Episodes

  • What if growth isn't the goal?

    What if growth isn't the goal?
    Jun 17 2025
    Secret Thoughts of CEOS Ep. 136 What if growth isn't the goal? with Perrin DesPortes In this deeply reflective and energizing episode, Chris Yonker and Perrin DesPortes engage in a rare bidirectional dialogue, unpacking the hidden costs of ambition, the personal reckoning that comes with burnout, and the awakening that’s possible when business success is aligned with inner fulfillment. Perrin, founder of The Next Level Executive, shares his evolution from a high-powered career in dental distribution and M&A to building a purpose-driven coaching practice for healthcare entrepreneurs. Together, they explore the illusions of success, the cultural shifts shaping dentistry and family business today, and how to create a life, and business, you actually want to live in. This is a conversation about course correction, conscious entrepreneurship, and building legacy from the inside out. Timestamps 02:00 - Meet Perrin DesPortes and his journey from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship 08:45 - Chris shares his path out of 3M and into legacy-centered coaching 16:15 - Why many entrepreneurs wake up inside a life they don’t want 22:50 - Burnout, overwork, and boredom: what triggers the desire for change 29:40 - Dentistry’s consolidation, private equity, and chasing someone else’s dream 38:10 - The power of clarity: asking “What do I really want?” 44:55 - Family business succession, ego, identity, and the real work of letting go 52:35 - The sacred role of the advisor: holding discomfort and navigating emotional fire 58:00 - Partnerships, misalignment, and the silent cost of avoidance 1:04:20 - Entrepreneurship doesn’t have to be lonely: the value of coaching and counsel 1:09:00 - Resources, next steps, and how to work with Perrin or Chris Quotes · "Bored people make bad business decisions because they start chasing a dream that’s not even their own."[22:50] · "Wherever you go, you take yourself with you."[41:35] · "Entrepreneurship can be a very lonely road - but it doesn’t have to be."[1:04:20] Websites: fambizforum.com. www.chrisyonker.com The Next Level Executive https://www.facebook.com/PerrinDesPortesNLE https://www.youtube.com/@PerrinDesPortes https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetperrin/ Perrin DesPortes is the Founder of The Next Level Executive. He is a Washington & Lee University graduate and earned his MBA from the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina. Perrin has over 25 years of experience in the business side of dentistry, having run three different business units for Patterson Dental Supply over a 15-year career. For the last decade, he has built and exited two very successful start-ups in TUSK Partners and Polaris Healthcare Partners, both of which focus in the Group Practice Consulting and Transactional space. Perrin is happily married with an 11 year-old daughter at home. In his spare time, he is an avid cyclist; enjoys cooking and reading; and loves good red wine and strong coffee. The Next Level Executive combines Perrin’s decades of experience working in Corporate America and consulting directly with healthcare entrepreneurs on their growth journey all distilled into actionable content and practical wisdom. Next Level Executives have: · clarity in understanding how their business truly fits together · confidence in their ability to lead from a position of strength · an edge to make the right decisions at the right time If you’ve mastered practice ownership and are wanting to evolve from “a Clinician who owns a Practice to an Entrepreneur who leads a Business,” then you need to focus on your own professional development to become a more effective executive – and becoming a more effective executive is what The Next Level Executive is all about…
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    54 mins
  • Legacy in Limbo: Why So Many Leaders Avoid Succession Planning

    Legacy in Limbo: Why So Many Leaders Avoid Succession Planning
    Jun 2 2025

    Secret Thoughts of CEOS Ep. 135

    Legacy in Limbo: Why So Many Leaders Avoid Succession Planning with Dr. Mohanakrishnan Raman

    In this eye-opening episode, host Chris Yonker speaks with Dr. Mohanakrishnan Raman, an organizational psychologist and international expert on family business dynamics. With decades of experience consulting Indian family enterprises, Dr. Raman shares how cultural norms, succession planning, and next-gen development intersect in often overlooked ways. The conversation touches on Indian traditions, evolving gender roles, leadership readiness, and the emotional complexity of legacy handoffs. Whether you're in a family-run business or leading succession elsewhere, this episode is packed with deeply human—and highly strategic—insights.

    Timestamps

    • 02:00 – Meet Dr. Mohanakrishnan Raman
    • 07:35 – Realizing the influence of family systems in OD work
    • 11:55 – Cultural inheritance, COVID’s impact, and India's family business awakening
    • 18:10 – Gender, legal reforms, and complexities in succession structures
    • 24:00 – Case studies: sibling tension, conflicting interests, and decentralizing roles
    • 37:15 – The 3 Capitals: Financial, Knowledge, and Social – and why they matter
    • 42:40 – Creating learning journeys through values, mentorship, and exposure
    • 54:10 – The tension between honoring legacy vs. pursuing personal calling

    Quotes

    · "To win the relay race, you have to hand over at the right spot, at the right time, and at the right speed."[59:30]

    · "The current generation is coming from abundance. The previous one came from scarcity. Their motivations—and expectations—are fundamentally different."[53:00]

    · "When designing a succession plan, you're not just training for business. You're transferring values, identity, and a legacy of relationships."[39:50]

    Websites:

    fambizforum.com.

    www.chrisyonker.com.

    Resources & Links:

    · Connect with Dr. Raman on LinkedIn: Mohanakrishnan Raman
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    50 mins
  • Navigating Change: Insights for Family Business Leaders with Dr. Barrett C. Brown

    Navigating Change: Insights for Family Business Leaders with Dr. Barrett C. Brown
    May 19 2025
    Secret Thoughts of CEOS Ep. 134 Navigating Change: Insights for Family Business Leaders with Dr. Barrett C. Brown In this powerful episode, Chris Yonker is joined by global executive advisor and developmental strategist, Dr. Barrett Brown, for a profound and eye-opening conversation about what it really takes to lead in today’s ever-accelerating world. With experience working across six continents and coaching C-suite executives through high-stakes transformation, Dr. Brown brings hard-earned wisdom about the inner capacities required for high-impact, conscious leadership. Together, Chris and Barrett explore: Timestamps · 08:21 Navigating Complex Leadership Challenges · 20:58 Decision Making in Complex Environments · 39:50 Balancing Work and Life in Family Businesses · 46:42 Navigating Succession with Competing Visions · 49:46 The Empowerment Dynamic and Low Drama Culture · 52:34 Masculine Compassion in the Workplace · 54:07 Coaching and Developing the Younger Generation Quotes · "Life is like a grindstone—it either grinds you into dust or polishes you into a diamond."[13:45] · "The world is never going to be a psychologically safe environment where we can just fully show up without any threat… The superpower is to be deeply at peace in the midst of intensity.” [24:12] · "Every time I get triggered or frustrated or irritated or judgmental—that is 100% my own inner game. That’s where I have the greatest power."[1:16:35] Websites: fambizforum.com. www.chrisyonker.com. Resources & Links: Dr. Barrett Brown’s Work: https://apheno.com Recommended Reading: The Future of Leadership for Conscious Capitalism by Barrett Brown Dr. Barrett C. Brown Bio Dr. Barrett C. Brown is a global expert on how to develop leaders to successfully navigate complex challenges and rapid change. Barrett works across six continents with C-suite executives and teams from Fortune 500 companies and international non-profits. He has lived in The Netherlands, Brazil and throughout the US, and has worked and traveled in nearly 40 countries. Barrett is a regular advisor and senior faculty for a global tech company as well as the largest environmental NGO in the world. With them, he focuses on how leaders can better manage complexity and drive transformational change. He also serves as the executive coach for a select group of senior leaders. He has delivered dozens of keynotes and leadership programs for 5000+ CEOs, organizational leaders, and government officials. He has co-designed and delivered executive development, team development and/or strategic alignment programs for some of the largest technology, engineering, healthcare, sportswear, and consumer goods companies in the world - as well as for major environmental and social NGOs. Barrett holds a PhD in Human and Organizational Systems and also has over a decade experience advising on and leading strategic visioning, execution, and change initiatives for US, Dutch, British, and Brazilian companies and institutions. Barrett’s award-winning research on the future of leadership has been used in executive education programs worldwide, including the Yale MBA. He produced an award-winning business case study on a large-scale market transformation program he helped lead - in partnership with Unilever and Rainforest Alliance - that is used in business schools globally. Barrett’s writings on leadership and sustainability have been translated into 6 languages, have been used in the United Nations system, and have been included in half a dozen mainstream leadership books. Barrett served on the selection committee of the Katerva Awards - considered the Nobel Prize for sustainability - and has held consultancy status to the United Nations. He has delivered leadership briefings and presentations at global tech companies, the Conscious Capitalism CEO Summit, the Society for Organizational Learning European Summit, Esalen Institute, the National Bioneers Conference, the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development, the US Department of State, the Inter-American Development Bank and UNDP headquarters. Originally from the Green Mountains of Vermont, Barrett lives near a 300,000 year old volcanic crater in Hawaii.
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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • Navigating Legacy and Wealth in Family Business with Jason Smith

    Navigating Legacy and Wealth in Family Business with Jason Smith
    May 5 2025

    Secret Thoughts of CEOS Ep. 133

    Navigating Legacy and Wealth in Family Business with Jason Smith

    In this powerful episode, host Chris Yonker sits down with Jason L Smith, founder of JL Smith Group, author of The Bucket Plan, and a nationally recognized financial advisor. Jason opens up about being fired by his own father, building a purpose-driven business from the ground up, and the holistic philosophy that now guides his wealth management firm—which oversees more than $4 billion in assets. Jason also shares deeply personal stories about resilience, raising grounded kids, and how intentional structure and values shape both his legacy and his clients’.

    Timestamps

    • 03:30 – Jason’s origin story: Fired by his dad, starting from scratch
    • 14:20 – "Everything’s fine" vs. proactive planning: health + financial parallels
    • 22:45 – The biggest tax mistake business owners make
    • 34:00 – Educating next-gens: Financial stewardship in action
    • 41:45 – The Bucket Plan: Now, Soon, Later framework
    • 53:15 – Self-worth after financial collapse and bouncing back

    Quotes

    · “I’m actually the youngest of 11 and, um, it was a mixed marriage like my mom and dad, you know, both had kids came together and had me kinda like the Brady Bunch and I was like, uh, Alice or the dog.”[03:24]

    · “Yeah, I. I. I feel like unfortunately our educational system is pretty broken in, in, in regards to teaching basic, you know, financial literacy, right?” [27:32]

    · “And my top five are the top five most important things to me, like my true north in life. And you know, my top five is number one is health. Mind, body, and soul. Number two is Holly, my wife. Number three is my kids. Number four is my family and friends. And number five is leading and learning.” [48:45]

    Websites:

    fambizforum.com.

    www.chrisyonker.com.

    jlsmithgroup.com

    Buy “The Bucket Plan” book Bucket-Plan®

    Facebook: @JLSmithGroup

    Instagram: @jl_smith_holistic_wealth

    LinkedIn: @JLSmithGroup
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    54 mins
  • Priorities for Family Offices Working in a Fractured World with Angelo Robles

    Priorities for Family Offices Working in a Fractured World with Angelo Robles
    Apr 21 2025

    Secret Thoughts of CEOS Ep. 132

    Priorities for Family Offices Working in a Fractured World with Angelo Robles

    In this episode of the Secret Thoughts of CEOs and Business Leaders podcast, host Chris Yonker interviews Angelo Robles, a prominent figure in the family office sector. The discussion covers various topics crucial to family businesses, such as the importance of hiring the right people, the disruptive impact of AI, and how geopolitical changes are reshaping the business landscape. Angelo shares his thoughts on the future of AI, the significance of understanding global trends, and how family offices can better prepare for rapid changes. Chris and Angelo also delve into the complexities of governance within family offices and the critical need for adaptability and continuous learning.

    Angelo Robles is a global authority on family offices, renowned for his forward-thinking approach and bold vision for the future. As a family office strategist and futurist, Angelo has dedicated over 20 years to helping elite families navigate the complexities of wealth management, governance, and legacy building in an era of rapid change. With a deep understanding of the evolving landscape—from the rise of AI to increasing geopolitical risks—Angelo empowers families to break free from outdated models and build future-forward family offices designed to thrive for generations.

    Timestamps

    · 03:50 Angelo's Background and Career Journey

    · 07:19 The Concept and History of Family Offices

    · 18:08 Top Trends in Family Offices: People, Technology, and Systems

    · 33:09 Integrating AI in Family Offices

    · 35:14 First Steps for Family Offices

    · 39:47 Geopolitical Shifts and Their Impact

    · 46:55 The Role of AI in Global Power Dynamics

    Memorable Quotes

    · “ So the majority of family offices are built for a world that no longer exist.” [13:25]

    ·  ” AI is being under hyped. Under hyped. You look at the math behind it, Jensen Wong and Nvidia doubling its quote unquote power once every 1.08 years. Do the math behind that.” [29:23]

    ·  ” It’s rare, rare to find people who are willing to change their minds on topics they refuse to investigate.” [56:12]

    Websites:

    Angelorobles.com

    Facebook: @AngeloJRobles

    Instagram: @angeloroblesmedia

    LinkedIn: @angelorobles

    fambizforum.com.

    www.chrisyonker.com.
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Unlocking Leadership Potential: How Shadow Work Transforms Leaders with Kim Barta

    Unlocking Leadership Potential: How Shadow Work Transforms Leaders with Kim Barta
    Apr 7 2025
    Secret Thoughts of CEOS Ep. 131 Unlocking Leadership Potential: How Shadow Work Transforms Leaders with Kim Barta In this episode of 'Secret Thoughts of CEOs and Business Leaders’, host Chris Yonker delves into deep discussions with Kim Barta, a renowned psychotherapist and thought leader. Kim shares insights into his work around shadow therapy, explaining how our unconscious beliefs and patterns shape our lives. He talks about the nuances of family dynamics, personal growth, and healing from trauma. Listeners learn practical strategies for identifying and overcoming shadow aspects, fostering greater joy and fulfillment in both personal and professional realms. Chris also promotes the Family Business Executive Forum, a resource aiding those in family businesses to navigate issues like succession, financial management, and sibling rivalry. Timestamps · 03:45 Kim Barta's Background and Early Influences · 07:02 Developing a Metamodel for Healing · 13:34 Understanding Shadow Work · 23:03 Identifying and Addressing Shadow Patterns · 30:42 Awakening to the Problem · 42:13 Practical Steps for Escaping Abuse · 45:33 Adapting Systems for Healing Memorable Quotes · “ If you really tune in to the nuances of their micro behaviors, you can create change that helps people move to greener pastures a lot sooner. [05:40] ·  ”Everywhere I go, my shadow comes with me. I can't outrun my shadow. [22:08] ·  ” I say, no, what you've been living is not you. You've been living the lie. That you believe? Mm, if we take away the lie, you don't know who you are and I don't know who you are. We only know who you are when you're holding the lie. Let's take away the lie and discover who you are. [25:03] Websites: fambizforum.com. www.chrisyonker.com. Free Relationship Assessment Free Shadow Assessment kimbarta.org LinkedIn: @Kim Barta Kim Barta is an internationally award-winning lecturer, multi-culturally informed developmental psychotherapist, spiritual guide, author, workshop creator, and speaker. His work is grounded in an experiential practice, blending his unique, sophisticated healing with practical everyday usability. He has written and lectured on diverse topics such as Shadow, Spiritual Development, Developmentally Informed Meditation, Developmental Psychology, Shadow and Health at Every Developmental Level, Healthy Power, Developmental Leadership, Organizational leadership, Power and Bliss, Grief, Parenting, Relationships, and Love, to name a few. He has developed several new forms of therapy, including The Evolution of Shadow Resolution, Psychosocial Cartography, Stages of Developmentally Informed Psychotherapy, Shadow to Spirit, and more. Kim Co-founded Stages International with Dr. Terri O’Fallon, PhD., an organization focused on researching and teaching evolutionary consciousness. Kim is releasing his latest trilogy on love: Love, Relationship, and Flow, The Love, Relationship and Flow Journal, and Love Letters from Consciousness. They are available at Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and other outlets. Kim's Shadow books are available on his website. You can find kim at Kim Barta | Illuminating Your Hidden Self .
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    55 mins
  • Unlocking Family Business Potential Through Advisory Teams with Dr. Jeremy Lurey

    Unlocking Family Business Potential Through Advisory Teams with Dr. Jeremy Lurey
    Mar 24 2025

    Unlocking Family Business Potential Through Advisory Teams with Dr. Jeremy Lurey

    In this episode of the 'Secret Thoughts of CEOs and Business Leaders' podcast, host Chris Yonker discusses the complexities of managing family business transitions with Dr. Jeremy Lurey. The episode covers key topics such as building effective advisory teams, succession planning, and the nuances of family dynamics in business settings. Chris and Jeremy explore the importance of external advisors, the challenges of sibling rivalries, and how to prepare for pivotal moments like selling a business. They also offer insights into identifying the right advisors and emphasize the importance of continuous learning and personal development for effective leadership.

    What You’ll Learn

    · Why it’s important to have an independent advisor

    ·  The necessity of being a continuous learner to belong in the field.

    Timestamps

    03:07 Introduction to Dr. Jeremy Lurey

    05:20 The Role of Family Business Advisors

    20:06 Navigating Family Business Relationships

    32:46 The Importance of Independent Advisors

    38:42 Generational Transitions and Family Harmony

    44:47 The Importance of Personal Connection

    Memorable Quotes

    · “Common sense is not that common. Right. People just don't stop and think about how I'm interacting with my partner, my child, my cousin, my uncle, my whomever it is. And so we get to shine the flashlight in places where people typically don't look..” [11:16]

    ·  ”for my dad, I will always be the 16 year old who wrapped a car around the tree. I always will be because I did. I did stupid things when I was 16 and 17 year old when I got my driver's license..” [17:34]

    ·  ”We could all get hit by the buff. I prefer the metaphor of when the lottery and move to Fiji myself. But regardless life happens when we least expect it. So having a plan is critical.” [23:01]

    Websites:

    fambizforum.com.

    www.chrisyonker.com.

    Familylegacy1st.com

    LinkedIn: @jeremylurey

    Jeremy Lurey PhD Bio:

    Family Advisor & Leadership Coach

    Dr. Lurey is a talented family advisor, executive coach, and business consultant with more than 25 years of experience helping clients—from families of significant wealth to Fortune 500 corporations—achieve their strategic objectives and build sustainable futures. He specializes in leadership development, succession planning, governance, and strategic planning, guiding family offices and family businesses through critical transitions and long-term planning. A PhD in Organizational Psychology, Dr. Lurey is a US Ambassador for the Global Family Office Community and frequently speaks at industry events. Recognized as a “40 Under 40” executive, he is known for his compassionate approach, enabling clients to unlock their leadership potential and focus on what matters most.
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    1 hr
  • Balancing Tradition & Innovation: What Businesses Can Learn from Harley Davidson with Ken Schmidt

    Balancing Tradition & Innovation: What Businesses Can Learn from Harley Davidson with Ken Schmidt
    Mar 10 2025
    STOC 129: Balancing Tradition & Innovation: What Businesses Can Learn from Harley Davidson with Ken Schmidt In this episode of 'Secret Thoughts of CEOs and Business Leaders,' host Chris Yonker interviews Ken Schmidt, a former Harley Davidson executive renowned for his innovative repositioning strategy. They discuss the key elements holding back family businesses and privately held companies, including family harmony, succession, financial management, and innovation. Ken shares insights into Harley Davidson's transformation, emphasizing the need for businesses to connect on a human level, foster a strong internal culture, and leverage their unique history. They explore how companies can balance maintaining core values with embracing new innovations to delight and retain customers. What You’ll Learn · Humans naturally seek and return to sources of delight, regardless of how minor they are. ·  When the human connection is made, business wins. Timestamps 03:48 Ken Schmidt's Journey to Harley Davidson 20:16 The Importance of Company Identity 32:04 The Role of Technology in Customer Interaction 34:30 Human Connection 37:55 Building a Memorable Business 43:20 Creating a Culture of Delight Memorable Quotes · “Harley does all this other stuff that, that hits people at a human level. And at the end of the day, that makes the business more desirable. It makes people willing to pay more, for the privilege of being part of that community.” [19:45] ·  ” How can we do what we do faster, better, and cheaper to get more stuff out into the marketplace? That's exactly what customers are not looking for.” [27:55] Websites: fambizforum.com. www.chrisyonker.com. kenspeaks.com LinkedIn: @KenSchmidt Tailgating with Geniuses Podcast Ken Schmidt Bio: It’s an impersonal world, where so many products and services are seen as easily-replaced, indistinct commodities. Whether you stand out or get lost in the crowd is a choice. A mindset. Ken Schmidt faced those same challenges himself and gained acclaim for his role in the extraordinary turnaround of the legendary Harley-Davidson Motor Company. That transformation was based on a change in mindset and a focus on answering three key strategic questions. While times have changed, what humans want and need from the businesses they buy from and work for hasn’t. In his high-energy speeches, Ken inspires companies and individuals to shift their thinking and ride a path to success by becoming memorable – not for what they do or what they make, but for how they connect with people. Ken is author of Make Some Noise: The Unconventional Road to Dominance. He’s also host of the Tailgating with Geniuses podcast and co-founder of Torque Sessions Leadership Training. In all of his endeavors, Ken brings an unconventional perspective that helps organizations and individuals reframe how they engage with their marketplace. Ken Schmidt’s career in the motorcycle industry began in 1985 as a specialist in corporate positioning and media relations for the then-struggling Harley-Davidson. He was tasked with helping the company restore its image, improve its competitiveness, and create demand for its motorcycles. Within a few short years, sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles skyrocketed, and the company returned to prominence as one of the most respected, profitable, and frequently reported-on companies in the world. In 1990, Ken became director of Harley-Davidson’s corporate and financial communications, serving as its primary spokesperson to the media and the financial communities. He frequently appeared in mainstream and business media to offer insights on nontraditional communications, customer attraction, and brand-building. His expertise and success at Harley- Davidson ultimately led to consulting assignments and speaking invitations from all over the world. In 1997, Ken left Harley-Davidson to take an ownership position with a highly successful Chicago-based marketing firm, VSA Partners. In addition to Harley-Davidson, VSA served a virtual who’s who of the world’s best-known brands. In 1999, he sold his portion of VSA to start his own business, Ken Schmidt Company, to combine two of his greatest passions, motorcycling and speaking. He uses motorcycles as a metaphor to expose people to proven ideas and concepts they’ve likely never imagined. In addition to speaking and consulting, Ken is co-founder of Torque Sessions Leadership Training. Through a combination of hands-on training and interactive workshops, these sessions help individuals and organizations re-position themselves to become dominant competitors, maximize leadership effectiveness, build a people-first culture of innovation and foster loyalty among customers and employees. Ken is also the host of the popular podcast Tailgating with Geniuses, wherein he talks with some of the most innovative and successful ...
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    50 mins