“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

21 October 2025

Imposter Syndrome | "Family Business" ... makes no sense!

Cause #14

In this episode, I talk about Imposter Syndrome and how it often becomes a hidden source of conflict in family businesses. I explain how feelings of unworthiness and fear of being “found out” can drive leaders to overwork, micromanage, and create a culture of burnout and mistrust. I also share how developing a growth mindset, building self-awareness, and learning to trust and delegate can help overcome imposter syndrome — restoring confidence, balance, and psychological safety across the business.

00:00

11:22

14 October 2025

Founder Syndrome | "Family Business" ... makes no sense!

Cause #13

In this episode, I explain Founder Syndrome- how the passion, energy, and charisma that drive a founder to launch and grow a business can later become a risk if leadership doesn’t adapt as the business matures. I discuss the dangers of over-reliance on founders, the importance of shifting from “storming” to “norming” with systems and delegation, and how founders can transition into roles that enable sustainable growth and long-term success for both the family and the business.

00:00

12:04

05 October 2025

Empathy | "Family Business" ... makes no sense!

Cause #12

In this episode, I explain the relevance of Empathy (and lack of Empathy) as a common cause of family business conflict, and talk about how to use Empathy to help prevent, manage and resolve conflict.

Most family business conflicts are rooted in emotional causes, rather than financial demands - so the highest likelihood of getting a good resolution requires effective emotional responses before anyone tries to address rational issues. Empathy is the foundation of all effective emotional responses.

00:00

20:50

01 October 2025

Emotional Intelligence | "Family Business" ... makes no sense!

Cause #11

In this episode, I explain the relevance and application of Emotional Intelligence (“EQ”) to family business conflict. EQ is the ability to know, understand, and manage your own emotional drivers, and to respond effectively to those of others.

Most family business conflicts are rooted in emotional causes, rather than financial demands - so their causes, and their best prospects for resolution, need to address emotional factors before any attempt is made to address rational issues.

00:00

25:43

28 September 2025

Mindsets | “Family Business” … makes no sense!

Cause #10

In this episode, I explain why most family business conflicts are rooted in emotional causes, rather than competitive financial demands, and why the resulting mindsets of family members can make or break the family and the business.

I use Carol Dweck’s work on Fixed and Growth Mindsets to explain how you can foster the right mindsets in your family and business to minimise and resolve conflict.

00:00

23:24

24 September 2025

Conflicting Needs & Interests | “Family Business” … makes no sense!

Cause #09

In this episode, I talk about how the conflicting needs and interests of individuals, families and family businesses can, at different times, be a powerful cause of conflict in both the family and the business …. and explain what you can do to minimise their impact.

00:00

20:53