Stewart, Christian
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(Article) Family mission vision and values statements: the essential foundation of an effective family governance system or just another form that cannot function?
01.09.2016
The family office might ask the family it supports for a family mission statement or a family vision statement or a values statement. Are these essential documents to form the foundation of an effective family governance system? -
(Article) Family office: the Eastern approach
01.03.2017
Chinese family businesses are facing generational transitions, often subject to the curse of ?wealth does not go beyond three generations?. In many of these entrepreneurial families, the business itself is a means to keep the entire family together. As the business leadership is passed down from one generation to the next or as the family exits from the business, the family may lose its purpose for staying and working together. The evolving dynamics demand actions to preserve family harmony and unity, values deeply seated in the Chinese culture. While a family office itself is a Western concept, with necessary adaptations, it may help serve as the ?glue' and regenerate the shared identity for Chinese families. -
(Article) Building the capacity to manage conflict in Asian families
01.12.2017
Conflict is inevitable - but see the book review in this issue on Deconstructing Conflict - even in the stoic Confucian families in Asia who place such a high value on family harmony. The author specialises in improving family communications and governance. He encourages family members to acknowledge and work together to address the inevitable causes of conflict, which destroy so many family enterprises. Christian generously shares his wisdom and practical suggestions to prepare a family to deal with conflict, which of course apply to all families, not only Asian families. -
(Article) Book review - Crazy Rich Asians
01.06.2019
This is a review to end all reviews - of a fascinating popular movie based on the 2013 novel Crazy Rich Asians written by Kevin Kwan. Christian Stewart, based in Hong Kong and founder of Family Legacy Asia, found so many interesting family and wealth themes in this movie that the review turned into a major opus - which we hope everyone will enjoy and learn from as well. In his trademark style Christian was so thorough that he read one of the three books the movie was based on, in addition to watching the movie (I didn't even know there were books, and Christian warns they are a bit dense). Christian does a smooth job of distilling many family dynamic lessons from the film and from the first book. Without including any spoilers, I will just end as Christian does, with this question for Nick: As a now grown man shouldn't Nick be making his own re-assessment of these family messages? If Nick really is to be the champion in the rising generation of his family clan, that role also has to involve respectful engagement with the family elders, to start a dialogue across generations, about the need to have a more flexible and nuanced approach to how family members can engage with the external world, the purpose of the money, and the purpose and vision for their family. So this truly fun movie is grist for the mill of family dynamics! -
(Article) The three family constitution archetypes and a wise alternative
01.09.2019
Christian Stewart, a leader in family governance issues based in Hong Kong, offers a very thoughtful look at three typical models of family constitutions, each with its pros and cons. Then he ends by offering his own new model of what a family constitution could be. For all those who are proponents of strong family governance, this is a piece that will be studied around the globe. -
(Article) Family meetings - theory, practice and facilitation
01.03.2021
Christian Stewart, of Family Legacy Asia, based in Hong Kong, contributes a comprehensive study of family meetings and facilitators. Based on his many years of working with families, Christian gives extensive examples of why family meetings are the cornerstone of good family governance. Critical to successful family meetings is the role of a skilled facilitator. Again, Christian offers numerous practical examples of the characteristics of an effective facilitator. His comprehensive report includes a very helpful checklist. We thank Christian for his extensive report.