Earlier this month I attended the second annual Institute for Family Governance (IFG) conference in New York City. This year’s theme was “Governance From Strategy to Execution: Integrating Consulting, Financial, & Legal Advice”. As was true last year, at the inaugural conference, I appreciated the opportunity to hear and consider a variety of perspectives on […]
Radio interview with Ira Bryck
Please enjoy this interview conducted by Ira Bryck, President, Family Business Center of Pioneer Valley, Inc. Ira interviewed Richard Lutringer and me about mediation in family businesses. The interview was broadcast on the “Western Massachusetts Business Show” on January 6, 2018. We discussed how mediation and facilitated family meetings can help families and their […]
Attorneys For Family-Held Enterprises (AFHE) presentation
I enjoyed the opportunity to present to the international Attorneys for Family-Held Enterprises (AFHE) Mid-Year Conference in Cleveland, OH on November 10, 2017. Richard Lutringer and I talked about “Using Mediation Within the Family Enterprise to Bring Positive Change From Internal Conflict”. It was a great chance to discuss (because interactive presentations are my favorite […]
Harnessing the Power of Being Heard — now in Mandarin, with great illustrations!
My article, “Harnessing the Power of Being Heard”, has been translated into Mandarin, and great illustrations have been added, courtesy of my friend, Pierre duPont, of HPM Partners in New York. The article has been posted on Pierre’s WeChat account. Here’s the article in Mandarin and English: 倾听的力量 （Harnessing the Power of Being Heard） 简.拜达尔 […]
Harnessing the Power of Being Heard
My article, “Harnessing the Power of Being Heard“, was published today in the Family Firm Institute (FFI) Practitioner. It is the first article in a series leading up to the FFI annual conference in Chicago, in October, 2017. The conference theme is “Electrifying”, which explains this introduction by Asher Noor, of the Practitioner Editorial Committee: […]
How my work with ostriches helps families and their businesses handle conflict
It can be tempting for all of us to choose not to handle conflict. That’s part of why I work with ostriches: the human equivalent of the birds who (mythically) react to problems by burying their heads in the sand. It’s not a good option for birds (asphyxiation) or humans (problems get worse as you […]
Do it while you still can — adventures and conversations
I recently heard the ongoing conversations of a couple of healthy 70-something guys planning adventures to enjoy while they still can. (The occasion, sadly, was the funeral of a dear friend.) Hearing them continuing to add items to their bucket lists (while happily checking off others) reminded me of the value of having important family […]
Exit Planning Exchange (XPX) Case Study
The Connecticut Chapter of the Exit Planning Exchange (XPX) has started this year’s case study, involving a business whose partners are planning ahead for an eventual exit (bravo for advance planning!) The case study involves a business started nearly 20 years ago by three partners who were best buddies in college. Although theirs is not […]
Family business mediation or facilitation — how they differ
Mediation and facilitated meetings address both the challenges and the opportunities of family businesses. Although the boundary can blur, there are a few differences between mediation and facilitation. Engagement in a mediation process is typically triggered by a specific dispute. The goal is for those involved to craft an agreement, with the help […]
Certificates Earned in Family Business Advising and Family Wealth Advising
I am proud to announce that I have completed a fifteen month educational program and have been awarded both the FFI GEN (Global Educational Network) Certificate in Family Business Advising (CFBA) and Certificate in Family Wealth Advising (CFWA) by the Family Firm Institute. It has been a great experience: excellent faculty, comprehensive and thought-provoking readings […]
