Common Parental Concerns

Raising a family in the context of significant wealth comes with its benefits - but it carries pressures that are rarely spoken about. These are among the most common we hear.

1

How and when should we begin including our children in family meetings and conversations about the family business?

2

We want to have calm conversations about important subjects - like the business, money and reputation - without them escalating.

3

How do we bridge the gap between the upbringing we had and the one our children are having?

4

We know we need to set clearer boundaries, but don't know where to begin.

5

Our child seems to lack motivation or direction - despite having every option open to them

6

I want them to know the difference between self-worth and net-worth.

7

We want to treat our children fairly - but they are different with different needs. How do we manage this?

8

We need to think carefully about reputation, privacy, and visibility as our children move into public adulthood.

9

We're welcoming someone new into the family through marriage, and wondering how to do it well.

10

As a couple, we have very different views about wealth and how to talk about it with our children. We need to resolve this.

Common Rising-Gen Concerns

The rising generation in prominent families often feel that their identity and trajectory have been decided for them - by a surname, a net worth, a business. These are concerns we hear.

1

What does it actually mean to be a “next gen”? Do I have a choice?

2

I know I'll take on a role in the family business one day, but I feel unprepared for what that will actually involve.

3

I’ve been given so much - but I need to find my own identity. How do I do that?

4

People seem to think I’m lazy, but I feel overwhelmed and under pressure.

5

I feel immense guilt for being born into such privilege. How do I manage this?

6

My parents never went to university and built something remarkable. Why should I go? 

7

People just assume that because my parents are successful, I have it easy and 'know my purpose'.

8

How can I ever live up to what my parents have achieved?

9

We have a family office - what is that?

10

I know the family have had significant conflict in previous generations, how do we avoid that in ours? 

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Common Advisory Concerns

We work alongside family offices, legal counsel and trusted advisers, who often see the human dynamics of a family system at close range but cannot always raise them directly. These are concerns they bring to us.

1

Succession planning keeps stalling - the structures are ready, but the family isn't.

2

The rising generation isn't engaging with us, and don't attend meetings when invited.

3

Our principal is reluctant to have the inheritance conversation, and time is passing.

4

Our beneficiaries don't understand the trust structures that have been set up for them.

5

Siblings or cousins are in conflict, and it's beginning to affect governance decisions.

6

A family member is showing signs of distress, but it feels outside our remit to raise.

7

A next-generation family member is moving into a board or ownership role, and isn't yet ready.

8

The biggest issue we're seeing is one of silence. The rising genertion aren't saying what they want, or don't want.

9

We want to introduce developmental support, but don't know how to raise it with the family without giving offence.

10

We are preparing for the eventual transition from G1 to G2, and wondering how the relationship with the family will continue.