Jelena Simon, Kerstin Ettl

• Abstract This case describes the difficulties of business succession from a successor’s perspective. The case is based on a real metalworking family business in an old industrial region in Germany. The key issues are challenges that, Michelle and Adrian, two second-generation successors within one company, face in teambuilding and finding their own place within the corporation and their team. The case is divided into two parts: Part 1 is a newspaper article about the succession process that points out stereotypes and writing styles in reporting on entrepreneurship/succession in the media. Part 2 is the succession story written from Michelle’s perspective and highlights challenges that female successors face in traditional male-dominated areas, for instance, when it comes to questions of balancing work and family needs. The case addresses issues relating to entrepreneurship and business succession classes, with sociological and psychological overtones.