Episode 52: Karen McNeill on Using Family Stories to Strengthen the Multi-Generational Family Business

Dr. Karen McNeill brings her unique expertise in history and culture to the world of multi-generational wealth advising. As founder of Verdandi and Associates and Dean of Family Stories at the Purposeful Planning Institute, she reveals how family narratives serve as strategic assets for family enterprise continuity. Karen discusses her research into women and philanthropy, highlighting figures like Phoebe Hearst who balanced significant charitable impact with savvy investing. She offers practical frameworks for integrating storytelling into family financial planning, governance, and next-generation engagement, demonstrating how shared narratives create coherence and flourishing across generations.

00:00 Introduction and welcome 
01:55 Karen McNeill's background in history and family wealth advising 
03:19 The power of family stories as strategic assets 
06:44 Best practices for documenting and preserving family narratives 
10:53 Digital tools and platforms for family archives 
13:02 The intersection of culture and corporate environment 
15:51 Women's historical role in philanthropy 
19:51 Using philanthropy to bridge generations 
24:53 Expanding philanthropy's impact in America 
27:19 The concept of flourishing in multi-generational families 
30:19 Untapped potential of family narratives 
32:33 Closing remarks