Build a Killer Family Business, Without Killing Your Family
Stephen Shortt shares the lessons from a lifetime in family enterprises - the successes, the struggles, and the occasional fireworks around the dinner table. Having bought both family businesses from his parents, expanded them internationally, and still working with them today, he brings authenticity, humour, and practical wisdom to one of the most emotional topics in business: succession.
"Blood is thicker than water... but it boils quicker."
This session goes beyond the technicalities of tax, governance, and ownership. It dives into the human side of succession - the conversations, trust, and alignment that make or break a family business across generations.
Keynote Takeaways
What Attendees Will Take Away
Clarity on Succession Planning
How to plan succession while protecting family relationships - balancing the needs of the business with the dynamics of the family.
Communication Strategies
Practical approaches to bridge generational divides and align the whole family around shared goals for the business.
Tools for Next-Generation Leaders
Frameworks to prepare and empower the next generation, so they step up with confidence, not obligation.
Balancing Harmony and Growth
How to drive the business forward without sacrificing the family relationships that make it all worthwhile.
Renewed Energy for Your Legacy
Attendees leave inspired, aligned, and equipped with strategies to turn succession from stress into growth.
A Proven Framework
The 5 Ps of Successful Succession
Built around Stephen's practical framework drawn from real-world experience across four continents.
Purpose
Define the family's shared mission and vision.
Pick
Identify the right leaders for the next generation.
Prepare
Develop skills, experience, and readiness.
Promote
Transition leadership with clarity and confidence.
Patience
Allow time for the transition to take root.
Perfect For
Who Books This Keynote?
Family Business Conferences & Associations
National and regional family business events, chambers of commerce, and industry associations.
Entrepreneurship Organisations
EO chapters, YPO forums, Vistage groups, and similar peer networks.
Corporate & Leadership Events
Conferences focused on leadership, team dynamics, and organisational growth.
Business Operating System Events
EOS, Bloom Growth, Scaling Up and similar frameworks worldwide.
The Speaker You Need
Why Stephen?
Lived It - Not Just Studied It
Stephen grew up in two family businesses, bought both from his parents, and still works with them today. He's been through every stage of the succession journey - the breakthroughs and the breakdowns.
Global Experience, Local Insight
Having delivered keynotes and workshops across 58 countries in Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia, Stephen bridges generational and cultural gaps.
Engaging, Funny, and Practical
Blending storytelling, humour, and audience interaction, Stephen makes succession memorable. Audiences connect with his authenticity and walk away ready to act.
What People Say
From the People Who've Heard Stephen Speak
"I think he's a lovely boy…"
Marie Shortt
Stephen's Mum
Let's Talk About Your Event
Format, duration, delivery - every engagement is tailored.
Keynote, workshop, or panel · 30 minutes to full day · in person or virtual. Stephen works with organisers to create sessions that resonate with the specific audience in the room.