Although the foundations in the study are quite diverse in their goals and management, they have all had to confront and survive a common set of challenges.
“A thorough and powerful work, Generations of Giving: Leadership and Continuity in Family Foundations demands that we must not only appreciate philanthropy, but we must also increase our understanding so that we can do it better.”
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I tried to watch the award-winning HBO series on numerous occasions, stopping repeatedly, not because it wasn’t brilliant, but because it was brutal. The cynicism, humiliation, and constant power games felt too extreme. For anyone working closely with multi-generational family enterprises, this world of perpetual chaos and zero-sum power felt not only far removed from our reality, but was also a painful mirror reflecting everything that causes a family enterprise to fail.
In this episode of the LGA Lighthouse podcast, host Tim Yeung interviews Ashley Blanchard, a Partner at LGA and an expert in family philanthropy. Drawing on her co-authored study with Wendy Ulaszek for the National Center for Family Philanthropy, Ashley shares insights on how families can successfully engage the next generation, balance individual interests with collective purpose, and navigate the journey of professionalizing their philanthropic efforts.
In this edition, you’ll find a fresh perspective on the “three circles” from Nate Hamilton, who introduces a powerful metaphor of the Enterprising Family Tree, visualizing how Family, Ownership and Business systems are all inextricably linked.
We also feature the latest insights from Fernanda Jaramillo and Gustavo Carvajal who examine the critical role of the Board Chair in a family enterprise.
Envisioning the family enterprise as a tree allows us to better understand the practical hierarchy at play: the roots represent the foundational family dynamics, the strong trunk embodies the ownership structure, and the expansive canopy symbolizes the diverse business ventures. This visual framework brings new clarity to the dynamic interplay of roles, responsibilities, and priorities across all facets of the family’s enterprise.
For many, family philanthropy presents an opportunity to create a shared experience, unifying the
family by working together toward a lasting legacy of impact. Family philanthropy can also give
participants an opportunity to explore and cultivate their personal—and sometimes separate—
philanthropic passions
In light of the many crises that haunt the daily news cycle, there is one segment of the corporate landscape that seems to be weathering the storm better than most: family businesses.
