Category: Wingspan Insights

What the Numbers Don’t Tell You About Distributions
Distribution decisions are one of the most charged governance questions a family business faces. Hillary Sieber breaks down why having a policy matters more than the specific percentage you land...
Employers check the resume of job applicants and interview them at work.
Why Job Descriptions Matter in Family Enterprises, And How to Write One
Job descriptions aren't just a corporate formality. For family enterprises, they're the foundation of clear expectations, professional credibility, and long-term harmony. Here's how to get them right.
Lingerie in La Perla shop window, Via dei Condotti, Rome stock photo
When Private Capital Has a Conscience: What the La Perla Story Gets Right
Wingspan Partner Maryann Bell examines the story of La Perla, the iconic Italian lingerie brand that collapsed under a succession of short-horizon financial owners before being rescued by an American...
Handshake, Business cooperation at a meeting of business people. Business partners shaking hands in a meeting. stock photo
How to Pitch a Family Office
Accessing family office capital requires more than a strong pitch. Wingspan's Hillary Sieber shares ten practical tips to help fundraisers identify the right opportunities, build relationships, and navigate a highly...
A simple blue family tree diagram showing multiple generations, with branching lines connecting individuals as the family expands outward.
The Quiet Erosion: How Consumption Compounds Against Family Wealth
Wealth rarely vanishes in a single generation. More often, it is gradually consumed as families expand and expectations rise. Understanding the compounding effect of consumption is critical for families who...
Letters of Wishes: Filling the Gaps Legal Documents Leave Behind
Legal documents define what should happen. A letter of wishes explains why. In this article, Maryann Bell examines how families can use letters of wishes to guide future decision-makers and...
Close up hand set baton from hand to hand on sky background. Business concept for teamwork and team builder.
The Overlooked Side of Succession: Ownership
Wingspan's Christina Wing explains why succession planning must go beyond leadership transitions to include ownership readiness. If families want their enterprises to endure, the current generation must intentionally prepare the...
Why Clarity Is Essential to Working with Family
When families work together, ambiguity, not bad intentions, is often what causes the most damage. This Insight from Hillary Sieber explores why clarity around roles, expectations, purpose, and communication is...
A Legacy of Ownership: African American Family Enterprises in the U.S.
An exploration of African American family enterprises in the U.S. and the role of ownership in sustaining businesses across generations.