This Inc. Magazine article distills practical governance and leadership lessons from the Murdoch family’s decades-long succession battle, which culminated in Lachlan Murdoch taking the reins of his father’s media empire. The piece underscores the importance of board composition and the pitfalls of family-dominated corporate boards. James “Jim” Drury III, founder and CEO of JamesDruryPartners, provides essential insights throughout, emphasizing the importance of diverse, independent boards that bring external perspectives, long-term strategic focus, and disciplined governance to succession planning. He highlights best practices such as tailoring board size to organizational complexity, encouraging director engagement and curiosity, and ensuring that personal attributes and collegiality are valued alongside technical expertise. Drury connects the Murdoch case to broader lessons for entrepreneurs and boards of all sizes, illustrating how thoughtful governance and proactive leadership transition planning can prevent turmoil, strengthen continuity, and safeguard shareholder and stakeholder interests.
Publisher: Inc. Magazine (September 13, 2025)
Author: Chris Morris
Featured Contributor: James “Jim” Drury III (background assistance by Adam Zajac)
