Family Business Insights

In a family business, culture is often treated like a piece of antique furniture-something we’ve inherited, something we value, but something we rarely think about reupholstering. But if you aren’t actively designing your culture, it is being formed by default. “Default” culture is what happens when you let old habits, unaddressed tensions, and “the way […]

Succession planning isn’t only about preparing the next generation – it’s also about preparing the founder to step back with confidence. For many founders and senior leaders, stepping back from the family business can feel exposing and unmooring – even risky. How do you walk away from something that represents years of work and sacrifice? […]

The statistics are a wake-up call for any family legacy. According to the Family Firm Institute, only 30% of family businesses successfully transition to the second generation, and a mere 12% survive to the third. While many assume these failures are due to poor financial planning or market shifts, the reality is far more personal. […]

The year 2026 isn’t just another date on the calendar for family businesses; it’s a rapidly approaching crossroads. While the world outside our walls accelerates with AI, new market demands, and a shifting workforce, many family enterprises find themselves caught in a familiar trap: the relentless cycle of firefighting. You know the drill: urgent emails, […]

Let’s cut right to the chase: When was the last time you truly stopped? Not just stopped working, but stopped thinking about the market, the payroll, or the next family board meeting? In the world of a family business, “busy” is a badge of honor. You’re constantly moving, making decisions, balancing legacy against profit. Taking […]

Leading a family business presents a unique set of challenges and profound rewards. The lines between personal and professional commitment are already blurred, making the health of your team – and your own well-being – critical. The most powerful, yet often overlooked, tool for achieving resilience, cohesion, and sustained success is gratitude. Gratitude must be […]

High performance isn’t found; it’s engineered. For leaders in a family-owned business, this means moving beyond the traditional role of manager and becoming the Chief Architect of the team environment. To unlock excellence, you must focus your energy on two vital areas: inspiring the high performing individual and intentionally designing the high performing team. Part […]

When I was fairly young (at which time my kids assume dinosaurs roamed the Earth), I would play chess with my grandfather when I visited his house. To be honest, I really didn’t remember these games as he passed away when I was in high school. Years later, my grandmother gave me a chess set […]

At our most recent Leadership Development session, I had the privilege of discussing a topic incredibly close to my heart, especially for those of us navigating the unique waters of a family-owned business: Emotional Intelligence (EQ). If you were with me, you know that EQ isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the invisible force that can […]

The judges met and the results are in! Here are the honorees we will be celebrating at our 27th Annual Family Business Awards program on November 12th!