The Leadership Legacy: Estate Planning with Purpose

In this insightful series, I sit down with Sara Ecklein, a California-based professional fiduciary, to unpack the often-overlooked leadership responsibility of estate planning. We explore how proactive planning—through trusts, wills, and end-of-life directives—is not just about assets, but about clarity, care, and legacy.

🔍 Why Estate Planning Matters for Leaders Sara and I dig into the reality that only one in three Americans have an estate plan. We challenge leaders to rise above this statistic, recognizing that thoughtful planning sets a tone of responsibility, transparency, and foresight for families, teams, and future generations. I reflect on my own estate planning experiences and the emotional fallout that can result when plans are vague or outdated.

🧭 Trusts vs. Wills—And Why Updates Matter Sara explains the advantages of trusts over traditional wills, particularly when it comes to avoiding disputes and streamlining administration. I share a personal story about naming a guardian in my will and how changing family dynamics made me rethink that choice. We both stress that estate plans aren’t one-and-done—they must evolve as your life, relationships, and leadership journey unfold.

🏢 Estate Planning for Business Owners and Employers We explore why estate planning isn’t just personal—it’s professional. I encourage business leaders to consider offering estate planning benefits to employees, knowing that the peace of mind it provides has a ripple effect on workplace culture. Sara shares a sobering story of inheriting poorly managed client files, driving home the point: leaders must live—and plan—with integrity.

🛠 Succession and End-of-Life Planning: The Gaps Leaders Miss Despite careful strategic planning in business, many leaders fail to prepare for succession or end-of-life decisions. Sara and I discuss the humility required to ask for help and the courage it takes to prioritize these uncomfortable but necessary conversations. We offer practical advice: if you can’t do it all at once, start small—but start now.

👪 Naming Guardians and Decision-Makers with Intention We dive into the importance of selecting guardians and healthcare proxies who are not just family, but fit. Sara emphasizes the value of involving professionals in high-stakes or high-conflict situations, while I remind listeners that choosing the right people—accessible, trustworthy, aligned—is one of the most meaningful decisions a leader can make.

📘 Resources to Get You Started To support listeners on their estate planning journey, Sara shares her workbook and website—essential tools to help demystify the process. Estate planning isn't just paperwork; it's a leadership legacy that reflects your values, your vision, and your care for those you lead and love.

Meet Sara Ecklein Redefining Legacy with Compassion and Intention. How we prepare for life’s most challenging moments defines the legacy we leave behind. Sara Ecklein is passionate about guiding individuals and families with peace, clarity, and compassion through life’s most difficult transitions. As the founder of Trust & Honor, a mindful fiduciary agency based in Northern California, she serves as a trusted advocate for clients navigating end-of-life decisions and planning meaningful legacies. Sara is also the creator and host of The Legacy of Love podcast, where she offers a holistic perspective on redefining the meaning of legacy. Her mission is deeply personal. After witnessing a loved one’s final three days of life, she gained a profound understanding of the importance of end-of-life care and legacy planning. With over a decade of expertise in the private fiduciary profession, Sara brings a wealth of knowledge to help seniors and families navigate complex family dynamics, end-of-life care, and trust and estate administration. A California Licensed Professional Fiduciary and Certified National Guardian, Sara is dedicated to helping her clients build legacies rooted in love and intention. Through her work and family life, Sara continually shapes her own legacy of love—building connections, sharing values, and inspiring others to do the same. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and daughter. LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sara-ecklein Facebook: @Sara Ecklein, CLPF Instagram: @themindfulfiduciary Website: www.trustandhonor.co Podcast: http://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2378190.rss Free Legacy of Love Workbook: www.trustandhonor.co/workbook