At the Global Family Enterprise Program, we know that leaders of a family enterprise face challenges that go beyond typical business concerns and asset management. As a next-generation leader, you need more than traditional classroom learning—you need real-world experiences. We offer dynamic opportunities that provide you with the skills, mindset, and connections you need for sustainable progress.
As you take on greater roles, your responsibilities and commitments will grow, too. That’s why we’ve created a learning journey that extends beyond the classroom to cover everything from personal growth to global business challenges. We will be here for you every step of the way so you always have the knowledge, resources, and support you need to succeed.
Annual Conference
Join our flagship event of the year—a day-long conference hosted in collaboration with the Family Business Club. This student-driven event offers interactive sessions, panel discussions, and keynote addresses on pivotal family enterprise topics. Each year, the conference focuses on the most pressing issues and concerns for next-generation leaders, current owners, and advisors. Open to the public, the event attracts a diverse audience of students, alumni, families, and advisors, with sponsorship opportunities available.
BBH Family Business Leadership Speaker Series
Since 2016, the Brown Brothers Harriman Family Business Leadership Speaker Series has brought top family business leaders from around the world to Columbia Business School. These sessions, often moderated by CBS faculty, cover a wide range of topics from generational transitions and board leadership to sustainability and family office strategies. It’s a chance to hear directly from those at the forefront of the family business world for their valuable perspectives that bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Supported by Brown Brothers Harriman, this series offers unique insights and interactions with students, alumni, scholars, and friends.
Up & Next: Finding Your Next Gen Breakaway
Our monthly Up & Next sessions offer intimate small-group discussions among students who are facing family expectations and complex decisions. In these gatherings, you’ll gain fresh perspectives, recharge, and connect with peers who understand your journey. It’s about finding your next breakthrough moment and building a community of like-minded next-generation leaders.
Mentoring Initiative
The Family Enterprise Mentoring Initiative pairs students with mentors from the GFEP Advisory Board, Alumni Circle, and industry leaders for a year of personalized guidance. Whether you’re joining the family business, charting your own path, or deciding your next career move, this program offers essential support through one-on-one connections, resources, and regular touchpoints that help you make informed decisions.
Family Business Club
This student-led club is a community of students interested in family business. Open to all, regardless of direct involvement in a family business, the Family Business Club offers exclusive access to speaker events, site visits to family-owned companies, and a robust network of alumni. Members benefit from unique opportunities for growth and development, whether returning to a family business post-MBA or exploring this vital business sector.