The Next Chair: Governing Tomorrow, Next Generation Leadership in Family Enterprises

In this special panel episode of Legacy Builders, Cory Gagnon is joined by Barb Schimnowsky and James Grieve for a focused conversation on how family enterprises can prepare for next-generation leadership. Drawing from their work in executive search, governance, succession planning, strategy, and family enterprise advising, Barb and James examine what leadership readiness looks like beyond age, title, or family position. They discuss how governance can clarify roles and decision-making, why succession conversations are often delayed, and what families can do before the transition becomes urgent. The conversation also looks at the balance between promoting from within and bringing in external leadership, the value of objective assessments, and the role mentorship, advisory boards, and structured development can play in preparing future leaders. Cory, Barb, and James also consider the importance of supporting founders as they step into new roles and adapt to a changing place within the enterprise. About Barb Schimnowsky Barb Schimnowsky is a partner at Watson and the leader of the firm’s board director and executive search practice. With more than 25 years of experience in executive search and human resources, she brings deep expertise in leadership selection, governance, and succession planning. Barb holds both the Certified Management Consultant and Family Enterprise Advisor designations, and is known for her ability to understand client needs and align them with exceptional leadership talent. She has led hundreds of successful placements across sectors and has twice been recognized as one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Abbotsford. Contact Barb Schimnowsky | Watson Board Advisors Website: https://www.watsoninc.ca/ | westviewsearch.ca LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/barbschimnowsky Email: [email protected] Phone: 604 859 8002 About James Grieve James Grieve is founder and principal at Catalyst Strategies Consulting and co-creator of Succession Ready, a practical approach to succession planning for founder-led businesses. He holds the Certified Management Consultant, Family Enterprise Advisor, and Certified Exit Planning Advisor designations. James works with organizations to uncover blind spots, reduce risk, and build long-term value, with a particular focus on family enterprises and Indigenous-owned businesses. His approach blends strategy, systems thinking, and customer service to help families and businesses navigate transition with greater clarity and purpose. Contact James Grieve | Catalyst Strategies Consulting Website: catalyst-strategies.com | valuedriver.ca LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jamesnsgrieve Email: [email protected] Phone: 17782146010 Resources discussed in this episode: Succession Ready 360-degree feedback Contact Cory Gagnon | Beacon Family Office at CI Assante Financial Management Ltd.:  Website: BeaconFamilyOffice.com LinkedIn: Cory Gagnon LinkedIn Page: Beacon Family Office Email: [email protected] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.