This event is for FBA Advisor Members only.
Advisor Connect is a monthly event designed to support your ongoing professional development in family business advising, while building connections with fellow FBA Advisor Members across multiple disciplines.
Each event centres on a key theme which shapes the speakers, discussions, and learnings throughout the session. It’s an opportunity to deepen your understanding of others’ expertise, share insights, and uncover collaborative opportunities that will benefit you and the family businesses you support.
This hybrid event will be held in-person at KPMG, Perth and also online. To join online the link will be provided when you register.
Topic: Family Business Succession & Resistance: Change Management.
If key stakeholders broadly seek the same long-term outcomes for their FB, why does succession so often become a source of disruption? What inhibits the effective execution of what should be a routine and essential stage of the business lifecycle? This presentation looks at why family members resist this essential process – what the main inhibitors are and some tips as to how to minimise the threats associated with the process.
Speaker
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Dr Cathie Bowen |
Dr Cathie Bowen (PhD) is a recognised specialist in family business succession and dispute resolution, holding a rare doctorate in Family Business Dispute. Her work in the field began in 1991 when she established Curtin University’s Muresk Family Business Succession Seminar Series, which ran for a decade. This experience highlighted issues relating to communication and change as key barriers to successful succession. Cathie’s research progressed from a Master’s focus on succession strategy and planning to a PhD examining FB conflict and dispute. She has presented widely at conferences and industry forums in Australia and internationally and continues to produce impact-focused research for local publications. Cathie was involved in establishing the FBA network in WA and was an inaugural Forum Facilitator in Perth. Witnessing the significant cost and impact of internal disputes on FB’s, Cathie gained accreditation in ADR (LEADR) and has since worked widely with family businesses to resolve conflicts, including disputes relating to wills and estates. Her understanding of these challenges has been further enhanced by her 20 years at Curtin University, where she worked with business growth and change management. An AICD graduate, Cathie serves on several boards and combines her professional expertise with practical experience as a broad-acre farmer, innovator, entrepreneur and exporter. She and her husband have four accomplished adult children.
Why Attend Advisor Connect
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Expand your network and connect with like-minded professionals who share your passion for supporting family businesses.
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Gain practical insights and strategies from experienced speakers on topics that matter most in family business advisory.
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Explore opportunities and collaborate with other advisors to strengthen the services you provide and challenge your way of thinking
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Stay ahead, keeping up-to-date with evolving best practices in advising family businesses.
As an FBA Advisor Member you are eligible to attend any advisor events across Australia and New Zealand
Not an FBA Family Business Accredited Advisor?
Becoming an FBA Accredited Advisor gives you the essential knowledge, skills, and practical tools to confidently support family businesses as they navigate growth, succession, and complex dynamics.
By engaging with a trusted community of professionals, you’ll stay informed on best practices, share experiences, and continue to grow your capability as an advisor. You’ll also be part of a supportive network dedicated to helping family businesses thrive for generations to come.
Learn more and become an Accredited Advisor today.
