Family Business Conference

Dr. Ivan Lansberg et Moi

I was overwhelmed by the preparations for the ‘Family Business Conference’ on 30 October 2011 at the Mövenpick Hotel Al Khobar which was sponsored by our company. My boss and I both organized the event but I did all the groundwork. Two weeks prior to the event was hell. I guess I’m just growing old. I used to do the stuff, preparing for an even bigger even than the FBC. The move to another house added to the stress. I got sick right after and until now, I am still suffering from colds and flu.

I was just happy to see that the event went well. Practically half of Saudi Arabia’s wealthiest people were present. Our Managing Director was even featured in all Saudi dailies the day after the event. Of course, we wrote the PR and provided the photos (LOL). As usual, though our guests are rich, they’re all down to earth people. It’s true what they say in the richie rich circle that it’s not fashionable to flaunt your wealth. I had the privilege to meet them and look forward in meeting them, or probably work for them in the future (LOL).

Our speaker was Dr. Ivan Lansberg (Venezuela and United States), a lecturer of Family Business Enterprise Program at the Kellogg School of Management in Northwestern University. He’s also a Senior Partner at the Lansberg, Gersick & Associates. He was assisted by Ian Partridge (Switzerland) of Loedstar S.A. Both gentlemen are well Family Business experts. It was also an honor working for both of them.

Ian Partridge et Moi

This is the 2nd Annual ‘Family Business Conference’ that was sponsored by our company. It’s our CSR event. Our company, just like most of the companies in the Kingdom of the Sands are family owned. They also face several common issues like Ownership, Governance, Handing over and letting go, and Succession. Family owned companies are force to reckon with not just in the Kingdom of the Sands but the whole world as well. Most of the top companies are family owned businesses. Unlike the Public companies, family owned businesses tend to focus more on people rather than profit. But most of the best practices in the industry are from the Public companies.

The Family Business Conference will be very memorable to me since this will be the last event that I’ll be handling. Next year, I’ll be given new responsibilities and assignment at the HR Programs. I’m just excited at the prospects of doing an entirely another job that will prepare me for a bigger role in the future. Thanks to my two mentors, HSS and EMF.