This article combined important subjects for the Brazilian economy seeking to make a practical and theoretical contribution. We hope the better understanding of the succession process by women can help them and their families to prepare for some predictable problems. We also hope to contribute for the enrichment of the Brazilian literature on gender issues in family business as this subject still requires further research, and succession by women becomes a common phenomenon.. The objective of this study was to identify how Brazilian women prepared themselves to take over their family's firm, how they perceived their identity as potential successors, and how they perceived the whole process of succession. Data were collected via in-depth interviews with seven female successors of diverse industries located in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Results indicate the lack of preparation to join the company, difficulties in creating an identity, an anxiety for not demonstrating entrepreneur skills, a closure of social connections and excessive protection from fathers. On the positive side, results also indicate that a healthy work-life balance can be achieved during the process.
family firms; succession process; gender issues
