The Book

The Quest for Legitimacy: How Children of Prominent Families Discover Their Unique Place in the World: Stories of those who must designt their lives Full of stories of men and women who have the life challenge of being the offspring of successful, wealthy and public figures. This book challenges the image of the spoiled kid, showing the seriousness of purpose and the learning journey that these fortunate sons and daughters take to create their own productive lives. Weiner is a gifted story-teller making this book lively and endlessly engaging.

The Quest for Legitimacy: How Children of Prominent Families Discover Their Unique Place in the World: A realistic and thought-provoking look at family business dynamics There are a lot of books that praise family businesses, or give you the 5-step program to keep your family business from heading from "shirt-sleeves to shirt-sleeves in 3 generations". This is the first book that I've read that really addresses the personal quest for legitimacy of those who grow up in the shadow of giants, who question their own ability and legitimacy, and work through their breaking points. Rather than attempting to prevent generational breaks, this work shows that they often happen and provides a framework of support instead of judgment. As someone who grew up in a family business and went through the various phases described in the book, this book provided a more of a sense of understanding and acceptance, rather than judgment. Highly recommend for older gens, and rising gens to read....to understand each other better. Thanks to Dr Weiner for his years of research and his work in bringing these hidden aspects of family business to light.

The Quest for Legitimacy: How Children of Prominent Families Discover Their Unique Place in the World: A Great Resource. Dr. Weiner’s research is meaningful and insightful. Whether you are an advisor, a rising generation member, or simply on your own life quest, the stories are moving. “What is it like to live in the land of the Giant?” A great metaphorical question that needs no explanation. Foundational to the research, and one that I now regularly ask. Highly recommend “The Quest for Legitimacy.”

The Quest for Legitimacy: How Children of Prominent Families Discover Their Unique Place in the World: It resonated with me on many levels I work with families on their generational wealth transitions and have known Jamie Weiner for a few years now. I've been aware of his recent research and was looking forward to reading this book for a while now.It did not disappoint and was a refreshing read on a complex and deep subject. As someone who also grew up in the shadow of my father, it resonated with me on that level, but also on so many more.The real like examples that he shares each bring out something new and useful, and many of these echoed with situations that my clients have dealt with and will continue to be challenged by.An easy read and a great way to meet a number of people whose stories may stir something up inside many of us as well, with a number of great lessons thrown in along the way.

The Quest for Legitimacy: How Children of Prominent Families Discover Their Unique Place in the World: Eye-opening research and testimonials This book is truly for anyone and not just for rising generation members of prominent families! The stories shared from those of prominent families can resonate with those that do not have this shared experience of prominence or significant wealth. I found myself connecting with all the stories in different ways. Also, I love how the author frames this concept of the "rising generation." The rising generation can be someone as young as 5 or 70 years old. Also, both are on The Quest as the author suggests that The Quest is an ongoing process, rather than one with a beginning and end. This book offered me a safe space: 1) to reflect and look within myself to see where I am at on my own Quest and 2) provided reassurance that I do not need to have all the answers right now, at the age of 28. Regardless of where you are at in this life, I can't recommend this book enough. It will forever change the way you look at your time here on Earth and how you intend to leave an impact.

The Quest for Legitimacy: How Children of Prominent Families Discover Their Unique Place in the World: A well-researched, cutting edge piece of work The author has simplified the complexity inherent in business families navigating the dynamics of generational transition. His framework is intuitively sound and his rich stories (including his own) validate the soundness. He's lived it. The framework is a powerful complement to the legal and financial frameworks that have traditionally driven the transition process. The book has prompted me to understand better how I could have been more effective in negotiating my transition in our business.