EP 25

New Podcast Episode: A Blueprint for Multi-Generational Success: Building a Coalition of the Willing, Part 2

In this episode of The UHNW Institute Podcast, host Russ Haworth continues the conversation with fellow co-authors Bryn Monahan, Meredith Thomas Straight and Paul Edelman on their white paper, A Blueprint for Multi-Generational Success: Building a Coalition of the Willing.

Together, they examine the behavioral and systemic dimensions of coalition-based governance, moving well beyond structural succession planning to consider the habits, decision-making models and cultural norms that make inclusive leadership work in practice. They discuss why behavioral change is often harder than structural redesign, how families can build sustained governance capacity over time and the growing expectations placed on external advisors.

Topics discussed include:

  • The shift from single-successor to coalition-based leadership models
  • Building governance systems that accommodate multiple voices and diverse generational experience
  • Developing capabilities such as judgment, communication and emotional intelligence
  • Practical tools including decision grids and governance “gyms” for building sustained capacity
  • The risks of drifting from agreed governance practices and how families can guard against them
  • The expanding role of external advisors in supporting behavioral and systemic change

Listen to Part 2 of the conversation.

Russ Haworth

Head of Family Governance, Transition & the Next Generation
Charles Park Family Office

Russ is a specialist adviser, facilitator, and coach working with family businesses and family offices. He has over fifteen years’ experience supporting families as they navigate the relational, strategic, and governance challenges that come from owning and leading together.

His work is grounded in a deep understanding of family dynamics, decision-making, and transition, shaped by a background in financial planning and wealth management. This combination allows him to work comfortably across both commercial and personal dimensions, helping families build clarity, confidence, and alignment over time.

Russ holds the Advanced Certificate in Family Business Advising from the Family Firm Institute, a globally recognised qualification for advisers working with family-owned enterprises. He is known for his thoughtful, plain-speaking approach and for creating the conditions where families can have honest conversations and make well-considered decisions together

Meredith Thomas Straight

Consultant
Renkert Thomas Consulting

Meredith is a member and consultant with Renkert Thomas Consulting. Renkert Thomas Consulting LLC works with family enterprise owners on issues related to strategy, ownership, and governance, with a particular focus on clarifying shared purpose to build engagement and alignment. In addition to work with clients, Meredith also supports RTC’s undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs through the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School, the Society of Tax and Estate Practitioners, and Engaged Ownership, a branch of RTC dedicated to educating family business owners and their advisors on the distinctive features of family business governance.

Meredith brings a background in organizational development and complex systems to the Renkert Thomas Consulting team. Much of her work focuses on the involvement, engagement, and education of rising generation family members with their family’s operating businesses and family offices.

Meredith lives with her husband, dog, and horse in Raleigh, North Carolina. She received a B.S. in Learning and Organizational Change from Northwestern University in 2015.

Paul Edelman

Professional Coach, Educator & Facilitator
Edelman & Associates

Coach and consultant to executives, family businesses, family offices, and professional advisors.

38 years’ experience providing insight, support, and facilitation. Skilled in understanding individual, group, team, organizational, and family dynamics.

Helps clients systematically and objectively solve complex problems, make consequential decisions, and achieve desired outcomes.

Working together, clients find it easier to:

  • Develop business, organizational, and family leadership capacity
  • Facilitate planning, problem solving, decision-making, and conflict resolution
  • Navigate natural transitions in leadership, ownership, and wealth
  • Create structures and processes to guide individual, business, and family growth

Prior to coaching and consulting, served as an internal organization development consultant at AT&T, an executive search consultant, and VP of a successfully tech startup. Experienced as an angel investor, board chair, and advisory board member.

Raised in Levittown and Garden City, NY. While growing up, worked in the family business. Lives in Boston area with his wife, Julia Edelman. They have two adult sons.

Active alumnus of MIT, Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and Harvard Kennedy School.

Bryn Mars Monahan

Family Enterprise Consultant
Relative Solutions

Bio coming soon…