New Book Shaping Succession Reveals How Family Businesses Can Thrive Through Leadership Change

From outsider to industry leader, Gerti Schatzdorfer's story proves succession isn't an end—but a bold new beginning. Her book offers a roadmap for families facing the same challenge.

, and Administrator

2026 May 13 . 10:04 PM

1 min read

The image shows a diagram of the organizational structure of a company, with a white background and... — The image shows a diagram of the organizational structure of a company, with a white background and text that outlines the stages of a business process. The diagram is composed of several boxes connected by arrows, each box representing a different stage of the company's growth and development. The text provides further details about each stage, such as the roles and responsibilities of each stage.

New Book Shaping Succession Reveals How Family Businesses Can Thrive Through Leadership Change

A new book titled Shaping Succession offers guidance for family businesses navigating leadership transitions. Authored by Gerti Schatzdorfer, it draws from her three decades of experience running Schatzdorfer, an industrial company. The book highlights not just the hurdles of succession but the opportunities it presents for growth and renewal. Gerti Schatzdorfer’s journey began when she took over her father’s industrial business after spending 12 years in education. As an outsider in the industry, she built a reputation for precision and vision, eventually earning accolades like 'Manager of the Year' and the 'Pegasus' award.

In 2022, she brought her daughter, Marlene Schatzdorfer, into the company as managing partner. A former professional musician, Marlene now leads with the same dedication her mother demonstrated. The transition was carefully planned, blending tradition with fresh perspectives. *Shaping Succession* explores the emotional and practical sides of passing on a business. It examines how core values can be preserved while encouraging innovation and new ways of working. The book also addresses a pressing issue: many family businesses today struggle to find capable successors.

The book provides a roadmap for businesses facing leadership changes, using the Schatzdorfer family’s experience as a case study. By focusing on intentional planning and shared vision, it shows how succession can become a moment of strength rather than uncertainty. The lessons aim to help other families navigate similar transitions with confidence.