than 24 years of coaching business owners, particularly those in family-run companies, I’ve identified a common obstacle that transcends industries, generations, a...
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Team Meeting

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Lauren Lyman Business Growth, Family Business, LeadershipTags: , , , ,

Stop Inheriting Chaos—Start Leading with Clarity

The Hidden Cost of Playing It Safe in a Family-Owned Company I should have been the fourth generation. But the business died before I got the chance.   That loss didn’t just alter the course of my career—it gave me a mission: help next-gen leaders avoid the silent breakdowns that destroy fa...
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