Families are powerful systems, and sometimes, they’re anxiety‑creating machines. In this episode of Family Business Matters, host Cooper Biersach sits down with therapist and bestselling author Dr. Kathleen Smith

to explore how Bowen Family Systems Theory can transform the way we understand ourselves, our families, and our roles in family enterprises.

Kathleen breaks down how anxiety moves through a family, why we repeat automatic patterns, and how even small shifts in our behavior can change long‑standing dynamics. Together, Cooper and Kathleen discuss real-world examples, including a multigenerational family business scenario, to illustrate how concepts like triangles and differentiation show up in everyday work and life.

Listeners will walk away with:

• A clear, conversational introduction to Bowen Theory
• Practical ways to observe and interrupt reactivity
• First steps for applying these ideas in your family or family enterprise

Whether you’re leading a family business, navigating complex relationships, or simply curious about how families operate, this episode offers tools to help you respond thoughtfully rather than react automatically. Books

Everything Isn’t Terrible

True to You

Family Enterpise Center Links

The Family Enterprise Center

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