Secret Thoughts of CEOS Ep. 135

Legacy in Limbo: Why So Many Leaders Avoid Succession Planning with Dr. Mohanakrishnan Raman

In this eye-opening episode, host Chris Yonker speaks with Dr. Mohanakrishnan Raman, an organizational psychologist and international expert on family business dynamics. With decades of experience consulting Indian family enterprises, Dr. Raman shares how cultural norms, succession planning, and next-gen development intersect in often overlooked ways. The conversation touches on Indian traditions, evolving gender roles, leadership readiness, and the emotional complexity of legacy handoffs. Whether you're in a family-run business or leading succession elsewhere, this episode is packed with deeply human—and highly strategic—insights.

Timestamps

• 02:00 – Meet Dr. Mohanakrishnan Raman
• 07:35 – Realizing the influence of family systems in OD work
• 11:55 – Cultural inheritance, COVID’s impact, and India's family business awakening
• 18:10 – Gender, legal reforms, and complexities in succession structures
• 24:00 – Case studies: sibling tension, conflicting interests, and decentralizing roles
• 37:15 – The 3 Capitals: Financial, Knowledge, and Social – and why they matter
• 42:40 – Creating learning journeys through values, mentorship, and exposure
• 54:10 – The tension between honoring legacy vs. pursuing personal calling

Quotes

· "To win the relay race, you have to hand over at the right spot, at the right time, and at the right speed."[59:30]

· "The current generation is coming from abundance. The previous one came from scarcity. Their motivations—and expectations—are fundamentally different."[53:00]

· "When designing a succession plan, you're not just training for business. You're transferring values, identity, and a legacy of relationships."[39:50]

Websites:

fambizforum.com.

www.chrisyonker.com.

Resources & Links:

· Connect with Dr. Raman on LinkedIn: Mohanakrishnan Raman