A family business fable · Foreword by James E. Hughes Jr.

Legacy requires design. It doesn’t just happen by luck.

One family’s story about influencing change, and a practical guide for anyone who wants to lead in a family system, with or without a title.

Hardcover, paperback, and eBook · Coming fall 2026

What no one says out loud

Abby Baines didn’t plan to spend her winter break sorting through the puzzle pieces of her family. Then her mother, Suzy, who has held the Rigby family business together for years, admits she is done.

What follows is the story of a family learning to talk about what no one says out loud, and of the rising-generation member who helps them get there without any formal authority to do so.

Each chapter pairs the Rigby family’s story with a look behind the scenes at the family dynamics at play, reflection questions, and practical tools you can use right away. It is written for family members of every generation, executives in family enterprises, and the advisors who serve them.

Inside

What family enterprise leaders are saying

“A powerful and moving story of how a family faced difficulties and overcame their anxiety and differences to develop a powerful engine for creating their future.”

Dennis Jaffe, PhD

Senior Research Fellow, BanyanGlobal Family Business Advisors

“A delightfully brilliant fable demonstrating how artful influence from any part of a family can transform the well-being within a family system.”

Cathy Carroll

Author of Hug of War and Chair, Purposeful Planning Institute

“The authors’ unique approach offers an engaging way to gain new perspectives on typical family challenges, and you will enjoy the journey!”

Sara Hamilton

Founder, Family Office Exchange and Enterprise Family Advisors

“I know of no other unveiling of the human dynamics of getting safely to such a meeting and successfully through such a meeting.”

James E. Hughes Jr., from the foreword

Keynotes, workshops, and retreats

Interactive sessions for family business conferences, family offices, and advisor groups, each tailored to the audience.

Leading Without Authority in Family Enterprises

How anyone in a family system, from a rising-gen daughter to a nonfamily executive, can build the credibility and allies needed to influence change, with or without a title.

Scott J. Allen, PhD

Keynote

The Invisible Script: Why Loving Families Get Stuck

A shared language for the unspoken roles that keep caring families stuck, and practical ways to rewrite them.

Jeff Strese

Keynote

Wealth as Well-Being: Building a Family That Outlasts the Balance Sheet

Grounded in James E. Hughes Jr.’s five capitals, how to spot where financial success masks strain and invest in the people and relationships that sustain a family.

Jessica Leary Allen

Keynote

The Trusted Advisor of the Future

How advisors can grow beyond technical expertise to become facilitators, coaches, and learning partners for the families they serve.

Jeff Strese and Scott J. Allen, PhD

Keynote

Slow Is Smooth: Influencing Change When the Stakes Are Personal

A practical playbook for designing a family’s first meaningful conversation, with an optional hands-on workshop: Designing Your First Real Family Meeting.

All three authors

Keynote and workshop

Or email any of the authors directly below.

Family systems, philanthropy, and leadership, in one author team

Jeff Strese

Aligning family dynamics, leadership strategy, and enterprise performance across generations

Organizational development consultant and executive coach working with SMU Cox School of Business, Family Office Exchange, and Jeff Strese Consulting Services. Former Chief Talent and Learning Officer at Tolleson Wealth Management.

Jessica Leary Allen

Designing philanthropic strategy that strengthens families, institutions, and communities

Campaign strategist and philanthropic advisor who has directed and supported more than $350 million in capital and endowment initiatives. She advises family offices on philanthropic vision and governance.

Scott J. Allen, PhD

Turning leadership research into practical advantage for leaders and organizations

Leadership educator with SMU Cox Executive Education and Winding River Consulting, co-author of Emotionally Intelligent Leadership, and host of the Practical Wisdom for Leaders podcast.

Published by James E. Hughes Jr. Foundation Publishing