When Gen 1 Won't Let Go of the Family Business

Are you the next-generation leader ready to take the reins of your family business, only to find the current generation won't let go? Then this episode is for you! Andrea and Michelle tackle the number one challenge facing family businesses: navigating the transition of power.

Discover the unspoken fears and habits that hold the current generation back, from losing their identity to doubting the next generation's readiness. Learn the frustration of Gen 2, who feel disrespected, un-trusted, and stuck in a holding pattern. We reveal the ripple effect on employees, the chaos of "damage control" when Gen 1 swoops back in, and why open, structured conversations are vital.

This episode provides actionable strategies, including establishing clear decision-making authority and fostering a "consultant" mindset for Gen 1, ensuring a smoother, more respectful transition for your family's legacy.

Stop the Break: Scaling Your Business Beyond 150 Employees

Hitting the 150-employee mark can feel like your business is about to break. Don't wait for chaos! In this crucial follow-up to our previous episode, Andrea Fredrickson and Michelle Hill provide actionable strategies to proactively navigate the growing pains of scaling your company beyond the 100-200 employee range.

Discover how intentionally codifying your company culture, redesigning your organizational structure and processes, and clearly defining roles and responsibilities can prevent things from falling through the cracks. Learn why empowering your leaders and building their capacity is essential for sustainable growth.

This episode offers a roadmap to move from reactive firefighting to a smoother, more controlled expansion, ensuring your business thrives instead of breaks.

The 150 Employee Crash: Why Growth Can Break Your Business

Is your growing business starting to feel chaotic? Are crucial tasks slipping through the cracks? In this episode, you will learn the telltale signs of a business struggling to transition from relationship-centric to process-driven operations and why these surprising challenges often emerge around the 150-employee mark.

We unpack the "Dunbar effect" and why maintaining strong relationships becomes exponentially harder as your team expands. We break down the common symptoms like role confusion, overwhelmed managers, a shifting culture, and a breakdown in accountability.

You will understand why this seemingly arbitrary number can be a critical turning point and what proactive steps you can take to navigate this growth phase successfully.

Cracks in the Foundation: Family Business Truths

Is your family business built on a foundation of unspoken truths? Beneath the surface of legacy and loyalty, hidden emotional dynamics can silently sabotage even the most promising family-owned enterprises. Join Andrea and Michelle as they pull back the curtain on the unspoken stories and secrets that often derail family businesses from the inside out.

Discover the delicate dance of not wanting to "rock the boat," the stifling effect of withheld feedback, and the silent resentments that can fester between generations and even impact non-family employees. Learn why these unaddressed issues erode trust, create false harmony, and ultimately threaten the very future of the business.

In this episode, uncover these hidden dangers and gain practical insights on how to bring the invisible into the visible, fostering honest conversations and building a resilient family legacy. Don't miss the downloadable worksheet to help you identify and address these critical unspoken issues within your own family business.

Avoiding Drama: Essential Strategies for Business Partners

Are you setting your business partnership up for success or failure? In this episode, learn why a documented agreement, such as a "Family Constitution" or "Business Charter," is essential for setting expectations and minimizing emotional turmoil. Andrea and Michelle break down the crucial steps to prevent major conflict among business partners.

Discover how to navigate the complexities of shared ownership, from defining roles and responsibilities to establishing clear financial agreements and succession plans. This episode will equip you with the tools to foster a healthy partnership, avoid costly disagreements, and build a sustainable business.

Are You Setting Your New Hires Up To Fail?

Are your performance reviews a dreaded annual event? In this episode, Andrea and Michelle challenge the traditional approach to performance evaluations. They reveal why many businesses are missing the mark and how to transform reviews into valuable developmental conversations.

Discover the pitfalls of event-based reviews, comparing employees against each other, and relying solely on self-evaluations. Learn how to shift from judgment to development with regular check-ins, monthly one-on-ones, and a focus on future growth. Andrea and Michelle discuss the importance of setting clear expectations, delegating tasks for skill development, and recognizing discretionary effort.

Leadership Hustle Podcast