383 Designing What Lasts: How Great Leaders Reimagine Ownership, Innovation, and Legacy with Alfredo De Massis

What does it take to build something that lasts—not just for years, but across generations? In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli is joined by Alfredo De Massis, a globally recognized expert on family enterprise and author of The Family Business Book: A Roadmap for Entrepreneurial Families to Prosper Across Generations. As one of the most cited scholars in the field and a trusted advisor to multi-generational family businesses around the world, De Massis offers a rare combination of academic rigor and real-world relevance. But don’t expect a conversation limited to family-owned companies. This episode is about how all leaders—especially those responsible for long-term value—can rethink legacy, leadership, and innovation. De Massis argues that great leaders don’t just pass down businesses; they design systems that outlast them. From ownership mindsets to innovation strategy and governance architecture, the conversation provides a blueprint for building organizations that remain relevant and resilient across time. A central theme of the discussion is the distinction between succession planning and legacy design. De Massis challenges the outdated belief that continuity depends on finding the next version of the current leader. Instead, he introduces the concept of the "family galaxy"—a flexible, multi-entity model that allows different generations to thrive in different ways, based on their talents and motivations. He also breaks down the three layers of governance essential for long-term success: business governance, family governance, and the often-overlooked interface between them. For CEOs, board members, and senior executives thinking beyond quarterly results, this conversation delivers both intellectual depth and actionable insight. It’s a masterclass in how to lead with intention—not just for today, but for the future you won’t be around to control. Actionable Takeaways You’ll learn why the best leaders don’t plan succession—they design systems for continued relevance. Hear how to reframe ownership as a responsibility to be developed, not a status to be inherited. Explore the “family galaxy” model—and how to structure a system where multiple generations can create value. Understand how great organizations govern at three levels—and why ignoring the “interface” layer can derail everything. Discover why tradition can be a strategic asset when leaders know how to reinterpret—not resist—it. Learn how emotional dynamics influence strategic decisions in family and legacy enterprises. Find out why leadership earned through credibility—not entitlement—is key to generational success. Get practical insights into how to align governance, ownership, and innovation around shared purpose. Take away powerful questions to evaluate whether your legacy is built to evolve—or simply to endure. Connect with Alfredo De Massis Alfredo De Massis LinkedIn  Alfredo De Massis IMD  The Family Business Book  Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website