Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a keynote by Dr. Srinath Sridharan at the Assembly Retreat in Bekal. Dr. Sridharan has been a trusted Strategic Counsel to leading corporates for nearly three decades. His session at Assembly offered valuable insights into the critical role family businesses play in our economy, and the complex challenges involved in managing communications for them. Inspired by the session, I went on to read his book to delve deeper into the subject.
What Does the Book Cover?
Family and Dhanda: A to Z of succession planning for founders and successors is a comprehensive guide tailored for Indian family-owned businesses (FOBs). It traces the journey of family run businesses exploring how familial ties influence leadership in the Indian business landscape. The book dives between tradition and transformation – how families negotiate succession, preserve values and adapt to shifting market dynamics while staying rooted in their legacy. The book moves beyond the general idea to present a nuanced portrayal of Indian enterprise – where dhanda (business) is not just about profit but also about identity, relationships, and long-term purpose.
Key Takeaways:
Sharing some interesting insights
- The role of the non-family insider as a cultural translator – While family businesses often highlight succession planning and legacy, Family and Dhanda brings attention to a subtle but critical role: the non-family executive who becomes the bridge between family values and modern corporate thinking.
- The next gen wants purpose, not just profit – Younger family members seek purpose-driven roles, innovation, and global impact — not just titles or wealth. The challenge is to integrate their aspirations while preserving the core values of the business.
- Effective communication is essential for fostering unity and a shared sense of purpose among family members – When communication breaks down, misunderstandings can deepen internal rifts. Encouraging collective decision-making strengthens cohesion, while resistance to this approach can hinder harmony within the family
Each chapter concludes with a set of reflective questions designed to help readers internalise key insights and apply them to their own experiences
What’s In It for Me?
It helped me grasp the nuances of family-owned businesses — their inherent complexities and why such tightly knit systems are essential.
My Recommendation
Highly recommended for anyone managing communications for a family-owned business — this book offers valuable insights you shouldn’t miss.
The views and opinions published here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher.
Sarika has previously had stints with with Weber Shandwick as Vice President - Client Experience, Adfactors PR, Text100 (now Archetype) and Perfect Relations. With keen observation and analytical skills, Sarika has successfully led PR campaigns for key brands across multiple sectors by leveraging her strength and expertise in the communications arena.
She is a post graduate in communications from Xavier Institute of Communications. She is based in Mumbai and in her free time loves to spend time with her daughters, play with her dogs, read and travel.
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