Family Business Matters
Hosted by the Family Enterprise Center at UNC Chapel Hill’s Kenan-Flagler Business School, Family Business Matters shares powerful stories and proven strategies from the world of family enterprise. In each episode, hear from successful family business leaders, UNC faculty, and top experts as they dive into the real challenges and triumphs of building a thriving, multigenerational business. Learn how families navigate succession, growth, conflict, and innovation—together. New episodes drop regularly. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Want to connect or explore more? Visit our website or email us at fec@kenan-flagler.unc.edu. Join our community of bold family business leaders—because your legacy deserves to last.
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Episodes
Thursday Jun 19, 2025
Thursday Jun 19, 2025
Cooper Biersach interviews Cathy Carroll—author of Hug of War and President of Legacy Onward—for a deep dive into polarity thinking. They explore how to move beyond either/or mindsets into both/and conversations that unlock new possibilities for families and leaders. The episode features real-life examples of common polarity tensions and how to navigate them, plus a walkthrough of polarity mapping with worksheets linked in the episode notes.
Episode Notes:
The Family Enterprise Center
Legacy Onward
Hug of War
Illustrated Polarity
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Wednesday May 28, 2025
Wednesday May 28, 2025
Cooper Biersach sits down with Josh Gentine (MBA ’13) to explore his path back to the family business, Sargento, and the parallel journey he’s built as a family business consultant. Josh shares insights on balancing multiple professional identities, fostering two-way communication across generations, and engaging next-gens in ways that reflect their passions and strengths—not just tradition. From personal experience to professional frameworks, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how clarity and curiosity can strengthen family enterprise for the long term.
Episode Notes
Josh Gentine
Cooper Biersach
The Family Enterprise Center
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Friday May 09, 2025
Friday May 09, 2025
Cooper Biersach sits down with Durant Bell to unpack the long road home to the family business, Bell Partners. After building a successful career and reaching the partner track at an outside firm, Durant made the difficult decision to return—but on his own terms. He reflects on choosing not to come back right away, even when his family hoped he would, and how that decision shaped his leadership. From starting over to proving himself within the organization, Durant shares honest insights on building trust, navigating family dynamics, and what it really takes to lead in a multigenerational business.
Episode Notes
Durant Bell
The Family Enterprise Center
Bell Partners
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Friday May 09, 2025
Friday May 09, 2025
Cooper Biersach sits down with Steve Miller to dive into his research on next-generation leaders in family businesses. They share insights on when—and how—to start meaningful conversations with next-gens, the value of gaining outside experience, and the benefits of rotational programs within the family firm. Plus, they explore the critical role emotional and social intelligence play in leadership development. Don’t miss this thoughtful conversation packed with actionable advice for families planning for the future.
Episode Notes:
Steve Miller
The Family Enterprise Center
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Monday Apr 14, 2025
Monday Apr 14, 2025
Episode Notes
Course Codes for Family Business Curriculum at UNC-Chapel Hill
BUSI 503 / MBA 843A: Introduction to Family Business
BUSI 512 / MBA 843B: Ownership and Governance
Cooper Biersach
Lauren Willets
Steve Miller
The Family Enterprise Center
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