David Lansky

David has played a key role in the growth and transformation of many enterprising families, and in the business interests which they share. 

He brings a deep understanding of family dynamics, a unique ability to address critical individual and family concerns, and an appreciation for the challenges that accompany family wealth and family business. David has helped facilitate growth in families, repair difficult relationships, and turn stagnant or struggling enterprises into thriving organizations.

David was named the recipient of the 2025 Richard Beckhard Practice Award by the Family Firm Institute (FFI). This distinguished honor recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of family business practice.

A clinical psychologist and family therapist by training, David spent more than 15 years as a managing partner in a clinical psychology practice. There he observed the impact that personal relationships, family dynamics and communication obstacles can have on families’ abilities to work, plan and live well together.

Today, his clients include entrepreneurial families and families of wealth, multigenerational families with shared business or financial interests, family offices and private trust companies — all of whom want to plan well for the future, enhance communication, improve family relationships, and become more successful in family and business endeavors.

Although no longer practicing as a clinical psychologist, David was one of the first in Illinois to be licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist and was certified as a Family Therapy Supervisor by the National Association of Marital and Family Therapy. He served as a clinical faculty member and supervisor at Northwestern University’s Family Institute and taught marital and family therapy at the Adler School of Professional Psychology in Chicago.

David is well known for his expertise in the psychology and family dynamics of multigenerational wealth.  He has published widely, including articles in Private Wealth Magazine, Family Business Magazine and The Family Business Advisor. He also authored a regular column in The Journal of Practical Estate Planning. His latest book, Family Wealth Continuity: Building a Foundation for the Future, is an appreciation and analysis of the family dynamics that contribute to long-term family wealth continuity.

Recipient of the Family Firm Institute’s 2025 Richard Beckhard Practice Award

The Richard Beckhard Practice Award was established in 1992 to honor a founding FFI member and distinguished practitioner in the family business field. It recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of family business practice. From the award nomination:

“David Lansky’s career in the family business field is distinguished by a rich and varied background that spans four decades. In addition to his consulting work with over 200 enterprising families, he has made substantial contributions to the family business field through his leadership of the development of educational resources for the broader family business community. Lansky’s body of work significantly focuses on wealth dynamics, leading to the development of a five-factor model that describes families that are prepared for effective wealth transition providing a valuable framework for both consultants, advisors, and families in ensuring long-term success.“