“We’ve started talking on a much deeper level, and I feel truly committed to being an owner now.”
“Because we’ve aligned on our values, I feel confident sharing my thoughts.”
“I finally put into words how I want my life’s work to be handled in the future.”
“For the first time, we clearly understand what the owners actually expect of us.”
These are just a few of the powerful reflections we’ve heard over the past 15+ years, working with families, founders, and family offices. Creating an ownership strategy doesn’t just clarify business; it brings clarity, direction, and often a surprisingly enormous sense of relief. As ownership becomes more complex across generations, the need for shared ground rules becomes essential.
What is an ownership strategy and why does it bring value?
Put simply, it’s a shared game plan for how a family owns and governs its wealth, businesses, and shared legacy. But it’s more than a document, it’s a mindset and a communication tool.
A good ownership strategy can:
- Strengthen family bonds and foster a genuine desire to collaborate and share success.
- Clarify roles, so everyone knows when they’re acting as family and when they’re acting as business partners.
- Empower trusted employees and advisors, giving them a clear sense of the family’s vision and values.
- Celebrate ownership legacy, building pride, identity, and unity.
- Speed up decision-making, so families can move quickly when opportunities arise.
- Show future generations that the family is thoughtful, responsible, and prepared.
And just as importantly, it helps you avoid common pitfalls like:
- Lingering tensions that turn into future conflicts.
- Investments that clash with family values.
- Indecision from unclear goals.
- Apathy or avoidance of responsibility among family members.
We rounded up a few companies that you might find interesting.
Private Medical
Private Medical is a dedicated and passionate group of physicians who bring humanity, science and a global network to... Learn more
Northern Trust Family Office Technology
Northern Trust is a preeminent global financial institution that provides asset servicing, investment management and... Learn more
SEB Bank
Owned & controlled by the Swedish Wallenberg family since 1856, the bank has an operational presence throughout the... Learn more
Impact Partners
Impact Partners is Europe’s first impact investing platform. It aligns its portfolio with the United Nations’ SDG... Learn more
Northern Trust
Founded in 1982, Northern Trust’s GFO group has a focused commitment to families of significant wealth, their private... Learn more
It’s not just the outcome, it’s the process
The journey to creating your ownership strategy is valuable in itself. These conversations spark trust, understanding, and collective decision-making. Families learn to listen across generations, backgrounds, and expectations.
Pro tip: Take it out of the living room. Choose a neutral location, serve great food, schedule plenty of breaks, and consider bringing in outside voices. These small details can have a big impact on how open and productive the process becomes.
What goes into a strong ownership strategy?
Here are the six core building blocks:
- Purpose & values: What do we stand for?
- Structure: Who meets, when, and how do we keep everyone in the loop?
- Roles & contributions: Who’s hands-on, who’s not, and how do we all add value?
- Next Generation: How do we prepare and motivate future owners?
- Family office: What are the key competencies we need, now and long-term?
- Philanthropy: Where and how do we give back, strategically?
The clearer and more thoughtful your strategy is, the easier it will be for future generations to build on it.
Should you DIY or bring in help?
You can do a lot on your own, but an experienced advisor helps make the process smoother, deeper, and more sustainable. They can document your decisions, guide sensitive conversations, and create a cohesive strategy that evolves with you.
Even straightforward topics like board compensation or values-aligned investing can stir up unexpected emotions. A good advisor brings patience, empathy, and the skill to navigate those waters calmly.
Ready to get started?
Building an ownership strategy takes courage, but it’s an investment in clarity, unity, and legacy. You’ll walk away with a shared understanding of your family’s goals, values, and responsibilities.
As Kim Kristensen, Chief of Staff to the Royal Danish Court and Trusted Advisor at Harbour Family Governance, puts it:
“Leadership means seeing yourself as a coach—someone who involves everyone in meaningful decisions and helps each person contribute where they shine. Families are no different. It’s about engaging each other with openness, trust, and mutual respect.”
