On 4th June 2025, Esharelife Foundation Chairman Prof Maurizio Bragagni Esq OBE returned to deliver a keynote talk on the theme of family business at Bayes Business School, where he is both an alumnus and an Honorary Senior Visiting Fellow. Prof Bragagni has the pleasure of being invited each year to share his expertise and knowledge with the next generation of family business leaders.
The event was a part of the Family Business course led by Professor Ajay Bhalla, Professor of Family Business & Innovation and Director of the Master’s in Executive Leadership. With around 60+ students in attendance, the session combined academic insight with lived experience, bridging the worlds of business leadership and social impact.
Prof Bragagni, a successful business leader and passionate humanitarian, shared perspectives from his new book Never Give Up: Vision, Determination and the Strength of Friendship, drawing on his personal journey and family heritage. His message was clear: in both business and life, success stems from humility, respect, and a commitment to helping others grow.
“We inherit, not only a company but a mindset: to adapt, to lead, and to innovate.”
Maurizio Bragagni
The most compelling aspect of the lecture—what rendered it particularly meaningful for Esharelife—was the insightful articulation of the intrinsic link between leadership and legacy, extending beyond the traditional confines of business into the broader realm of social responsibility. Professor Maurizio Bragagni eloquently argued that effective leadership cannot be assessed solely through commercial success or organisational achievements; rather, it must also be evaluated by the enduring impact it has on the wider community.
This philosophy resonates strongly with Esharelife’s core values, which prioritise sustainable development, ethical engagement, and the empowerment of underserved populations. By framing leadership as a vehicle for positive societal transformation, the lecture underscored the notion that legacy is not simply what one leaves behind in a professional capacity but what one contributes to the common good through purposeful and compassionate action.
“If you want to grow, you have to help people grow with you. If you want a better company, you have to respect people. And in certain elements—like social moments—we are all equal.”
Maurizio Bragagni
These principles are at the heart of Esharelife’s charitable work, especially its long-standing partnership with AVSI Kenya. Together, Esharelife and AVSI help vulnerable children in Kenya access and remain in education, providing school fees, materials, and essential support. Through Esharelife, we aim to help every child and young person discover who they are and who they can become, and create a brighter future for those who need it most.