The CFO candidate came for ten interviews. Ten times he spoke in great detail with the managing partner of the global family company about corporate strategy, responsibilities, and their understanding of his role. Ten times they discussed the values and culture of the organization. And then, at the end of a process which lasted many weeks, this experienced executive said “thanks, but no thanks.”

Family businesses are frequently overshadowed by major corporations, yet they make up the majority of businesses in virtually every country in the world. They are, in other words, the backbone of the economy.