Spark & Ward Center Leadership Roundtables

Weaving Academic Excellence into Family Office Leadership

Session Guides

Session Two: Legacy Leadership

June 4 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM PT | Virtual

Overview

In both the family business and family office space, the concept of “legacy” is often used as a catch all for everything related to the role of and purpose of the family.  In spite of regular references to legacy, most families know very little about what legacy actually is and even less about how to deliberately shape their legacy.  For example, most references to legacy are focused on the past, but legacy can and should influence the present and the future as well.  Likewise, when employed improperly, invoking the family legacy can anchor the business to the past and impede positive adaptations and change. 

Based on cutting edge research including some work that is just getting started at the Ward Center, this discussion will focus on the true meaning of legacy.  In addition, participants will learn how families can leverage the best from the past while leaving behind ideas or approaches that are no longer relevant in order to craft a meaningful legacy that can unite the family and provide direction in troubling times.

In this session we will explore:

  • Misconceptions about the concept of legacy

  • Recent research exploring the true connection between family and legacy

  • Examples of families that are successfully leveraging the positive aspects of legacy

  • Practical ways to actively shape your own family’s legacy

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. What is something that you picked up from the prior generation “unintentionally”? This could be a belief, an approach to doing things, phrases you use or habits you have. 

  2. If you could describe the legacy that you “received” from your family with one word, what would that word be? 

  3. If you could describe the legacy that you would like to “leave” to your family when you are gone with one word, what would that word be?

  4. Why do some events, experiences and ideas stick with families across generations and others do not?    

Recommended Resources

Downloads

View and download Matt Allen’s slides here.

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Session One: Strategic Governance

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

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

Downloads

View and download Matt Allen’s slides here.