Some of the best lessons I’ve learned about leadership didn’t come from a book or a classroom. They came from sitting with families—real people, with real history—trying to figure out how to move forward together.
In family business, leadership isn’t a title. It’s a posture. A willingness to listen longer than you speak. To hold space for complexity. To see your brother not just as a CFO, but as a father navigating his own season of life. To recognize that your daughter, though young, might already carry the wisdom and clarity the next generation needs.
What I’ve seen, again and again, is that healthy leadership in a family business begins with self-awareness and humility. It grows when we create clear roles, boundaries, and expectations—not because we want to box people in, but because clarity gives freedom. Freedom to show up fully, to speak honestly, and to contribute meaningfully.
The leaders who inspire me most aren’t perfect. But they are present. They keep showing up. They ask questions instead of assuming. They invite others in. They have the courage to move forward through uncertainty, and they’re still willing to learn.
That kind of leadership—reflective, intentional, others-centered—builds trust. And trust is the foundation of strong governance, strong teams, and strong families. So if you’re in the thick of it, trying to figure out your place or your next step, know this: leadership doesn’t require all the answers. But it does require heart. And in a family business, heart goes a long way.
Sally is the Managing Partner and Senior 5 MOUNTAIN® Advisor & Coach at DVFBC, guiding enterprising families through leadership, governance, and legacy planning. She is dedicated to supporting family businesses as they build lasting legacies across generations.