Personal and professional

Throughout my lengthy career in business and family coaching, my goal has always been to build relationships and the framework to keep those relationships healthy. As an entrepreneur, family therapist and organizational consultant, I have facilitated powerful family and organizational change, and seen family members and advisors come together to create a common future that lasts for generations.

I know, because I’ve been there

I am so passionate about this work because I’ve experienced my own transition in a family business, taking over from my mother in a family-owned and run company. My insights can help you avoid the mistakes we made as a family, and dodge the pitfalls that far too often strike families, their businesses and the strategic planning process.

As a seasoned coach for families initiating—or bogging down in—some kind of transition, I understand the game and the high stakes involved. I can help your family or family business clients achieve its potential, boosting the success of your relationships and your business.

Guiding principles and values

I BASE ALL MY INTERACTIONS WITH YOUR FAMILY OR BUSINESS FAMILY CLIENTS ON THE FOLLOWING PRINCIPLES:

Problem solving is a partnership.

I am more than a coach and facilitator. Think of me as a true partner and collab-orator in finding solutions to the thorny relationship and emotional issues that keep families from realizing their potential.

Successful planning requires successful relationships.

Business strategies rarely succeed when there is conflict within the business family itself. By building good relationships together, we engender good outcomes.

Integrity is paramount.

Without it, all our work together is for naught. I take personal integrity very seriously and apply it to every action, every situation, to maintain the highest levels of discretion and professionalism.

Experience that matters

I AM ONE OF CANADA’S MOST SEASONED, QUALIFIED AND TRUSTED BUSINESS FAMILY COACHES:

  • 35+ years as a family systems consultant, counsellor and coach
  • 35+ years as a strategic planning, change management and organizational consultant
  • Former owner and CEO of a second-generation family enterprise
  • International keynote speaker on family dynamics and interpersonal issues in succession planning

Degrees

  • Master’s in Business Administration at Simon Fraser University
  • PhD in Human Sciences at Saybrook Institute

CERTIFICATIONS

  • Certified Family Enterprise Advisor (FEA) by the Institute of Family Enterprise Advisors
  • Certificate in Family Wealth Advising and Family Firm Advising
  • CAFE Family Business Facilitator
  • Registered Clinical Counsellor

Past and Current Affiliations

  • Member of Sauder Business Family Centre’s Professional Advisory Committee
  • Instructor and Clinical Supervisor at Pacific Coast Family Institute
  • Instructor at UBC, BCIT and SFU
  • Associate Faculty of the City University (Vancouver site)

Read my entire resume here.

Ian Macnaughton Recognized for Outstanding Achievement

Communication Problems -- and Solutions -- in a Nutshell