In February, the Center for Family Business at Weatherhead School of Management hosted the presentation “Leading the Family, Working on the Future.” Patricia Angus, JD, founder of the Global Family Enterprise Program at Columbia Business School, was the keynote speaker.
She discussed the challenges and opportunities family businesses face across generations, emphasizing the need to evolve—in leadership, product offerings and governance—to successfully adapt to changing family dynamics and the external environment.
She also noted striking statistics that illustrate how adept family businesses are at survival because of values, loyalty and pride; risk tolerance; and long-term perspective. Looking to the future, Angus suggested that, instead of asking “How can I make the business last for several generations?” to ask “What is the purpose of the family business and what do I want its legacy to be?”
The Center for Family Business will host another event at Case Western Reserve’s Tinkham Veale University Center on Thursday, May 9. “Governance Systems—in the Business, for Owners and for the Family,” will feature presenter Leslie Dashew, who has combined her expertise in organizational development and family therapy to help family businesses chart their course for the future.
Governance in family businesses typically evolves during the life of the enterprise, and many variables can contribute to its effectiveness. Drawing on 40 years of experience, Dashew will share the “perils and pleasures” of governance, providing practical steps to build systems that will lead your family and business to success and longevity.
Family businesses are welcome to attend one program as our guest. Learn more about the event and register.
Weatherhead’s Center for Family Business provides educational programs, networking opportunities and peer forums specifically developed for multi-generational family businesses. For more information contact Laura Bonnet at 216.368.1701 or laura.bonnet@case.edu.