Our Latest Articles

January 27, 2022 - Issue #52

Diversify Your Family's Risks by Returning to Its Entrepreneurial Roots Diversify Your Family's Risks by Returning to Its Entrepreneurial Roots Don't invest in the market or seek to acquire other firms. Instead, rediscover the thinking that made your business outstanding in the first place.
A Family Firm Can Be Both an Innovator and a Great Place to Work A Family Firm Can Be Both an Innovator and a Great Place to Work Both relatives and non-relatives should feel happy, secure and “part of the family” without getting so complacent that they don’t challenge the status quo.
Sinking ship? How one family firm sailed through several crises Sinking ship? How one family firm sailed through several crises A Finland-based family business that hadn't innovated in calmer times drew on its heritage and untapped strengths to get it through periods of stress.
Strategies for Keeping Your Family Connected Strategies for Keeping Your Family Connected We continue our discussion with Mitzi Perdue, widow of Frank and daughter of a Sheraton Hotels founder, who shares what she's learned about family unity.
When Adult Kids Fail to Launch When Adult Kids Fail to Launch

A business lawyer who has worked with family firms offers seven steps for families with adult kids who've been overly dependent. Parents' behavior and family culture and dynamics all play a role.

January 2022
Getting Along: Straight Talk from a Family Business Veteran Getting Along: Straight Talk from a Family Business Veteran Trust people. Walk around a lot so you meet more non-relatives. And don't show off your new car when the firm is tightening the belt.
Fostering Diversity and Inclusion Can Be Good for Business Fostering Diversity and Inclusion Can Be Good for Business It can bring stronger connections with customers, better problem solving and enhanced creativity. Here's how to get started.
'Succession' on Screen and For Real 'Succession' on Screen and For Real

Familybusiness.org's Kimberly Eddleston was interviewed by the Wall Street Journal for this article discussing parallels between the HBO hit series and everyday family firms.

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Will Your Family Brand Survive New Leadership?
by Meghan Lynch / Practice Insight

As trillions in family-owned companies shift to next-generation leaders, one critical asset is being ignored: the brand. Here’s why brand value—often nearly 20% of enterprise worth—erodes during succession and how families can protect it. Read more...

From 'Passing Down' to 'Building Up': Rethinking Values in Family Firms
by Viktoria Luft, Anne Katarina Heider, Heinrich Liechtenstein, and Tarek el Sehity / Research Insight

Rather than inherited like family heirlooms, values are shaped and re-shaped by interactions between the generations at the family firm.  Read more...

Your Investment Strategy Should Reflect Your Family Values and Goals
by Claudia Binz Astrachan, Anneleen Michiels, Massimo Baù, and Chris Graves / Practice Insight

A family investment policy defines how a family manages its collective financial assets in alignment with its shared values, goals, and risk preferences. Read more...

Families Can Overcome Generational Conflicts Over Technology
by Maria Annosi, Mat Hughes, Davide de Gennaro, Roberta Oppedisano, and Filomena Buonocore / Research Insight

A study of Italian firms shows how differences can be resolved, so the company can honor tradition and still make progress. Read more...

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Things to Consider When Transferring Family Business Ownership
by Susan Lanz, Gary Burke, Kajsa Haag, and Omid Omidvar
Editorial offices located at St Thomas University

Editorial offices located at St Thomas University

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How Family Dynamics Shape Family Businesses
by Joseph Astrachan and Claudia Binz Astrachan
Supported by the Richard M Schulze Family Foundation

Supported by the Richard M Schulze Family Foundation