Forum Group Program
Our Forum Program has been a cornerstone of FBA for 25 years, fostering a community where like-minded peers come together for collective learning, growth and support.
Forum Groups offer a supportive and confidential space to navigate challenges, raise tough issues and talk them through, workshop ideas or issues, and celebrate successes. Led by an accredited family business facilitator, the Forum Program is your unique opportunity to seek counsel, learn from other’s experience, and share your own learnings. Running a family business can be extremely rewarding but it does come with a number of complexities and challenges. Ultimately, no one understands the nuances of family business better than you and your peers.
FBA's Forum Group Program offers five different streams:
- In-Person Forum Groups
- Virtual Forum Groups
- Forum Groups for Women | Virtual
- CEO and Executive Forum Group | In-Person
- Emerging Leaders Forum Group | In-Person 2-Year Program
More details of each stream are outlined below.
Interested in joining a Forum Group? Begin the process by completing our application form. All information collected is confidential. Our Forum Group Manager will utilise the information provided in matching you to your Stream and your Forum Group, resulting in an equally rewarding and beneficial placement for all involved.
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More about FBA's Forum Group Program
Forum Groups are made up of 6-12 family business leaders, executives and CEOs from non-competing businesses bound by confidentiality and are encouraged to speak freely as they share concerns and potential strategies with like-minded peers.
A rigorous application process ensures that applicants and forum groups are matched to protect confidentiality and avoid conflicts of interest for all participants.
Forum Groups will meet 10 times a year for 4-hour sessions (in-person), or 3-hour sessions (virtual), led by an experienced and accredited family business facilitator. The group is a confidential and safe space to share your ideas, talk through roadblocks, view your issues through a different lens and gain moral support. The groups instil accountability and knowledge sharing with countless generations of experience distilled through the participants. Learn from your peers and drive positive change in your family business.
The program also offers support on a personal level, a trusted group to not only discuss business ideas and challenges but personal and family ones too. Forum Groups are an opportunity to 'find your tribe' and make lifelong connections that help you grow.
As part of your Forum Group Program, topics of discussion are guided by the members and may include family business succession planning, conflict resolution, family business dynamics, business and strategic planning, governance, emerging markets and business trends, human resources, sales and marketing, business leadership, organisational behaviour and psychology. Your group may also elect to bring in an expert on a topic of interest, using that session to focus on upskilling as a group. There are also optional yearly Forum Retreats to get away from the day-to-day of your family business and deep dive with your Forum Group.
Download the Forum Group Program Flyer
What Stream of Forum Group is right for you?
FBA's Forum Group Program offers five different streams. We can help you find the right fit.
In-Person Forum Groups
A face-to-face forum group experience, where like-minded peers come together for collective learning, growth and support.
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Virtual Forum Groups
An accessible and flexible way to participate in Forum Group, Virtual Forum offers the same confidential, safe and trusted space through the convenience of an online platform.
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Forum Groups for Women | Virtual
Designed to recognise the vital role women in family businesses play, we offer a unique Forum Group that provides support, guidance and networking opportunities, exclusively for women in a virtual format.
Facilitated by an independent female leader in family business, this forum group is a collaborative space for women to learn and share experiences regardless of their level of involvement within the business.
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CEO and Executive Forum Group | In-Person
Our CEO and Executive Forum Group Program offers an exclusive network for leaders from complex, multi-million dollar family businesses to engage in confidential and candid solutions-focused discussions. In this space, owners, CEOs and senior executives, connect monthly to exchange insights, share strategies, discuss challenges and build invaluable relationships with peers who truly understand the stakes.
Led by an experienced independent facilitator, our Forum Group Program is designed to foster meaningful, confidential dialogue that cuts to the core of issues, empowering leaders to gain fresh perspectives, stay agile and informed, and make confident decisions. The CEO and Executive Forum Group provides a rare chance to learn from seasoned executives who understand the demands of guiding a family business to success.
The CEO and Executive Forum Group Program is currently available in Melbourne. Whether you are based in VIC or not, please express your interest.
Find Out More about the CEO and Executive Forum Group
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Emerging Leaders Forum Group | In-Person 2-Year Program
Equipping future leaders with critical skills for the next decade is vital for the longevity of your family business, this is why this Forum Group is tailored to emerging leaders.
This 2-year program is designed to help young family business members gain essential leadership and management skills while connecting with like-minded peers in a confidential setting. Through a structured and facilitated agenda, participants will develop the competencies and networks crucial for future success. Participants will learn best practices from leading Australian family businesses and drive their own businesses forward with fresh insights and strategies.
The Emerging Leaders Forum Group Program is currently available in Sydney. Whether you are based in NSW or not, please express your interest.
Find Out More about the Emerging Leaders Forum Group
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What your peers have to say
Matthew Stevens
Webster-pak ®
“Being able to share experiences, learnings and consider opportunities in a confidential environment with others who have similar values is extremely helpful. I see the forum group as a professional development program that helps me stay focused on achieving my goals in my personal, family and business life.”
Anthea Hammon
Scenic World
“My siblings and I are in forum groups, which have been invaluable in having a space to speak freely and workshop issues with like-minded leaders.”
Your Commitment
Attend 10 meetings per year (February to November) at $4,195.45 per annum (in-person)* or $3,459 per annum (virtual)* and a willingness to ensure confidentiality for your fellow forum group members. Forum Group Retreats are offered at an additional cost. *Costs exclude GST.
Please note:
- Other streams of the Forum Group Program may incur a different cost. Please enquire with our Forum Group Manager to find out more.
- Forum Group participants require an active Family Business Association Membership.
Find your Forum Group:
We would love to explore your interest with you. Call Olivia Spalding, Forum Group Manager on +61 3 9123 4412 or email forums@familybusiness.org.au for a confidential discussion.
You won't regret the connections you make and the opportunity to talk through your thoughts with a group of impartial leaders who empathise with the unique characteristics of family businesses.
