The Decision Catalyst: Examining Keep-or-Sell Frameworks in Family Enterprise

In this episode, Paul Hood, one of the most influential voices in purposeful planning and family business governance, navigates the complex terrain of family business decision-making and succession planning. With decades of experience as a tax attorney, educator, and trusted advisor featured in Forbes, USA TODAY, and The Wall Street Journal, Paul reveals what truly matters when families face their most critical crossroads: whether to keep or sell their business.Throughout the conversation, Paul explores essential concepts like creating psychologically safe environments for authentic family discussions, why including all voices—even those of children as young as eight—can transform outcomes, and how "dreaming sessions" unlock possibilities rather than limitations. He emphasizes the importance of listening over talking, transparency over secrecy, and the profound difference between working "in" versus "on" your business. Listen to our latest episode to hear Paul's insights on facilitating meaningful family business meetings, balancing emotional intelligence with strategic thinking, and implementing succession approaches that honor both legacy and future potential.About Paul HoodA “recovering tax lawyer,” Paul Hood’s often quoted in publications that include Forbes magazine, USA TODAY, and The Wall Street Journal, and he’s been a frequent contributor to Leimberg Information Services, Inc. since its inception, Paul is a highly sought-after speaker and consultant because of his innate ability to see through the complexity and explain difficult and even boring subjects in understandable and entertaining language with his insightful and biting sense of humor, and he minces no words in doing so. Along the way, Paul’s been a father, husband, uncle, Godfather, lawyer, coach, mentor, trustee, member, director, president, partner, trust protector, director of planned giving, expert witness, agent, professor, judge, juror, respondent, and a defendant, and he uses his experience in these myriad roles to guide others. Resources discussed in this episode:The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About ItPurposeful Planning InstitutePaul Hood ServicesContact Cory Gagnon | Beacon Family Office at Assante Financial Management Ltd. Website: BeaconFamilyOffice.comLinkedIn: Cory GagnonLinkedIn: Beacon Family OfficeEmail: [email protected] Paul Hood | Paul Hood Services & Purposeful Planning Institute: Website: paulhoodservices.comLinkedIn: Paul HoodEmail: [email protected]: (504) 452-7574 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.