Why do so many business transitions fail—even when the legal documents are “perfect”?

In this episode of Business Transition Roadmap, Elizabeth Ledoux breaks down Transition 3.0, a collaborative approach to succession that moves beyond secrecy and top-down announcements. She explains how traditional transition models often create shock, quiet resentment, or surface-level alignment—and why involving the next generation before decisions are finalized dramatically improves outcomes.

Elizabeth outlines the differences between Transition 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0, showing why compliance is not commitment, assumptions create risk, and people support what they help create. If you’re an owner planning for the future—or a successor trying to understand where you fit—this episode offers a clearer path forward.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

1. The three transition models most owners use without realizing it
2. Why secrecy and “I’ll tell them when it happens” creates risk
3. How Transition 2.0 improves timing but still falls short
4. The difference between compliance and commitment
5. Why most transitions fail on the human side
6. How collaborative design increases clarity, buy-in, and durability

Elizabeth & The Transition Strategists

Website: https://transitionstrategists.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thetransitionstrategists

Elizabeth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethledoux/

Transition Strategists on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/transitionstrategists/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transitionstrategists

Subscribe to The Business Transition Roadmap

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3MxSYA2

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3IhMMux

Chapters in This Episode

00:00 – Introduction to Transition 3.0

01:05 – Succession Planning vs. Transition Strategy

02:15 – Transition 1.0: “I’ll Tell Them When It Happens”

04:30 – The Shock, Risk, and Fallout of Secrecy

06:40 – Transition 2.0: Informing Without Including

09:30 – Compliance vs. Commitment

11:15 – Why Assumptions Undermine Transitions

12:40 – Transition 3.0: Collaborative Design Explained

14:50 – Including the Human Side of Transition

16:40 – Why Transition 3.0 Works

18:00 – Invitation to the Evolve Program & Closing Reflection