New programme to tackle issues faced by family firms

The programme covers critical areas important to family businesses, including generational transitions, leadership structures and governance to navigate and overcome the complexities of business management.

Cambridge Judge Business School Executive Education announced the launch of its 6-month Cambridge Family Business Leadership Programme. This programme provides family business leaders with strategic skills for long-term success, addressing unique challenges faced by family enterprises. Launched in collaboration with Emeritus, a global leader in making high-quality education accessible and affordable, enrolment is now open for a December 2024 start.

One of the main challenges – failing to survive into second generation

Family businesses generate trillions in annual turnover and create thousands of jobs worldwide. However, despite their critical role in the global economy, as per the Family Business Institute, only 30% of them survive into the second generation. They are often plagued by challenges related to generational transition, leadership issues and governance. The Cambridge Family Business Leadership Programme addresses these challenges by providing participants with the necessary tools to ensure long-term sustainability and growth.

Through a blend of in-person and online learning modules, participants will explore the founder-to-family business journey, learning best practices in finance, operations, stakeholder engagement and capital stewardship. They will also interact and engage with faculty and global leaders of family-owned businesses, gaining unique perspectives on strategic thinking, growth and competition. By the end of the programme, participants will have enhanced their expertise in long-term strategies, wealth management, impact investment, mergers and acquisitions, governance, conflict management, strategic foresight, leadership and succession planning.

Blended sessions will focus on intersection of finance, strategy and wealth management

“Family businesses make a significant contribution to economies around the world, helping in economic growth, job creation, advancing innovation and fostering community development. The intersection of finance, operations, wealth management, strategy and other principles drives the growth of family businesses,” says Khaled Soufani, Programme Director, who is Management Practice Professor of Financial Economics and Policy at Cambridge Judge. “The Cambridge Family Business Leadership Programme offers members of family enterprises the opportunity to embark on a journey to manage, lead and grow their family business across generations.”

“We are delighted to collaborate with Cambridge Judge Business School Executive Education to help family business leaders expand their skills and expertise in critical business areas to strategically navigate today’s rapidly evolving business landscape,” says Mike Malefakis, President of University Partnerships at Emeritus. “Through online and on-campus sessions, the Cambridge Family Business Leadership Programme will help participants optimise processes, enhance overall business performance, and gain a global perspective on the unique challenges faced by family businesses through interactions with peers from around the world.”