S2 Episode 2: Reframing The Family Business
In Episode 2 of Season 2, Natalie & Chelsea sit down with Dr. Tom Davidow, a psychologist who specializes in dispute resolution at the intersection of family and business (from family foundations to mega offices– think “Succession.”). For over thirty years, Tom and his associates have worked with hundreds of national and international family-controlled business enterprises to help them resolve conflict, maintain business operations, and thrive.
Show Notes:
Hosts:
Natalie M.
Chelsea M.
Timestamps:
**00:00** - Introduction
**00:31** - Introduction of Episode 2 Guest, Dr. Tom Daivdow.
**02:25** - Natalie asks Tom to share what he does and how he began doing it. Tom shares his early years as a psychologist, how he transitioned into specializing in family businesses,
**26:25** - Natalie asks Tom to tell us about the Davidow Interdisciplinary Method.
**28:14** - Natalie asks Tom to elaborate on how he finds the right partner to assist him in whatever specialized niche he may be working in.
**30:50** - Natalie asks Tom if he is primarily fixing a business problem or a family problem when he goes to work with his client. Tom gives a thorough response, examples, and brings in Carl Jung’s Collective Unconscious Theory.
**41:00** - Tom talks about one of the biggest challenges in his work.
**43:48** - Break
**44:20** - Episode picks up with Tom going into Natalie’s question of, are family and business issues ever separate from one another or are they always intertwined.
**50:35** - Tom talks about working with a “Typical Entrepreneur”.
**54:00** - Discussion around spouses and the family business as well as other family dynamics. Tom shares some examples.
**1:06:01** - Natalie asks Tom if, when he is working with a new client, is he first looking to see what familial disputes need to be resolved? Tom shares some examples.
**1:14:25** - Natalie asks Tom what advice he would give to someone thinking about creating a family business or joining their family business.
**1:17:08** - Chelsea asks if Tom has noticed a recurring issue that challenges these family businesses.
**1:22:57** - Tom tells us the expression he uses most frequently in his work.
**1:24:28** - Tom gives us his top three qualities/traits of a good leader.
**1:27:58** - Natalie asks, how can someone who is cultivating a Growth Mindset benefit a family enterprise?
**1:31:56** - Closing Remarks
**1:33:39** - End of Episode
**1:33:53** - Stay Tuned
**1:34:42** - Outro
Key Takeaways:
1. “Fixed Mindset”: Belief that abilities, talents, and traits are fixed or inherent and cannot be significantly changed.
Example: Avoiding challenges for fear of failure.
2. “Growth Mindset”: Belief that abilities, talents, and traits can be developed and improved through effort and learning.
Example: Embracing challenges as opportunities to grow.
3. **Tips for Cultivating a Growth Mindset**
Self-Awareness
Identify Your Fixed Mindset Triggers: Recognize the situations that trigger a fixed mindset (e.g., challenges, setbacks, or criticism).
Reflect: Make it a habit to reflect on your thoughts and feelings regularly, identifying instances where a fixed mindset held you back.
Change Your Language
Switch Your Language: Instead of saying “I can’t do this” or “I’ll never . . .,” say “I can’t do this yet,” or “I am moving towards . . . .”
Embrace Constructive Feedback: When you or others fail, #fail forward by focusing on what can be learned from the experience.
Reframe Challenges and Setbacks
Stretch Goals: Set an objective that pushes you out of your comfort zone.
Reframe Failures: View setbacks as opportunities for growth, not as a validation of an inability or shortcoming.
Embrace Feedback and Prioritize Learning Over Validation
Constructive Criticism: Actively seek out feedback that helps you improve or refine your skills.
Encourage Open Dialogue: Create an environment or cultivate relationships where open and constructive feedback is welcomed and regular.
Value the Process: Prioritize learning and improving over success or perfection.
Focus on Yourself: Prioritize yourself, focus on your personal development, and celebrate your achievements. Avoid seeking approval or validation from others.
Additional Resources:
Book: "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" by Carol Dweck
Website:Thomas D. Davidow & Associates
Website:The Davidow Interdisciplinary Method
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