Family Business

Next Gen Leadership Coaching

Founder and Next Generation Transitions

When a family business transitions to the next generation, it faces an emotional and challenging issue that must be prepared for in advance. This process needs thoughtful planning instead – not managed as simply one day deciding what will happen when things get too difficult or unmanageable!

The founder’s legacy is at stake; there could potentially never again see someone like them take control over their company because some people may have a vested interest like whether they own equity shares in the business. As the founder transitions out, they need to ensure that their company’s culture and values are upheld.

We help family companies with family business succession planning. We help plan for the transition by obtaining an accurate picture of their existing talents and motivations, benchmarking them against top internal resources (especially in a critical phase) as well as external partners/companies who can provide assistance during this time when founders are transitioning. We analyze potential opportunities with regards to future strategy; while also taking into account what is desired vision amongst other things like socio-economic climate or environmental factors which may affect business growth positively/negatively. We help families preserve the legacy of a business by ensuring objectivity and meritocracy in appointments. Our team will evaluate your next-generation leaders to find their fitting roles, as well develop plans for grooming these individuals so that they can fully realize his/her potential with our objective eye on what’s best for you now while looking at long-term success!

Hear what others are saying

"Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce is more than 250 years old; our people and progress are at the heart of our success. Since 2015 we have worked closely with Positively People as a key partner for our leadership development programming. Using their Everything DiSC and team-building resources, Positively People has engaged with over 1400+ leaders passionately supporting our work to advance our region."
Bryan Derreberry
CEO/President
"Dr. Jean and her entire team are world class consultants who deeply understand the dynamics of the G2, G3 and G4. Through her invaluable experience, our family transitioning from G2 to G3 was able to align and engage with her and each other, through effective and efficient modes of communication and coordination. She brought the whole family together on this journey; creating a shared vision, motivating each other, raising expectations, promoting trust and achieving a structure that will allow for an enterprise and large family to thrive for generations. A game changer. Truly world class."
Mayur Shah
G2 Family Member, Managing Director of Kenafric Group
"Positively People has been an essential part of our evolving, third-generation family business. The expertise and insight that Jean and her team provide are invaluable to our continued growth and success. The comprehensive coaching program has enabled our company and family members to navigate the complexities of a family-owned business. It has allowed us to build a strong foundation for the future. The approach taken has been effective in strengthening relationships within the family while also providing us with the tools and guidance needed to manage the business. We are very grateful for the constant support of the team at Positively People. We would highly recommend their services to any family business looking to grow and evolve!"
John & Jaclyn Savickas
CEO/President & Vice President, Interstate Specialty Products
"For over a decade I have had the opportunity to partner with Jean Meeks Koch and her team at Positively People. Jean is more than a consultant she has accompanied our company through the best of times and through some of our greatest struggles. Always with a focus of building on strengths, developing people and helping them to show up as their best selves, and growing intentionality at the individual and organizational levels. Jean has an incredible sense of what makes organizations work and helps to position them to thrive for the long term. From my experience with Jean, I am a stronger and more well-rounded leader, and the organization is stronger than ever. Jean not only helped us solve problems, she helped us grow beyond them."
Kim Scott
President and CEO from 2004-2023 Current Executive Director of the Trillium Family Services Foundation