David CiambellaAll Articles
Family and Business – Maintaining a Healthy Balance
When I think of the word balance, one of the images that come to mind is a gymnast carefully and bravely performing on the balance beam. As a sports enthusiast and competitive person, occasionally when I am channel surfing (which my wife loves), I come across a gymnastics competition and find myself captivated by the athletes and their level of focus, commitment and talent. Although I have never been a gymnast, it is apparent that becoming a successful gymnast and performing well on the balance beam requires an incredible amount of mental and physical preparation. Naturally, it also requires the [...]
I’ve Sold My Business, Aren’t I Done With Succession Planning?
Recently I was invited to speak to a group of successful business owners about the various aspects of succession planning (what I refer to as the Succession Matrix). The Succession Matrix consists of ten interdependent factors that business owners must successfully address to improve the odds that their business will successfully make the transition to and through the next generation of owners and managers. Addressing these factors is important regardless of whether you plan to sell your business or plan to keep it in the family. Often times these critical factors are ignored and unfortunately result in the business becoming [...]
Successor Development – How to Use Adversitity to Your Advantage
The news media is doing an incredible job of flooding the airwaves with negativity day after day. Employers, employees, their families and their communities have been impacted by the economic downturn and likely would unanimously agree that business is tough. It has been my experience that some of the most valuable lessons I learned have come from dealing with tough times and learning to overcome adversity. In this regard, the economic downturn presents an incredible opportunity! The question is: are you prepared to capitalize on the opportunity? My partners and I work with organizations across the country to assess [...]
Effective Leadership – You Set the Tone
A few days ago I came across the following piece titled IT'S UP TO ME by Haim Ginott “I've come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element in the classroom. It's my daily mood that makes the weather. As a teacher, I possess a tremendous power to make a child's life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated and a child humanized or de-humanized.” [...]
Are Your Bases Covered? – There are Loved Ones Dependent Upon You
Although many of us feel we are in control of every aspect in our lives, the first week of November rudely reminded us how fragile life truly is. The unexpected massacre in Fort Hood, Texas changed the lives of countless families and friends, especially those who lost loved ones. Imagine for a moment you went to work today and due to some unexpected tragedy such as the deadly shooting at Fort Hood, did not make it home? How would that financially and emotionally impact your spouse or significant other? How about your children? What about your business? Be truthful. On [...]
Financial Affairs – Eliminate Surprise For Your Loved Ones
Thirteen years ago, a new client who lost his wife prematurely came to me with a large box full of papers that included several pieces of financial information including a dozen or so old life insurance policies. He had no idea if the life insurance policies were in force or not. Needless to say, investigating the content in this large box was quite time consuming. During one of the lowest points in his life, losing his wife of thirty years, this gentleman and his children were tasked with pulling the pieces of their financial puzzle together. Fortunately, situations like this [...]
