MODULE 1

Build Generational Understanding of the Family Business Landscape

• Introduce the Family Enterprise Model and its application to succession and continuity.
• Define Continuity vs. Succession and guide participants in assessing their business’s stage in the continuity journey.
• Explore the Three-Circle Model (Family, Business, Ownership) with an emphasis on the family component’s impact on business.

MODULE 2

Family Dynamics in Generational Transitions

• Define the roles and responsibilities of owners and differentiate value vs. control in ownership transitions.
• Introduce Family Dynamics: Navigating relationships, power structures, and decision-making processes.
• Discuss succession planning for both ownership and leadership.
• Address common challenges: passive vs. active owners, decision-making tensions, and aligning family members’ expectations.

MODULE 3

Create a Path forward with Governance 

• Review governance structures and their role in family business sustainability.
• Define key governance mechanisms: family councils, boards of directors, ownership meetings/councils, ownership agreements.
• Discuss how governance supports decision-making, continuity, and conflict resolution

Key Takeaways:

• Build Generational Understanding - Get everyone aligned on the challenges and aspirations of being in business together—from founders to rising next-gens.
• Communicate Across Generations - Address tough topics—succession, roles, expectations—before they become sources of conflict.
• Turn “Familiness” Into Strength - Harness your unique family culture and values as a strategic advantage in succession and decision-making.
• Create a Path Forward with Governance - Learn how simple governance structures like family or ownership meetings make transitions smoother and relationships stronger.

This isn’t just a course. It’s a conversation your family can’t afford to miss.

Member Price

$695

Free!

(You must be signed in to your membership account to access this )

Gaia Marchisio

Gaia is currently Professor of Professional Practice and Faculty Director for the Global Family Enterprise Program at Columbia University, and former Executive Director of Cox Family Enterprise Center and Aronoff Professor of Family Business at Kennesaw State University. She is also a visiting scholar at family-business-focused education institutions worldwide.

As program creator and researcher, Gaia has worked with IFC (World Bank), Family Business Network in Asia (as Chief Learning Officer), McKinsey, and others, and is on faculty with the Canada-based FEA program. As speaker, she has presented on wide-ranging topics at YPO, Egon Zehnder, Grant Thornton, and many others.

Originally from Italy, Gaia is a naturalized US citizen who speaks fluent English, Italian, and Spanish.

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR FEAs:

Please note that this program is specifically designed for business families. FEAs are welcome to attend for free if they register a family business client. Their family business client will also attend for free.

Please confirm the name(s) of the family client you would like to register for this course by emailing fea@familyenterprise.ca

Non-Member Price

$695*

(Includes up to two tickets)

• FEC Members — Can register for this course for free
• Non-Members — $695 plus tax, includes up to two tickets 
• A Special Opportunity For Non-Members — If you decide to join FEC as a member after attending this course, we’ll apply the full cost of this course towards your annual membership fees
• FEA(s) — Are welcome to attend for free if they register a family business client. Please confirm the name(s) of the family client you would like to register for this course by emailing fea@familyenterprise.ca