Description
Book Reviews
“The blend of narrative story telling with actionable frameworks makes the ideas resonate whether you are seeking personal growth, improving family harmony or guiding a family business through succession. If you want to understand how past generations subtly shape present choices, this book offers a thoughtful starting place.”
– Anton Oliver, Former New Zealand All Black Captain and Co- founder of Athletes Trust
“As someone deeply immersed in the world of family businesses, I can wholeheartedly recommend Franco Lombardo for his exceptional guidance. He provides valuable insights with a humble yet realistic approach to the realities of being part of a family business. His invaluable expertise shines through in thought-provoking exercises that help guide you toward meaningful solutions. Whether navigating succession challenges, resolving conflicts, or building a lasting legacy, his guidance and approach support you through your own personal journey—be it within a family business or beyond. Working with him has been transformative on many levels, personally and professionally.”
– Alycia Mondavi, Fourth Generation Co-Proprietor, C. Mondavi & Family
“What Your Parents Didn’t Tell You is a thoughtful and deeply reflective exploration of how the emotional patterns we inherit shape our lives, our families, and the legacies we leave behind.
With rich storytelling and a calm, intelligent voice, Francesco Lombardo challenges the idea that financial success alone creates security – and shows why emotional wealth is the true foundation of long-term wellbeing and continuity.
This is a powerful read for founders, family-business leaders, and anyone who wants to understand the invisible forces shaping their decisions, relationships, and future generations.”
– James Laughlin, Leadership Expert, Executive Coach, and International Best-Selling author of Habits of High Performers
“This book is a must read if you, as a parent, are committed to creating a vision for your family and wealth, as they are inseparable, and each must be designed to support, protect and strengthen the other. In “What your parents didn’t tell you”, Franco gives you the secret to achieving what you might have thought was impossible.”
– Thane Stenner, Founder, Stenner Wealth Partners of CG Wealth Management
“Lombardo’s book explores the hidden architecture of family dynamics. By weaving together his own family journey with historical narratives and insights from decades of consulting with prominent families, he demonstrates that emotional wealth (rather than financial wealth) is the true currency of legacy. The frameworks he offers can provide families with tangible tools and new perspectives to break destructive generational patterns. This book provides an interesting read for anyone who wants to think differently about the reasons family businesses may succeed or fail across generations, and more importantly, how to ensure yours thrives.”
– Megan W. Gerhardt Ph.D., Professor of Leadership, Miami University and Author of Gentelligence: The Revolutionary Approach to Leading an Intergenerational Workforce
