Family Enterprises and Wealth (Online)

Critical skills for families and their advisors

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Course Dates

STARTS ON

May 7, 2024

Course Duration

DURATION

6 Weeks, Online
4–6 hours per week

Course Fee
Course Fee

For Your Team

Enroll your team and learn with your peers

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Early Registration Benefit

Apply now to secure your place at US$2,314 by . Connect with a learning advisor for more information.

Thrive in a Complex Family Enterprise with Time-Tested Frameworks

The largest 500 family businesses account for $8.02 trillion in revenue and employ 24.5 million people. Collectively, they make the third largest contribution to the global economy, leaving no doubt about their impact on the global business landscape. Family enterprises are ingrained into the world’s culture, often having widespread influence across their communities and beyond.

Typically encompassing one or more businesses, holding organizations, family offices, trusts, and foundations, a family enterprise can be incredibly complex. And working with family members is not easy. Family dynamics, multi-generational ownership, family wealth, and vision all present unique challenges.

Designed by Patricia Angus, an adjunct professor and managing director of the Global Family Enterprise Program at Columbia Business School, this program combines theory with practice to provide a comprehensive understanding of an institution that is at the heart of our global economy. Using faculty-authored case studies, application-based assignments, peer discussions, and more, this program imparts knowledge of leadership principles, management, philanthropy, social enterprise, succession, and sustainability, preparing learners to play a critical role in the long-term success of a complex family enterprise (CFE).

70%

Of the global GDP is economically impacted by family businesses

Source: Tharawat Magazine

9.3%

Growth in global wealthy population was observed in 2021 thus, contributing to the growth in family offices

Source: Barron’s

78%

Of the new jobs in United States are created by family businesses

Source: Conway Center for Family Business

Key Takeaways

By participating in the program, you will be able to:

  • Distinguish between core concepts of a CFE, such as family businesses, family offices, joint investments, and charitable endeavors
  • Analyze the impact of the complex family enterprise on a global scale, and understand your role in the industry
  • Apply relevant frameworks, including the Family Systems Theory and Family Governance Pyramid™, to complex family enterprises to address the challenges of the existing governance system
  • Navigate real-world challenges that affect CFEs, and identify the key drivers of successful stakeholder relationships
  • Understand and empathize with other key stakeholders’ perspectives to better serve their needs and those of their clients
  • Evaluate the community impact and future trajectory of the family enterprise

Who Should Attend?

  • Family members, shareholders, and leaders of complex family enterprises who want to create a shared vision and develop policies and procedures to improve the sustainability and health of their family enterprise
  • Family enterprise professionals and advisors who want to understand the essentials of working with family to become trusted advisors in the industry and contribute to the long-term success of key stakeholders
  • Institutional investors seeking to understand the challenges inherent in high-net-worth families in order to specialize in family wealth management, including venture capital and private equity professionals who wish to establish a successful career in family enterprise services

Program Modules

Module 1:

Complex Family Enterprises

Understand the fundamentals of a complex family enterprise, including a family business, family office, joint investments, and charitable endeavors.

Module 2:

Family Dynamics

Learn to apply relevant frameworks, including the Family Systems Theory and the Family Governance Pyramid™, to complex family enterprises.

Module 3:

Family Ownership

Explore ownership concepts, including different perspectives and roles within a trust.

Module 4:

Family Governance I

Understand the need for governance processes and forums, and learn market-tested frameworks you can leverage to help clients or your family.

Module 5:

Family Governance II

Gain insights into the practical applications of family governance, and apply frameworks to build an optimal family governance system.

Module 6:

Family Social Enterprise

Evaluate how a family can impact society, and learn to distinguish philanthropy from investing.

Module 1:

Complex Family Enterprises

Understand the fundamentals of a complex family enterprise, including a family business, family office, joint investments, and charitable endeavors.

Module 4:

Family Governance I

Understand the need for governance processes and forums, and learn market-tested frameworks you can leverage to help clients or your family.

Module 2:

Family Dynamics

Learn to apply relevant frameworks, including the Family Systems Theory and the Family Governance Pyramid™, to complex family enterprises.

Module 5:

Family Governance II

Gain insights into the practical applications of family governance, and apply frameworks to build an optimal family governance system.

Module 3:

Family Ownership

Explore ownership concepts, including different perspectives and roles within a trust.

Module 6:

Family Social Enterprise

Evaluate how a family can impact society, and learn to distinguish philanthropy from investing.

Case Studies

Pritzker Family Enterprise: A Family Governance Case Study

Understand the challenges of building a strong family governance system from one of the wealthiest and most philanthropic families in the United States that primarily used its assets to increase the family’s wealth.

The House of Redstone: Family Enterprise in Three Acts

Learn about the evolution of the complex Redstone family enterprise over several generations. It is led by Sumner Redstone, who seized opportunities that exponentially grew his father’s drive-in theater business to become one of the world’s largest media conglomerates.

Program Experience

World-Renowned Faculty

Learn from accomplished faculty, and industry experts whose diverse backgrounds encompass a broad range of disciplines

Engaging Assignments and Activities

Hone business acumen and executive skills with try-it activities that help you redefine your potential

Case Studies

Through exploratory sessions, examine practical examples and find innovative solutions to strategic challenges

Peer Interaction

Stimulating discussions with like-minded global peers expand your professional network and build a supportive community

Hands-On Activities

  • Frameworks—apply industry-specific frameworks, including the Family Systems Theory, family governance systems, and the Family Governance Pyramid™, to complex family enterprises
  • Peer learning—reflect on key course concepts, partner up for activities, and explore complex family dynamics
  • Family governance playbook—create a playbook documenting how to establish an effective family governance system
  • Interactive exercises—participate in role-playing activities and decision-tree simulations, map out ownership structures, and create a genogram to visualize family structures and dynamics

Program Faculty

Image of the faculty Patricia Angus

Patricia Marie Angus

Adjunct Professor of Business, Finance and Managing Director, Global Family Enterprise Program, Columbia Business School

Patricia Angus, a recognized thought leader in multi-generational family governance and wealth launched the Family Enterprise and Wealth MBA class at Columbia Business School. She has advised families with businesses, trusts, and charitable foundations for more than 25 years and has written numerous articles on family wealth, businesses, trusts, estate planning, philanthropy, and women’s issues... More info

Certificate

Example image of certificate that will be awarded after successful completion of this program

Certificate

Upon completion of the Family Enterprises and Wealth (Online) program, you will receive a certificate of participation from Columbia Business School Executive Education. This certificate also awards two credits towards the Certificate in Business Excellence, which grants select alumni and tuition benefits. Learn More

Download Brochure

Your digitally verified certificate will be issued in your legal name and emailed to you, at no additional cost, upon completion of the program, including all modules of the program (online, in person, or live online, inter-module). All certificate images are for illustrative purposes only and may be subject to change at the discretion of Columbia Business School Executive Education.

FAQs

  • How do I know if this program is right for me?

    After reviewing the information on the program landing page, we recommend you submit the short form above to gain access to the program brochure, which includes more in-depth information. If you still have questions on whether this program is a good fit for you, please email learner.success@emeritus.org, and a dedicated program advisor will follow-up with you very shortly.


    Are there any prerequisites for this program?

    Some programs do have prerequisites, particularly the more technical ones. This information will be noted on the program landing page, as well as in the program brochure. If you are uncertain about program prerequisites and your capabilities, please email us at the ID mentioned above.


    Note that, unless otherwise stated on the program web page, all programs are taught in English and proficiency in English is required.


    What is the typical class profile?

    More than 50 percent of our participants are from outside the United States. Class profiles vary from one cohort to the next, but, generally, our online certificates draw a highly diverse audience in terms of professional experience, industry, and geography — leading to a very rich peer learning and networking experience.


    What other dates will this program be offered in the future?

    Check back to this program web page or email us to inquire if future program dates or the timeline for future offerings have been confirmed yet.

  • How much time is required each week?

    Each program includes an estimated learner effort per week. This is referenced at the top of the program landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the program brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page.


    How will my time be spent?

    We have designed this program to fit into your current working life as efficiently as possible. Time will be spent among a variety of activities including:



    • Engaging with recorded video lectures from faculty
    • Attending webinars and office hours, as per the specific program schedule
    • Reading or engaging with examples of core topics
    • Completing knowledge checks/quizzes and required activities
    • Engaging in moderated discussion groups with your peers
    • Completing your final project, if required

    The program is designed to be highly interactive while also allowing time for self-reflection and to demonstrate an understanding of the core topics through various active learning exercises. Please email us if you need further clarification on program activities.


    What is it like to learn online with the learning collaborator, Emeritus?

    More than 300,000 learners across 200 countries have chosen to advance their skills with Emeritus and its educational learning partners. In fact, 90 percent of the respondents of a recent survey across all our programs said that their learning outcomes were met or exceeded.

    All the contents of the course would be made available to students at the commencement of the course. However, to ensure the program delivers the desired learning outcomes the students may appoint Emeritus to manage the delivery of the program in a cohort-based manner the cost of which is already included in the overall course fee of the course.

    A dedicated program support team is available 24/5 (Monday to Friday) to answer questions about the learning platform, technical issues, or anything else that may affect your learning experience.


    How do I interact with other program participants?

    Peer learning adds substantially to the overall learning experience and is an important part of the program. You can connect and communicate with other participants through our learning platform.

  • What are the requirements to earn the certificate?

    Each program includes an estimated learner effort per week, so you can gauge what will be required before you enroll. This is referenced at the top of the program landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the program brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page. All programs are designed to fit into your working life.

    This program is scored as a pass or no-pass; participants must complete the required activities to pass and obtain the certificate of completion. Some programs include a final project submission or other assignments to obtain passing status. This information will be noted in the program brochure. Please email us if you need further clarification on any specific program requirements.


    What type of certificate will I receive?

    Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a smart digital certificate. The smart digital certificate can be shared with friends, family, schools, or potential employers. You can use it on your cover letter, resume, and/or display it on your LinkedIn profile.
    The digital certificate will be sent approximately two weeks after the program, once grading is complete.


    Can I get the hard copy of the certificate?

    No, only verified digital certificates will be issued upon successful completion. This allows you to share your credentials on social platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.


    Do I receive alumni status after completing this program?

    No, there is no alumni status granted for this program. In some cases, there are credits that count toward a higher level of certification. This information will be clearly noted in the program brochure.


    How long will I have access to the learning materials?

    You will have access to the online learning platform and all the videos and program materials for 12 months following the program start date. Access to the learning platform is restricted to registered participants per the terms of agreement.

  • What equipment or technical requirements are there for this program?

    Participants will need the latest version of their preferred browser to access the learning platform. In addition, Microsoft Office and a PDF viewer are required to access documents, spreadsheets, presentations, PDF files, and transcripts.


    Do I need to be online to access the program content?

    Yes, the learning platform is accessed via the internet, and video content is not available for download. However, you can download files of video transcripts, assignment templates, readings, etc. For maximum flexibility, you can access program content from a desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile device.

    Video lectures must be streamed via the internet, and any livestream webinars and office hours will require an internet connection. However, these sessions are always recorded, so you may view them later.

  • Can I still register if the registration deadline has passed?

    Yes, you can register up until seven days past the published start date of the program without missing any of the core program material or learnings.


    What is the program fee, and what forms of payment do you accept?

    The program fee is noted at the top of this program web page and usually referenced in the program brochure as well.

    • Flexible payment options are available (see details below as well as at the top of this program web page next to FEE).
    • Tuition assistance is available for participants who qualify. Please email learner.success@emeritus.org.

    What if I don’t have a credit card? Is there another method of payment accepted?

    Yes, you can do the bank remittance in the program currency via wire transfer or debit card. Please contact your program advisor, or email us for details.


    I was not able to use the discount code provided. Can you help?

    Yes! Please email us with the details of the program you are interested in, and we will assist you.


    How can I obtain an invoice for payment?

    Please email us your invoicing requirements and the specific program you’re interested in enrolling in.


    Is there an option to make flexible payments for this program?

    Yes, the flexible payment option allows a participant to pay the program fee in installments. This option is made available on the payment page and should be selected before submitting the payment.


    How can I obtain a W9 form?

    Please connect with us via email for assistance.


    Who will be collecting the payment for the program?

    Emeritus collects all program payments, provides learner enrollment and program support, and manages learning platform services.

  • What is the program refund and deferral policy?

    For the program refund and deferral policy, please click the link here.

Didn't find what you were looking for? Write to us at learner.success@emeritus.org or Schedule a call with one of our Academic Advisors or call us at +1 315 387 4431 (US) / +44 203 838 0836 (UK) / +65 3138 4449 (SG)

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Flexible payment options available. Learn more.