Families in Business

Harvard executive education participants conversing atrium lounge

Learn how to navigate the unique challenges that family enterprises face—and how to leverage their distinct strengths to build a thriving, resilient organization. 

  • Dates

    Nov 10 – 15, 2024

  • Status

    Accepting Applications

  • Format

    In-Person

  • Location

    HBS Campus

  • Fee

    $17,500

  • Application Due

    Oct 31, 2024

The program fee covers tuition, program materials, accommodations, and most meals.

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Managing family dynamics while you grow a business is a complex but rewarding task. Doing so successfully requires a combination of effective policies, strong communication, and shared goals. 
 
Families in Business provides space and time to share ideas, strengthen relationships, and work together to define and pursue your objectives. Along the way, you’ll learn proven strategies and build an action plan that will lead your family enterprise through each stage of growth.  

Key Program Features

Key Topics

  • Manage the complex dynamics of family enterprise systems 

  • Leverage your family’s strengths and address its vulnerabilities 

  • Build effective communication practices and manage family conflict 

  • Develop growth strategies that preserve the family’s intent for the business  

  • Determine if establishing a family office is the right approach for your enterprise 

  • Create governance policies and plans for the family's involvement with the business 

  • Cultivate the next generation of effective managers, shareholders, and family members 

Program Format

  • 6
    days on the HBS campus
  • 12–15
    hours of pre-program work

Case materials and a detailed schedule will be made available approximately two weeks prior to program start.

Who Should Attend

  • This program is designed for family enterprise executives and other members of the business, spanning all generations and roles 

  • Family enterprises include operating companies, family offices, and family foundations—all of which will find value in this program 

Global Perspective

Two female and two male executives sit and smile around a table filled with notes.
9%
Africa
16%
Asia Pacific
6%
Europe
9%
Latin America
11%
Middle East
49%
North America

Companies That Have Participated

  • Bepensa Bebidas, S.A. de C.V.
  • C&C Alpha Group Limited
  • Clairmont Trust
  • EF Education First
  • Lululemon Athletica
  • Marvin Engineering
  • Novus Aviation Capital
  • Stew Leonard's
  • Suzano Group
  • Triple Crown Sports

Teaching Team

All our executive education programs are developed and taught by a team of widely recognized HBS faculty. Many are skilled educators, groundbreaking researchers, and award-winning authors. Through their board memberships, consulting, and field-based research, they address the complex challenges facing business leaders across the globe.

Faculty Chair

Faculty

The HBS Experience

This in-person program takes place on our storied campus where you'll live and learn at the heart of Boston's vibrant business, academic, and technology hubs.

At HBS, every detail is carefully calibrated to drive your success. Living arrangements and classrooms that spark connection. Unrivaled academic resources. And rejuvenating fitness, dining, and cultural amenities.

View of Executive Education area of HBS campus

The dedicated Executive Education area of campus features multiple classroom buildings and three residence halls around a quad

Residence hall bedroom and bathroom, with woman looking out a window

Our well-appointed residence halls feature private bedrooms, living group lounges, and courtyards to fuel vibrant discussions

Admissions

We admit applicants on a rolling, space-available basis, so you are encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible.

The selective admissions process is based on professional achievement, organizational responsibility, and the admissions criteria for each program as described in Who Should Attend. There are no formal educational requirements for HBS Executive Education programs.

Learn more about the admissions process and requirements.

Program content, dates, schedule, fees, technology platforms, and faculty are subject to change. In accordance with Harvard University policy, Harvard Business School does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex or sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, veteran status, or disability in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities.