For Current & Prospective Students | Columbia Business School

Welcome!

Joining the Global Family Enterprise Program often means you are at an inflection point in your personal and professional career. Inside the classroom, you’ll gain the skills to become a leader in your family enterprise community. By connecting with dedicated community leaders focused on education, strategic leadership, and driving positive change, you will find yourself on a path of continuous learning and growth. Our mission is to empower future leaders like you to make a lasting impact on family enterprises and encourage continuous and sustainable progress.

We believe that well-educated members of family enterprises have the power to drive transformational change. Our program is designed to support your personal and professional development by offering a range of opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. Whether you are already part of a family enterprise or passionate about entering the field, you will gain the skills needed to navigate its complexities and make a meaningful impact. Your journey here will prepare you with the knowledge and experience to lead with confidence and purpose.

Inside the Classroom

Family Enterprise Curriculum Pathway: Offers an in-depth exploration of the essential capitals—financial, human, relational, and reputational—that drive family enterprise
Strategic Elective Route: An "à la carte menu" of electives that emerged from the recognition that family enterprises often have unique investment interests and asset classes. This option provides a highly customizable educational experience.

Learn more about Inside the Classroom

Outside the Classroom

Our program offers a diverse range of activities outside the classroom that help students build the right mindset, skills, and connections for lasting success, including:

Personal Growth and Leadership Development
Networking and Deep Connections
Mentorship and Guidance

Learn more about Outside the Classroom

Alumni Testimonials

Don't take it from us. Listen to what these alumni have to say about their experience inside and outside the classroom. Contact us to learn more.

The Global Family Enterprise Program opened the doors to learning about enterprising families and their businesses.
Through real-life case studies, class speakers, and hands-on projects, I enhanced my understanding of strategies for family enterprise longevity and built lifetime connections with next gens from around the world.
As family businesses make up 80% of all businesses worldwide, the ecosystem is crucial also for my consulting work at Bain & Company.

Giacomo Hopf Preziosi '24

Bain & Company

During my journey in the Global Family Enterprise Program, the family enterprise conference in particular was an invaluable opportunity to learn from speakers and alumni who shared their personal and professional experiences, bringing many classroom topics to life. Their examples inspired me and provided numerous ideas and frameworks for addressing relevant issues. Additionally, the conference facilitated a networking opportunity with other MBA students (CBS and other institutions) who share similar interests and backgrounds. This networking experience proved to be immensely valuable.

Natapitt (Popo) Sethpornpong '24

Former Co-President, Family Business Club

The classes I took gave me a deep understanding of the complex issues around family enterprise, enabling me to work more effectively with family business clients. As an alum, attending the special events keeps me informed on relevant issues that are top of mind for family businesses.

Emily Dubinsky '16

Founder & CEO, Emily Emmett, Inc.

I learned the importance of having the right kind of processes and systems that can support our entrepreneurial dynamism. Because that's how we got to where we are.

Jay Varkey '14

Group Executive Director, GEMS Education