"Three Hundred Years of Succession" on the Harvard Business School website makes some excellent points about our everchanging family business climate. In 1698, the Berry family established a business which became a premier international wine merchant.

Throughout eight generations of family leadership, typically the eldest son would take the reins. Today, however, "The focus is on the health of the business, how the family fits into the company, and the abilities of each family member." The Berry family has come to understand that "succession is much more complex in today's business environment."

In the case study outlined in the Harvard article, the older generation gained "confidence in us and trusts in our ability to... carry on their legacy... making their dreams our own."

In reference to the Harvard Families in Business program, Berry family spokesperson Simon Berry concludes, "When you run a family business, it's easy to push off tough issues to a future date. But the truth is, you can't afford to... You have to make the time."