Joseph Astrachan
Public Member
EIX Editor
Family Business Editor
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Authored Resources
Developing responsible owners in family business
48009 viewsThe next generation of owners is crucial to the family firm's survival. The process of getting them ready and instilling the right attitudes should start early.
COVID-19: Understanding the Board’s Key Role During a Crisis
23712 viewsThe board must balance the interests of family and business, and help build and preserve commitment and continuity when tough decisions must be made.
How Family Dynamics Shape Family Businesses
2027035 viewsWant your family business to run more smoothly? Examine your own relationships with parents, siblings and other relatives -- and talk to one another often.
Family Businesses Must Plan for the Unthinkable
13402 viewsA year ago nobody saw a pandemic coming. What we've learned: a dash of "productive paranoia" will help family business leadership anticipate future threats.
Four Things that the Best Family Business Boards Do Well
4857 viewsIndependent directors hold others accountable and encourage change even when firmly entrenched relationships or operating philosophies make it seem impossible.
The Best Family Business Boards Embrace Candor and 'Necessary Endings'
2619 viewsBoards are there to help you be more successful. Here's more advice on how family business leaders can harness their board's full potential.
Family CEO Burnout: How to Prevent, Recognize and Deal With It
7053 viewsHow can leaders keep themselves from getting worn down or recognize burnout in themselves? And what should family members do if they see their leader struggling?
Don't Send Your Kids to Work Outside the Family Business Just Yet!
5041 viewsIt's naturally assumed that future leaders should toil in the trenches somewhere else first, but this has some significant drawbacks.
Do You Treat In-Laws Like the Family Business Outlaws ?
16642 viewsFamilies differ in their willingness to integrate outsiders into their family circle, but be careful: these actions influence the included or excluded individuals in different ways.
Self-Interest Can Skew Budgets at Family Businesses
6067 viewsRealistic budgets are powerful planning tools. But the motivations of owners, sales people, the production staff, and others can get in the way.
Family Business Budget Planning: 7 Things to Consider
4352 viewsFamily firms -- indeed, any entrepreneur-led business -- should put aside the self-interest of different departments, and focus first on these critical factors.
Is Self-Interest Complicating Your Budget Planning Process?
6116 viewsBudgets should be used as realistic planning tools, but your sales, production, and other departments may have their own agendas.
8 Things to Consider When Planning Your Business Budget
7299 viewsThese considerations can guide business owners, boards, and senior leadership teams in thinking through the consequences of setting aggressive versus conservative budgets.
A False Sense of Urgency Helps Neither Family Nor Business
4178 viewsRushed decisions tend to lead to bad outcomes. So does avoiding decisions because we’re afraid of conflict. This framework helps businesses think realistically about decision urgency.
Tariffs, Turmoil, and Family Tiffs: Navigating the Current Chaos
71456 viewsYou can support your business through economic uncertainty and maintain unity and commitment.
Turbulence Ahead: How Businesses Can Navigate Tariffs and Uncertainty
128788 viewsLegal interpretations, taxes, regulations, judicial rulings, trade agreements, and the like change daily. How to keep your business and stakeholders on an even keel.
Business Families Must Get Real About Growth and Payouts
63779 viewsSometimes the family grows much faster than the business, especially in saturated markets. This has deep implications for how we manage family and business expectations.