Spark & Ward Center Leadership Roundtables

Weaving Academic Excellence into Family Office Leadership

Session Guides

Strategic Governance

March 18 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT | Virtual

Register for this session

Overview

Recognition of the importance of good governance for the long term success of business families is not new. Family businesses and family offices have been using governance mechanisms to ensure continuity for some time. Unfortunately, and in spite of broad recognition of the importance of governance, most families are only capturing part of the potential benefits. One of the primary causes of this is a lack of strategic focus.

Based on our experience at the Ward Center, families tend to take a very defensive posture when it comes to governance and thus miss the true potential benefits. This is especially true when it comes to the family side of the equation.

In this session we will explore:

  • Why families tend to take a defensive approach to governance

  • How this mindset limits the true strategic benefits of governance

  • Practical ways to adjust your governance approach

  • Strategies for strengthening the family side of the equation

Format

This isn’t a typical webinar or presentation. Our participatory roundtable format combines:

  • Expert insight from a leading academic source

  • Confidential, small group discussions

  • Peer-based problem solving

Discussion Questions

Questions to consider in preparation for the session:  

  1. How satisfied am I with my experience with my family enterprise/office up until now?  Why?

  2. What would I most like to learn about governance in a family enterprise/office?

  3. Looking ahead for my family, what am I most worried about? What is the one thing that could keep us from accomplishing our goals?

  4. Looking ahead for my family, what am I most excited and hopeful about? What future possibility for the family is most exciting for me?   

Recommended Resources