SKU: CESP20260225
Date: February 25, 2026 @ 1:00pm EST
Registration Fee: FREE for Members Non-Member: $39
Length: 1.5 hours
This webinar is part of the Succession Planning Webinar SeriesLength: 1.5 hours
A firm’s true value lies in its people, the talent, leadership, and culture that sustain success beyond the founding generation. This webinar shows how purposeful investment in human capital, paired with early planning for leadership and ownership transition, creates continuity and long-term value.
Through real case stories, participants will learn why buyers and successors look beyond the balance sheet, how internal ownership transitions succeed or fail, and why starting early is critical. Participants will gain a clear framework to evaluate human capital, identify red flags that reduce firm value, and build pathways for the next generation of owners and leaders.
Key Topics
1. Human Capital as Firm Value
Why buyers and successors look beyond the balance sheet, evaluating people, client relationships, and the firm’s ability to thrive without current leaders. Case insight: deals that failed when value was tied to one individual.
2. Internal Ownership Transition
The difference between ownership and leadership transition, and why both matter. Exploring employee ownership pathways and phased handoffs. Case insight: successful transfers where leadership development aligned next-generation leaders.
3. Start Early, Build Continuity
Why waiting until exit is too late. Succession requires early mentorship, training, and valuation of the firm without its key drivers. Case insight: firms that succeeded through internal sales, external buyers, or strategic acquisitions.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:
- Identify human capital factors that drive firm value.
- Explain the differences between ownership and leadership transitions.
- Define key risks that can undermine firm value.
- Discuss strategies that strengthen continuity and succession.
Presenter
Rob Luke
Rob Luke is a leadership advisor and Managing Partner at Allen Leigh Consulting, where he partners with CEOs, founders, and boards to develop next-generation leaders and align people strategy with business succession. Over the past decade, he’s advised dozens of organizations through growth and transition, helping strengthen culture, select and integrate senior talent, and navigate change. Rob frequently works with architecture and design firms. He has spoken within the sector (e.g., Interior Design Show Toronto, SMPS/TSA programs), bringing practical frameworks for leadership pipelines and firm continuity.
Moderator
Moderator
Elaine Pantel, CPA, CGA, ICD.D
Elaine is a strategic advisor to leaders of architecture and design firms across Canada, with over 30 years of experience. She specializes in helping firms integrate business strategy, financial insight, and long-term succession planning. Elaine works with firms to develop ownership transition models, executive financial dashboards, and firm-specific approaches to leadership evolution and firm value. Based in Toronto, Elaine brings a collaborative and thoughtful lens to helping practices navigate complex transitions.
Elaine has spoken widely in the industry on behalf of the OAA, RAIC, OALA, IDS, and SDA Canada, and has published articles in Canadian Architect magazine.
$59.00
List price: $59.00
Member Price:
$39.00
NOTE:
1. An electronic registration confirmation will be emailed to you, once your registration is complete.
2. Please mark the webinar’s date and time on your calendar.
3. The RAIC will email the Zoom Access Link to you one-day prior the event.
4. The webinars will be delivered via Zoom. Please check this Zoom Test Link or speak with your IT Consultant ahead of time, to ensure your device is compatible with Zoom. For technical concerns, please see the Zoom links for Technical Requirements and also their Download Centre.