The Power of a 10X Vision: Interview with Avi Siegel, CEO of Vital Signs

04/04/24 • 41 min

In this episode, we talk with Avi Siegel, the dynamic CEO of Vital Signs, who entered a family business that his mother-in-law founded as an administrative assistant, but she had ideas that he would become her succession plan. Avi's story exudes passion and unwavering dedication, as he built legitimacy along with the growing company an industry that could easily consider him an outsider. We learn how Avi fell in love with ASL, and made it his own mission to continue his mother-in-law's legacy to increase accessibility for the Deaf community and people who are heard of hearing.

Like every generational family business, at Vital Signs, there has been a push and pull between tradition and innovation. Avi opens up about the complexities of transitioning leadership in Vital Signs, where ethics are prized above profit. He shares the art of aligning interpreters with assignments that resonate with their expertise, cultivating trust and value in every client interaction. Avi discusses his venture into consulting, seeking to amplify his impact by aiding others in sales and client acquisition.

The finale of our episode brings a delightful twist as we hear from Avi's son Pace and Meghan's son, Henry. Henry interviews Pace to learn whether he might be a third generation leader of Vital Signs, and what the most challenging parts of spending time in a family business might be. (It's not what you might think!) Henry and Pace's conversation reminds us that the legacy of family enterprise is as much about the journey as it is about the destination.

Learn more about ASL interpretation and transcription from Vital Signs

Connect with Avi Siegel on LinkedIn

Learn more about ASL interpretation and transcription from Vital Signs

Connect with Avi Siegel on LinkedIn

Previous Episode

Succession by the Book: Interview with Sally Ekus of the Ekus Group

Growing up, Sally Ekus had a unique childhood—one that simmered with the legacy of culinary media. Yet, when it came time to take over the family business, she found herself navigating a path she hadn't originally planned to follow. In our conversation with Sally, she shares her personal story of transition, revealing how she embraced leadership and infused the company with a vision for the future. We discuss the blend of tradition and innovation, how the Ekus Group has stayed true to its roots in a rapidly changing media landscape, and the essential ingredients for maintaining a brand deeply connected to the culinary arts.

Mentorship is often the hidden spice in the recipe for successful succession planning. Sally's tale is no exception, as she recounts the invaluable lessons and guidance from the founder of the Ekus Group, her mother, Lisa, which paved the way for a smooth changeover. We uncover the tactics that made this transition seamless, including the early inclusion in business operations and a clear, open dialogue that gave both clients and Sally confidence during the shift in leadership. The art of passing the torch within a family business is both art and science, and our discussion with Sally offers an insider look at this process, peppered with personal anecdotes and advice for other next gens.

As the episode progresses, we turn the page to the subject of legacy and how strategic decisions in book publishing can reinforce a brand's identity. Sally and Meghan discuss the importance of choosing the right book projects, the role of literary agents with a keen publicist's eye, and the recent merger with JVNLA that promises to enrich the company's literary legacy. Whether discussing favorite reads or how books can build unbreakable brands, Sally's insights provide a rich perspective on the importance of storytelling in the world of business. Tune in for an episode that combines the flavors of family, leadership, and evolution in the business of culinary media.

Sally's book recommendation: Pretend Soup by Molly Katzen

Get in touch with Sally:
[email protected]
Instagram: @sallyekus
The Ekus Group

Building Unbreakable Brands is hosted by Meghan Lynch
Produced by Six-Point Creative

Next Episode

How Next Gens Can Find Their Authentic Voice with Katie Rucker of MacKenzie

Welcome to Building Unbreakable Brands, where Meghan Lynch, a seasoned brand strategist and advisor to generational family businesses, engages in insightful conversations with the stewards of enduring brands.

Today, Meghan sits down with Katie Rucker, co-owner and president of MacKenzie, a second-generation consumer insights research firm. Katie, alongside her twin sister Jenny, also co-founded the Next Generation Collaborative, a platform dedicated to empowering next-generation leaders to shape their legacies. In this episode, Meghan and Katie explore MacKenzie's journey to maintaining relevance amidst evolving markets over the last 39 years.

They delve into the foundational elements instilled by Katie's father that have propelled MacKenzie beyond startup stages, ensuring its generational impact. Tune in as they discuss strategies for sustainability and Katie's passion for awakening potential in others through the Next Generation Collaborative.

Katie Rucker shares, "LinkedIn is where I'm most active almost every day. Mackenzie Corp. and Next Gen Collaborative are our two websites. I'd love to connect, share ideas, and collaborate on something awesome."

Katie's interview on FamilyBusiness.Org on the connection between philanthropy and leadership: https://familybusiness.org/content/help-your-family-business-by-helping-others

Connect with Katie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katierucker/