Who’s next?

It’s one of the most powerful—and loaded—questions in any family business transition. In this episode, Transition Guides Marcy McNeil and Deborah Davis unpack “The Who,” a cornerstone of the Transition Compass, and reveal why clarity around ownership, leadership, and stewardship is the true foundation of a successful transition.

They share how honest conversations about readiness, desire, and alignment help families move from assumption to shared understanding—and how even uncomfortable truth can bring freedom when it’s named with empathy.

Whether you’re the current owner, the rising generation, or somewhere in between, this episode will help you see that “The Who” is not just about roles—it’s about relationship, purpose, and legacy.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Why “The Who” is the emotional heartbeat of transition planning
• How to separate ownership from leadership—and why that distinction matters
• What to do when no one (or everyone) wants to be next
• How Transition Guides help families talk about readiness and calling
• Real-world stories of clarity, relief, and breakthrough moments
• The surprising gift of hearing, “Maybe it’s not me—and that’s okay”

🔗 Connect with The Transition Strategists

Website: https://transitionstrategists.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thetransitionstrategists

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/transitionstrategists/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transitionstrategists

Elizabeth Ledoux: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethledoux/

Schedule a Discovery Call: https://transitionstrategists.com/discovery

🕓 Chapters in This Episode

00:00 Introduction to “The Who” on the Transition Compass

01:35 Why the People Question Is the Hardest One

04:25 Founders’ Fears: Letting Go of the Reins

08:10 Successor Assumptions and Honest Conversations

11:45 When Ownership and Leadership Aren’t the Same

16:50 Real Client Stories: Relief in Naming the Truth

21:15 The Role of a Guide in Surfacing Readiness

25:30 The Emotional Shift from Control to Collaboration

30:05 How to Begin Exploring Your “Who” as a Family

34:20 Key Takeaways & Where to Learn More