First Time Founders with Ed Elson – This Mother-Daughter Duo Started a Leadership Coaching Platform

Mother-Daughter Duo

Running a business as a mother-daughter duo presents unique challenges and rewards. Edith Cooper shares that working with her daughter, Jordan Taylor, has been a trusting experience due to their familial bond, but it also blurs the lines between personal and professional life 1. Jordan echoes this sentiment, noting how their relationship has deepened through shared professional experiences, enhancing their communication and understanding 2. Despite the potential for tension, both emphasize the importance of mutual respect and shared goals, which have strengthened their personal and professional relationship 3.

We do really have each other's best interests at heart, and I think that's important for any relationship, period.

--- Jordan Taylor

This dynamic has allowed them to navigate challenges without straining their personal bond.

   

Family Business

Starting a family business requires careful consideration and boundary setting. Scott Galloway suggests having an external advisor to navigate potential conflicts, emphasizing the importance of maintaining family relationships 4. Jordan and Edith's journey with Medley began with a shared vision for accessible leadership development, leveraging Edith's extensive experience in human capital management 5. Their unique dynamic as a mother-daughter team, combined with their diverse backgrounds, has been pivotal in shaping Medley's growth and success 6.

My job, our job as colleagues, as leaders, as people were to create an environment where people can really thrive.

--- Edith Cooper

This approach has helped them build a strong foundation for their business.

   

Growth Challenges

Navigating growth in a family business involves balancing personal and professional roles amidst challenges. Jordan Taylor highlights the need for adaptability, especially when pivoting business models and managing market expectations 7. The duo's journey has been marked by significant pivots, such as transitioning Medley to an online platform during the pandemic, which tested their resilience and innovation 8. Embracing unpredictability has become a key lesson, as Jordan prepares for personal milestones while managing business growth 9.

You have to be very focused on your customer, make sure that you understand the value proposition that you're offering.

--- Edith Cooper

This mindset has been crucial in steering Medley through its evolving landscape.