Legacy in Limbo: Why So Many Leaders Avoid Succession Planning

Secret Thoughts of CEOS Ep. 135 Legacy in Limbo: Why So Many Leaders Avoid Succession Planning with Dr. Mohanakrishnan Raman   In this eye-opening episode, host Chris Yonker speaks with Dr. Mohanakrishnan Raman, an organizational psychologist and international expert on family business dynamics. With decades of experience consulting Indian family enterprises, Dr. Raman shares how cultural norms, succession planning, and next-gen development intersect in often overlooked ways. The conversation touches on Indian traditions, evolving gender roles, leadership readiness, and the emotional complexity of legacy handoffs. Whether you're in a family-run business or leading succession elsewhere, this episode is packed with deeply human—and highly strategic—insights.   Timestamps 02:00 – Meet Dr. Mohanakrishnan Raman 07:35 – Realizing the influence of family systems in OD work 11:55 – Cultural inheritance, COVID’s impact, and India's family business awakening 18:10 – Gender, legal reforms, and complexities in succession structures 24:00 – Case studies: sibling tension, conflicting interests, and decentralizing roles 37:15 – The 3 Capitals: Financial, Knowledge, and Social – and why they matter 42:40 – Creating learning journeys through values, mentorship, and exposure 54:10 – The tension between honoring legacy vs. pursuing personal calling   Quotes ·       "To win the relay race, you have to hand over at the right spot, at the right time, and at the right speed."[59:30] ·       "The current generation is coming from abundance. The previous one came from scarcity. Their motivations—and expectations—are fundamentally different."[53:00] ·       "When designing a succession plan, you're not just training for business. You're transferring values, identity, and a legacy of relationships."[39:50]    Websites: fambizforum.com. www.chrisyonker.com.    Resources & Links: ·       Connect with Dr. Raman on LinkedIn: Mohanakrishnan Raman