Eddie Asbie, Director of Admissions for the SC Johnson Graduate School of Management, and Heena Sadwhani MBA ’22, will share their perspectives on the MBA admissions process, how to best position your family business connections, and how family business can be an advantage as you enter graduate school.

Cornell Family Business Fellow Greg McCann shares how to grow self-awareness, hone the ability to insightfully understand others, identify the approach best suited for the circumstance, distill complex issues for multiple stakeholders, and create value from change.

Cornell Family Business Practitioner Fellow Holly Isdale ’86, shares strategies for balancing long-term perspective with immediate action steps each of us can take.

In his landmark book, The Responsible Company, co-authored with Yvon Chouinard, founder and owner of Patagonia, Vincent Stanley, draws on their 40 years’ experience – and knowledge of current efforts by other companies – to articulate the elements of responsible business for our time. Look towards the future with Vincent, explore the many levels of a “responsible company,” and examine why this approach matters with increasing importance.

Today, more than ever, we live, work and compete in a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous (VUCA) world. Leading during these uncertain times is challenging business and requires leaders with the vision to see opportunities in volatile and ambiguous situations, the courage to act in the face of uncertainty and complexity and the character and resilience to make hard decisions in order to rebound from unexpected setbacks. Discuss the bias VUCA leaders have towards action, even in the face of uncertainty, and how they leverage this as a strategy for success.

As the news began trickling in during January, Michael was forced to deal with a contingency plan he did not want to execute on. Nearly six months later, and as the COVID-19 situation continues to unfold, Michael will share his reflections on what has transpired in Italy thus far and critical lessons that business owners and advisors should take with them.

Veronica’s journey began in her family business in Venezuela and has taken her to each corner of the globe. Finally settling in Miami, Florida, her family’s business has experienced political turmoil, relocation, innovation, and most importantly, determination since its founding in 1911 as a cattle ranch.

Rob Lachenauer ‘83 describes the five core rights of family owners and explain how owners can use them to position family businesses for lasting success.