Women in Family Business
Laura Meyer Ahlström reflects on her role as Family Functions Manager for Ahlström Corporation, a global leader in fibre-based specialty materials. She shares her experience using the family’s films and biographies to create multilingual narratives that resonate with and unite family members at home and abroad. Laura also discusses her family’s belief in entrepreneurialism and individuality, and how passion is always prioritised over obligation.
We celebrate 10 visionary women whose innovations have reshaped industries and created entirely new markets, reminding us of the rich legacy waiting to be fully acknowledged.
Nadine Karadag, COO and co-founder of Valeo Wellbeing and board member of the INCO Group, shares her remarkable journey from corporate success to family business and, finally, to launching a tech startup. She discusses how the lessons from each phase of her career shaped her trajectory, the challenges and rewards of founding a tech firm today, and the importance of fostering a culture of innovation for business survival.
Christina unlocks the transformative power of tackling tough conversations head-on in family businesses. From the nuanced role of timing in broaching sensitive issues to the enlightening impact of the COVID lockdowns on our understanding of mental health and the need to set personal boundaries, Christina sheds light on the conversations that can redefine the future of family enterprises.
Women Leaders in Family Enterprises (WLife) recently released the results of its 2023 research survey, which focused on identifying the biases faced by female family business leaders due to their gender. The survey also examines the repercussions of bias and discrimination within the family business setting, and how they affect perceptions regarding women’s competency, professional performance, and career progression.
Constant shifts, geopolitical instability, technological disruptions, and economic uncertainty will shape leadership in the 21st century. The next generation of leaders will be defined by their ability to chart a course through turbulent periods and their readiness to adapt to the growing drivers of significant global change.
In the dynamic world of family business and wealth ownership, women often face challenges rooted in historical norms and enduring biases. Despite these hurdles, the experiences of 11 remarkable women offer a ray of hope.
By fostering an environment that empowers women, family businesses can harness a diverse range of skills and perspectives. This, in turn, ensures a smoother leadership transition, increased stability, and a thriving future for the family business.
In this episode, Meghan Juday, Chair of Ideal Industries Inc., governance advisor, and founder of The Lodis Forum, and Marina Vaughan Spitzy, founder of legacy planning firm, Tecolote Advisory, and fifth-generation family business stakeholder, and Ramia El Agamy, Co-Founder of WiFB, discuss the results of their recent study entitled ‘Women in Power’ for which they interviewed near a dozen women who told their stories of bias and success in the family enterprise.
In this episode, Eva Fischer Hansen shares the personal and professional hurdles she overcame to safeguard the future of her family’s business, even after the decision to sell had been finalised. She also talks about the values instilled by her father that continue to guide her business decisions, and emphasises how focusing on a family member’s shortcomings rather than their role within the family unit may indicate that it is time to sell the business.
In this episode, Haleema Al Owais talks about the challenges she faced while navigating the UAE’s construction sector at just 23 years old. She shares valuable lessons she learned through adversity and the pivotal steps she took after assuming her leadership position — including opening a family construction firm to mitigate the effects of gender discrimination in the industry.
Dr. Yasmina Fechkeur talks about the challenges she faced in her family business’ industry, and how friction and conflict often fuelled the innovation that she feels is essential in every business.