By Kyler Gilbert, Vice President & Consultant, Business Consulting Resources
Stepping into leadership in a family business is both a privilege and a challenge. As a member of the next generation, I often feel the weight of responsibility: not just to help guide the business forward, but also to honor the legacy and values that built the foundation I now stand on. It’s a balance between respecting the past and boldly shaping the future, a balance that can feel daunting, even overwhelming at times.
Facing Imposter Syndrome
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced personally is imposter syndrome. I’ve found myself asking: Do I really deserve to be here? Am I truly ready to take on this role? What if I don’t measure up to the generations that came before me? Those thoughts, if left unchecked, can become paralyzing.
But I’ve learned that imposter syndrome is not a barrier, it’s an invitation. It invites us to grow, to step into discomfort, and to build real confidence in who we are as leaders.
For me, that growth began with developing confidence through action. Confidence doesn’t just appear one day; it’s built in the small wins and the meaningful contributions we make over time. Each time I pushed myself to take on a new responsibility, lead a project, or voice my perspective in a meeting, I started to feel less like an “imposter” and more like someone who truly belonged at the table.
I also learned that confidence is not arrogance; it’s grounded in preparation and integrity. When I took the time to deeply understand the work, to prepare for discussions, and to educate myself on industry trends, I knew I had something valuable to contribute. And that knowledge, paired with the humility to admit what I don’t know, helped me build trust with others and confidence within myself.
Honoring the Past While Embracing Change
Another important lesson is the power of honoring the past while still embracing change. The generations before us sacrificed, innovated, and persevered to create what we have today. Their legacy is more than just financial, it’s cultural, relational, and personal. By recognizing and appreciating their contributions, we create a bridge of trust that allows us to introduce new ideas and strategies without dismissing what’s been built.
In practice, this has meant asking questions like: Why did we do things this way? What was the reasoning behind this decision? Often, those conversations revealed valuable lessons and timeless principles I could carry forward. At the same time, I’ve had to find the courage to say, “Here’s where we can evolve, improve, or adapt to the future.” Balancing respect with innovation has been key.
Finally, I’ve realized that leadership in family business is not about having all the answers and is about creating the space for others to thrive. Whether it’s employees, family members, or advisors, leadership is about building trust, fostering collaboration, and creating a vision that others want to be part of.
3 Takeaways for Next-Gen Leadership
For any next-gen stepping into leadership, here are three takeaways I’ve learned:
- Start small, build confidence over time. Every success, no matter how small, is a building block of leadership.
- Respect the legacy. Understanding the values and sacrifices of those before you creates credibility and trust.
- Lead with humility and courage. You don’t need to know everything, you just need to listen, prepare, and take thoughtful action.
The journey of stepping into leadership is ongoing. There are days I still feel like I’m not “enough.” But I remind myself: leadership isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being present, prepared, and willing to grow. And that’s exactly what I intend to do as we move forward.
Are you a next-gen stepping into a leadership position in your family business? Let’s talk about how you can build confidence, honor legacy, and shape the future with purpose!
