Introduction

In the unique landscape of family-owned businesses, balancing familial relationships with sound corporate practices is paramount for ensuring long-term sustainability, intergenerational succession, and continued prosperity. These enterprises face distinct governance challenges, from managing family dynamics and ownership transitions to attracting non-family talent and professionalizing operations. This comprehensive training course is meticulously designed to equip current and aspiring leaders, family members, and advisors with the essential frameworks and practical strategies to implement robust governance structures that foster both family harmony and business excellence.

This 5-day intensive program will empower participants to cultivate a deep understanding of family governance models, master succession planning, and refine their ability to lead with clarity and fairness across the family, ownership, and business spheres. You will learn to establish clear decision-making processes, manage conflicts constructively, and build resilient structures that support growth while preserving family values. By mastering these critical competencies, you will enhance your capacity to navigate the complexities of family business, ensure smooth transitions, and secure a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Family Business Owners and Leaders
• Next-Generation Family Members entering the business
• Non-Family Executives in Family Businesses
• Board Members (Family and Independent)
• Family Office Professionals
• Wealth Advisors and Estate Planners
• Legal Counsel specializing in Family Business
• Consultants to Family Businesses
• Aspiring Entrepreneurs from Family Backgrounds
• Anyone involved in the governance or succession of a family enterprise

Objectives

• Understand the unique governance challenges and opportunities in family-owned businesses.
• Develop a strategic framework for separating family, ownership, and business governance.
• Master techniques for effective family communication and conflict resolution.
• Learn to design and implement robust succession planning processes for leadership and ownership.
• Cultivate skills in establishing independent boards and advisory committees.
• Enhance transparency and accountability within the family business structure.
• Understand the role of family constitutions and shareholder agreements.
• Develop strategies for managing wealth and philanthropic endeavors.
• Create a personalized action plan for improving governance in your family business.

Course Modules

Module 1: The Unique Nature of Family Business Governance

• Defining family-owned businesses and their distinct characteristics.
• Understanding the "three-circle model": family, ownership, and business.
• Exploring the common challenges and strengths of family enterprises.
• The importance of formal governance structures for long-term sustainability.
• Case studies of successful and challenged family businesses.

Module 2: Family Governance Structures and Protocols

• Establishing a family council or assembly: roles, responsibilities, and decision-making.
• Developing a family constitution or charter: principles, values, and rules.
• Managing family employment policies and compensation for family members.
• Strategies for fostering family unity and shared vision.
• Resolving family disputes and disagreements constructively.

Module 3: Ownership Governance and Wealth Management

• Understanding different ownership structures (e.g., trusts, holding companies).
• Developing clear shareholder agreements and voting protocols.
• Strategies for managing liquidity and shareholder distributions.
• The role of the family office in wealth management and philanthropy.
• Planning for intergenerational wealth transfer and estate planning.

Module 4: Business Governance: Boards and Advisory Committees

• The importance of an effective board of directors for family businesses.
• Differentiating between family boards, advisory boards, and independent boards.
• Strategies for recruiting and integrating independent directors.
• The role of board committees (e.g., audit, compensation).
• Enhancing board effectiveness and strategic oversight.

Module 5: Succession Planning for Leadership and Ownership

• Developing a comprehensive succession plan for the CEO and key leadership roles.
• Identifying and developing next-generation talent (family and non-family).
• Managing the transition process: mentorship, training, and handover.
• Planning for ownership succession and wealth transfer across generations.
• Overcoming emotional and practical barriers to succession.

Module 6: Professionalizing the Family Business

• Strategies for attracting and retaining non-family talent.
• Implementing performance management systems and clear career paths.
• Developing robust financial controls and reporting.
• Fostering a culture of meritocracy and accountability.
• Balancing family values with professional management practices.

Module 7: Sustaining Legacy and Impact

• Defining the family's legacy and its long-term vision.
• Integrating philanthropy and social responsibility into the family business.
• Strategies for continuous learning and adaptation across generations.
• Building resilience and preparing for future challenges.
• Creating a personalized action plan for ensuring the longevity and success of your family business.

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.