Next Step Advisors Team
David C. Bentall
FOUNDING PRINCIPAL
David is a third-generation member of the Bentall family from Vancouver. Educated at UBC and the Harvard Business School, he worked for the family business for 20 years, including 7 years as President and CEO of Dominion Construction.
After the family business was sold in 1998, he co-founded the Business Families Centre at UBC’s Sauder School of Business where he served as Founding Chair for 5 years. Since that time he has been an Adjunct Professor, teaching undergraduate and MBA courses, as well as workshops for professional advisors, on behalf of the Family Enterprise Exchange.
As the founding principal of Next Step Advisors Inc., David provides family business advisory services for clients globally. He is an executive coach, certified by the International Coaches Federation. In 2012, was recognized as a Fellow of the Family Firm Institute for his dedication to the field. David is the award-winning author of The Company You Keep. His second book, Leaving a Legacy, is a practical and highly personal exploration of how to successfully navigate Family Business Succession. His most recent book, Dear Younger Me: Wisdom for Family Enterprise Successors was released in December 2019. In 2020, David was the kick-off speaker at TEDx Bear Creek Park for his talk Change Your Heroes / Change Your Life.
Kiran Narang
SENIOR ASSOCIATE
Kiran Narang has more than two decades of experience as a coach, mentor, and forum facilitator. Her genuine curiosity and supportive style allow her to provide effective support to individuals and families, assisting in succession planning, personal coaching, and next-generation career development.
Kiran’s foundational skills were developed during her 10 years as a Probation Officer in Vancouver, British Columbia where she acquired valuable skills in interpersonal relationship dynamics, counseling techniques, and forum facilitation.
Kiran has been mentored by David Bentall, the founder of Next Step Advisors, for the last several years where she has been actively involved in facilitating family meetings, developing next-generation career plans, recruiting board members, and providing individual coaching services.
Kiran holds a B.A.(Hons.) in Sociology and certifications in Family Enterprise Advising (FEA), Professional Coaching, and Positive Psychology.
A note from David Bentall:
I have had the privilege of witnessing Kiran’s extraordinary journey from a Probation Officer to a Family Enterprise Advisor over the past six years. Her distinctive background in this field sets her apart, enabling her to connect with families in unexpected and meaningful ways. Kiran possesses a remarkable blend of empathy and strength in her role, guiding families through vulnerable times with sensitivity and compassion. At the same time, she excels in recognizing and bolstering their strengths, supporting them as they unite and navigate through their various chapters. Her balanced approach in nurturing both the resilience and harmony within families is genuinely inspiring. Working with Kiran has been a sheer delight, as she brings passion and unique talent to every aspect of her role.
– David C. Bentall
Want to work with Next Step Advisors?
Are you interested in becoming one of our Industry Partners? If you have expertise that you believe could add value to our multi-disciplinary family advisory team, we are interested in meeting with you to learn more.