What Former CEOs Wish They Knew Sooner

Family business leadership carries lessons that emerge at different stages of the journey for the individual, family and business. Over time, leaders encounter new phases of growth, ownership and responsibility, each bringing its own challenges and insights.

At our April 9 Family Business Breakfast Series event, we will hear from three former CEOs who successfully led their family businesses through those stages and now can reflect on what they learned along the way and what they wish they had understood sooner.

Our panel includes Mike Fiterman of Liberty Diversified International, Kari Rihm of Rihm Family Companies, and Ric Cox of Cox Insurance, moderated by Katy Mitchell of KSM Leadership Consulting.

We will hear perspectives drawn from decades of leadership across varied family businesses with different levels of family involvement. The conversation will explore topics such as:

• Leadership lessons learned
• Navigating the intersection of family relationships, ownership expectations and business decisions
• Building leadership teams and structures that allow the company to grow beyond one individual leader
• Knowing when and how to prepare for transition
• Advice they would offer their younger selves and today’s family business leaders

One of the advantages of our St. Thomas family business community is the opportunity to learn from leaders who have already lived the journey. Their experiences can be a great teacher for us all.