Keynote Presentation Topics
Myths and Mortals: Family Business Leadership and Succession Planning
By nature, humans seek to mythologize the leaders who have gone before us. Perhaps it comforts us to
believe that times were better back then, and that our leaders had a great plan in place that shaped our lives,
provided security and gave us hope. Myths and legendary leaders create long shadows and make it
emotional and difficult for those who come after. Successors struggle to establish credibility and find their
own authentic leadership style.
This presentation will show next generation leaders how to establish credibility, persevere through failure,
honor the past while charting a “way forward”. In groundbreaking research, Keyt interviewed more than 25
successors of family business legends including Massimo Ferragamo, Bill Wrigley Jr., Christie Hefner, and
John Tyson to find out how they overcame the challenges successors commonly face. The analysis from that
study formed the basis for the strategies presented here—to help you win the loyalty of those stuck in the
old way of doing business, and still focused on their former leader's vision. You'll learn how to take charge
without sacrificing your own leadership style, and how to get everyone on board with your vision for the
business.
To be successful, you need to create a sense of identity and credibility, and step out of the shadows of your
predecessor. This presentation provides strategies for doing just that, so you can take the reins and be the
effective leader your business needs.
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Overcome the obstacles successors commonly face
Win over those still loyal to their former leader
Build your own credibility, separate from your parents
Develop your own leadership style and do business your way
Leadership Lessons from the World’s Greatest Successors
Having been witness to the growth and transformation of many of the world’s most successful family
business leaders, Keyt has observed great leaders in action, and understands those things that clearly
differentiate them from the rest. He discusses the lessons learned from the leadership successes and
experiences of family owned businesses that have continued to grow as next generations take the leadership
reign.
With his groundbreaking research, Keyt’s presentation reveals the stories of family business legends including
Massimo Ferragamo, Bill Wrigley Jr., Christie Hefner, and John Tyson to find out how they overcame the
challenges successors commonly face. He shares how great business leaders are guided by the company
interest rather than their ego. They are able to admit and react to failures and forge ahead when it benefits
the company. Vulnerability is a key trait and there is no shame in acknowledging mistakes and learning from
them in order to make better decisions for the future success of the organization. Other lessons from this
presentation include:
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Identifying a clear vision for what you want for your life and career
How to earn credibility and persevere while continually improving yourself
Managing relationships with people and your emotional intelligence.
Understanding why aligning your values with the values of your employers is so key to your
leadership success
 Learning that more collaboration is needed in business, and in crisis moments more direction
 Understanding that vulnerability is a strength not a weakness
 Changing leadership styles and being versatile in different situations
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Enduring for Generations: Family Business Succession
Despite common belief, family businesses are the backbone of the US economy. They account for two-thirds
of businesses around the world, an estimated 70-90% of global GDP, and employees and communities rely
on family businesses for their survival and livelihood. Succession planning has never been more relevant.
Research shows that family businesses maintain continuity over generation’s because they have great
processes – decision making, governance and communication.
This presentation will explore principles, strategies and practices used by the most successful multigenerational families to maintain family unity and cohesion while creating a lasting legacy. With a focus on
family strategy, Andrew has the solution to dispel the notion of shirt sleeves to shirt sleeves in three
generations.
Research shows families that are able to maintain continuity over generations because they have great
processes – decisions, governance and communication. This presentation is about:
 Building good processes - financial success alone won’t get you from one generation to the
next
 The need for unity and cohesion in the family
 Investment in the family and other assets in the business
 Pride in what you are doing together - building a sense of commitment to a larger goal
 Decide on the family business shared goals, shared vision and shared values
Three Keys to Family Business Success
Families that successfully manage a business or wealth and assets over generations have three critical
processes in place that help keep the family unified and deal with unanticipated issues. Boards of Directors,
strategic planning and family meetings are all key to family business success. In this presentation, Andrew
will reveal best practices for boards around purpose, structure, decision making and interfacing with family
members. Keyt will explore concrete ways in which you and your family can articulate your common values
and vision and translate them into the way you do business.
Andrew’s Additional Keynote Topics include:
 Managing Family Communication and Conflict
 Holding Effective Family Business Meetings
 Legacy versus Liquidity: Managing the Capital Needs of Family Businesses
www.AndrewKeyt.com │ Info@KeytConsulting.com │ Twitter @AndrewKeyt