Becoming The Voice For Underrepresented Communities with Dena Mekawi
Safe Space with Francesco Lombardo
Release Date: 08/07/2019
Leading Family Business Succession with Self-Compassion
Safe Space with Francesco Lombardo
Stop letting self-criticism ruin your family business dynamics. Leadership coach Massimo Backus explains how self-compassion and emotional intelligence create a more resilient succession plan. Why do so many family business leaders feel like they have to choose between being a "strong boss" and a "loving family member"? Often, the pressure to maintain a multi-generational legacy leads to a culture of overcontrol and self-pressure that actually stifles growth. In this episode of Safe Space, we sit down with leadership strategist and author of Human First, Leader Second, Massimo Backus. With a...
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Unlocking Procrastination: Emotional Roots and Family Strategies
Safe Space with Francesco Lombardo
Stop letting procrastination stall your family business succession. Dr. Moira Somers explains the neuroscience of avoidance and how to master emotional regulation for better family governance. Why do the smartest families avoid the most important conversations? Whether it’s succession planning, wealth transition, or conflict resolution, the "fault lines" in a family business usually aren't financial—they’re neurological. In this episode of Safe Space, we sit down with neuropsychologist and family wealth consultant Dr. Moira Somers. As the author of Advice that Sticks, Moira has spent her...
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Inheriting a 70-Year-Old Family Business: Embracing Change with 3rd Gen Leadership
Safe Space with Francesco Lombardo
How do you modernize a 70-year-old family brand without losing its soul? Marshall Rabil, CEO of Hubs Peanut Company, joins Safe Space to discuss family business succession, co-create a family legacy and innovation strategy. Connect with me here: • • • •
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Stewardship, Values, and Reconciliation
Safe Space with Francesco Lombardo
In this episode, Francesco Lombardo sits down with Karen Alko, a fourth-generation steward of ABC Recycling and her role as a "family champion" for governance and legacy. As a 2025 Transformational Women in Family Business Award recipient, Karen discusses how she integrates core family values into long-term strategy and the importance of next-generation planning. The conversation explores her efforts in fostering community relations and social impact, including her leadership in Indigenous reconciliation and staff education. Connect with me here: • • • • https://veritage.ca
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The Relentless Family Champion
Safe Space with Francesco Lombardo
In this episode, Francesco Lombardo interviews Anthony Contrucci, a fifth-generation member of a family business, Centier Bank. They discuss the concept of a 'family champion'—a person who plays a crucial role in preserving family legacy and navigating the complexities of family dynamics. Anthony shares his personal journey, the challenges he faced, and the importance of emotional cohesion and governance in family enterprises. He emphasizes the need for passion, support, and continuous learning for those stepping into the role of a family champion. Connect with me here: • • • •...
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The Emotional Landscape of Parenting
Safe Space with Francesco Lombardo
In this episode, Francesco Lombardo speaks with parenting expert Manu Brune about the complexities of parenting, especially in wealthy families. They discuss the challenges of navigating emotional intelligence, entitlement, and the importance of compassion in parenting. Manu emphasizes the need for parents to teach their children how to handle uncomfortable emotions and the role of grandparents in fostering emotional development. The conversation also touches on reframing guilt and shame in parenting, highlighting that relationships can heal through presence and awareness. Connect with me...
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Intentionally Investing in Family Closeness
Safe Space with Francesco Lombardo
In this episode of Safe Space, Kunal Amalean shares insights on the dynamics of family businesses, emphasizing the importance of closeness among family members. He discusses how his family maintained strong relationships despite geographical distances and the intentional efforts made to ensure emotional intimacy across generations. Kunal highlights the return on investment of fostering closeness, not only in terms of family harmony but also in business success. He concludes with advice for future generations on the significance of understanding oneself and others within the family context....
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Passion and Stewardship in Winemaking with Véronique Sanders
Safe Space with Francesco Lombardo
In this episode of Safe Space, host Francesco Lombardo welcomes Véronique Sanders, the steward of Château Haut-Bailly, a prestigious Bordeaux winery with a rich history dating back 800 years. Véronique shares about the complexity of her family’s history with the business, emphasizing the emotional connection she has with the land and the importance of passion in winemaking. She discusses the responsibilities that come with being a custodian of the estate, highlighting the need to preserve its legacy for future generations while adapting to modern challenges such as climate change and...
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Navigating Family Dynamics: Beyond Binary Thinking
Safe Space with Francesco Lombardo
In this episode of Safe Space, Daniel Trimarchi and Francesco explore the often-unspoken complexities of family dynamics, particularly the tendency toward binary thinking (right or wrong, in or out, success or failure) that can quietly limit relationships within enterprising families. Daniel challenges this mindset by inviting families to recognize the “gray space,” where nuance, curiosity, and empathy create room for deeper connection, better decision-making, and unexpected opportunities. Drawing on more than 16 years of global experience advising business families, family offices, and...
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The Fulfillment Journey: Beyond Happiness
Safe Space with Francesco Lombardo
In this episode, Marc Kielburger unpacks the difference between happiness and fulfillment, explaining why fulfillment is a deeper state of being that shapes how we experience the world. He reflects on stepping off the “happiness treadmill” and what it means to build a life rooted in purpose. Marc draws on more than 30 years as a social entrepreneur, advising global leaders and co-creating movements that inspire meaningful impact. A Harvard and Oxford graduate and Rhodes Scholar, he has worked with changemakers like Richard Branson, Oprah Winfrey, and Sheryl Sandberg. He is the co-founder...
info_outlineDena Mekawi is a first generation Egyptian Muslim American living in New York. She ran for Miss Arab USA 2013 when she realized she wanted to be the voice for underrepresented communities. Dena then went on to work at Oprah Magazine, where she was able to use self-expression of fashion and editorial to celebrate her individuality. Ms. Mekawi has struggled with her own identity, as well as self-esteem issues that stemmed from the media that she consumed. She now uses her experience of self-discovery as an Arab American to work collectively, creating space for culture diversity. Dena has been chosen as a representative to the United Nations NGO, DGC which compliments her work as a Social Entrepreneur.
Dena Mekawi curates creative communication strategies, & partnerships to engage brands, advertisers and high profile individuals to create impact messages, using the power of their influence with a creative approach through her company, Style & Resilience. Ms.Mekawi works with family offices on identifying projects that have impact on the economy, as well as for humanity.
Ms. Mekawi has advised several United Nations Agencies, and has worked with private sector to create strategic communication strategies and partnerships. Ms.Mekawi was chosen to moderate International Day Of Peace 2016 along side notable Goodwill ambassadors, DiCaprio, Stevie Wonder, and former Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki Moon, Ms. Mekawi was also personally recognized by Michael Douglas.