Every family has a story.
Every family faces change.
And every family has the opportunity to shape what comes next.
Legacy by Design is a story about one family learning that leadership does not belong to a single person. It can come from anyone willing to step forward, ask better questions, strengthen relationships, and influence meaningful change.
Families don’t build enduring legacies by accident. Through the story of the Rigby family, Legacy by Design explores how relationships, stewardship, communication, and shared leadership shape thriving enterprising families across generations.
Blending compelling storytelling with practical tools and reflection questions, the book equips families and their trusted advisors to strengthen relationships, prepare rising generations, and build a legacy of purpose that lasts.
Whether you’re a family member or a trusted advisor, this book will help you lead with intention—and leave a legacy by design.
Three perspectives. One shared belief in the power of family leadership.
Jeff Strese, Jessica Leary Allen, and Scott J. Allen, Ph.D. bring experience in family enterprise, leadership, communication, education, and organizational development to a story designed to help families think differently about how change happens.
Dr. Scott Allen, Jessica Allen, Jeff Strese
What Readers Are Saying
Thoughts from industry leaders about the power and possibility of Legacy by Design.
Families and their advisors do not learn from being
told what to do; they learn by hearing stories that
move them to action. Families are not naturally built
for change and struggle to renew and remake themselves
with each new generation. This book is 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,
Banyan Global Family Business Advisors
In Legacy by Design, the authors craft a delightfully
brilliant fable demonstrating how artful influence
from any part of a family can transform the well-being
within a family system. With subtle references to myriad
best practices in both developing the individual
and governing the family, Legacy by Design showcases
modern day leadership excellence. Bravo!
Cathy Carroll
Author of Hug of War: How to Lead a
Family Business with Both Love and Logic
Chair, Purposeful Planning Institute
The authors have found a clever way to offer us an
intriguing family story that holds our attention, followed
by informative insights on the family dynamics
issues that surface in the narrative. Each chapter finishes with valuable discussion
questions and additional resources that expand
our learning. 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 of Family Office Exchange
and Enterprise Family Advisors
Legacy by Design provides critical insight for thousands
of enterprising families who face myriad issues related to the dicey proposition of generational
transition. Through creative use of the business-owning
Rigby family, this book offers a time-tested road map
to help families navigate the complexity of generational
transitions, while also enhancing the “secret sauce”
(a.k.a. relationships) that are key to their success.
Nathan Dungan
CEO & President, Share Save Spend
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