Webinar Recap: Finding Your People – How the Rising Gen Creates Support Networks
One of the most common things we hear from Rising Gens is: “It’s hard to find people who really get it.”
That challenge was at the heart of the Family Business Magazine webinar, “Finding Your People: How NextGens Create Support Networks,” moderated by Wingspan founder Christina Wing. Joining the conversation were Sam Shine of Manitoba Corporation and Max Herbst of Leonard’s Express—both featured in the magazine’s NextGens to Watch Class of 2025.
The conversation explored how Rising Gens can move from feeling isolated to feeling supported—something we see often in our work at Wingspan. Sam and Max offered candid reflections on the ways they’ve built meaningful support systems, both within their families and in the broader business community.
Sam, a fifth-generation leader in his family’s 109-year-old recycling business, shared how his involvement began unexpectedly, when his father called to ask if he’d consider taking over a joint venture. Since joining, he has relied on his father, uncle, and grandfather as mentors while also seeking outside perspective through a business coach and peer organizations like YPO NextGen and the Recycled Materials Association.
Max, who married into his family’s transportation and logistics business, spoke candidly about his unusual path—from starting as a part-time employee while dating the daughter of one of the company’s owners, to eventually becoming Director of Profitability. As his personal relationship with the family evolved, so did his professional one. Today, Max plays a key leadership role in the business and participates in a third-generation family working group. He emphasized how structured governance, mentorship, and peer programs have been critical in helping him earn trust, contribute meaningfully, and navigate the complexities of being both family and management.
Key insights from the conversation included:
Don’t expect one mentor to meet every need. Look for different types of guidance—business, personal, and family-related—from a variety of sources.
Invest in peer networks. Whether through formal programs or casual connections, Rising Gens benefit from hearing “you’re not the only one.”
Find the structure that works for your family. Some families benefit from formal cadences and family meetings; others thrive with informal check-ins and an open-door culture.
Respect is the foundation. Long-term success—both in business and family dynamics—depends on mutual trust, communication, and clear expectations.
For those navigating their own journey as a Rising Gen, the session was a reminder that you don’t have to go it alone. Seeking out mentorship, connecting with peer communities, and engaging in structured conversations within your family are all important—and complementary—ways to feel supported and prepared.
That’s exactly the kind of environment we’re building through Wingspan Forum: our membership program designed to bring Rising Gens together to learn, connect, and grow—through in-person summits, peer networks, and conversations that matter.
Technical Note: Christina experienced a brief WiFi issue during the session, and Wingspan partner Maryann Bell stepped in to continue the discussion alongside Family Business Magazine editor-in-chief Zack Needles. A true tag team effort!
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📺 You can watch the full webinar HERE.
