What Is a Peer Forum?
The Center for Family Business Peer Forums are confidential, professionally facilitated groups where family business members come together to learn from and support one another. Designed around shared roles and experiences, these groups create a trusted environment in which participants can speak openly about both business and personal challenges with others who understand the complexities of family enterprise.
"The Rising Gen peer forum of CWRU’s Center for Family Business has given me the chance to develop relationships with other young family business leaders, learn together about challenges and opportunities, and prepare for increased future leadership in our family business."
Howard O’Brien, Howard & O’Brien Executive Search
Why Participate?
Peer Forums help members build meaningful peer networks, gain fresh perspectives and develop actionable strategies they can apply to their family, business and leadership roles. Through honest conversation, shared experiences and mutual support, participants learn from both best practices and the real-life experiences of others facing similar opportunities and challenges.
In this setting, members often feel less isolated and more prepared to pursue opportunities, address difficult issues and lead with greater confidence. Over time, the trust within the group fosters deeper relationships, personal growth and practical learning that extends well beyond the forum itself.
"The peer forums have provided an opportunity to learn how to overcome challenges from people with different perspectives. There is a trust in the room that allows you to feel comfortable being vulnerable."
Bob Morrissey, Jr., American Ring
How the Forums Work
Each Peer Forum includes approximately 8-10 members and is carefully aligned based on participants’ roles in their family or business. Groups are also screened for business or personal conflicts to ensure members feel comfortable speaking candidly.
Forums meet every other month, for a total of six half-day sessions each year. Meeting schedules, format and any added activities — such as tours or meals — can be tailored to the group’s preferences.
"As a small business owner, I appreciate the opportunity to network with peers in the Leading Gen group of CWRU’s Center for Family Business. The small group format provides us the ability to get to know one another well, share and brainstorm solutions to common problems, and know we are not alone."
1st Generation Professional Services
A Confidential, Facilitated Space
Confidentiality is at the core of every Peer Forum. These groups are designed to be safe spaces where members can share openly, knowing that what is said in the room stays in the room. Participants commit to these confidentiality guidelines and facilitators are held to the same standard.
Because the forums are professionally facilitated, conversations are structured in a way that encourages trust, openness and meaningful reflection. This combination of facilitation and confidentiality helps members move beyond surface-level discussion to deeper insights and more useful takeaways.