Who We Remember Matthew Fleming on his grandfather - Standing On The Shoulders of Giants
We ask each of our guests a simple yet profound question: "Whose life story from your own family would you most want to have documented on film?" and "How does your family's story shape your own personal and professional legacy?"
Today's guest: Matthew Fleming, Partner and Head of Family Governance and Succession at Stonehage Fleming
Matthew's pick: His grandfather, Michael Valentine Fleming
Sound Bites
- "I can't separate what I do now from the generations that came before me. Fulfilling my personal ambitions and honoring my family's legacy—they're completely intertwined."
- "Duty, for me, isn't a burden. It's a privilege. It's proudly representing something greater than yourself—whether that's your country, your team, or your family."
- "We uncork the bottle for families. I love that moment when the blockage lifts, and people finally say what they've always wanted to say. That’s when real connection begins."
Summary
In this intimate conversation, Matthew Fleming reflects on the life of his grandfather, Captain Michael Valentine Fleming, who died in WWII at 27. Though they never met, his grandfather remains a powerful figure in the storied Fleming family—related to James Bond creator Ian Fleming and financier Valentine Fleming.
Matthew explores how his grandfather’s sense of duty continues to shape his own life—from army officer and professional cricketer to guiding families through intergenerational legacy work. He speaks of the deep connection he feels to past generations, describing himself as “standing on the shoulders of giants.”
With host Jamie Yuenger, he discusses the transformative power of story to bridge generations and preserve values. He imagines walking Scotland’s highlands alongside his father and grandfather—three generations in shared silence. He hopes to be remembered not by a monument, but by those he served and loved, as someone who led with integrity and heart.
About Matthew
Matthew Fleming is a modern-day steward of legacy, blending deep heritage with a grounded, human approach to family governance. A fifth-generation member of the storied Fleming family (yes, that Fleming family—Ian Fleming was his great-uncle), Matthew brings a rich personal history spanning military service, professional sport, and leadership in global family advising. As a partner at Stonehage Fleming, he helps families align their wealth with values, building thoughtful strategies for succession and stewardship.
Educated at Eton, Matthew began his career as an officer in the Royal Green Jackets, serving in Northern Ireland, Hong Kong, and Germany. He later enjoyed a 13-year run as a professional cricketer, captaining Kent and representing England.
Today, he’s known for his warmth, candor, and rare ability to speak to both the head and the heart. Whether in the boardroom, on the pitch, or around th
Join Us
Visit us at storykeep.com/podcast to learn more about how StoryKeep is preserving family histories. Subscribe on your favorite platform to catch new episodes released bi-weekly, available in both audio and video formats.
Join me, Jamie Yuenger, as we go on a journey of remembrance and discovery, celebrating the stories of those we cherish. Don’t miss our enriching journey—subscribe today and be part of "Who We Remember."
Credits
Produced by Jamie Yuenger and Piet Hurkmans. Our show’s musical intro and outro is taken from the track “Thursday” by the independent artist Nick Takénobu Ogawa. You can listen and support his music on bandcamp here