“Family Business” … makes no sense!

Thanks for stopping by, I'm Jon Kenfield, the host of the Family Business Challenge series: "Family Business" ... makes no sense! I share my learnings from almost 3 decades of working as a Solutionist with real Business Families - by exploring 50 of the most common causes of conflict I've dealt with. I also explain how to prevent, avoid, and resolve those conflicts. For every acknowledged problem a solution can be found, or constructed. My goal is to help you make more sense of Family Business, whether you're in one, or trying to advise one or many. 🌐 https://solutionist.com.au/ 🟦 https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-solutionist-group/ 🟥 https://www.youtube.com/@thesolutionistgroup/videos ✉️ jonk@solutionist.com.au 📞 0414 816 789

Latest episodes

11 December 2025

Parenting Styles & Practices | Making Sense of Family Business

Cause #21

In this episode, I explore how parenting styles shape family culture, personality development, and ultimately, the success or conflict that emerges in family businesses. I explain how early childhood experiences - whether from authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, or neglectful parenting - can resurface decades later in workplace dynamics, relationships, and decision-making. I also share how families can reframe past experiences, heal emotional wounds, and use understanding, empathy, and forgiveness to build stronger relationships and more resilient family enterprises.

00:00

14:05

02 December 2025

Tradition & Legacy - Springboard or Prison? | "Family Business" ... makes no sense!

Cause #20

In this episode, I explore how tradition and legacy can either strengthen or strangle a family business. When used wisely, they provide stability, identity, and a foundation for creativity and innovation. When misused, they trap families in outdated practices that suppress initiative and growth. I explain how to balance enduring human values with evolving business practices, foster a growth mindset across generations, and use governance systems and open dialogue to transform tradition and legacy into forces for sustainable, multi-generational success.

00:00

15:54

25 November 2025

CEO Syndrome (the leadership identity trap) | "Family Business" ... makes no sense!

Cause #19

In this episode, I explore CEO Syndrome- a deeply personal identity trap that often causes conflict in family businesses when leaders struggle to separate who they are from the role they hold. I explain how over-identifying with leadership can lead to blocked succession, broken trust, and family tension, and why planning, empathy, and structured transitions are essential for smooth generational handovers. I also share how families can support outgoing leaders to redefine purpose beyond the business- turning legacy into mentorship rather than resistance.

00:00

21:35

18 November 2025

Disrespect, Mistrust & Unconscious Biases | "Family Business" ... makes no sense!

Cause #18

In this episode, I discuss how disrespect, mistrust, and unconscious biases can quietly destroy trust and teamwork in a family business. I explain how these issues erode confidence, damage relationships, and create emotional divides that lead to conflict or collapse. I also share how leaders can prevent this by building a culture of respect, emotional intelligence, open feedback, and strong governance—ensuring fairness, trust, and collaboration at every level of the family and the business.

00:00

13:26

11 November 2025

Ownership vs Stewardship (Independence vs Obligation) | "Family Business" ... makes no sense!

Cause #17

In this episode, I unpack one of the most powerful sources of conflict in family businesses — the clash between ownership and stewardship mindsets. I explain how an “owner” view focuses on control, entitlement, and personal benefit, while a “steward” view emphasises responsibility, legacy, and the wellbeing of future generations. Through real-world examples, I show how shifting from ownership to stewardship can preserve both family harmony and business longevity, and how open, facilitated conversations can prevent heartbreak, protect wealth, and keep families united across generations.

00:00

15:04

04 November 2025

Sibling Rivalry and Personal Jealousies | "Family Business" ... makes no sense!

Cause #16

In this episode, I explore how sibling rivalry, while a natural part of growing up, can become a destructive force in family businesses when early emotional wounds, favoritism, or jealousy go unresolved. I explain how to unpack the roots of sibling conflict, recognise when competition turns unhealthy, and guide families through acknowledging and releasing old resentments. By addressing these deep-seated issues and redefining roles within the business, families can move from rivalry to respect- creating a stronger foundation for both their relationships and their success.

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12:07