When family relationships, ownership expectations, and business decisions collide, even the best coaching frameworks get tested.

In this episode of The Ambitious Coach Lab, Cam sits down with veteran EOS Implementer and family business expert Sara B. Stern to explore the unique challenges of coaching family-owned businesses. Drawing on more than 11 years of experience, Sara shares powerful stories from the session room, including a father whose hesitation to promote his daughter revealed something far deeper than a question of professional capability. They unpack the Three-Circle Model of family, business, and ownership, why separating those roles creates healthier conversations, and how coaches can navigate generational transitions without getting caught in decades of family history. Sara also explains why she sticks closely to the EOS tools, how humor can diffuse emotionally charged conversations, and why protecting client confidentiality is especially important when working with families. Along the way, she reflects on her own journey of finding confidence, embracing authenticity, and continuing to grow as a coach.

Biography

Sara B. Stern is an Expert EOS Implementer and family business advisor with more than a decade of experience helping leadership teams navigate the complexities of family-owned companies. Before becoming an EOS Implementer, Sara led a Family Business Center in Minnesota, where she developed a passion for helping families balance business performance, ownership responsibilities, and multigenerational relationships. Today, she is recognized throughout the EOS community for her expertise in family business dynamics, particularly her application of the Three-Circle Model. In addition to EOS implementation, Sara advises family ownership groups, hosts monthly family business office hours, and has developed resources to help owners navigate the unique challenges of running and transitioning family enterprises.

Links

Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarabstern

Learn more about Sara's work: https://www.sarabstern.com/

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What happens when your personal brand becomes so successful that it starts holding your business back?

In this episode of The Ambitious Coach Lab, Cam sits down with Stephany Day, founder of Duke Business Consulting Group, to explore the transition from building a successful solo practice to creating a firm that can grow beyond its founder. Stephany shares how she transformed Duke from a one-person fractional consulting practice into a 10-person team, including the unexpected challenges of turning her personal brand into a business development engine for others. They unpack how LinkedIn, referrals, and strategic relationships have fueled her growth, why authentic storytelling outperforms generic content, and how to establish boundaries that protect both your clients and your practice. Stephany also shares her approach to hiring for grit and growth, managing scope creep, and knowing when to say no to opportunities that aren't the right fit. Throughout the conversation, she offers practical lessons on building a sustainable practice, developing other practitioners, and creating a business that doesn't depend entirely on you. Stephany Day Transcript

Biography

Stephany Day is the founder of Duke Business Consulting Group (Duke BCG), a fractional leadership and consulting firm she launched in 2020. What began as a solo consulting practice has grown into a 10-person organization helping businesses strengthen their operations, leadership, and execution. Stephany is also the creator of Fractional Leap Academy, where she has helped approximately 100 professionals navigate the transition into fractional leadership. Known for her candid approach to business, authentic LinkedIn presence, and commitment to developing exceptional fractional executives, Stephany is passionate about helping practitioners build sustainable careers while delivering meaningful results for their clients.

Links

Connect with Stephany on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanyday/

Learn more about Duke Business Consulting Group: https://www.dukebcg.com/

Check out the Fractional Leap: https://www.fractionalleap.com/

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What if the biggest obstacle to building the coaching practice you actually want is your inability to say no to the opportunities you don't?

In this episode of The Ambitious Coach Lab, Cam sits down with Rachael Reece, founder of Ignite Engagement Consulting, to explore how clarity of vision shapes the way coaches build their practices and serve their clients. Drawing from nearly a decade of entrepreneurship, Rachael shares how her practice has evolved across fractional leadership, consulting, and coaching, and why she's becoming increasingly intentional about the work she accepts. They unpack the danger of collecting certifications and knowledge without creating space to apply them, why presence matters more than being the smartest person in the room, and how great facilitators recognize the human dynamics that frameworks alone cannot address. Rachael also shares lessons from navigating difficult leadership teams, simplifying her business, and learning to balance authentic relationship building with the pressure to constantly create content. Rachael Reece Transcript (1)

Biography

Rachael Reece is the founder of Ignite Engagement Consulting, a Greenville, South Carolina-based advisory and coaching practice she established in 2018. A Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), Predictive Index practitioner, and certified coach, Rachael brings more than 25 years of experience across operations, organizational leadership, and business growth, including helping scale a biotech startup through its IPO. Today, she works with business owners and leadership teams to align vision, values, strategy, and talent, with a particular passion for executive coaching, team dynamics, and helping leaders navigate the human side of business.

Links

Connect with Rachael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-reece/

Learn more about Ignite Engagement Consulting: https://ignite-engagement.com/

Use code AC20 for 20% off Ninety: https://www.ninety.io/?utm_source=community&utm_medium=abl&utm_campaign=cam

Join our free LinkedIn community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/16297012/