In this episode of Safe Space with Francesco Lombardo, Brandi Harleaux, award-winning entrepreneur and second-generation CEO of South Post Oak Recycling Center, shares her journey from leading teams at Fortune 100 companies — including Target, Northrop Grumman, and Disney — to stepping into her family business.

Brandi reflects on her decision to pursue an MBA while working full-time at Disney, and how education and real-world experience gave her the tools to navigate the complexities of joining a family enterprise. She also discusses the importance of preparation, financial literacy, and purpose-driven leadership — lessons that continue to guide her at the helm of SPORC, where she leads with a philosophy of taking care of your people and positively impacting the community.

🎧 Listen now to hear Brandi’s insights on growth, courage, and redefining what leadership looks like in the next generation of family business.

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 speaks with wealth coach Kelly Willis Green about the emotional and psychological aspects of money. They explore Kelly's journey into wealth coaching, the dynamics of marrying into wealth, and the importance of understanding one's relationship with money. The conversation delves into the impact of childhood beliefs on financial behaviors, the connection between money and relationships, and the significance of curiosity in fostering innovation and personal growth. Kelly shares insights on transforming money history into intentional money management and discusses various money archetypes that influence financial behaviors.

Connect with Kelly:
• www.kellywillisgreen.com
• Serious Coin: Rich Conversations About Wealth Podcast

Connect with me here:
• www.linkedin.com/in/francesco-lombardo-fea-496a7966/
• www.facebook.com/VeritageFamilyOffice
• www.youtube.com/@VeritageInternational
• veritage.ca

In this episode, Francesco Lombardo speaks with Robert and Kaylee Fukui about their journey as business consultants who help family businesses thrive while maintaining healthy marriages. They discuss the importance of balancing work and family life, overcoming guilt in parenting, and creating intentional relationships. The Fukuis share personal stories and practical advice on how to foster communication and connection within families, emphasizing the need for emotional security alongside financial stability.

Connect with Robert & Kaylee: https://marriedentrepreneur.co/safespace

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, Franco interviews James Kerr, author of 'Legacy', exploring the profound lessons on leadership derived from the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team. They discuss the importance of character, culture, and values in leadership, the concept of leaving a legacy, and the intergenerational aspects of family businesses. Kerr emphasizes the significance of vulnerability, the role of external coaching, and the power of language in teams. The conversation also delves into the essential role of love in creating a nurturing environment for growth and performance.

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 our second episode with Dr. Sandra Primiano, we discuss the nuances of trauma, emphasizing that it is not solely defined by major life events but can also stem from repeated minor experiences. The conversation explores how these traumas shape behaviors and relationships, the importance of self-awareness, and the journey towards transforming learned behaviors. Dr. Primiano highlights the significance of neuroplasticity in changing emotional pathways, the necessity of embracing all emotions, and the power of self-compassion and gratitude in personal development.

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, Dr. Sandra Primiano discusses the complexities of mental health, particularly focusing on burnout within the context of family businesses. She explores the various forms of burnout, its causes, and its impact on individuals and systems. The conversation delves into the importance of emotional awareness, the influence of ancestral traditions, and the necessity of mindfulness in daily life. Dr. Primiano emphasizes the power of choice in emotional responses and the significance of understanding one's values for personal transformation.

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, Tom McCullough, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Northwood Family Office, joins Francesco to discuss the evolution of family offices, the challenges faced by wealthy families, and the importance of preparing both parents and children for wealth transition. He emphasizes the need for integrated advice and the emotional aspects of wealth management, providing insights into how families can navigate these complexities for better outcomes.

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, Vicki Furnish of Wellspring Family Group shares her insights on managing family dynamics within a family business, particularly focusing on the transition to a single family office. She discusses the importance of educating the next generation about wealth, fostering motivation, and the necessity of open communication. Vicki emphasizes the role of emotional intelligence in navigating family relationships and the impact of creating safe spaces for discussions. The conversation highlights the balance between business responsibilities and family connections, ultimately aiming to leave a lasting legacy for future 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