In this episode of the TRAITS Podcast, host Mark Frentz welcomes Roberta MacGillivray, President of BGE, a company rooted in quality air filtration in Western Canada. Together, they dive into the critical topic of intentional succession planning, exploring how organizations—especially family businesses—can prepare for smooth leadership transitions that protect culture, sustain growth, and foster strong leadership pipelines.

The episode begins with Roberta’s unique story of growing up in an entrepreneurial household. She shares memories of learning at the kitchen table with her father, whose business insights and leadership style laid the foundation for her own approach to leading and building successors. These experiences bring forward the central theme: succession planning doesn’t happen by accident—it requires intention, strategy, and courage.

Roberta highlights the importance of building great successors in family businesses, where personal and professional lives often intertwine. Unlike corporate environments where leadership transitions can follow more structured processes, family-run organizations face added layers of complexity. Relationships, legacy, and emotional investment all influence how leadership handovers unfold. Roberta emphasizes that without intentional succession planning, companies risk losing not only continuity but also the culture and values that make them successful.

The discussion underscores the tough conversations leaders must have to ensure long-term stability. Roberta and Mark explore how facing these conversations head-on—rather than avoiding them—ultimately serves the greatest benefit to the business and its people. Leadership transitions done well create clarity, reduce uncertainty, and set both the outgoing and incoming leaders up for success.

Another key element of the conversation is culture. Roberta explains how organizational culture can serve as both a guidepost and a risk factor during transitions. Identifying and developing leaders who not only possess technical skills but also embody cultural values is crucial. As she notes, fantastic leaders aren’t just defined by what they do but also by how they align with organizational purpose and people.

Listeners also gain insights into the long-term perspective required in succession planning. Roberta stresses that leaders must take an intentional approach to identifying roles and future needs, while also investing in leadership development early. This means recognizing potential, nurturing it, and preparing individuals for the challenges ahead well before the transition point arrives.

From her own leadership experience, Roberta demonstrates that succession planning is both a strategic business decision and a deeply human one. It requires blending analysis with empathy, structure with flexibility, and foresight with courage. The episode ends with a return to the theme of entrepreneurial families, where lessons learned at the kitchen table continue to shape leadership approaches and business resilience today.

This conversation is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, HR professionals, and leaders seeking to ensure their organizations thrive across generations. By embracing intentional succession planning, businesses can protect their culture, empower their people, and secure their long-term future.

1:10 The origins of BGE and quality air filtration in Western  Canada

6:25 At the kitchen table with an entrepreneurial parent

BGE Indoor Air Quality Solutions