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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Can a Family Business Consultant Really Help? Nine Experts Explain What Families Often Miss
by Holly Eddleston and Kimberly Eddleston / Practice Insight

Family business consultants often create their greatest value in unexpected ways: helping families uncover the real reasons they're stuck, have difficult conversations, and make better decisions. Read more...

Build a Family Governance Talent Pipeline Before You Need One
by Claudia Binz Astrachan / Applied and Practice

Don’t wait for a vacancy. Prepare family members now — through education, mentoring, clear expectations, and hands-on experience — to serve on boards, family councils, and committees. Read more...

'Family-Owned' or 'Family-Run'? The Words You Use Can Affect Customer Trust
by Sabrina Finkbeiner, Jan-Philipp Ahrens, Christoph Burmann, and Michael Schade / Research Insight

Family businesses often promote their ownership and heritage to build trust. Research suggests that “family-run” may send a stronger message than “family-owned” — and that adding more heritage claims can sometimes backfire. Read more...

Founder Succession: Six Lessons From 15 CEOs Who Actually Lived It
by Micheal Parkhurst / Applied and Practice

What happens after the founder steps aside? Interviews with successor CEOs reveal the emotional, organizational, and family dynamics that determine whether leadership transitions succeed—or stall. Read more...

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Editorial offices located at St Thomas University

Editorial offices located at St Thomas University