Episode Details

What if you chased status and “success” straight out of college… only to later walk away from a massively successful family business to chase your real calling?

In this powerful episode of Conversations with Sekani, Forth Hefner — executive coach specializing in commercial real estate leadership teams — shares his unfiltered journey. From joining the family business in 2008 and scaling it sevenfold, to selling his majority stake, dealing with grief, family dynamics, and finally finding fulfillment in leadership coaching.

Forth drops raw gems on:

• Why he initially chose jobs for the “big tower + business cards” flex

• The “too stupid to quit” mindset that built a 7X company

• Navigating family business challenges without ruining relationships

• The liberating feeling of letting go of a legacy business

• Why entrepreneurship feels exciting at first but tests your soul later

Perfect for entrepreneurs, leaders, family business owners, and anyone in their 20s-30s thinking about pivoting to purpose-driven work.

🔥 Timestamps below

💬 Comment: Would you join your family business? Why or why not?

👉 Share with a founder or leader who needs this!

Connect with Forth Heffner

Website:https://thefacultyresource.com/

LinkedIn :https://www.linkedin.com/in/forthheffner/

If conversations with Sekani sparks something in you, do well to share to someone who you think might need this. Subscribe so you don’t miss new episodes.

If you have a minute leaving a review helps more people discover these everyday unique voices and the insight they carry. Your support means the world.

Want to be a guest on Conversation with Sekani? Send a message to Joy https://www.podmatch.com/member/conversationswithsekani

Chapters

0:00 - Intro & Welcome to Forth Hefner

0:58 - Why He Chose Corporate Jobs for Status & Ego

2:20 - Pivoting Into the Family Business

3:45 - The “Too Stupid to Quit” Mindset Behind 7X Growth

6:10 - Challenges of Building & Living with Family (Brother + Father)

8:55 - Compartmentalization, Trust & Leadership Lessons

11:20 - The Emotional Decision to Sell His Majority Stake

13:40 - Grief, Legacy & Finding Freedom After the Exit

15:30 - Realizing Coaching Was His True Calling

18:05 - Visionary Personality vs Execution Reality

20:15 - Why Commercial Real Estate Leadership is Unique

23:10 - Scaling Teams with Performance + Human Connection

25:45 - Advice for Young Entrepreneurs & Leaders

28:20 - Rapid Fire & Final Thoughts