When we think about legacy, our minds often go to what we’re leaving behind—wealth, businesses, heirlooms. But legacy is just as much about how we live as it is about what we leave.

And for many families, philanthropy plays a central role in that story.

Why Philanthropy Matters in Legacy Conversations

Giving isn’t just a transaction—it’s a reflection of our values, our vision for the world, and our sense of responsibility to others. Whether through a foundation, donor-advised fund, or community involvement, philanthropy offers families a unique opportunity to align their wealth with their purpose.

It’s not just about writing checks. It’s about cultivating compassion, leadership, and l...

“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” 

While the context may be outdated, the principle remains deeply relevant. Especially with the largest wealth transfer in history underway, families are increasingly focused on how to prepare rising leaders not just to inherit wealth, but to steward and grow it in meaningful ways. 

Entrepreneurship offers one of the best vehicles for this kind of preparation. It equips next generation family members with real-world experience in risk assessment, decision-making, problem-solving, team-building, and value creation - all critical skills whether they eventually take on leadership roles within t...

By: Kristen Heaney

He built an empire, conquered challenges most people can’t even fathom, and yet something still feels just out of reach. The next deal, the next venture, the next milestone, surely that will be the thing that makes it all feel complete. But what if the very drive that got him here is also what’s keeping him from feeling satisfied?

Arthur Brooks calls it the Striver’s Curse - the relentless pursuit of achievement that, while outwardly celebrated, can quietly erode one’s sense of fulfillment. We see this often - those whose success has brought them extraordinary wealth, influence, and responsibility, but who remain tethered to an insatiable drive for more.

For some, t...

^{Author: Celine Fitzgerald}

"Not all those who wander are lost." J.R.R. Tolkien

In anticipation of facilitating our newest peer group program, RisingGen CORE 20s, I've found myself reflecting on my own twenties era - a roller coaster of emotions!

I learned, in what felt like an "all at once" moment at age 21, that I was a wealth inheritor. An attorney sat across a conference room table from me and shared that I was a beneficiary of a trust. I wasn't sure what that meant, but he made it clear that I had very limited access to the assets. While many would think this kind of moment would leave a girl elated, I left overwhelmed, feeling completely unprepared for the road ahead.

What I d...