What does responsible ownership mean for family-owned businesses operating amid international expansion, generational transitions, intense competition for talent, and constantly evolving market conditions? That question sat at the heart of the closing roundtable of the Family Firms: Purpose, Economic Performance and Social Impact Conference, held on March 16 on IESE’s Madrid campus. The discussion brought […]
IESE EVENT: Forging next-generation leaders in family firms
You are cordially invited to the March 2 Alumni session, “Acompañando y formando a las generaciones jóvenes de la familia empresaria.” Led by IAE Prof. Pedro Vázquez, the Spanish-language session will explore the opportunities, risks and educational considerations involved in preparing next-generation members to responsibly steward both wealth and family values. Date: Monday, March 2 […]
IESE EVENT: Families as responsible shareholders
Over the years, the Chair of Family-Owned Business has written extensively about one central idea: strong families don’t automatically evolve into strong owners. Solid values, commitment and a long-term perspective are real advantages of family ownership, but they only translate into sustainable performance when supported by robust governance. In many family firms, governance issues might […]
3 insights to enhance family dynamics
A father and daughter sit in a boardroom. He believes he’s giving her sound advice; she hears only criticism. Across the table, what could be a constructive dialogue turns into stony silence and simmering resentment. Scenarios like this play out every day in family firms, where conversations carry multiple layers of meaning. Running a family […]
Annual Report 2024-25
Between academic sessions, new research, conferences and ongoing dialogue with all of you, the Chair of Family-Owned Business made significant strides over the past academic year. We hope you enjoy our Annual Report 2024-25, a showcase of our most important achievements over the academic year in support of the owners, leaders and collaborators of family […]
The importance of adaptive intelligence in family firms
In a world where change is the only constant, our greatest risk isn’t ignorance, but certainty. In my recent Forbes article, I highlight the importance of Adaptability Quotient (AQ): the ability to adjust and pivot when reality doesn’t align with our expectations. AQ is essential for leaders of all types of organizations, but especially in […]
EVENT IESE-IEF on May 30: “Key Moments in the Evolution of Family Business”
Don’t miss the 2nd IESE-IEF Forum for Reflection! Mark your calendar for May 30, when we will convene leaders, experts and scholars on IESE’s Barcelona campus to debate the key moments that define the future and continuity of family businesses. If you are an owner, executive or collaborator of a family-owned firm, be sure to […]
The “S” in ESG: social commitment in family business
Family businesses form the cornerstone of the global economy. Their ability to create employment, drive innovation and enhance social cohesion also makes them a key player in the transformation toward a more sustainable world. That said, the social dimension of ESG (environmental, social and governance) in family-owned firms remains a challenge both in terms of […]
Happiness as a strategic pillar
Far more than an abstract ideal, happiness a fundamental condition for both individual and collective success. Martin Seligman, a global authority in positive psychology, offers the PERMA model as the foundation of well-being, built upon five core components: positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning and accomplishment. As a professor specialized in human behavior within organizations, I’ve […]
Our mission: offering integral support for family-owned firms
It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as the new holder of IESE’s Chair of Family-Owned Business, which in 1987 became the first of its kind in Europe. Deep ties to family business Throughout the years, the Chair has witnessed profound shifts in the global business landscape while remaining true to its […]