Program Description
Moderated by Success Architect and co-founder, Alan Fuhs, and featuring panelist Tina Dao (Founder & Success Architect, Liberated Leaders), this panel discussion brings together expert voices to explore how succession planning preserves local economic resilience and strengthens the communities we serve.
Our goal is to deliver an experience where you:
Discover the local impact - Understand how business transitions shape local County's economic future
Connect resources to action - Learn practical tools to support business owners in your network
Foster community resilience - Explore how Rotarians can champion succession planning conversations
Panel Discussion Overview
Nearly half of North Carolina's business owners are approaching retirement without succession plans. In many counties, 55+ year-old owners control businesses employing thousands of workers and generating billions in revenue. Without intentional planning, these businesses risk closure or sale to out-of-town buyers - eroding jobs, philanthropy, and the economic fabric our communities depend on.
The taboo around succession planning is part of the crisis. Business owners don't talk about it. They don't seek help early enough. And by the time they do, many of their best options have disappeared.
What to expect?
Expert perspectives from seasoned professionals bringing distinct viewpoints on employee ownership transitions
The planning essentials - When and how business owners should start succession conversations
Employee ownership decoded - Understanding ESOPs, cooperatives, and other transition models
Community support landscape - Resources available right here in Catawba County
Meet Your Panel
Ethan Stambler, Senior Vice President, SES ESOP Strategies
Certified Exit Planning Advisor with 20+ years in investment banking, private equity, and strategy consulting. MBA from Northwestern University. Specializes in employee ownership transition strategies that create mutually beneficial outcomes for all stakeholders.
Tina Dao, Founder & Success Architect, Liberated Leaders
Former COO/VP at Walmart Global Tech, Fitbit, and Amazon. 25+ years helping entrepreneurs scale and architect business growth. Certified Exit Planning Advisor specializing in succession strategies.
Alan Fuhs, Co-founder, Liberated Leaders, Panel Moderator - Certified Exit Planning Advisor and certified executive and leadership advisor with 20+ years of technology leadership experience. Success Architect at Liberated Leaders, specializing in business strategy and digital transformation.
Takeaways
Community impact awareness - How business transitions directly affect our local economic resilience
Practical support strategies - Ways to identify and support businesses facing succession challenges
Resource connections - Tools and experts available to business owners in your network
Rotarian engagement opportunities - Concrete ways you can champion economic resilience
Join us!
Open to the public. Email success@liberatedleaders.com if you are interested in attending. Non-Rotary members may attend for a small fee.