In a family business, the next generation may inherit the business. But do they inherit the trust and authority to lead it?

This question was at the heart of CFI’s Leading Through Change – Leadership Dialogue, held on Friday, 9 October 2026, at Essentia Luxury Hotel, Indore.

The event brought together family business owners and professionals for an open discussion with CFI coaches on succession, delegation and sustainable growth.

The room brought together diverse perspectives from next-generation entrepreneurs stepping into family businesses to established business leaders navigating growth and succession, alongside professionals in HR, finance, risk assurance and succession advisory.

The exchange with CFI Coaches Manoj Kumar Sharma and S.C. Srinivasan, moderated by Debjyoti Paul, drew on participants’ real-world experiences and questions. Coach Johar Batterywala, whose vision and initiative helped bring this dialogue to Indore also delivered the closing session.

A few insights from the discussion:

• Delegation requires trust. Responsibility without decision-making authority rarely creates ownership.
• Succession starts early. Preparing the next generation means understanding their aspirations and developing their leadership capabilities.
• Growth needs stronger systems. Clear processes, employee rewards and technology can help businesses scale beyond dependence on individual leaders.
• AI offers practical opportunities for MSMEs. Even automating routine tasks, such as gathering supplier quotations, can create value.

The underlying message: building a lasting business means knowing what to preserve, what to change and when to let go.

Thank you to ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund, our sponsor, and MMFS Investment Services, our associate partner, for supporting the dialogue.

For family business leaders, what is the biggest challenge ? succession, delegation or resistance to change?