How Families Can Reduce Legacy Risk Beyond Money | The Family Biz Show Ep. 121

Most families think protecting wealth is enough. But what if the real risk to your legacy has nothing to do with money? What if the biggest threat is silence, lack of preparation, or disconnected generations? "I don't know how to involve my kids in these conversations." "What if our family relationships change after wealth transfer?" "How do we prepare the next generation without creating entitlement?" "Why do so many successful families still fall apart?" This conversation gives you the answer. In this episode of the Family Business Flywheel Podcast, Michael Palumbos sits down with Shawn Barberis, founder of More Than Money 360, to explore how families can reduce legacy risk beyond money. Too often, families focus exclusively on protecting financial assets while overlooking the relationships, communication, and leadership preparation required for long-term continuity. Shawn explains why successful multi-generational families intentionally prepare people — not just portfolios — and how family communication directly impacts wealth preservation, governance, and legacy outcomes. Drawing from nearly two decades of experience facilitating family meetings and advising affluent families, Shawn shares why rising generations frequently feel excluded from important conversations and how that disconnect creates long-term risks for both family harmony and business continuity. Shawn Barberis is the founder of More Than Money 360 and a recognized leader in the growing "FamTech" movement — technology designed to strengthen family communication, governance, and engagement across generations. With a background as an attorney and family advisor, Shawn has helped families and advisors create systems that support healthier multi-generational relationships and more intentional legacy planning. One of the most powerful insights from this episode is that many heirs are financially prepared but emotionally unprepared. Shawn explains why families that succeed across generations prioritize stewardship, communication, responsibility, and shared values long before a wealth transition occurs. You'll also learn how technology can help modern families create more consistent communication and engagement with younger generations who expect collaborative, digital-first experiences. This episode delivers practical and research-backed insight for family business owners, affluent families, next-generation leaders, and advisors looking to strengthen both family relationships and long-term continuity. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why wealth transfer often fails because of communication breakdowns How to engage rising generations in meaningful family conversations Why family governance should start before transition planning How technology can strengthen family communication and legacy education Why preparing heirs matters more than simply transferring wealth How successful families preserve both relationships and financial capital Why legacy planning must go beyond estate documents and tax strategies If you want your family legacy to survive beyond financial success, this episode offers practical insight into building stronger communication, deeper alignment, and healthier multi-generational leadership. Ready to strengthen your family legacy beyond financial wealth? Visit the Family Business Flywheel Podcast for more conversations, strategies, and insights designed for family business owners and next-generation leaders: https://www.familybusinessflywheel.com/podcast