A replay of our recent Family Business Executive Forum hosted by Amanda Laden with special guests Rebecca Hamilton of WS Badger and Amanda Osmer of Grappone

The Secret Thoughts of CEO's Podcast

Amanda Osmer is the fourth-generation owner of Grappone Automotive Group. Osmer’s great-grandparents, Rocco and Emanuela Grappone, were Italian immigrants who opened a gas station in Concord in 1924. Her grandfather, John Grappone, worked for 79 years to help expand that single business into the Grappone Automotive Group, which today encompasses five New Hampshire dealerships, representing Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, and Toyota, as well as one of northern New England’s largest wholesale parts operations. Amanda launched Leadership Grappone, a program that a seeks out the company’s emerging leaders, with the goal of uncovering their true leadership potential.

Rebecca Hamilton is the Co-CEO of Badger, a producer of organic body care products.

An advocate for issues concerning the environment, ingredient transparency, and societal change, Rebecca has spoken at the White House, addressed the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity in support of organic and regenerative agriculture, testified before Congress on behalf of safer cosmetics, and attended Senate and House briefings on Capitol Hill in support of family-friendly workplace practices and chemical reform. Rebecca also spearheaded the passing of Benefit Corporation legislation in New Hampshire, a for-profit status that incorporates the pursuit of positive environmental and social impact in addition to profit. She was recently appointed to the National Women’s Business Council, a nonpartisan federal advisory committee comprised of women business owners, policymakers, bankers, representatives of women’s business organizations, and other stakeholders.

What You’ll Learn

● How to approach succession planning with the lens of equality.

● Upholding standards with family members.

● Making decisions as a family leadership team.

● How to manage a smooth succession with leaders who aren’t ready to let go.

Timestamps

· [09:27] Taking on leadership roles within family businesses.

· [18:13] Unique perspectives as women.

· [23:51] Approaching succession planning.

· [29:09] Dr Stacy: Are higher standards for family a risk or a benefit?

· [32:14] The role of personal development plays in the future of leadership.

· [34:26] Lessons learned stepping into leadership roles.

· [39:21] Advice to other women aspiring to lead family-run enterprises.

· [44:17] When leaders aren’t ready to let go during transitions.

Memorable Quotes

· “Blood is thicker than water.” – Amanda Osmer [28:00]

· “Your brain can’t be angry and curious at the same time.” – Amanda Osmer [33:26]

· “We’ve had such a female dominated company that we thought about being more intentional of bringing some males in to balance it out.” – Rebecca Hamilton [34:02]

· “Get really clear about what your mission is, and then pursue that.” – Amanda Osmer [39:46]

Websites

fambizforum.com.

www.badgerbalm.com.

www.grappone.com.