The phenomenom of financial activism has broadened its reach, no longer reserved for U.S.-based companies or large multinationals. More and more, activist funds–especially hedge funds–are buying stakes in companies they consider “mismanaged” or under-optimized, aiming to force changes in their strategy and governance, and in some cases, even their shareholder structure. Hedge funds and family […]
Family as a value in family business
When I meet a business family, I usually start by asking about their values. With one notable exception, when my query was answered with a portfolio of stock market investments–naturally I had to redirect the conversation–most open up by sharing their personal values and those they hold as a family. In my dealings with successful, […]
WHAT’S NEW: Corporate culture, your secret sauce for strategic success
“Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” Even though this business quote is cited often, organizations still seem to struggle with making practical sense of it. For family-owned firms, investing in corporate culture is a strategically savvy move—and one that family businesses are uniquely positioned to make. Your secret sauce for strategic success Homepage image: Walls.io on […]
ESG pay in family businesses: what boards and CEOs need to know
Co-author: Jessenia Davila, Post-Doctoral Researcher at IESE Environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria have become an established practice in the corporate landscape, leading more firms to tie executive compensation to ESG performance. Known as ESG pay, this approach is transforming incentive structures and redefining the meaning of success at the top. But for the leaders […]
Optionality: Thriving in an uncertain future
In an era marked by trade tensions, disruptive technologies and shifting global priorities, the ability to adapt quickly can be a decisive advantage. As businesses grapple with ever-changing conditions, one approach deserves special attention: optionality. Popularized by Nassim Nicholas Taleb–former Wall Street trader, scholar and author of The Black Swan and Antifragile–optionality entails keeping multiple […]
Shared family purpose: a path to multigenerational success
Guest contributor: Tarek el Sehity Tarek el Sehity is a researcher and lecturer at Sigmund Freud University in Vienna. As Viktor Frankl wisely observed, “Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose.” This insight holds particular relevance for family-owned businesses, underscoring the critical importance of a shared purpose […]