When I took over the family business, it had already been a publicly traded company for 20 years. During one of the first annual meetings I attended, one shareholder stood up and advised me and everyone in attendance that I should resign.
—Azim PremjiI had the option of building a career in the US… but for me, building the family business and being with family was worth it.
—Baba KalyaniWhen we took over, we made a pact that we wouldn’t argue about little things. We get along because the business is more important than who’s right and who’s wrong.
—Judith LowryWhat I have found is that in a family business structure sometimes what is needed is a sense of discipline rather than creativity… when you are dealing with money, there is a limitation on how creative you can be.
—Ashwin SanghiI don’t like the word ‘dynasty’, but that’s what it is. It’s not just a business. There’s a lot going on in the background.
—Jake DysonTradition is like a bow. The more we stretch the bowstring, the farther we can throw the arrows of modernity and innovation.
—Giovanni FerreroIt’s the downside of a family business; anything good is because I’m somebody’s son; otherwise, I’m a schmuck.
—Edgar BronfmanIt’s something real fun to do. It’s a family business.
—Ron WhiteStarting a business with a brother either ends business or ends brotherhood.
—Amit KalantriI was not very keen on joining the family business... there were 14 family members working together, and it worried me that I would not have enough individuality.
—Uday Kotak
(This story appears in the 01 March, 2019 issue
of Forbes India. To visit our Archives, click here.)