Beneath the Canopy - July 2025
- Robert Carson
- Jul 1
- 5 min read
Many assume that affluence brings simplicity, but in reality, greater wealth often means more moving parts and mounting complexity. Families who have ‘made it’ can find themselves juggling advisers, investments, and legacy plans—sometimes feeling more overwhelmed than ever. In this month's "Beneath the Canopy", we explore why success can complicate life and how clarity and confidence are built in the face of growing responsibility.
Meanwhile, how often have you said "I'd like to be a fly on the wall..."? There’s something inherently fascinating about witnessing real interactions—the candid exchanges, the underlying tensions, and the moments of connection. For fans of reality TV and beyond, these glimpses remind us how families everywhere experience their own brand of complexity. No family escapes a touch of dysfunction, and family meetings often reveal raw emotions, reinforcing that the drama within our four walls can feel universal—more a shared human condition than a unique headline. Life is unscripted, but watch out for the plot twists!
In this month's edition of "Beneath the Canopy"
When Wealth Grows, So Do The Headaches
The belief that significant wealth brings clarity and simplicity is persistent, but the reality is far more complex. Reaching a certain level of affluence does not lift the financial fog; instead, it often introduces a new set of challenges that many do not anticipate. The transition from accumulating wealth to managing it is a leap that brings heightened responsibility and, paradoxically, greater pressure.
Forget Tribal Council - Family Meetings are not for broadcast
There’s a moment in every household when the living room transforms into a makeshift studio, the couch becomes a panel, and the family meeting kicks off. No cameras, no producers, just the unscripted drama of real life playing out. If you’ve ever wondered why reality television is so enthralling, look no further than your own family’s occasional get together. Family meetings are the best kind of reality TV because they offer all the suspense, conflict, and catharsis without the need for a TV deal.
Where's the Missing $5 Million?
This X.com post (formerly Twitter) has been turning heads for all the right reasons. At first, it seemed like it was all about fees, but when you look a little deeper, it’s really about how quickly we forget those major purchases—like that car you bought in 2019 that now feels like a distant memory.
It’s a gentle reminder that, just as we lose track of the ‘how,’ we can sometimes overlook the ‘why’ behind setting up a Trust. Remembering the purpose is just as important as figuring out the details when it comes to managing what matters most.
Please follow Canopy East's LinkedIn page to gain further insights.
Speaking Engagements
Having advised families on their personal and family wealth for more than two decades, I am now available for speaking engagements to your family, your staff or your clients.
"How To Destroy Your Legacy in One Generation" is a dive into the behaviours that have been the cause of some of the world's greatest family financial disasters, and how to avoid the pitfalls that come with significant wealth.
Please contact me directly to discuss this opportunity.
From Chaos comes Clarity
In a family enterprise, financial decision-making is far more structured than in a typical household. With defined roles, responsibilities, and an investment policy guiding the process, the dynamics of who makes the financial decisions are shaped by governance frameworks rather than informal agreements. This formalised approach ensures that the family’s wealth is managed strategically and sustainably across generations.
Waiting for the Stars to Align? Your Family's Legacy might pass you by
There’s a particular moment in every family business journey when the question of selling the enterprise moves from the distant horizon to the kitchen table. It’s rarely a straightforward decision. In fact, for many Australian family business owners, the timing of a sale often feels completely out of sync with the business’s growth cycle, the prevailing economic winds, or the evolving plans and aspirations of the family itself. If you’re grappling with this conundrum, you’re not alone—and the path forward is rarely linear.
Why the Vatican's Conclave holds the Key to Family Successio
When it comes to leadership transitions, few events are as steeped in tradition and intrigue as the papal conclave. While the Catholic Church and wealthy families might seem worlds apart, the process of electing a new pope and planning for succession within a family business have more in common than you might think. Both are moments of significant change, requiring careful planning, clear communication, and a strong sense of shared values to ensure stability and continuity.
Creating a generational legacy? The secret is to give your wealth away
Philanthropy within a family isn’t just about giving—it’s about creating a shared sense of purpose, building stronger connections, and fostering a legacy that lasts well beyond financial wealth.
When families unite around common values and a desire to make a difference, they not only contribute to the greater good but also strengthen their relationships and lay the groundwork for managing wealth across generations.
Another election cycle ends. So too does the certainty for your charity
Election cycles are inherently unpredictable. While political parties campaign on promises to alleviate financial pressures or boost support for various sectors, the reality is that priorities often shift once a new government takes office. For charities, this can mean changes to funding streams, alterations in regulatory frameworks, or even the loss of critical programs.
'Looking East': Investment opportunities
Not investment Advice
As the global mood shifts on a daily basis following President Trump's tariff announcements early in the month, there is plenty of domestic commentary with the potential to overshadow Trump and his desire to appear as the headline news item on a daily basis in every country in the world.
Following the Federal election, the Australian Labor Party have been returned with an increased majority for another three years, which may give the environment a little more certainty...but perhaps only a little.
It looks unlikely the need for the government to negotiate their policies with minor parties in order to pass legislation, however questions remain if the Government will re-introduce stalled legislation to parliament in its original format.
Managers have been pushed aside by the public holidays during April, struggling to squeeze time with investors in the short working month. I am expecting this to change we push deeper into the final quarter of the financial year.
Here are few of the opportunities that I met with throughout the course of April:
Axon Capital Private Medical Property Trust - An investment in the Aurora Healthcare-managed Toronto Private Hospital, in Newcastle, NSW.
Fortitude Investment Partners Small Cap PE Fund- An Australian mid-market Private Equity opportunity across a range of Australian operating businesses
KKR Private Infrastructure Fund- A global infrastructure opportunity across a broadly diversified portfolio in an income generating, semi-liquid structure.
Please contact me should you wish to be introduced to any of the opportunities above.
Spread the Word
Canopy East is a unique offering for families - giving them an independent advocate to represent their financial interests.
Thank you for your support. Of course, we welcome any opportunity to discuss families who may need our assistance.
Please contact Robert to arrange a time to discuss his services further.
Robert Carson robert@canopyeast.com.au +61 406 934 231
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