The Elephant in the Family Room
Managing the Complexities of Legacy Businesses

Confront what no one dares to say, but everyone feelsEnterprise families rarely fall apart because of bad strategy or poor governance. What truly gets in the way are the things left unspoken: quiet resentments, competing values, and emotional undercurrents that influence decisions and relationships.Drawing from decades of experience advising business families and top executives around the world, René Sonneveld goes straight to the heart of the matter: the emotional dynamics that often go unaddressed but carry real consequences.The Elephant in the Family Room gives families and their advisors practical tools to:• Navigate power struggles and legacy expectations• Repair trust and strengthen relationships• Bridge generational gaps• Align family dynamics with business decisions‍Each chapter includes real stories, practical insights, and powerful reflection questions to help you apply what you learn. Whether you lead a family enterprise or advise one, this book is your guide to facing what matters most and building a legacy that holds.