Global Family Business Think Tank Report
BCR is proud to share that Jean Santos and Kyler Gilbert were featured in the Global Family Business Think Tank report by Family Business United – a worldwide collaboration of leading advisors and experts in family enterprises.
This recognition highlights BCR’s continued role in shaping the global conversation about how family businesses evolve, communicate, and thrive across generations.
Understanding the Influence of Upbringing
“Absolutely they do bring this baggage into their leadership style. There are countless books, articles and research efforts that explore this reality in detail. This is the challenge of an effective leader – to what extent can we understand the baggage that is impacting our leadership style and work to mitigate the potential negative impacts and use the positive learning from these past experiences to make a difference as a leader in a family business.”
– Jean Santos, Co-Founder & President, BCR
In family businesses, personal history and leadership often intertwine. Jean highlights a powerful truth: effective leaders are those who recognize how their upbringing shapes their decisions and relationships; and who consciously choose to grow from it.
Empowering the Next Generation
“There are next gen leaders who are very well supported and have great teams behind them, but there are also a lot who are just following in their parents’ footsteps and aren’t being coached or guided to be a leader in their own right. The next gen community is a powerful one and requires nurturing to ensure next gens are successful.”
– Kyler Gilbert, Vice President & Consultant, BCR
Kyler’s perspective reminds us that leadership is developed, not inherited. The next generation needs both space and support to lead authentically, not just to continue what came before, but to build on it with confidence and purpose.
Navigating Conflict with Care
“Even if you have a family constitution, shareholder agreements, and family council, it’s hard to put together a formal process to manage conflict. Conflict is so raw and emotional and it can be difficult to set rules when emotions get tense. That being said, if done well, it can also be incredibly valuable.”
– Kyler Gilbert, Vice President & Consultant, BCR
Conflict in family businesses is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be destructive. Kyler emphasizes that structure alone isn’t enough; empathy, communication, and courage are essential to turn tension into opportunity.
Succession and the Future of Leadership
“Without formal succession planning, the ownership of the family company may change and shift from family owned and operated to non-family owned and operated. Frankly, any business is at risk without formal succession planning.”
— Jean Santos, Co-Founder & President, BCR
Succession planning isn’t just about preparing for transition — it’s about safeguarding legacy. Jean underscores that proactive planning ensures the family’s vision and values continue to guide the business well into the future.
Leading with Values
“Without formal succession planning, the ownership of the family company may change and shift from family owned and operated to non-family owned and operated. Frankly, any business is at risk without formal succession planning.”
— Jean Santos, Co-Founder & President, BCR
In challenging times, values serve as the compass that keeps families united. As Jean notes, they provide strength, focus, and resilience; the foundation of every enduring family enterprise.
Doing Good, Always
“I think as a family business there is a general desire to do good. Whether that’s for your customers or the environment, I think it tends to be a running theme.”
– Kyler Gilbert, Vice President & Consultant, BCR
Kyler’s reflection captures what makes family businesses unique; their deep connection to purpose. Whether it’s caring for their people, their communities, or the planet, doing good isn’t just a strategy; it’s part of their DNA.
BCR is Proud to Contribute to the Global Conversation
The inclusion of Kyler and Jean in this international report reflect BCR’s decades-long commitment to helping family enterprises balance the complexities of legacy, leadership, and life.
As the global landscape continues to evolve, we remain dedicated to guiding families through the next generation of business with clarity, compassion, and purpose.
Learn more about how BCR helps family businesses thrive through succession, communication, and leadership development.
