Living between past and future - A conversation about responsibility across generations

What does it mean to make decisions that are not just about yourself, but about people who came before you and those who will come after? In this episode of Matters of Consequence, host Michael Hanf speaks with Philip Aminoff, a Finnish entrepreneur and fourth-generation owner, about stewardship, long-term thinking, and the role of civil society in shaping resilient societies. The conversation explores inherited responsibility, decisions that span generations, and why some of the most important work in society happens outside both business and government.Philip reflects on growing up with expectations that were already part of his environment, not as pressure, but as something natural to live with. From his family's philosophy that inherited wealth is something to develop rather than consume, to his long-standing commitment to voluntary organisations, Philip shares how his understanding of responsibility gradually expanded beyond business. Along the way, he challenges the idea that society is built primarily through markets or governments, arguing instead for the often overlooked role of civil society as the place where people come together, build trust, and contribute to something larger than themselves.Why listen?Explore how long-term thinking shapes decisions in family businesses and across generations.Discover why stewardship is about developing and passing on rather than owning and consuming.Learn how voluntary organisations and civil society contribute to resilient communities beyond the roles of business and government.Hear how leadership changes when decisions are made with future generations in mind.Reflect on the balance between personal responsibility, collective wellbeing, and the future we leave behind.This episode is a must-listen for business leaders, family business owners, board members, philanthropists, volunteers, and anyone interested in leadership, stewardship, governance, or the role of civil society. Whether you are thinking about succession, long-term ownership, community building, or simply how our decisions shape the future, Philip's reflections offer a thoughtful perspective on responsibility beyond our own lifetime.Keywords: family business, stewardship, long-term ownership, responsible ownership, civil society, third sector, family governance, generational leadership, succession planning, long-term decision making, voluntary organisations, business leadership, corporate governance, resilience, community leadership, philanthropy, intergenerational responsibility, Finland, Philip Aminoff, Matters of Consequence Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.