|
Canada is entering the largest intergenerational transfer of wealth in its history. Trillions of dollars in privately held family businesses will transition to the next generation over the coming decades.
While legal, tax, and financial planning structures are essential, many advisors are discovering that succession plans frequently stall — not because of technical flaws, but because of unaddressed family dynamics.
In this session, veteran industry strategist Rhona Konnelly explores the hidden relational factors that often derail succession planning and equips advisors with practical insights for guiding family business clients through productive legacy conversations.
Advisors will learn how to recognize the warning signals of unresolved family dynamics and how to facilitate discussions that move families toward successful transitions.
Learning Objectives
Participants will learn:
- Why many technically sound succession plans fail to reach implementation
- The most common family dynamics that quietly undermine wealth transitions
- How advisors can recognize early warning signals in family business clients
- Practical strategies for initiating productive succession conversations
- How to position themselves as trusted facilitators of family legacy planning
Key Topics Covered
The Great Wealth Transfer
- The scale of Canada’s upcoming intergenerational transition
- Why family businesses face unique succession risks
The Hidden Dynamics of Succession
- Founder identity and control challenges
- Sibling equity vs fairness conflicts
- Blended family complexities
- Values misalignment across generations
- Conflict avoidance and delayed decision-making
The Advisor’s Opportunity
- Moving from technical planning to legacy facilitation
- Helping families align expectations before structural decisions are finalized
The Legacy Alignment Approach
- Understanding the emotional landscape of family enterprises
- Guiding structured succession conversations
- Integrating family alignment with legal, tax, and financial planning
Advisor Takeaways
Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of:
- Why family dynamics often derail succession planning
- How to identify when a family may be struggling with transition issues
- Practical ways to initiate meaningful legacy conversations with business-owner clients
- Opportunities to collaborate with other professionals involved in family enterprise planning
Why This Topic Matters Now
As Canada enters the era of the Great Wealth Transfer, advisors who understand both the technical and relational dimensions of succession planning will be uniquely positioned to help families preserve not only their wealth - but their legacy.
| 
