Commentary
A Commentary provides thoughtful and insightful opinions or perspectives on events, policies or situations of interest to business owners, startups, educators, investors and policymakers. These should be short, readable, timely, interesting pieces that address current topics of interest, discussion or dispute.
Length: <1,000 words
Reviewed by Senior Editors
In 1979, Personal Software began selling Visicalc, the first personal computer spreadsheet. Visicalc was so compelling, people bought Apple II computers just so they could use Visicalc, making it the Read More...
Category: Commentary
Author: Dustin Slade
Nearly two centuries ago, Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin Clicquot, of the now-venerable Veuve Clicquot champagne company, found herself widowed at age 27 with a small child. With little experience and lots Read More...
Category: Commentary
Authors: Dr. Susan Laverick and Elizabeth Bagnall
Relatives should contribute because of their skills and performance, not their last name. Lower standards can create resentment and weaken the business. When a father, absent during the day, returns Read More...
Category: Commentary
Author: Robert Caldwell
Steven Mould built Flint & Flame by combining confidence, passion and product belief with a willingness to listen to customers and refine the offer. Entrepreneurs must believe in their products or Read More...
Category: Commentary
Author: Kimberly Eddleston
Interviewee: Lisa Lazure , Steven Mould
Family members can feel stuck when career goals, identity and family expectations become intertwined. These questions can help reveal whether it is time for change. For some individuals, working in a Read More...
Category: Commentary
Author: Michael Klein
Research identifies six practices that help Germany's Mittelstand family firms innovate successfully despite constraints on capital and talent. Family firms often face limits on the financial and Read More...
Category: Commentary
Author: Alfredo De Massis
Joe Brito says relatives should earn their place by starting at the bottom, learning the business and proving themselves before moving into leadership roles. Joe Brito, the third-generation head of Read More...
Category: Commentary
Author: Kimberly Eddleston
Interviewee: Joseph Brito, Jr.
James Wetherbe is the Richard Schulze Distinguished Professor at the Rawls College of Business at Texas Tech University. Previously he served on the faculty and the University of Houston, Minnesota Read More...
Category: Commentary
Author: Jon Eckhardt
How Outside Executives Can Help Family Businesses Grow and Survive Family firms can outgrow the skills of their founders. Hiring experienced outside leaders can strengthen the business and prepare the next generation to lead. Cultures around the world acknowledge Read More...
Category: Commentary
Author: Robert Sher
According to Benjamin Franklin, life has only two certainties, death and taxes. It would appear, however, that the business world also has its own two certainties – the growth imperative and the Read More...
Category: Commentary
Authors: Jason Pattit and Katherina Pattit