The Elephant in the Family Room

Equip your business family with the tools to tackle silent threats—including unspoken resentments, deep-seated insecurities, lingering fears, and misaligned values—that can shatter even the strongest enterprise families.
Business families face challenges that go far beyond the balance sheet. These unseen forces often remain hidden yet profoundly affect the future of both the family and the enterprise. Drawing on decades of experience advising global business families and C-suite executives, René Sonneveld addresses the "elephant in the family room"—the emotional complexities of enterprise families.
Packed with actionable insights, The Elephant in the Family Room provides enterprise families with the tools to confront power struggles, mend fractured relationships, bridge generational divides, and align family and business interests. Each chapter includes real-life case studies and thought-provoking reflection questions to help you apply key concepts to your unique situation. For lawyers, accountants, trust specialists, family officers, and wealth managers, this book provides a deeper understanding of family dynamics, helping you guide clients with greater empathy and effectiveness. Whether you're leading a family enterprise or advising one, The Elephant in the Family Room is your essential road map to lasting success across generations.