In this collection of quotes, the wisdom, insights, and stories shared by these incredible women encapsulate the challenges they faced, the triumphs they celebrated, and the lessons they learned along the way.
Author: WIFB Team
Marco Ideas Unlimited: Generational Shifts and Entrepreneurial DNA
In this episode, Nancy Gudekunst, President of promotional product speciality company Marco Ideas Unlimited, discusses her unique journey into leadership within the business her mother founded. She delves into the role her own entrepreneurial background played in modernising the operation and managing professional relationships. Nancy also reflects on the challenges of guiding the company through periods of economic uncertainty and the intricacies that arose as the third generation of the family became involved in the business.
Rotana – Preparing for the Unexpected
In this episode, Shaikha discusses how investing in the development of people leads to dedication, commitment and, ultimately, success. Shaikha also details the many important lessons she learned from her father, company co-founder, Nasser Al Nowais, and how he helped shape her strength and conviction, especially when facing adversity. Shaikha believes that accessibility and engagement are key to generating the new ideas that businesses need to confront the inevitability of change.
FAB Global Private Banking and WiFB Announce Collaboration
Women in Family Business (WiFB) is delighted to announce our collaboration with leading private banking partner First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) to launch a new series under the theme “Leadership and Innovation in the Family Enterprise”.
Thermax Ltd: Tackling Outer Pressures with Inner Resolve
Meher Pudumjee, Chairperson of energy and environment solutions company, Thermax Ltd, talks about the lessons she learned working her way up through the family business, and the challenges she faced when her mother unexpectedly asked her to lead it. Despite feeling the pressure of following in the footsteps of her visionary parents, Meher focused on what she believed was one of their greatest gifts to her — the wisdom to make decisions that reflect who she truly is.
Putting People First – How Culture Can Shape Family Business Success
Cecily McGuckin, CEO of Queensland Steel and Sheet, one of Australia’s longest-running, family-owned steel distributors, talks to us about her extraordinary journey to becoming the first female CEO in Australia’s steel industry, how to build on the first generation’s legacy while managing necessary change, and why a people-centric culture is a winning formula.
Trends and Strategies Shaping Family Businesses’ Future
In this episode and article, Karmen Yeung, National Head of KPMG Private Enterprise, KPMG China; Camilla Cullinane, Tax Partner, KPMG Private Enterprise, KPMG Ireland; and Robyn Langsford, Partner in Charge, Family Business and Private Clients, KPMG Private Enterprise, KPMG Australia, explore Trends and Strategies Shaping Family Businesses’ Future, how family businesses are responding globally, and the foundational approaches that can lead to success.
Sacotel ZNSHINE: Leading the Family Business towards Sustainability
This episode is brought to you by A recent report by the International Energy Agency projects that renewable energy will become the largest global source of electricity by 2025 – that’s enough energy to power all of China in 5 years. Considering this revelation, it’s becoming increasingly hard to […]
Supreme Creations/Bags of Ethics: The Sustainable Power of Respect and Kindness
In this episode, Smruti Sriram, CEO of leading sustainable packaging and merchandise manufacturer Supreme Creations/Bag of Ethics, provides a unique perspective on how her ethically driven family business continues to innovate and adapt in an era of change while remaining true to its core principles. Even when confronting today’s challenging uncertainties, Smruti believes respect and kindness is the strategy that brings success both in leadership and life.
5 Family Business Books Written by Women
Today, we mark International Women’s Day. The global day of celebration for the social, economic, and cultural achievements of women dates back to New York City in 1909 when activist Theresa Milkier proposed a “National Woman’s Day”. Other activists, including German Luise Zietz, suggested an annual event to promote women’s […]
Building Healthy Relationships with Family and Wealth
An Interview with Marina Vaughan Spitzy, Director and Founder of Tecolote Advisory A recent UBS study revealed that 59% of widows and divorcees regret not being involved in long-term financial planning when they were married, and 98% would advise other women to take an active role in finances immediately [1]. […]
Great Expectations – How to Balance Family and Work Relationships
Li Tan, Chief Strategy Officer of Asia Green Group, Co-Founder of Rare Whiskey Holdings, and Co-Founder of Audacy Ventures, discusses the expectations next-generation members confront after joining the family business, what lessons they can draw from building their own business, and the crucial role communication plays in enabling healthy family-work relationships.