On 25 April 2024, FBN Switzerland took part in the 13th Forum for Family Businesses (HSLU) by conducting a workshop titled “Between Self-Confidence and Pressure of Expectation: A Successor’s Perspective”. The session was led by Marie-Christine von Pezold, Director of FBN Switzerland together with FBN member Ms Livia Mietzsch (formerly Knup), Project Manager Business Development and Member of the Board of Directors at Enzler Group.
Key recommendations for successors:
- Authenticity: Embrace self-reflection and honest self-assessment.
- External Coaching: Seek external guidance for objective insights.
- Familiarisation and Boundaries: Take the time to understand the business and establish personal boundaries.
- Core Business Knowledge: Develop a precise understanding of the company’s core operations.
- Teamwork: Recognise that leadership is a collaborative effort; a company cannot be run alone.
Key recommendations for transferors:
- Error Culture: Encourage an environment where making mistakes is acceptable.
- Performance Opportunities: Provide successors with chances to demonstrate their capabilities.
- Communication: Foster open communication and regular feedback.
- Adaptability: Understand and accommodate different leadership styles.
- Support and Patience: Offer continual support and patience during the transition.
- Unified Team: Operate as a cohesive family unit within the business.
We extend our gratitude to the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) for their successful collaboration and active participation, which greatly contributed to the practical and solution-oriented nature of this workshop.
