What happens when an entire executive team retires at once? How do you ensure leadership continuity, preserve company culture, and protect long-term value?

In this episode of Succession Stories, host Laurie Barkman sits down with Mark L. Vincent, founder of Design Group International and expert in process consulting and leadership transitions. Together, they explore how leaders can build organizations that thrive beyond their tenure — not just structurally, but emotionally and culturally.

Mark shares insights from his own journey leading a firm through succession planning after personal loss, and later transitioning out of his own role. He reveals the critical importance of emotional intelligence, peer-based advising, and intentional development of future leaders.

This conversation is essential for entrepreneurs, executives, and advisors who want to ensure their business doesn’t just survive — it continues to grow and reflect its original values long after the current leaders move on.

💬 Quote of the Episode:

"Firm with process and soft with people."

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Mark Vincent: https://linktr.ee/marklvincent

✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook here: https://btsherpa.com/book

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This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa®

More Resources:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriebarkman/

Website: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/

Book: https://btsherpa.com/book

Course: https://btsherpa.com/course

Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBusinessTransitionSherpa