Commentary

A Commentary provides thoughtful and insightful opinions or perspectives on events, policies or situations of interest to business owners, startups, educators, investors and policymakers. These should be short, readable, timely, interesting pieces that address current topics of interest, discussion or dispute.

Length: <1,000 words

Reviewed by Senior Editors


e-Fest: Where Undergraduate Startups Mean Business

Giving student founders the opportunity to compete for seed funding and learn from experienced entrepreneurs Undergraduate founders often reach a point where an idea starts to feel real. They may Read More...

Category: Commentary

Author: Jennifer Gessner

You're Adding a Board of Directors. Is Your Management Team Ready?

A Ukraine-based family business installed a board to provide structure as it scaled globally. Here's how the owners overcame top managers' fears and won their support. Photo: The International Board Read More...

Category: Commentary

Author: Rostyslav Vovk

Announcing Our 2024-25 Schulze Awards Winners

These awards recognize exceptional thought leadership, clarity of perspective, and the ability to bridge research and practice. Each year, the Schulze Publication Awards celebrate the authors of the Read More...

Category: Commentary

Authors: Kimberly Eddleston and Mat Hughes

Congratulations to our 2024-25 Schulze Awards Winners!

These awards recognize exceptional thought leadership, clarity of perspective, and the ability to bridge research and practice. Each year, the Schulze Publication Awards celebrate the authors of the Read More...

Category: Commentary

Author: David Townsend

Rom-Coms Can Complicate Your Succession Planning

Unrealistic depictions of the sacrifices and tradeoffs of family business leadership -- streamed repeatedly -- can color younger people’s attitudes towards taking the helm. Popular TV dramas like Read More...

Category: Commentary

Author: Sara E. Miller

Help Improve EIX: Take Our Audience Discovery Survey and Shape Future Content

We are launching a short Audience Discovery Survey to learn what you value most, including the formats you prefer, the topics you rely on, and how EIX can support your goals more effectively. Every Read More...

Category: Commentary

Author: Jennifer Gessner

Exiled Belarus Founders Warn of Global Crackdown on Innovators

The critical thinking, international connectivity, and system-building mindset that make entrepreneurs so valuable can also make them targets of authoritarian regimes. In April 2021, masked men Read More...

Category: Commentary

Authors: Anastasiya Khamiankova and Tania Marinich

What Business Owners Can Learn From World War II Strategic Bombing

Like military strategists, business owners face decisions that must balance vision and resources, courage and caution, innovation and discipline. What can small business owners, family firms, and Read More...

Category: Commentary

Author: Joseph Giglio

Addressing Substance Use Disorders in a Family Enterprise

When a family member struggles with addiction, the consequences can ripple throughout the firm and increase its risks. Scott, a seasoned executive in a multigenerational family business, approached Read More...

Category: Commentary

Author: Diana Clark

5 Practical Tips for Making Business Decisions With Family Members

Running a family business doesn’t mean always seeing eye to eye, but you can still overcome challenges, resolve conflicts, and evolve as a team. At 13, I unknowingly took part in my first serious Read More...

Category: Commentary

Author: Rostyslav Vovk