An optional, complimentary pre-conference session for first-time Transitions attendees and others who wish to brush up on key family business terms and practices. A special section has been added on private company governance/board best practices. The session will also offer tips on how to get the most out of the conference experience.
Customers are increasingly considering a company’s values and mission in purchasing decisions. Anecdotal evidence has shown that the intrinsic traits of a family business (long-term, multi-stakeholder focus and values-driven culture) appeal to business-to-consumer and business-to-business customers. Panelists will discuss how they have promoted their company as a family business to drive customer engagements. What messaging resonates best? How do panelists’ companies promote these traits to attract talent? What policies have they established (e.g., regarding social media) to ensure that family members’ actions strengthen, rather than erode, the family brand?
A conversation with Craig and Matt Nielsen from Nielsen-Massey.
Many family companies take care to hire executives who fit in with the family culture. But non-family team members at all levels of the organization can go beyond cultural fit — they can actually enhance the family culture through their contributions to the company and its mission. Panelists will discuss how their non-family team members have strengthened the family brand.
Changing technology and markets, as well as growth in the family and the resulting diversity, can render traditional ways of running the business or making family decisions obsolete. Panelists will discuss how they found the right balance between making needed changes and continuing the core aspects of the family legacy.
Transforming Your Family Enterprise Culture, Thomas Epperson, Innerwill
Professionalizing Your Family Business Board, Carin Robinson, PwC & Michael Bench, Jake’s Finer Foods
How to Create an Inclusive Environment for Married-Ins, Aggie Johnson, Generations to Generations
Family Culture and Dividend Policy, Travis Harms, Mercer Capital
Overcoming Behavioral Biases In Family Business Decisions, Erich Hickey and Joseph Zaccardi, Drexel Morgan
Applying Your Business Acumen to Your Philanthropy, Robyn Calisti Hullihan, Foundation Source
The Influence of Family Culture on Succession Planning, Nichol MacManus and Ben Persofsky, Brown Brothers Harriman
Bring your Family Constitution to Life: A guide to capturing your family story, Kevin Heaton & Tom Wood, i3
Panelists will share their strategies for uniting family members who don’t work in the business in a culture of partnership with the board and management. Topics to be discussed include family education about the business, family policies and family bonding activities.
Philanthropy: The Secret to Generations of Thriving Family Culture, Susan Jenevein, Tolleson Wealth Management
An Intentional Approach to Improving Family Communications, Anna Nichols, Altair Advisers
Movers and Changers: Integrating the NextGen into Family Culture, Barb Dartt and Aileen Miziolek, Family Business Consulting Group
An interview with William Flesch from Gordon Flesch Company.
Transforming Your Family Enterprise Culture, Thomas Epperson, Innerwill
Professionalizing Your Family Business Board, Carin Robinson, PwC & Michael Bench, Jake’s Finer Foods
How to Create an Inclusive Environment for Married-Ins, Aggie Johnson, Generations to Generations
Family Culture and Dividend Policy, Travis Harms, Mercer Capital
Overcoming Behavioral Biases In Family Business Decisions, Erich Hickey and Joseph Zaccardi, Drexel Morgan
Applying Your Business Acumen to Your Philanthropy, Robyn Calisti Hullihan, Foundation Source
The Influence of Family Culture on Succession Planning, Nichol MacManus and Ben Persofsky, Brown Brothers Harriman
Bring your Family Constitution to Life: A guide to capturing your family story, Kevin Heaton & Tom Wood, i3
What are the rewards of including married-ins and significant others in family and business matters, and even encouraging them to become leaders in the business? How can a family develop a culture that welcomes married-ins and demonstrates inclusivity? Panelists will discuss the positive impact of including married-ins.
