From Inheritor to Initiator: The Rising Gen’s Role
In enterprising families, silence isn’t golden—it can be costly. While legacy is often framed as something inherited, the truth is that legacy is built in the conversations we choose to have (or avoid). Across generations, the ability to speak up, ask questions, and challenge long-standing assumptions may be the most meaningful act of leadership the Rising Gen can offer.
This piece is about encouraging the Rising Gen to do just that—not by trying to take over, but by stepping forward with curiosity and care. You don’t need to run the business today to help your family prepare for tomorrow. Asking thoughtful questions, surfacing critical topics, and initiating conversations about legacy, responsibility, and the future is a powerful way to lead from where you are.
And yet, we know these conversations aren’t happening nearly enough. A global study by HSBC Private Bank found that only 42% of Rising Gens believe their families communicate well. That stat tells us a lot. Topics like inheritance, ownership, succession, and even purpose are too often left unspoken—not because they don’t matter, but because they’re uncomfortable. They surface fears of conflict, rejection, or appearing ungrateful. But putting them off doesn’t make the issues go away. It only delays clarity—and clarity, ultimately, is kindness.
What’s Left Unsaid Can Unravel a Legacy
When topics like succession, ownership rights, or career expectations remain vague, the consequences can be profound: family tension, legal battles, and unclear paths forward for the next generation.
Difficult conversations are often avoided for the very reasons they’re needed most. Whether it’s fear of disrupting harmony, unequal power dynamics, or cultural norms that discourage directness, families must recognize that not talking is a risk too.
For the Rising Gen, there’s an added layer. Many were raised to not ask what they’re getting or to avoid sounding entitled. Even when questions come from a place of genuine curiosity or preparation, they can be met with suspicion—Are you assuming too much? Are you trying to take control too soon? That dynamic makes it even harder to speak up.
But framing matters. Instead of “What am I getting?” the question becomes, “What is my responsibility to the family legacy?” That shift—from entitlement to stewardship—opens the door for a more productive, values-based conversation. It’s not about making demands; it’s about showing up with care, curiosity, and kindness.
Moving from Inheritor to Initiator
Rising Gens don’t need permission to lead. Leadership begins with initiative—especially the initiative to ask meaningful questions:
- “What responsibilities am I expected to take on?”
- “How will ownership be structured in the future?”
- “What is my path to a leadership role or ownership within the family enterprise?”
These questions, when asked with empathy and respect, are a powerful starting point. They help families transition from a mindset of inheritance to one of stewardship and shared purpose.
A legacy isn’t fixed—it’s a living thing. It evolves over time, and the Rising Generation plays a vital role in shaping that evolution. How you show up, what you ask, and how you engage helps determine what the legacy becomes.
How to Have the Conversation
Approaching these discussions with intentionality makes all the difference. Some best practices we’ve seen work:
- Give advance notice—don’t ambush anyone.
- Choose a neutral setting and include the right people.
- Set clear norms and identify shared goals.
- Be vulnerable—it invites others to do the same.
- Stay curious. Listen first. Then speak.
The best conversations are grounded in mutual respect. You’re not just advocating for your future—you’re honoring the values that built the enterprise in the first place.
A Call to the Rising Gen
Kindness isn’t just a personal virtue—it’s a leadership skill. And one of the kindest things you can do for your family is to initiate the conversations that matter most.
You may not be leading the business (yet), but you can lead by example—by getting your family talking about the things that matter most to its longevity. Conversations about ownership, responsibility, and the future aren’t just practical—they lay the foundation for strong governance, alignment, and stewardship.
These questions aren’t asked to stir conflict. They’re asked because you care. If you didn’t, you wouldn’t ask at all. Thoughtful inquiry is a signal of deep respect for what came before and a desire to help carry it forward.
It’s not about pushing for answers or making demands. It’s about showing up—curious, committed, and kind—and helping your family do the same.
Your voice matters. The legacy your family built isn’t static—it’s evolving. And your willingness to engage may be the very thing that ensures its longevity. So don’t wait for the perfect moment or a formal invitation. Start talking. Start asking. Start leading.
Because the future of your family’s legacy depends on it.
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