Episodios

  • A Family Built Startup Story From The Kitchen Table with Mehmet Tascioglu

    A Family Built Startup Story From The Kitchen Table with Mehmet Tascioglu
    Feb 9 2026
    The Enlightened Family Business Podcast Ep. 153 - A Family Built Startup Story From The Kitchen Table with Mehmet Tascioglu In this episode of the Enlightened Family Business Podcast, host Chris Yonker interviews Mehmet Tascioglu, the Gen Z founder of Mosaic Cakes, a unique family business based in the Detroit area. Mehmet shares his entrepreneurial journey, starting from his family's experience during the Great Recession, through his initial ventures like Connect Me Tutoring, to the establishment of Mosaic Cakes. The discussion delves into the values instilled by Mehmet's father, the significance of family collaboration, navigating decision-making, and the challenges of introducing a new product to the market. Mehmet offers insights on the importance of mentorship, the influence of cultural heritage, and his vision for Mosaic Cakes as a symbol of the American melting pot. The conversation also explores generational differences, the role of tradition and innovation in family businesses, and the aspiration to build an ethical and impactful brand. · 00:54 Meet the Gen Z Founder: Mehmet Tascioglu · 03:14 The Origin Story of Mosaic Cakes · 05:38 Building a Business During the Pandemic · 09:10 The Unique Appeal of Mosaic Cakes · 13:24 Family Dynamics in Business · 18:24 Leadership and Decision Making · 19:08 Defining Family Business Values · 20:21 Family Influence on Business · 25:23 Generational Perspectives and Challenges · 32:12 The Importance of Mentorship · 34:24 Future Plans for Mosaic Cakes Websites: · fambizforum.com. · www.chrisyonker.com · Linkedin: @mehmet-tascioglu · Instagram: @mosaic_cakes · Tiktok @mosaiccakes Mehmet's Bio: Mehmet is Co-Founder & Managing Partner at Mosaic Cakes. Prior to starting Mosaic Cakes, Mehmet founded the nonprofit Connect Me Tutoring in 2020, which has since grown into the nation's largest youth-run free tutoring service, providing over 40,000 sessions. Mosaic Cakes is a Michigan-based gourmet dessert company pioneering an entirely new category in the American market. Founded by Mehmet (Stanford MS&E), his mother Senay, and his brother Emir, the company transforms a cherished family recipe into handcrafted premium triangular cakes featuring crushed butter cookies folded into signature chocolate sauce with fresh fruits, crunchy nuts, or other premium ingredients, creating a stunning mosaic pattern in every slice. What began as a beloved family tradition—a dessert the founders grew up enjoying at birthday parties, family gatherings, and celebrations—has become a thriving direct-to-consumer and wholesale business. Throughout their lives, the family witnessed how even the pickiest eaters absolutely loved these cakes, validating that this exceptional flavor experience deserved to be shared with communities across America. At its core, the company's mission centers on positivity, inclusivity, and courage, helping Americans discover a dessert experience unavailable anywhere else in grocery stores, bakeries, or restaurants while building a values-driven business that celebrates family heritage and entrepreneurial spirit.
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    38 m
  • Preparing Next Gen Family Leaders for 2030 and Beyond with Amit Egan Datwani

    Preparing Next Gen Family Leaders for 2030 and Beyond with Amit Egan Datwani
    Jan 26 2026
    The Enlightened Family Business Podcast Ep. 152 - Preparing Next Gen Family Leaders for 2030 and Beyond with Amit Egan Datwani In this episode of the Enlightened Family Business Podcast, host Chris Yonker introduces Amit Egan Datwani, an advisor and consultant in the ultra high net worth space. They discuss the transformative changes affecting the commercial real estate industry, particularly influenced by the pandemic. Datwani shares insights on the importance of deep personal work, spiritual and emotional development for the next generation, and how these factors contribute to innovation and family business continuity. They also touch on the roles of creative intelligence and adaptability in navigating the evolving real estate market. The conversation emphasizes the necessity for families to address inner dysfunction to ensure sustainable business success. · 00:54 The Changing Landscape of Commercial Real Estate · 01:25 Meet Amit Egan Datwani: A Journey in Family Business and Real Estate · 04:22 Amit's Personal and Professional Evolution · 09:47 The Direction Amit's Work is Evolving · 12:38 Helping Families Find Alignment · 16:37 The Importance of Inner Work and Innovation in Family Businesses · 19:04 How to Know if Your Business Needs to Make a Change · 27:03 The Importance of Personal Development for Next-Gen Leaders · 44:22 The Future of Real Estate and Family Business Websites: · fambizforum.com. · www.chrisyonker.com · globalconsultingorganization.com · linkedin: @aedgco Amit's Bio: Amit is the Founder and Chief Consultant of Global Consulting Organization (GCO). GCO is an internationally positioned Project-Starting Firm that's Visioning, Branding, and Marketing the Neighborhoods, Communities, and Cities of the Future—with particular expertise in Office Building TRANSFORMATION to SUPERCHARGE today's unsustainable Central Business Districts into Profitable and Purposeful Places of the Future. GCO is leading the movement for Real Estate's first TRULY-INTEGRATED Project Development Model: DESIGN|BRAND|BUILD. Amit showcases this innovation and keen mindset for Transformational Development as the engaging host of GCO FutureCast Episodes and as a headlining speaker or guest collaborator at Premier Experiences nationwide. With these credits, he is an influential C-Suite Advisor on the Future of Office Buildings, offering evolutionary perspectives about the vital power of Branding & Marketing in Commercial Real Estate, as well as how the concept of "Central Living Districts" will RE-imagine the Industry for 2030 and Beyond. As the leader of the GCO Collective, Amit ACTIVATES Best-in-Class creative talent from inside and outside the Real Estate Industry to LAUNCH Development Projects with a Unified Creative Vision. Using this VISION as a Project's lead facilitator, he's the driving force behind the movement to ELEVATE "The Human Experience" through the Built Environment, an essential commitment of the DESIGN|BRAND|BUILD Model. With two decades of experience working in & with Family Businesses in Real Estate (and previously the Apparel Industry), Amit also advises Multigenerational and Family Office Clients on how to integrate diverse perspectives into a cohesive, purposeful VISION that delivers superior outcomes. Amit is trilingual, proficient in English, Spanish, and Hindi. Leading with his Visionary Spirit, he mentors NEXT-GENERATION talent, including work with students at George Washington University's Center for Real Estate & Urban Analysis and at the Dwight-Englewood School. Amit enjoys spending time with his wife (a Writer and longtime Yoga Teacher), 27-year-old stepson (a New Jersey State Trooper and Personal Trainer), and 15-year-old son (who dreams of playing in the NBA). They love playing pickleball, boating, and exploring everything that South Florida has to offer. For inspiration, Amit LOVES reading, practicing yoga, and taking long walks around cities, ALWAYS thinking about TURNING IDEAS INTO REALITY.
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    59 m
  • From Daughter to CEO - Navigating Family Business Transitions with Amanda Osmer

    From Daughter to CEO - Navigating Family Business Transitions with Amanda Osmer
    Jan 12 2026

    The Enlightened Family Business Podcast

    Ep. 151 - From Daughter to CEO - Navigating Family Business Transitions with Amanda Osmer

    In this episode of the Enlightened Family Business Podcast, host Chris Yonker talks with Amanda Osmer of Grappone Automotive, a New Hampshire-based family business rooted back to 1924. Amanda shares her journey growing up in a family business, how she eventually decided to be part of it, and the challenges she faced during the transition phase. The conversation touches on the significance of clear communication, inner awareness, and flexible governance. Amanda also discusses the importance of building a strong leadership team, handling multiple successions, and maintaining business integrity. Listeners gain insights into Amanda's dedication to community, the values driving her leadership, and her thoughts on keeping the family business resilient amid industry changes.

    · 01:29 Amanda Osmer's Journey in the Family Business

    · 03:14 Growing Up in a Family Business

    · 07:17 Sibling Dynamics and Family Business Covenant

    · 10:10 Amanda's Commitment and Vision for the Future

    · 16:22 Navigating Family Business Transitions

    · 23:02 Navigating Personal and Professional Boundaries

    · 26:07 Implementing the EOS System

    · 29:56 Family Employment Policies

    · 35:21 Commitment to Community and Integrity

    · 39:34 Documenting Family Business History

    Websites:

    · fambizforum.com.

    · www.chrisyonker.com

    · "Grappone Automotive: The Founding" Book at Gibson's Bookstore

    · Grappone Audiobook on YouTube

    Amanda's Bio:

    Amanda Grappone Osmer is the fourth generation of her family to own and help operate Grappone Automotive, established by her great-grandparents as a single gas station in 1924. Today Grappone represents four new car manufacturers with sales, service, and retail and wholesale parts departments. They employ about 350 Team Members and are located in Bow, NH.

    Team Grappone operates in an environment in which the whole person is asked to show up and participate at work with the company's mission in mind: to build lifelong relationships with team members, guests, and the community by serving with integrity, kindness, and respect. In 2017 Amanda launched Leadership Grappone, a program that seeks out the company's emerging leaders and challenges them mentally, emotionally, and physically over a nine-month period with the goal of uncovering their true leadership potential.

    Faith and volunteer work are central to Amanda's life purpose, and she has served on many nonprofit and advisory boards in her career. One project near to her heart is the co-founding of The Dewey School, a nature-based preschool located at Canterbury Shaker Village. She lives in Sanbornton, NH with her husband, a high school coach and all-around amazing human being, their three children, dog and other critters, and fruit and veggie gardens.
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    45 m
  • Fragile Power: Wealth, Identity, and Mental Health with Dr. Paul Hokemeyer

    Fragile Power: Wealth, Identity, and Mental Health with Dr. Paul Hokemeyer
    Dec 29 2025
    The Enlightened Family Business Podcast Ep. 150 - Fragile Power: Wealth, Identity, and Mental Health with Dr. Paul Hokemeyer In this episode of the Enlightened Family Business Podcast, host Chris Yonker talks with Dr. Paul Hokemeyer, an expert in family business governance and mental health, about the complexities of wealth and psychological well-being. They delve into how societal perceptions of wealth impact individuals and families, leading to feelings of isolation, mistrust, and hyper-agency. Dr. Hokemeyer shares his journey from law to clinical psychology and discusses the importance of cultural competency in behavioral healthcare for high-net-worth individuals. Key topics include the challenges of managing narcissistic personalities within family systems, the necessity of setting enforceable boundaries, and the role of external support in fostering healthier family dynamics. · 01:54 Introducing Dr. Paul Hokemeyer · 04:50 Dr. Paul's Journey and Career Path · 07:14 Challenges Faced by Wealthy Individuals · 13:41 The Intersection of Wealth and Identity · 22:48 Therapeutic Approaches and Observations · 30:32 Hierarchies and Tribes in Human Society · 31:13 Isolation and Wealth · 35:31 Understanding and Treating Wealthy Patients · 39:20 Narcissism in Family Systems · 44:31 Dealing with Narcissistic Family Members · 49:58 The Role of External Support Systems Websites: · fambizforum.com. · www.chrisyonker.com · draysonmews.com · Instagram @dr_paul_hokemeyer Dr. Paul Bio: Dr. Paul Hokemeyer (J.D., Ph.D.) believes mental health matters for everyone, everywhere. He is the founding principal of Drayson Mews and author of Fragile Power: Why Having Everything is Never Enough (Hazelden, 2019) and Fragile Power 2.0: Wealth, Narcissism & Mental Health (2024), the leading resources for individuals, couples, and families of wealth seeking culturally respectful and clinically effective mental health services. In addition, Dr. Paul serves as the Senior Wellness Expert to Ispahani Advisory, a London-based consulting firm specializing in multijurisdictional, ultra-high-net-worth families. He is an Associate Member of the American Association for Addiction Medicine and holds a Clinical Fellow designation with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy where he received the 2025 award for Media Excellence. Prior to graduating from the Harvard Medical School's Global Leaders in Healthcare program, Dr. Paul studied the use of digital technologies at the Yale School of Management. In addition to his academic and clinical work, Dr. Paul has extensive experience in the realm of philanthropy. He has stewarded over three million U.S. dollars to enhance the delivery of direct mental health services to disenfranchised communities across America, as well as through the Yale School of Public Health. Additionally, he serves as a trustee of the Palm Springs Art Museum, one of the world's premier centers for mid-century art, architecture, and design. Dr. Paul's research in the realm of wealth and mental health has been peer-reviewed and published in the Journal of Wealth Management, the International Family Offices Journal, Globe Law and Business, and Lambert Academic Press. His work has been featured in a wide variety of international media outlets including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The World Economic Forum, the Johns Hopkins Newsletter, Harvard Business Review Arabia, CNN, Men's Health, The Guardian, Tatler (where he was selected as one of the world's top 'problem solvers'), the Campden Club, the Institute of Private Investors, WebMD, Psych Central and others. He is on the editorial board of Middle East Business News and Magazine, a leading resource for family businesses and entrepreneurs in the MENA region.
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    55 m
  • When Families face Echoes of the Past with Steve Legler

    When Families face Echoes of the Past with Steve Legler
    Dec 15 2025

    The Enlightened Family Business Podcast

    Ep. 149. When Families face Echoes of the Past with Steve Legler

    In this episode of the Enlightened Family Business Podcast, host Chris Yonker is joined by Steven Legler, an experienced family business advisor. Together, they delve into the complexities of family business dynamics, focusing on the impact of past events such as divorces, lawsuits, and separations on current relationships and decision-making processes. Chris and Steven discuss the essential components for creating sustainable continuity, including clear communication, inner awareness, family alignment, and evolving governance. They emphasize the necessity of addressing deep-rooted issues through awareness and professional guidance, highlighting the importance of conflict management, personal development, and the role of external advisors in facilitating effective family meetings. The episode serves as a comprehensive guide for families looking to build a cohesive and thriving multi-generational business.

    · 02:44 The Importance of Awareness in Family Systems

    · 05:07 Steven Legler's Background and Expertise

    · 08:46 Echoes of the Past: Family Blowups and Their Impact

    · 10:33 Identifying and Addressing Family System Symptoms

    · 18:50 The Role of Advisors in Family Dynamics

    · 22:06 Building Family Councils for Future Decision Making

    · 25:42 Creating Awareness and Addressing Artificial Harmony

    · 32:22 Handling Addiction in Families

    · 39:01 Creating Safe Spaces for Dialogue

    · 41:07 Challenges in Family Meetings

    · 42:27 Generational Trauma and Stress

    Websites:

    · fambizforum.com.

    · www.chrisyonker.com

    · stevelegler.com
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    59 m
  • Managing Stress and Anxiety for Optimal Performance with Elle Ingalls

    Managing Stress and Anxiety for Optimal Performance with Elle Ingalls
    Dec 1 2025

    The Enlightened Family Business Podcast

    Ep. 148: Managing Stress and Anxiety for Optimal Performance

    with Elle Ingalls

    In this episode of the Enlightened Family Business Podcast, host Chris Yonker sits down with Performance Coach and stress expert Elle Ingalls. They discuss strategies for handling stress responses, especially in high-pressure situations. Elle shares her journey from a symphonic conductor to a coach for athletes and executives, highlighting techniques to interrupt stress and improve performance. The conversation covers the biological aspects of stress, misconceptions about dealing with stress, and practical exercises to stay calm and focused. By exploring how to create a supportive environment and maintain inner awareness, this episode offers valuable insights for anyone looking to perform their best in both personal and professional realms.

    · 01:28 Meet Elle Ingalls: From Music to Mental Toughness

    · 03:39 The Birth of a Coaching Journey

    · 08:49 The Science Behind Stress and Performance

    · 16:08 Addressing Anxiety in Today's World

    · 24:23 Debunking Myths About Stress

    · 27:26 Personal Breakthrough and Client Success Stories

    · 28:18 Understanding the Stress Response

    · 29:00 Individual Reactions to Stress

    · 30:33 Self-Awareness and Stress Management

    · 35:13 Practical Techniques for Reducing Anxiety

    · 43:00 The Role of Conductors and Musicians

    · 48:37 The Impact of Stress on Health and Longevity

    Websites:

    · fambizforum.com.

    · www.chrisyonker.com

    · elleingalls.com

    Elle's Books:

    • The Pressure-Free CEO
    • Pressure-Free Parenting

    Elle Ingalls Bio:

    Elle Ingalls is the author of Pressure-Free Parenting and The Pressure-Free CEO. She's the creator of The Pressure-Free Method, a revolutionary performance method designed to help high-achieving individuals from CEOs to students to break free from stress and unlock their full potential. With a unique blend of expertise as a performance coach, executive, college athlete, and professional musician, Elle developed this method to stop the fight-or-flight stress response before it starts, enabling sharper decision-making, increased resilience, and greater success without burnout.

    People turn to Elle when the pressure is high and the stakes are higher. Her method offers practical, science-based tools to navigate intense demands while maintaining clarity, confidence, and health. Whether you're leading an organization or team, feeling the pressures of performance at work or school, or have challenges with your health or relationships, Elle empowers you to rise above stress, boost productivity, and thrive in both business and life—pressure-free.
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    52 m
  • The Inner Work of Leadership in a Family Business with Kevin Hancock

    The Inner Work of Leadership in a Family Business with Kevin Hancock
    Nov 17 2025
    The Enlightened Family Business Podcast Ep. 147: The Inner Work of Leadership in a Family Business with Kevin Hancock In this episode of the Enlightened Family Business Podcast, host Chris Yonker interviews Kevin Hancock, Chair of Hancock Lumber, about his journey and transformation in leadership. Kevin shares his personal and professional challenges, including losing his father to cancer, navigating a significant economic recession, and coping with a rare voice disorder. Kevin's experiences led him to initiate major cultural changes at Hancock Lumber, focusing on putting employees first and fostering authentic, meaningful work environments. He also discusses his connection with the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, where he found inspiration and a new perspective on leadership and the human experience. The episode delves into themes of self-discovery, healing, family business governance, and preparing future generations to lead with heart and authenticity. · 00:54 Meet Kevin Hancock: A Legacy of Resilience · 03:42 Navigating Personal and Professional Challenges · 13:36 The 2008 Economic Crisis and Its Impact · 18:58 A Journey of Self-Discovery and Healing · 27:25 Finding Purpose at Pine Ridge · 32:22 The Emotional Draw to Pine Ridge · 36:25 The Power of Presence and Authenticity · 40:21 The Impact of Prioritizing Employee Experience · 50:47 The Role of Ownership and Family Legacy · 59:24 The Importance of Inner Work and Self-Discovery Websites: · fambizforum.com. · www.chrisyonker.com · hancocklumber.com · doortwo.com Kevin's Books Not For Sale: Finding Center in the Land of Crazy Horse The Seventh Power: One CEO's Journey into the Business of Shared Leadership 48 Whispers from Pine Ridge and the Northern Plains Kevin's Bio: KEVIN HANCOCK is the Executive Chairman of one of America's oldest family businesses as well as an award-winning author and nationally recognized public speaker. Established in 1848, Hancock Lumber Company is led by its 720 employees operating 12 lumberyards, 3 sawmills, a truss manufacturing facility, and timberlands in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. Since 2014, Hancock Lumber has been recognized with the 'Best Places to Work in Maine' award. The company is also a recipient of the Maine Family Business of the Year Award, the Governor's Award for Business Excellence, the ProSales National Dealer of the Year Award, and the Maine Retailer of the Year Award. Kevin is a past chairman of the Northeastern Retail Lumber Association, the National Lumber & Building Material Dealers Association, and the Bridgton Academy Board of Trustees. Kevin has also served of the Board of Directors for the Hussey Seating Corporation in Maine, the Seneca Sawmill Corporation in Oregon, and the Maine Indian Tribal State Commission. Kevin is a recipient of the Ed Muskie 'Access to Justice' Award, the Habitat for Humanity 'Spirit of Humanity' Award, the Maine Development Foundation 'Ken Curtis Leadership Award', and the Maine Basketball Hall of Fame 'Directors Award'. Kevin also partners with the executive coaching firm DoorTwo to provide senior management training programs around the concepts of shared leadership, dispersed power, and deep employee engagement. Kevin is a frequent visitor to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota and an advocate of strengthening the voices of all individuals—within a company or a community —through listening, empowering, and shared leadership. He is a graduate of Bowdoin College and lives in Maine with his wife Alison.
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    1 h y 4 m
  • How Great Leaders Turn Challenges into Puzzles with Radhika Dutt

    How Great Leaders Turn Challenges into Puzzles with Radhika Dutt
    Nov 3 2025

    The Enlightened Family Business Podcast

    Ep. 146: How Great Leaders Turn Challenges into Puzzles with Radhika Dutt

    In this, the first episode of the Enlightened Family Business Podcast, host Chris Yonker engages with guest Radhika, a seasoned advisor and published author, to discuss transformative strategies for family businesses. They delve into the concept of replacing traditional goal setting with a 'puzzle setting and puzzle solving' approach, emphasizing curiosity, adaptability, and collaborative learning. The discussion explores how family businesses can navigate succession, integrate innovative thinking, and balance risk while fostering clear communication and family alignment. This episode offers valuable insights for family business owners and leaders seeking sustainable growth and harmonious leadership transition.

    · 00:55 The Old Model of Goal Setting

    · 01:49 Guest Introduction: Radhika's Background

    · 06:37 The Puzzle Setting Approach

    · 07:38 The Importance of Succession Planning

    · 16:52 The Problems with KPIs and Target Setting

    · 21:48 Shifting from Goals to Puzzles in Business

    · 23:44 Implementing Puzzle Solving in Sales

    · 28:02 Collaborative Learning and Curiosity

    · 33:11 Navigating Family Business Transitions

    · 38:54 Balancing Risk in Family Businesses

    · 41:24 Learning from Other Industries

    · 43:59 Conclusion and Resources

    Websites:

    · fambizforum.com.

    · www.chrisyonker.com

    · OHLS Toolkit

    · linkedin: @radhika-dutt

    Radhika's Bio:

    Radhika Dutt is the author of Radical Product Thinking: The New Mindset for Innovating Smarter which has been translated into Chinese and Japanese. The methodology she introduced in her first book is now used in over 40 countries. She is an entrepreneur, speaker, and product leader who has participated in five acquisitions, two of which were companies that she founded. She is currently Advisor on Product Thinking to the Monetary Authority of Singapore (Singapore's central bank and financial regulator), and does consulting and training for organizations ranging from high-tech startups to multinationals on building radical products that create a fundamental change. Radhika has built products in a wide range of industries including broadcast, media and entertainment, telecom, advertising technology, government, consumer apps, robotics, and even wine. She graduated from MIT with an SB and M.Eng in Electrical Engineering, and speaks nine languages.

    Radhika is now working on her second book – it's about why goals and targets backfire and what actually works.
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    37 m