Heritage Connection
Building the legacy of formidable
African entrepreneurs
The Heritage Connection Method
At Heritage Connection, we walk and work with family businesses over multiple generations; concurrently, nurturing the incoming; accelerating the present and transcending the legacy of the outgoing generation.
Our approach begins with a clear picture of the desired future state. Thereafter, we conduct assessments using tested, yet tailored tools based on theoretical frameworks, our expertise and our intuition. We then utilize the insights generated from our assessments to coach the client in the development and execution of a strategic plan, so clients better manage transitions in ownership, governance and investment of their family businesses. We then integrate clients into a pan-African and global peer-learning family business community for accelerated growth.
Example of the Heritage Connection Method:
Applied to a Second-Generation Family Business
1. Assess the family business
2. Develop a governance plan
Our coaching and advisory approach differ based on the uniqueness of each family business and their specific transition.
Above is an example of the Heritage Method applied to a second-generation family business seeking to grow to a lasting multigenerational legacy. For this family business key ingredients for success include establishing a robust core (i.e., family philosophy, principles, values, vision, creed and culture) and a robust family business governance system (i.e., family charter, constitution and an ownership strategy).
Sample Tools
360-Degree Values Survey
It is others’ perception of you that lasts for generations!
Use this tool to get a reflection of your perception of your values mirrored against others’ perceptions of your values.
1,001 Mistakes = 1,001 Principles
Make principles learned from past mistakes become a firm foundation for your family business!
Create a culture that inculcates family business principles, by turning past mistakes into living principles.
Your Heritage Story
The further you see into your past, the more likely you are to inculcate a long-term perspective!
This tool will help you to reflect and depict how your story fits into multiple generations of your ancestry.
Generational Map
A proactive family business will better weather storms!
Map and prepare for most major events that will impact your family, business and ownership over a
generation.
Sample Initiatives
Family Business Case Study Database
Heritage Connection has partnered with various renowned family business-focused institutions across the world to co-develop business school case studies of African family businesses.
Concepts, Tools and Frameworks
Heritage Connection partners with pioneers in the family businesses field who have developed novel concepts, tools and frameworks in order to assess their applicability, and where necessary, customize them to the African family business market.
The Link Between Values and Longevity
Heritage Connection has embarked on a longitudinal study of African family businesses to determine the association between specific values and the: longevity of the family as a unit, the sustainability of their businesses, and the scale of their social impact