TRAITS podcast: Building Higher Performing Organizations

Episode 23: Intentional Succession Planning with Roberta MacGillivray
What does it look like when succession planning goes right? In this episode, Roberta MacGillivray shares the story of how her family business, BGE Indoor Air Quality Solutions, transitioned leadership across generations—with intention, clarity, and heart. From kitchen-table conversations to hiring new executives, Roberta walks us through the mindset and mechanics of intentional succession planning. Hear how she built credibility beyond her last name, developed leadership through challenge, and now cultivates a team that thrives on collaboration and constructive conflict.
Show Notes:1:10 The origins of BGE and quality air filtration in Western Canada
6:25 At the kitchen table with an entrepreneurial parent
10:10 Building a great successor for a family business
19:20 Intentional succession planning
24:25 Tough conversations for the greatest benefit to the business
30:35 Culture and how to find fantastic leaders
40:20 At the kitchen table as an entrepreneurial parent
Episode Resources & Links Connect with TRAITS: