In spring 2024, the Family Business Institute hosts a series of events in a new format – the Festival for Business Families. One of the conferences took place on May 10, 2024, at the Las Woda hotel in Wilga, providing a platform for industry leaders and entrepreneurs to delve into critical aspects of family business management. The event featured impactful speeches by the founder and CEO of the Family Business Institute, Dr. Adrianna Lewandowska, followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion and a series of deep dives.

During the deep dives, participants had the opportunity to address their concerns regarding succession planning in their family businesses and share valuable lessons learned. They shared their dilemmas and asked questions, including how to structure a family business and what advantages and shortcomings a holding has compared to dispersed and concentrated structures in terms of taxation and flexibility.

Experts on change management addressed attendees' questions about the transfer of power in a company, how to find common vision and values between different generations, and how to transfer knowledge during succession.

An expert psychologist answered questions about striking a balance between a nuclear family and a business family, leadership, and managing different needs and character.

Expert knowledge in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) aspects helped attendees navigate new and complex challenges and opportunities in the business world.

Throughout the event, attendees engaged in meaningful discussions, exchanged insights, and forged valuable connections within the family business community.

“We find the deep dive formula to be particularly conducive to knowledge exchange and fostering empathy,” said Dr. Adrianna Lewandowska.

The evening concluded with a relaxed dinner, fostering further networking opportunities and informal conversations.

The event exemplified the Family Business Institute's commitment to advancing the success and sustainability of family-owned enterprises through knowledge-sharing and collaboration.

The series of spring events is followed by a conference in Warsaw in October 2024. Details soon on www.festiwalrodzinbiznesowych.pl.

Here is what the participants said after the event:

"We deal with succession every day, but I never knew how deep, hard, and long this road is.

"I had never been to such an event before."

"All participants were very open, and when they told their stories, real emotions were visible."

"This festival was priceless; I realized that the most important thing is not the succession itself but what comes after it."

"At the festival, I felt an understanding of my problems, but I also received immense support regarding my passions and energy."

"From the festival, I will remember a very important quote: 'A FAMILY BUSINESS EXISTS TO ENDURE.'"