Breakout Session

More Than Just Business: Supporting Leaders in the Complex World of Family Enterprises

Sally Derstine Managing Partner — Delaware Valley Family Business Center (DVFBC)

Leading within a family business brings unique rewards—and real challenges. Whether you’re part of the family or a trusted non-family executive, you operate in a complex space where business priorities often intersect with personal relationships, legacy, and emotion. This interactive session explores the distinct dynamics of leadership in family-owned enterprises, offering practical tools and insights to help you lead with clarity, influence, and integrity. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of how to manage competing expectations, foster trust, and contribute to long-term success—without getting lost in the family drama.

Objectives:

  1. Strengthen your leadership presence and influence in environments where informal power, legacy, and loyalty often shape decision-making.
  2. Recognize the emotional and relational dynamics unique to family businesses and how they impact leadership roles for both family and non-family members.
  3. Apply practical strategies to build credibility, set boundaries, and lead effectively across family and non-family relationships, supporting the health and sustainability of the business and the family.