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.

Search & Save Enter search below to create an easy reading list
Recent
The Biggest Risk to Family Wealth Isn't Investment Performance—It's Succession
by Jan-Philipp Ahrens, Melania Riefolo, Maria Giuseppina Bruna, Salam SAMI, and R. Adam Smith / Research Insight

Family offices excel at managing money but often overlook the greatest threat to multigenerational success: poorly planned succession. Here's how they can help. Read more...

Should You Make 'Family Owned' Part of Your Brand?
by Kimberly Eddleston and Ananya Mehta / Research Insight

Family ownership can build trust, credibility, and customer loyalty—but only when it reinforces something stakeholders value. Here are five questions to ask first. Read more...

How to Weigh the Consequences of Selling the Family Business
by Paul Edelman / Practice Insight

A strong valuation is not enough. Families need to understand the emotional, relational, and governance consequences of selling before they commit. Read more...

A Family Illness Can Infect the Business, Too
by Kristen Shanine, Kristen Madison, and Marilyn Whitman / Research Insight

Serious health problems can disrupt leadership, finances, customer relationships, and more. New research shows how family firms can prevent  illness from becoming a business crisis. Read more...

Trending
How Family Dynamics Shape Family Businesses
by Joseph Astrachan and Claudia Binz Astrachan
Things to Consider When Transferring Family Business Ownership
by Susan Lanz, Gary Burke, Kajsa Haag, and Omid Omidvar
Fair Does Not Always Mean Equal: Ownership Decisions in Family Business
by Claudia Binz Astrachan, Lindsay Hardie, and Joseph Astrachan
Editorial offices located at St Thomas University

Editorial offices located at St Thomas University