Safe Space with Francesco Lombardo

In this episode, Francesco Lombardo sits down with Karen Alko, a fourth-generation steward of ABC Recycling and her role as a "family champion" for governance and legacy. As a 2025 Transformational Women in Family Business Award recipient, Karen discusses how she integrates core family values into long-term strategy and the importance of next-generation planning. The conversation explores her efforts in fostering community relations and social impact, including her leadership in Indigenous reconciliation and staff education. Connect with me here: • https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesco-lombardo-fea-496a7966/ • https://www.facebook.com/VeritageFamilyOffice • https://www.youtube.com/@VeritageInternational • https://veritage.ca

In this episode, Francesco Lombardo interviews Anthony Contrucci, a fifth-generation member of a family business, Centier Bank. They discuss the concept of a 'family champion'—a person who plays a crucial role in preserving family legacy and navigating the complexities of family dynamics. Anthony shares his personal journey, the challenges he faced, and the importance of emotional cohesion and governance in family enterprises. He emphasizes the need for passion, support, and continuous learning for those stepping into the role of a family champion. Connect with me here: • https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesco-lombardo-fea-496a7966/ • https://www.facebook.com/VeritageFamilyOffice • https://www.youtube.com/@VeritageInternational • https://veritage.ca

In this episode, Francesco Lombardo speaks with parenting expert Manu Brune about the complexities of parenting, especially in wealthy families. They discuss the challenges of navigating emotional intelligence, entitlement, and the importance of compassion in parenting. Manu emphasizes the need for parents to teach their children how to handle uncomfortable emotions and the role of grandparents in fostering emotional development. The conversation also touches on reframing guilt and shame in parenting, highlighting that relationships can heal through presence and awareness. Connect with me here: • https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesco-lombardo-fea-496a7966/ • https://www.facebook.com/VeritageFamilyOffice • https://www.youtube.com/@VeritageInternational • https://veritage.ca

In this episode of Safe Space, Kunal Amalean shares insights on the dynamics of family businesses, emphasizing the importance of closeness among family members. He discusses how his family maintained strong relationships despite geographical distances and the intentional efforts made to ensure emotional intimacy across generations. Kunal highlights the return on investment of fostering closeness, not only in terms of family harmony but also in business success. He concludes with advice for future generations on the significance of understanding oneself and others within the family context. Connect with me here: • https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesco-lombardo-fea-496a7966/ • https://www.facebook.com/VeritageFamilyOffice • https://www.youtube.com/@VeritageInternational • https://veritage.ca

In this episode of Safe Space, host Francesco Lombardo welcomes Véronique Sanders, the steward of Château Haut-Bailly, a prestigious Bordeaux winery with a rich history dating back 800 years. Véronique shares about the complexity of her family's history with the business, emphasizing the emotional connection she has with the land and the importance of passion in winemaking. She discusses the responsibilities that come with being a custodian of the estate, highlighting the need to preserve its legacy for future generations while adapting to modern challenges such as climate change and shifting consumer habits. Throughout the conversation, Véronique reflects on the evolving landscape of the wine industry, particularly the changing drinking habits of younger generations. She believes that while studies suggest a decline in wine consumption among youth, personal experiences reveal a different narrative. The episode concludes with Véronique offering valuable advice to both current and future generations, urging them to stay curious and authentic while embracing their roles as stewards of their family legacies. Connect with me here: • https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesco-lombardo-fea-496a7966/ • https://www.facebook.com/VeritageFamilyOffice • https://www.youtube.com/@VeritageInternational • https://veritage.ca

In this episode of Safe Space, Daniel Trimarchi and Francesco explore the often-unspoken complexities of family dynamics, particularly the tendency toward binary thinking (right or wrong, in or out, success or failure) that can quietly limit relationships within enterprising families. Daniel challenges this mindset by inviting families to recognize the "gray space," where nuance, curiosity, and empathy create room for deeper connection, better decision-making, and unexpected opportunities. Drawing on more than 16 years of global experience advising business families, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals, Daniel shares how governance frameworks, clear communication, and accountability can help families navigate complexity without losing trust or emotional safety. As National Lead for Family Dynamics & Governance at KPMG Australia and a member of KPMG's Global Centre of Excellence for Family Business, he brings a rare blend of academic insight and practical application to conversations about change, conflict, and continuity. Throughout the episode, Daniel emphasizes that embracing complexity—rather than avoiding it—can unlock creativity, strengthen relationships, and support more sustainable family enterprises across generations. Connect with me here: • https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesco-lombardo-fea-496a7966/ • https://www.facebook.com/VeritageFamilyOffice • https://www.youtube.com/@VeritageInternational • https://veritage.ca

Marc Kielburger, a renowned social entrepreneur and co-founder of youth empowerment organizations, dives deep into the essence of fulfillment versus happiness. He highlights how the pandemic forced him to step off the 'happiness treadmill' and pursue a life rooted in purpose. Marc shares insights from his healing journey, his work with global leaders, and his passion project, Unlimited Life, which combines longevity science and emotional wellness. He also emphasizes the importance of self-relationship and defines actionable advice for family businesses.

In this discussion, Brad Scott, Founder and Managing Director of EWM Group, shares insights from his extensive experience in Australia’s multi-family office sector. He highlights the evolution of family offices over two decades and the crucial role they play in managing emotional dynamics, not just finances. Brad emphasizes the upcoming wealth transfer and the need for families to prepare through governance and communication. He also introduces tailored services for diverse clients, stressing the importance of understanding each generation's unique perspectives.

In this episode of Safe Space, Francesco sits down with Dr. Megan Gerhardt to explore the power—and complexity—of leading across generations. Megan shares why embracing diverse expertise is essential for building high-performing teams, especially within family businesses where generational dynamics often run deep. While it may feel easier to work with people who think like we do, she explains that true productivity and innovation emerge when families intentionally leverage their unique perspectives, experiences, and strengths. Connect with me here: • https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesco-lombardo-fea-496a7966/ • https://www.facebook.com/VeritageFamilyOffice • https://www.youtube.com/@VeritageInternational • https://veritage.ca

In this episode of Safe Space with Francesco Lombardo, Amanda Challen, CEO of Advance Civil Engineering, shares her journey as a next-generation leader in Australia's construction industry. She opens up about navigating gender dynamics, building self-worth, and the importance of clear boundaries in family business. Amanda's story highlights courage, authenticity, and the power of open communication in leading with integrity and purpose. 🎧 Tune in to hear Amanda's insights on leading with integrity, empowering others, and redefining what it means to be a next-generation leader. Connect with me here: • https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesco-lombardo-fea-496a7966/ • https://www.facebook.com/VeritageFamilyOffice • https://www.youtube.com/@VeritageInternational • https://veritage.ca