- April 4, 2016
- 1:23 pm
- Andrew Keyt
- no comments
Center of Attention: An Interview with Amy Schuman
Amy Schuman was the founding facilitator of the Center’s Next Generation Leadership Institute, an intensive, two-year program for next generation family business leaders. From 1996-2006 Amy coached over 30 men and women to assume leadership positions in their family businesses. She also founded and facilitated the Center’s first Peer Advisory Group for women and taught group process and facilitation skills in Loyola’s Family Business Communication Institute.
How has family business evolved over the last 25 years?
Isn’t it wonderful that being a family business is now seen as a competitive advantage? Think of all the great family firms that proudly point to their private ownership as a sign that they can be trusted, that they have great innovative products and services, and that they are committed to a sustainable future. A far cry from the not-too-distant past when family businesses were often stereotyped as backwards, unsophisticated and even selfish. One big change has been the evolution of the brand of ‘family business’ into something very desirable and positive in the marketplace.
Can you share your memories of some of your experiences of the early members of the Center?
We had some wonderful events in the early years. I remember hearing Ivan Lansberg speaking about “The Dream” for the very first time; everyone in attendance was electrified and inspired. The first NGLI groups, way back in 1996, would spend a full week-end up in Michigan climbing trees and jumping off poles as part of team-building ropes courses. It wasn’t easy to leave home for several nights but we really bonded.
In your opinion, how has the Family Business Center impacted our families and the field overall?
LUFBC has provided – and still provides – a safe, stable and knowledgeable place for families to gather, share and learn. Although the presentations and experts have always been top-notch, families consistently say that the most important value they get is sharing with others in the same situation, learning that they are not alone, and feeling the comfort of mutual support.
What advice do you have for the Center moving forward?
NGLI was initially designed by a group of family business leaders responding to the question: “What leadership development program do you wish was available for you to attend in your early years as a leader or aspiring leader?” Involving members in all aspects of the Center, from program design, to selecting speakers, to welcoming and recruiting new members, will help keep the Center vital and connected to what’s most important to its members.
Amy is a principal consultant of the Family Business Consulting Group, Inc. with a focus on leadership development, communication skills and team building. Her experience is centered on helping family members collaboratively create systems, structures and relationships to help them function as effective stewards of their enterprise. Amy creates leadership and career development approaches tailored for sibling teams, young adults, teens and younger children in the next generation. She also helps create conditions for successful generational transfers.
Our thanks to Amy Schuman for her years of service and support to help grow the Center.
Just joining us for our Center of Attention interview series? Make sure to check out our interview with Drew Mendoza, the Center’s Founding Director.