I am pleased to announce plenty of exciting progressions for the WA State Conference to be held on 4 June! If you haven’t already, block out the day in your calendars for what is set to be a full day exploring innovation, inspiration and insights for families in business. There is a common myth that family businesses tend not to innovate, are risk averse and poorly managed.  This year’s conference will bring to the fore pioneering examples of how wrong this myth is, and demonstrate how family businesses of all kinds develop unique ways of staying ahead of the game, to build a strong legacy for future generations.

Topics will range from the importance of story telling for business leaders, to creating goodwill and utilising philanthropy to strengthen family values and engage present and future generations.The workshop will provide an interactive and informative environment enabling you to leverage one of your greatest assets in your business; your people. The best way to get maximum value will be to bring along a family member from another generation. I promise you’ll leave feeling reinvigorated and ready to get back to your business to try out the ideas and processes discussed.

For those who are interested in the FBA Forum Group Program, the only professionally facilitated executive discussion group for family business leaders, we are looking into holding an information session on 20 April. Please be in contact if this is something you’re interested in and we’ll make it happen!

The FBA WA Adviser group continue to meet monthly, the March presentation was well attended and the group heard from Jayne Griffith and Paul Kordic on the different areas and challenges that can result in conflict within a family business. This presentation provided insight and knowledge for the adviser group to take back to their various areas of expertise, allowing them to consult with empathy and understanding when faced with client in conflict.

I look forward to seeing you soon.

Lorraine Willis