Profile
Member Since 2021
Public Member, Family Business Editor, Reviewer - FB.org
Tom Rüsen
CEO / WIFU‑Foundation
AUTHORED RESOURCES
Family Business Succession Planning: 10 Golden Rules
182784 views
While every family business is different, these guidelines can help most firms smooth out the succession process and maintain family relations as a bonus. Read More...
'Let’s Not Go There...' Taboos in Family Business
26110 views
Many families dare not discuss certain topics because they want to preserve the illusion of harmony and unity. But these taboo topics are bound to erupt sooner or later. Read More...
What All Family Businesses Can Learn From the Merck Family
10708 views
The Germany-based global health care, pharmaceutical and performance materials firm has kept its vast family ownership team aligned for 13 generations. Read More...
Developing Your Business Family Strategy: Where to Start and What to Consider
6116 views
Successful, long-lasting business families share an understanding of what is important to them, what they want to do together, and how they want to work together to achieve their collective goals and vision. Read More...
Why Don't You Educate Your Owners?
98048 views
Everyone agrees that families should train members to become competent owners and stewards of the family business – but few of them actually walk the talk. Read More...
Involve Next-Gens in Developing Your Social Media Policy
5976 views
Consider a social media policy as a relatively “low-hanging fruit” to introduce the next generation to family governance work. Read More...
Include the Extended Family in Your Ownership Strategy
8320 views
Your ownership strategy should consider that in future generations the family firm will likely have many more owners. Take a broader focus when you develop it. Read More...
Senior Leaders: Prepare Early to Let Go of the Business
8886 views
A handover often marks the end of life as the leader knows it and the start of a new and unfamiliar phase. A grieving process is not uncommon. Read More...
Your Family’s Mental Model Might Be Fueling Its Conflicts
18228 views
Different ways of thinking shape how families make decisions, resolve tensions, and pass leadership across generations. Read More...
Cooperating with Competitors is Good Business in Japan
37908 views
In Japan, family businesses are encouraged to help one another for the benefit of their shared customers and their community. It has helped them survive setbacks and thrive. Read More...
Helping Daughters Become Successful Family Business Leaders
56 views
Daughters can become strong and credible successors when families involve them early, clarify authority, support professional development, and make room for new models of leadership. Read More...