Ensuring the longevity of a family business across generations is a complex challenge that requires a deliberate and strategic approach. Family business continuity is not just about succession planning; it involves creating a robust governance structure, fostering healthy family dynamics, and preserving the core values that built the enterprise. This course is designed to equip current and future leaders with the executive strategies needed to navigate these unique complexities, guaranteeing a smooth transition of leadership and the sustainable growth of your company's legacy. Learn how to transform potential pitfalls into opportunities, securing both the family's harmony and the business's prosperity for decades to come.

This intensive, five-day program offers a comprehensive framework for addressing the most critical issues facing family enterprises today. We will delve into establishing clear roles, managing stakeholder expectations, and building a governance model that fosters accountability and innovation. By exploring best practices in financial stewardship, conflict resolution, and strategic diversification, participants will gain the confidence and tools to develop an actionable plan that safeguards generational wealth, enhances family unity, and ensures the business remains a source of pride and purpose for future generations.

Duration: 5 days

Target Audience:

• Current and next-generation family members in leadership roles
• CEOs and senior executives of family-owned businesses
• Board members and independent directors of family companies
• Wealth and financial advisors to family businesses
• Entrepreneurs considering transitioning their business to the next generation
• Professional non-family managers within family firms
• Legal and tax professionals specializing in family wealth
• Consultants and coaches for family enterprises
• Individuals involved in philanthropic and family office management
• Heads of Human Resources and organizational development

Objectives:

• Develop a comprehensive succession plan for leadership and ownership
• Establish a robust family and corporate governance framework
• Learn to manage and resolve family and business conflicts effectively
• Create a communication protocol to foster trust and transparency
• Implement strategies for the financial health and growth of the business
• Prepare the next generation for their roles and responsibilities
• Integrate non-family executives into the family business culture
• Understand legal, tax, and estate planning considerations
• Align family values with the long-term strategic vision of the enterprise

Course Modules:

Module 1: The Foundation of a Lasting Family Legacy

• The unique nature and challenges of family businesses
• Understanding the three-circle model of family, ownership, and management
• Identifying and articulating family values and their role in the business
• Defining the mission, vision, and purpose of the enterprise
• Assessing the current state of family dynamics and business health

Module 2: Governance and Structure

• Establishing a family council or forum for decision-making
• Creating a corporate board with independent directors
• Developing a family constitution or charter
• Defining clear roles, responsibilities, and performance metrics
• The role of formal and informal structures in governance

Module 3: Strategic Succession Planning

• Differentiating between leadership and ownership succession
• Identifying and mentoring future leaders
• Creating a phased transition timeline and process
• Communicating the succession plan to all stakeholders
• Preparing for unexpected succession events

Module 4: Navigating Family Dynamics and Conflict

• The causes and common patterns of family conflict in business
• Implementing effective communication and listening skills
• Developing a structured process for conflict resolution
• Managing entitlement and meritocracy in the family firm
• Building a culture of respect and accountability

Module 5: Financial Stewardship and Wealth Preservation

• The principles of responsible financial management for a family business
• Understanding the balance between business needs and family distributions
• Strategies for reinvestment and capital allocation
• The role of a family office in managing multi-generational wealth
• Measuring and communicating financial performance to family stakeholders

Module 6: Strategic Growth and Innovation

• Identifying new market opportunities and diversification strategies
• The role of the next generation in driving innovation
• Balancing traditional values with modern business practices
• Developing a strategic plan for long-term growth
• Planning for mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures

Module 7: Integrating Non-Family Talent

• The importance of attracting and retaining professional non-family executives
• Creating a compensation and incentive structure for non-family talent
• Defining clear reporting lines and authority for non-family leaders
• Fostering a cohesive team culture between family and non-family employees
• Managing the transition of power from family to non-family leaders

Module 8: Legal, Tax, and Estate Planning

• Key legal documents for a family business
• Understanding business ownership structures and shareholder agreements
• Strategies for minimizing tax burdens during transition
• The role of trusts, wills, and estate planning
• Protecting assets and intellectual property

Module 9: The Future of the Family Legacy

• Aligning the family's philanthropic vision with business success
• Creating a lasting legacy beyond financial wealth
• Strategies for maintaining family unity post-transition
• Developing a mindset of stewardship and responsibility
• Building a roadmap for the family's continued journey

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.