The Power of FBA’s Forum Group Program: Real Stories, Real Impact

Finding Support in Shared Experiences.

A Unique Program for Family Business.

A Safe Space for Strategic Guidance and Support.

Personal Growth and Lifelong Friendships.

... Why Join a Forum Group?

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For people in family business, finding the right people to support you through the unique challenges of working with loved ones, leading family members and working through succession plans can be extremely important and comforting.

FBA’s Forum Group Program offers more than just business advice—it provides a community that understands the nuanced and complex dynamic of family business and supports each other’s growth, both personally and professionally. Led by an accredited family business facilitator, Forum Groups offer a supportive and confidential space to navigate challenges, raise tough issues and talk them through, and celebrate successes.

We spoke with four Forum Group participants—Charlie Emery, Catherine Kuipers, Elizabeth Kuipers, and Cam Kennard—who shared their personal experiences being part of a Forum Group and why the program has been so pivotal in their family business journeys. 

Their experiences underscore the program's lasting impact and the vital role Forum Groups play in ensuring family business success across generations.

Finding Support in Shared Experiences

The overwhelming consensus from Forum Group participants is that the experience offers a rare opportunity to share with and learn from others in similar situations. As Charlie Emery, Managing Director at SOILCO, explains, “It’s important to know you’re not doing it alone. We all have our different strengths and lanes but knowing there are other family businesses experiencing those ‘why is this happening’ moments brings comfort.”

These feelings of support are echoed by Catherine Kuipers, CEO of Two Men and A Truck: “As a business owner, it can be lonely. You’re the person everyone relies on for clarity and direction, but where do you turn when you’re unsure? Forum Group gives you that outlet. No topic is off-limits, and more often than not, someone else has already navigated a similar challenge.”

Catherine adds, “These challenges are only exacerbated as you are often having to deal with challenges unique to working in a family business. Where else may you find yourself needing to have a disciplinary meeting with a family member?”

For many, the sense of relief that comes from hearing others’ stories is invaluable. Elizabeth Kuipers, Communications and Brand Manager at Two Men and A Truck joined her Forum Group in 2023 on the recommendation of her sister, Catherine. Elizabeth found that her initial apprehension about attending her first Forum meeting, quickly gave way to a feeling of comfort and support, “Although it was a bit daunting, it was also an exciting experience. My entire group made me feel very welcomed and made me feel at ease. My initial takeaway was that our family business isn’t so different after all. We’re all fighting the same battles with the same end goal—to make our family businesses succeed.”

For Cam Kennard, CEO of Keneco Property, the value of Forum Groups lies in the balance of giving and receiving. "By sharing your personal, business, and family experiences, you find yourself giving and receiving in equal measure." Having been a member for over 17 years, Cam has experienced firsthand the power of hearing different perspectives and navigating complex decisions. "You always learn something, and someone always takes insight from your update.”

Photo: An FBA Forum Group out to dinner while on their Retreat in Montville, Queensland.

A Unique Program for Family Business

The unique structure of FBA’s Forum Group Program—focused on confidentiality and mutual support—sets it apart from other business programs. As Cam Kennard explains, “There’s no other place where I can discuss everything—from family and business to personal challenges—in such an open, honest way. The fact that we’ve been meeting every month for 17 years speaks to the power of this program.”

The cross-generational and multi-business perspectives within FBA Forum Groups create an environment where participants can learn from both seasoned leaders and newer family business members. “You’ve got founders, second generation family and beyond, all bringing different experiences to the table,” says Catherine. “It’s incredible to see how these different viewpoints come together to create a space for real growth.”

“Forum group is not like any exec leadership program, the opportunity to flesh out personal, family and business topics in a group who have several businesses under the same umbrella, with different generations and different scales,” Charlie explained.

Photo: An FBA Forum Group celebrating National Family Business Day during their hybrid meeting, joined by Forum Group Manager, Olivia Spalding.

A Safe Space for Strategic Guidance and Support

Charlie explained the program not only provides emotional support but also offers strategic insights that can be critical for business growth. Charlie credits the group for helping SOILCO transition from a small, logistics-focused business to a leading player in organics recycling. “When we were looking to move our headquarters and change the business’s direction, it was the advice and strategies I’d heard in Forum Group that gave me the confidence to convince my family it was the right move. Now, 18 months later, we’ve grown from 10 people to 150.”

“The value of listening to how others prepared their strategies and convincing their parents about significant changes gave us the confidence to do the same,” Charlie explained. Without the Forum Group’s guidance, he believes the business—and his own personal growth—would have followed a very different path.

Catherine shared that Forum Groups offer a unique blend of professional development, accountability, and friendship. The confidential nature of the group allows members to discuss not only business challenges but personal and family matters as well. "No topic is off-limits," she says, pointing out the invaluable perspective of cross-generational peers. “Nine times out of ten, someone else in the room has navigated a similar challenge.”

For Catherine, one of the most valuable aspects of Forum Group has been the ability to guide her family through the complexities of succession planning, a topic she believes many family businesses shy away from. “Forum Group was essential when we were transitioning our aging founders out of the business. Hearing others’ experiences with estate planning and succession allowed me to guide my family through creating a family charter and having the tough conversations we’d otherwise avoided.”

Photo: One of FBA’s Forum Groups together at a monthly meeting conducted by their accredited family business facilitator.

Similarly, Cam Kennard, CEO of Keneco Property, values the broader perspectives gained through his Forum Group: “I’ve made some of my biggest business decisions with insights I gained from my peers in Forum. They test your ideas and challenge your thinking in a way that pushes you toward making better decisions, especially around succession and family business governance.”

Cam credits his Forum Group with helping him make crucial decisions in both his family business and personal life. “Since the age of 27, there have been some big decisions around my role in the family business, my personal goals and aspirations, and succession.” Without the support and insights from his peers, Cam believes his journey would have been much more difficult.

Elizabeth Kuipers’ forum meetings have helped her find new ways to handle business frustrations, deal with family dynamics, and keep her company moving in the right direction. "Knowing that I am in a Forum with other like-minded people is a big comfort, and it also gives me reassurance that our family business is going in the right direction."

Personal Growth and Lifelong Friendships

A key takeaway from all four participants is the deep relationships formed within their Forum Groups. Cam points to the trust and mutual respect that has developed over nearly two decades, “17 years is a long time to be sharing with a group of people. There is a real respect for each other. We have a deeper understanding of each other’s lives, businesses, skills and issues. Having that depth and understanding of each other builds very strong relationships.”

Beyond the professional benefits, Forum Group offers a space for personal development and forming deep, lasting relationships. As Charlie puts it, “I’ve shared my career with these people for 20 years, and it’s not just about business. We’ve laughed, cried, and celebrated life’s highs and lows together. My personal growth and friendships are so much richer because of it.”

Catherine echoes this sentiment: “The friendships I’ve formed in Forum Group go far beyond business. We’ve been there for each other through everything—life tragedies, personal triumphs, family struggles. I often joke with my staff that Forum is my monthly ‘therapy session,’ but honestly, it’s a space that allows me to reflect on myself and my business in a way that nothing else does.”

For Elizabeth, who’s newer to the program, the relationships have already become invaluable, “I’m still early in my Forum journey, but I already feel like I have a support network that’s deeply invested in my success. It’s not just about venting frustrations; it’s about meaningful connections and advice that help me grow both professionally and personally.”

Photo: One of FBA’s longest running Forum Groups celebrating 20 years together at a special retreat in Noosa, Queensland.

Why Join a Forum Group?

For anyone considering a Forum Group, the participants have a common message: Do it.

“If you are on the fence about joining a group, likely you wonder how you could possibly find the time, I would counter argue that you possibly can’t afford not to,” says Catherine. “Forum group allows you a small window of time each month to reflect on yourself and work on your business, rather than in it, the value of which is unquantifiable."

The rewards, as all participants agree, are significant, offering not just professional and personal development but a strong sense of belonging. “When Mum joined a Forum Group years ago, after six months, she said, ‘You definitely need to join a Forum!’” Charlie explained, “It’s not only exceptional for the family business—it’s an opportunity for personal and professional growth. In a Forum Group, you’re never alone on the family business journey.”

Cam echoed Charlie’s comments, “In a Forum Group, you’re never alone and you have a group willing and able to support you through whatever is thrown your way.” Cam adds that the key to getting the most out of the experience is to be open and honest. “The magic happens when you don’t hold back on what’s worrying you and are open to feedback—even if it’s not what you want to hear.”

For those looking for professional and personal growth, Charlie also had the following advice, “The reward is what you’re willing to offer others. Don’t focus solely on the immediate benefits for yourself. Give it time, settle in, and you’ll see just how transformative it can be.”

Photo: Forum Group participants and facilitators across Australia and New Zealand come together at the Family Business Conference in Cairns 2024.
 

Interested in learning more about FBA’s Forum Group Program? Explore how this unique opportunity can help you navigate the complexities of family business and connect with peers who truly understand.

If you would like to have a confidential discussion about joining our Forum Group Program, please reach out to Olivia Spalding, Forum Group Manager at 03 9123 4412.

Join our Forum Group Program

SOILCO

SOILCO is a family-founded business with over 40 years of organics recycling experience. We continue to grow and diversify our operations to meet the challenges of Australia’s dynamic waste and resource recovery sector.

Learn more at soilco.com.au.

Two Men and A Truck

This family-owned business has taken its traditional values and matched it with forward-thinking vision, to grow from one truck to 85 trucks, 150 men across Australia and carry out over 12,000 moves each year. They offer comprehensive home and business relocation services, including personalised packing and unpacking, junk removal, boxes, storage, and comprehensive insurance.

Visit twomen.com.au for more.

Keneco Property

With over 50 years of experience in acquiring, developing, leasing, and maintaining properties for Kennards Hire, Keneco Property is a family business built on a legacy of trust and strong partnerships. With a focus on strategic long-term property investments, they deliver innovative and confident property solutions that support their customers’ visions and align with their business and growth objectives.