Generations works with family-owned businesses at moments that matter most - succession, leadership transition, governance complexity and exit-readiness.

Generations is a family business advisory practice founded and led by Rich Poole.

I work alongside owners, boards and leadership teams to bring clear thinking, sound judgement and calm challenge - without taking over, replacing advisors or making decisions for you.

Who this is for

Generations is typically engaged when:

• A successful family business feels fragile or overly dependent on one person
• Succession is being delayed, avoided or quietly creating tension
• Governance between family, owners, board and management isn’t working
• Exit-readiness matters, even if a sale isn’t imminent
• Big decisions are being deferred because alignment isn’t there.

While Generations specialises in family business advisory, I’m also engaged by non-family businesses where similar complexity exists - often through boards, leadership teams or strategy days.

"Richard is a clear-thinking entrepreneur with tremendous people skills. A man of real integrity I would trust in any endeavour." Board Member, Owner & Author

How I work

I work alongside people - not over them, and not instead of existing advisors.

My role is to help you think clearly, test assumptions and make better decisions - while ownership and accountability stay exactly where they should.


"Richard is a class act. Efficient, strategic, and trusted by staff and clients alike. I would love to work with him again." Ex-CEO, Board Member

If you're navigating what's next & would like a trusted, experienced sounding board, I'm very happy to have a confidential conversation, to see whether we might be a fit.