Are You Terrified About Your Succession Plan?
By leadership author and keynote speaker Ross Shafer
Thinking About Handing the Business to Your Kids? You’re Not Alone.
Are you about to hand over your business to your son or daughter… and secretly freaking out?
You’re not the only one. As a leadership keynote speaker, I hear this from CEOs, founders, and business owners all the time. You’ve spent decades building your company—sweat, tears, and late nights. And now the thought of turning it over to your child feels like risking it all.
Let me offer a fresh perspective.
Your Kids Have Been Preparing—Even If You Didn’t Realize It
First of all, congratulations. You’ve built something worth passing down. That’s no small feat. And while you might be terrified they’ll crash the company… the truth is, they’ve been preparing for this moment longer than you think.
They’ve been watching. They’ve lived through your company’s highs and lows. And more importantly, they understand the stakes. According to Harvard Business Review, successors often work harder than their predecessors because they want to earn the trust they’ve been given.
You’re afraid of a potential disaster.
They’re focused on potential growth.
The Next Generation Brings New Tools to the Table
Here’s what your child brings that you might not:
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Digital Fluency: They were raised on technology and are ready to adopt AI, automation, and analytics to run smarter operations.
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Marketing Savvy: They get social media. They understand digital targeting. They know how to find and engage new customers in modern channels.
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Relationship Agility: You’re worried they don’t have your decades-old connections. But here’s a hard truth: your network is retiring too. You need someone who can build new relationships that will last the next 30 years.
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Innovation-First Mindset: Your best ideas built the company. Theirs can future-proof it. What worked yesterday may not keep you competitive tomorrow. They’re data-driven, adaptable, and more collaborative by nature. These qualities allow them to test new strategies and pivot quickly if something doesn’t work. That’s how innovation happens.
The next generation has grown up in a world of rapid change. They don’t fear innovation—they expect it. As Entrepreneur reports, Millennials and Gen Z are reshaping how businesses grow by embracing technology, diversity, and purpose-driven leadership.
So breathe. Your child isn’t a liability—they’re an asset with the tools and mindset to carry your business into the future. Your job now is to support, guide, and then… let go.
Let Go—and Let Them Lead
This isn’t about letting go of your legacy. It’s about ensuring it lasts. You raised a successor who isn’t afraid of change. Someone who wants to earn your trust, not coast on your name. They won’t break what you built—they’ll evolve it.
So relax. Let them run with it. Because what they know—and what they’re excited to explore—is exactly what will keep your business relevant and resilient in a fast-changing world.
In fact, one of the smartest things you can do as a founder or senior executive is to mentor from the sidelines. Let them lead meetings, make decisions, and even fail. Support them with your wisdom—but give them the space to experiment. That’s how leadership is built.
Remember, your best ideas may be behind you—not because you’re not smart or creative—but because the next era of innovation requires a completely different lens. And that’s okay. You’ve laid the foundation. Now let the next generation build the future.
Ready to Inspire Your Team About the Future?
If this message resonated with you and you’re navigating the challenges of leadership, legacy, or change management—bring Ross Shafer to your next event. His insights blend humor, real-world experience, and powerful motivation that will ignite your team. Hire Ross as a keynote speaker to help your organization thrive through transition.