Family Business Matters

Hosted by the Family Enterprise Center at UNC Chapel Hill’s Kenan-Flagler Business School, Family Business Matters shares powerful stories and proven strategies from the world of family enterprise.In each episode, hear from successful family business leaders, UNC faculty, and top experts as they dive into the real challenges and triumphs of building a thriving, multigenerational business. Learn how families navigate succession, growth, conflict, and innovation—together.New episodes drop regularly. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Want to connect or explore more? Visit our website or email us at fec@kenan-flagler.unc.edu.Join our community of bold family business leaders—because your legacy deserves to last.

Family Business Matters is a business podcast hosted by Family Enterprise Center, with 21 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Family Enterprise Center hosts Family Business Matters, a business show with 21 episodes published.

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  Episode #21

  Building a Transformational Board with Anne Eiting-Klamar

  Sep 16, 202629 min

  In this episode of Family Business Matters, Professor of the Practice Amy Renkert-Thomas sits down with Anne Eiting-Klamer , former CEO and current Board Chair of Midmark Corporation, a leading supplier of medical, dental, and animal health care workspace solutions. Anne shares her journey of developing a highly effective and transformational board and reflects on how her perspective has evolved since transitioning from CEO to board chair. Drawing on decades of leadership experience, Anne discusses how leaders can successfully engage board members whose expertise may exceed their own, remain humble in the face of challenge, and create an environment where differing viewpoints are welcomed rather than avoided. She also explores the critical role constructive disagreement plays in strengthening decision-making and driving organizational growth. Whether you're a family business leader, board member, or executive seeking to elevate your organization's governance, this conversation offers practical insights on leadership, trust, and the power of inviting every voice to the table. In Notes: Get Connected Anne Eiting-Klamer Amy Renkert-Thomas

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  Episode #20

  Ownership in the Family Firm: What Are Our Roles and Responsibilities?

  Aug 12, 202638 min

  What does it really mean to be an owner in a family enterprise? In this episode of Family Business Matters, Family Enterprise Center co-founders Cooper Biersach and Steve Miller explore the three questions every owner must address to provide effective stewardship and leadership for a family enterprise: What is unique about the role of owners in a family enterprise? Why are we in business together? What are the owners' most important responsibilities? Drawing on decades of experience working with family-owned enterprises, including Steve's 34 years with Biltmore Estate, Cooper and Steve discuss how family owners create direction, define shared purpose, and develop an ownership strategy that guides boards, management, and future generations. Listeners will gain practical insights into building alignment around purpose, vision, priorities, and long-term stewardship. Whether you are a founder, next-generation owner, or family shareholder, this conversation offers a framework for strengthening ownership and creating a shared future for your family enterprise. Listeners can continue their family enterprise learning by exploring our upcoming virtual and live programs in our podcast notes, including a deeper dive into the topic of ownership in our virtual masterclass, and our in-person Fall Family Business Forum. In Notes: Get Connected Ownership Masterclass 13th Annual Family Business Forum

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  Episode #19

  Curiosity Over Conflict with Dr. Shimul Melwani

  Jul 15, 202636 min

  In this episode of Family Business Matters, host Cooper Biersach sits down with Dr. Shimul Melwani , Associate Dean of the Undergraduate Business Program at UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School and Professor of Organizational Behavior. Drawing from her personal background in family business, Dr. Melwani explores how conflict is often rooted not in business issues, but in fairness, relationships, and emotion. The central focus? Ambivalence: the reality of holding both positive and negative feelings at the same time. Rather than something to fix, mixed feelings can lead to more flexible thinking, stronger leadership, and more cohesive teams. The conversation highlights how silence can create assumptions that fuel resentment and conflict, reinforcing the idea that clarity is kindness. Dr. Melwani also introduces her research on “mega threats”, large societal forces shaping generational perspectives and how individuals interpret reality differently. Listeners will gain tools to approach family business dynamics with greater internal and relational curiosity, transforming tension into more productive dialogue rather than avoiding it. Dr. Melwani will expand on these ideas at the 13th Annual Family Business Forum, October 28–29, 2026, at the Rizzo Center in Chapel Hill (link in show notes). Notes: Get Connected 13th Annual Family Business Forum Dr. Shimul Melwani

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  Episode #17

  The Science of Sustainable Leadership with Dr. Mike Christian

  May 20, 202644 minS0

  <p>In family businesses, leadership isn’t just about performance, it’s about endurance, relationships, and legacy. But what if sustaining yourself as a leader wasn’t about pushing harder?</p> <p> </p> <p>In this episode of Family Business Matters, host Cooper Biersach sits down with Dr. Mike Christian, award-winning researcher and expert in human energy and resilience, to explore a different approach: energy crafting.</p> <p> </p> <p>Together, they unpack why the traditional narrative of grit and burnout falls short, especially in family enterprises where leaders carry overlapping roles and emotional demands. Mike shares how energy, physical, cognitiv...

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  Episode #16

  Family Enterprise Fundamentals: Three Questions Every Business Family Must Answer with Cooper Biersach and Steve Miller

  Apr 14, 202632 minS0

  <p>Where should we start? How do we manage conflict? How do we help the next generation find purpose and avoid entitlement?</p> <p>In this episode of the The Family Enterprise Center, host Cooper Biersach is joined by Steve Miller, co-founder of the Family Enterprise Center and former president of the Biltmore Estate, to explore the three foundational questions business-owning families ask most often as they think about continuity across generations.</p> <p>Drawing on decades of experience working with family enterprises, and Steve’s research on next-generation leadership development, this conversation offers practical, accessible insights for families at an...

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