Meet Octavian Pilati:

Born and raised in Austria within an aristocratic family whose legacy spans over a thousand years, Octavian developed a deep understanding of the challenges business families face, experiencing their complexities firsthand.

After graduating boarding school in England and nearly completing a mechanical engineering degree – which he paused due to the demands of the family business – Octavian’s path shifted profoundly. In 2014, a major fraud crisis hit his family's historic tourism and forestry business, pulling him directly into crisis management. That moment didn’t just change his trajectory – it gave him lasting insights into resilience, adaptability, and the realities of sustaining a legacy.

Today, Octavian applies those lessons with sincere commitment, helping business families strengthen their bonds and secure their long-term success. He is a sought-after speaker at leading family business events hosted by organizations such as Prestel & Partner, Campden Wealth, and Forbes Slovakia. His family's story is also featured in a case study published with Harvard Business School, where he contributes as a co-presenter in executive education programs.

As the founder of The Antifragile Family®, Octavian believes families deserve to genuinely enjoy their time together. Through a potential-centered approach, he helps business families unlock resilience, trust, and lasting unity. His mission is clear: to transform business families into antifragile units that grow stronger through life's inevitable challenges.

Guided by a strengths-based philosophy, Octavian is a certified practitioner of The GC Index®, reinforcing his belief that business families thrive when each member is empowered to leverage their unique strengths.

Follow his latest insights on Substack at The Antifragile Family®, where he shares grounded, experience-based guidance for families committed to growing stronger side by side.