"No act of kindess, no matter how small is very wasted" Aesop
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"No act of kindess, no matter how small is very wasted" Aesop
  • Home
  • The Gap
  • Services to Advisers
  • Services to Individuals
  • About Me
  • Media
  • Testimonials
  • Recommended Reading
  • Contact Me
  • Privacy Policy

Recommended Reading

The Next Generation of Philanthropy

A valuable reflection on how the next generation of donors are purpose-driven and seek more adaptable, low-constraint approaches to philanthropy.

The heiress on a mission to spend the lot protecting the planet

An insightful story about the work of two sisters who feel strongly that it is their responsibility to use their family wealth for the good of the planet, and are working hard to inspire their peers to follow a similar pathway.

Investing in unprepared inheritors for lasting family wealth

Reflections from Jessica McGawley (and others), founder of Dallington Associates, who explains the problem of older generations preparing their money for their heirs, but not their heirs for their money.

How philanthropy can help build brands and address crisis situations

The business reason to bring philanthropy into your organisation.

The family philanthropic journey: Engaging family in shared charitable giving

An outstanding case study which details how a family responded to their unexpected significant income, the impact it had, and how they managed it.

Beyond the surface: The hidden impact of early exposure to the family business

This article helps us to stop. And think. And take note of the depth of knowledge that children take on board when they are just sitting at the table. And how many good things, and bad things, they learn. And how this can impact their perspective of the family wealth.

Capgemini World Wealth Report 2025

An excellent report which shows that 81% of next-gen inheritors will leave their parents' wealth management firm within 1-2 years of inheritance - and what those advisers need to do about it.

The looming advisor shortage in US wealth management

A detailed McKinsey report clearly stating the wealth management industry's clients are expecting more holistic support – but the service providers are not prepared – and losing clients and staff because of it.

Bridging beliefs and behaviors: Key insights into effective wealth transfer across generations

This insightful report summarises the results of 16 years of research into the insights and perspectives of 679 family members, representing 120 families. It reviews the practices of successful wealth transitions across multiple generations.

Ten Domains Of Family Wealth

A new, updated approach to the management of wealth which, alongside the recommended book Wealth 3.0, helps us move on from the shirtsleeves-to-shirtsleeves narrative.

Redefining AI innovation with social purpose: Patrick J. McGovern Foundation announces $73.5 million

Vilas Dhar, President of the Foundation is a superb role model and visionary leaders who is showing us that, if done well, AI can make an enormously powerful impact on addressing the global crises we are facing.

Books

The Billionaire Who Wasn't: How Chuck Feeney Secretly Made And Gave Away A Fortune, Conor O'Clery

If you're interested in the philanthropy sector, this is a must read. In 1982, Chuck Feeney established what became known as the Atlantic Philanthropies, and he was the inspiration behind the Giving Pledge. Over 38 years, in more than 25 countries, Atlantic Philanthropies distributed over $8 billion through more than 6,500 grants to make a difference to the lives of others. A truly inspirational role model. Chuck died in October 2023. RIP.

The Cycle of the Gift. Family Wealth and Wisdom, James E. Hughes Jnr, Susan E Massenzio, Keith Whita

A beautifully written book. Although it does touch on philanthropy, when they talk about 'gift' they refer to the assets being passed down - both tangible and non-tangible. If you are looking for a book that is filled with compassion about how to build family unity and cohesion, this is it.

Family Wealth – Keeping It In The Family, James E. Hughes Jr.

A valuable and detailed reflection by a man who has seen it all; and who provides an excellent guidebook for all families to understand how to best manage their wealth. It might be slightly old (2004) but it is certainly not outdated and is full of insightful observations.

A Generous Life, Peter Karoff

Peter was a driving force behind The Philanthropic Initiative in the US, which help individuals, families, foundations and companies travel along their philanthropy journey. This book reflects Peter's recollections of his experiences over time. It is with enormous thanks to the James E. Hughes Foundation for making the book accessible online.

Wealth 3.0, James Grubman, Dennis Jaffe and Kristin Keffeler

An outstanding reflection about how the management of family wealth (and wealth in general), has changed over the last four generations, and what it has now become.

The Purpose of Capital: Elements of Impact, Financial Flows, and Natural Being, Jed Emerson

Jed Emerson has been an absolute leader in advocating how there is much more 'purpose' to one's capital; don't just look at it through a financial lens.

The Quest For Legitimacy, Jamie Weiner

An analysis and reflection on the challenges faced by the children of prominent families, and provides tools and advice about how they can be addressed.

Giving: Purpose Is The New Currency, Alexandre Mars

An excellent reflection by Alexandre Mars, who set up the Epic Foundation - about how purpose in the new currency.

Anthro Vision, Gillian Tett

For anyone who doesn't understand why gaining an anthropological perspective on nearly all situations has value, this is an excellent read. She goes through a wide-range of corporate breakdowns and malfunctions and explains why the lack of anthropological feedback was detrimental to the company's survival.

Capital Without Borders, Brooke Harrington

A distressing tale of the realities of the dark attitudes that are still a big part of how the wealth management service industry functions.

The Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie and his essay The Gospel of Wealth, Andrew Carnegie

Even if there has been some method of philanthropy in practice for thousands of years, it is useful to understand the Carnegie story. Not everyone is a fan of the man, but it's a relevant life to learn about.

Websites

Social Standard Innovation Review - Philanthropy

A library of intellectual papers which review the whole philanthropy sector.

Social Standard Innovation Review - AI

A library of intellectual papers which review the impact and consequences of AI.

Gates Notes

Bill Gates does newsletters which share his stories and experiences as he goes along his philanthropy journey.

360 Giving

An excellent online platform which contains data from 300+ funders about to who, for what, and how much, they are distributing to charities. 

Purposeful Planning Institute

A network of philanthropists primarily based in the US but they welcome individuals from around the world. An incredibly thoughtful approach drives it forward and this become embedded in its practice.

Association of Charitable Foundations

A group of foundations in the UK and independent grantmakers in the UK, who collaborate to strengthen the impact of their work.

Forward Global

An international network of philanthropists who are very intention-focused and committed to make a difference.

Stanford University Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence

This is an interdisciplinary institute established in 2019 to advance AI research, education, policy, and practice. It is full of articles but the focus is how humanity will benefit from the technology.

Financial Times

The FT has a page that lists its articles that cover philanthropy.

etcho

A very effective platform that aligns wealth managers to align their clients' values with their assets.

Open Philanthropy

An American site but good to review to see what other donors are doing - even if they are on the other side of the pond. It can be an inspirational site to see what others are doing to address the global crises.

Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors

Based in the US but provides an enormous amount of useful material for philanthropists to review.

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