SYZYGY’s Post

“Statistics on family-owned and operated businesses show that although as many as one-third of family businesses transition to second-generation leadership, in the last five years, that number has dropped to only 19%.” https://buff.ly/3DUeJqU #Valuation #SuccessionPlanning #Businesstips #ExitPlanning

“Statistics on family-owned and operated businesses show that although as many as one-third of family businesses transition to second-generation leadership, in the last five years, that number has dropped to only 19%.” https://buff.ly/3DUeJqU #Valuation #SuccessionPlanning #Businesstips #ExitPlanning

As the self-proclaimed Senior Leader of our family (though I suspect Ivy Bean or Sophie Martin-Wynn might actually hold that title), it's important to have a clear understanding of where we stand. Knowing our family's needs and dynamics inside and out helps us make better decisions and ensure everyone's well-being. When we make big choices, they're based on solid information, making sure everyone feels confident and comfortable with the direction we're taking. To stay on track, we always check in and review: - Where our family's finances are. (I am not trusted with these) - Where we want them to be. - What changes we need to make to get there. - How we'll make those changes happen. And while I might like to think I'm the one leading the charge, let's be honest—it's definitely not me who truly keeps everything running smoothly! Want to know how to keep your 'family' running smoothly? Take a look here - https://lnkd.in/eQ6sFuqJ

Discover how leaders like Bob Chapman are transforming businesses by prioritizing people over profit. Our latest blog explores the principles of Truly Human Leadership and how they drive both societal good and business success. https://lnkd.in/gBPMa_FU

The week that was... Thank goodness I learnt about the Four Agreements way back when. This week was certainly a test of my resolve. Agreement 1️⃣ - Be impeccable with your word Words shape ones reputation and culture and this week I needed to especially communicate clearly and have constructive conversations that created a bunch of positive outcomes. No "he said, they said, she said"...just positive, transparent and open dialogue. Agreement 2️⃣ - Don't take anything personally It's so easy to have a victim mentality when things don't quite go your way. There were a bunch of "why is this happening FOR me vs happening TO me" situations this week. Still don't have all the answers, but hey ho, onwards and upwards. Agreement 3️⃣ - Don't make assumptions How many times do you assume what folk want only to be disappointed when you aren't aligned? It was a close call, but thankfully the questions I asked clarified expectations and prevented possible costly errors, potential conflict and some real inefficiencies. Agreement 4️⃣ - Always do your best This should be a "given"...but this week it seemed to be an exception and not a norm from a few. Must have been Monday & Tuesday blues, and so by Wednesday they managed to get back on track and we ended the week how we should have started. Integrating and applying "The Four Agreements" into your leadership style will create an environment for your teams that will foster and guide effective decision-making. Not having in place is probably why you're having the issues you are. You know what to do! Please share ♻️ this with your network if you know of someone who needs the help and activate the 🔔 on my profile to not miss other shares. #learngrowteachrepeat #fractionalexec #coo #ceo #fcoo #fceo #leadership #founders #board #shareholders #fractionation #gralen #fouragreements #theweekthatwas #DonMiguelRuiz

I'll never forget the peace I felt when Dave told us our gameplan during covid. He reminded us that "we are a debt free business, we have a reserve of cash if we produce ZERO revenue this month and IF it gets worse our leaders will sacrifice their pay." - The dot com bubble - The Great Recession - Covid - Inflation - Bad Hires Bullets and cannonballs are constantly being thrown at your business. Are you ready for whatever gets thrown at you? If you want your business and your leaders ready for what's coming next, Dave teaches you how here:

🛠️ Building Success by Simplifying 🛠️ I continually see business owners and employees doing too much. This may not be something a CEO / manager should be saying, but it is true. We live in a society that keeps rewarding activity, staying busy, burning the midnight oil; pick your cliché. But time and time again I see activity is often unrelated to productivity and progress – or as the old saying goes, busyness rarely takes care of business. I am on my way to Top 500 in Vegas (https://lnkd.in/e4N_cjRB) to see some great customers, talk to some amazing leaders and hopefully help some companies do more by doing less – focusing on the things that matter, putting the right tools with the right people in the right place. Don’t be distracted by the next shiny thing, focus on the very few things (sometimes one thing) that will drive the majority of results. Everything else is just noise. If you are a contractor, owner, or Private Equity firm looking to explore how to best position your company (or PortCos) for growth – reach out. Or if we just haven’t connected in a while, drop me a message.   Let’s build things together! #Productivity #BusinessGrowth #Efficiency #saassoftware #leadership #privateequity

Cheese. What's in a name? When I moved from Syracuse, New York, to Texas in 2012, I had nothing but a suitcase, a dream, and a nickname: “Cheese.” I didn’t know anyone in Dallas, but I knew this—I was determined to make a mark in an industry that desperately needed innovation and transformation. Fast forward to 2025, I am stunned to be featured in the Dallas 500 as one of the city’s most influential business leaders. To see my journey highlighted here is more than a professional achievement; it’s a testament to the power of hard work, staying true to your values, and embracing what makes you different. At Meritax Advisors, our mission has always been clear: to challenge the norm and deliver excellence in property tax consulting with grace, integrity, and a relentless drive to serve our clients. Along the way, I’ve learned that success isn’t about fitting in—it’s about standing out, owning your story, and creating opportunities for those around you. To my incredible team, clients, mentors, family, and community—thank you. Your trust and support have been my foundation, and I am forever grateful for the chance to lead and grow alongside you. For anyone starting out or looking to make a change, here’s what I’ve learned: Never underestimate the value of bold moves, genuine connections, and a little humor to keep things in perspective. Sometimes, it’s the quirkiest ideas (and nicknames!) that pave the way for greatness. Here’s to continuing the journey and, hopefully, inspiring others to do the same. Let’s keep changing the game. PS Lee Small, I know you got to Texas first :) D CEO #Dallas500 #Leadership #CheeseChangingTheGame #MeritaxAdvisors #PropertyTaxReform #Gratitude #TexasBusiness #Innovation

Believing that only family members should lead the family business nearly cost our client tens of crores 🤯 A family-owned manufacturing business that had been doing well for 6 decades was experiencing a challenging phase. Even though the current CEO was passionate, he was unable to handle modern challenges. They weren’t being able to keep up with the technological advancements & growing competition. Finally, they entrusted leadership to a proven CEO. It took them a good 6-7 months to see tangible results but 📈sales went up, ✅processes improved, and  👏 brand goodwill increased When you’re running a family business, don’t rely on the below myths: - Only the members of the family can benefit or run the business successfully - Family values will be lost if outside leadership is brought in - Relationships with existing customers may suffer Weigh the pros and cons of hiring external leadership. It helped one client of ours and took them to different heights, it may help you too.