Legacy is a Liability: A Thought from Andreas Ekström

In a world hurtling towards the future, we often look to figures like Andreas Ekström—the acclaimed Swedish journalist, author, and keynote speaker—to help us navigate the complexities of our digital age. As a self-described “digital humanist,” Andreas has a unique talent for decoding the intricate dance between technology and society. He doesn’t just talk about innovation; he delves into the very human elements that drive it, challenge it, and give it meaning. In his latest reflection, he turns his focus from the external world of technology to the internal landscape of our own history, asking a provocative question: Is your legacy an asset or your greatest liability?

Legacy and liability

I was born and raised thinking about legacy. Most of us are. We don’t intend to, but we will eventually at some degree and level become versions of our parents. We choose equivalent jobs, we pick similar spouses, we tend to often remain in the same geographical area.

What is all this, if not entertaining the idea of a legacy? The strength of history, of roots to your tree?

I am the first reporter in my family – but as a keynote speaker, I am more than anything a teacher. Just like mom and dad, and many other people in my extended family past and present.

I like that.

I like the sense of belonging to an idea, a context, a sort of saga: This is who we are, and this is what we do. Of course, these thoughts limit people tremendously, too.

This all struck me when I heard a quote from a young Swedish business tycoon – a guy who is going to be running a big family business, after fathers and mothers before him have done the same for more than a century. His magical words?

Legacy is a liability.

I immediately loved and hated that.

I believe in a sense of purpose that can be drawn from a long history or a solid intellectual idea. But I also believe that the limits we set – for ourselves, for others – are stifling. For the young business leader I mentioned, legacy is likely to be holding him back. I can only imagine how sick and tired he must be of old school ideas of what the family business ”should” be – when all he wants to do is to reinvent.

And I suspect these same mechanisms may apply on an individual level as well.

Letting other people do what they want to do and be who they want to be is a good start for any enlightened human being. But how about yourself? Are you letting yourself do what you want to do? Be who you want to be?

Bring This Conversation to Your Team

The questions Andreas Ekström raises are critical for any organization looking to innovate and thrive. Is your company’s legacy a source of strength, or is it holding you back from reinvention?

If you are ready to challenge your team to see their own potential and the company’s future in a new light, we are here to make it happen.

Contact us to book Andreas Ekström for your next event. We can provide you with information on his availability and speaking fees.