FBA Forum Groups

Here is just a sample of what some of our forum group members have to say:  

Kent Aughey, Ashington Investments, South Australia
"The ability to talk freely about the issues we all face within our family working environments, sharing those issues among a non judgmental group of experienced and knowledgeable peers who are more than ready to share their knowledge and support to those around is a priceless opportunity to benefit from being part of FBA – I would highly recommend you make the move to join a forum right now!” 

Lance  Stringer, Lawnswood Crematorium, Victoria
“Forum  Group  is  what  you  make  it,  you  need  to  commit  to  attending  the monthly  meetings  and  be  willing  to  trust  and  share  with  the  group.   But  without  a  doubt  the  value and benefits  of  belonging  to  the  group  was  worth  far  in  excess  of  the  financial  investment!"

Michael Wittner, Wittner Shoes, Victoria
"FBA Forum participation has been, and continues to be, exceptionally rewarding and beneficial to our family, our business, and to me personally. As an active participant of our Forum, I am privileged to be able to contribute to, support and help others achieve improved personal, family and work outcomes. Forum enables me to address issues affecting my own life and work balance. I am able to do so in confidence, given the confidentiality rules of Forum, our Forum Constitution, and the professionalism in which our Forum is facilitated. Forum participation is an inspirational part of my life and I would recommend FBA Forums to anyone who shares the challenges of a family business"

Stephen Olsen, H N Olsen Pty Ltd, New South Wales
"There is a unique sense of teamwork in the process used that cannot be achieved with one’s own management team or family members"

Chris Johnston, Kerewong Pty Ltd, South Australia
"I was an inaugural member of the first Forum group formed in SA in 2002.  Seven years down the track a number of those foundation members continue to derive enormous benefit from being able to discuss sensitive family business issues with trusted peers in a totally confidential environment.  The benefits come from the wealth of collective experience and perspective and the guidance of a facilitator who is both experienced in the role and in the diverse field of family business.  This is a unique offering which I would confidently recommend to anyone of any age or gender looking for support in a family business context.  But be prepared to contribute: you’ll only get out of it what you’re prepared to put in – and the first requirement is regular commitment"

Janelle Bulmer, Dynaweld Industrial Supplies, New South Wales
“Just getting to know other family business people a bit better has helped with the isolation I have felt being in the family business. From a value point of view, I was hesitant about the cost initially but I felt like I got my full year’s value in the first meeting"

Andrew Mostyn, Craig Mostyn & Co Pty Ltd, Western Australia
"It’s a means of discussing and solving, both business and personal issues that would otherwise not be discussed. It’s our once a month confessional!"

Bernie McIntosh, Director, Victorian Mortgage Management Group, Victoria
"I was initially attracted to the concept of joining a business forum as a means of sharing commercial experiences and of broadening my understanding of issues in business beyond that of my own company and industry in particular. Our CEO Forum has exceeded my expectations"

"The CEO Forum works best, and is most valuable, when the members are honest with each other and are prepared to share experiences and observations regarding issues in business, and in family, that are common to us all. Our Forum operates in this atmosphere"

"Our members’ succession planning issues are real life. As are, for instance, issues regarding the remuneration of family members, or the involvement of non-family members in ownership structures, or questions relating to in-laws and their involvement in the business. The topics are endless but as members of family businesses and as forum members we share a common bond and an opportunity to contribute, to listen and to learn. I have found the forums to be frequently entertaining, thoroughly informative and always engaging, and I would encourage FBA Members to take part in the experience"

Andrew Logan, R G Logan Pty Ltd, New South Wales
"The major benefit has been having a close-knit group of people that can be trusted with sensitive issues"

Roz Shaw, Hawkins Family Group, Queensland
"My time in the Forum Group has been not only most enjoyable but with every session I have been surprised not only at what I have learnt, but what input I could offer. The time is now part of my schedule, not something I have to fit in"

Angela Cibiberto, C-Direct, Victoria
"Family Businesses are in the unique situation of needing to balance commercial realities with family issues, in this fundamental way they differ from other commercial enterprises. Inter-generational conflict, sibling rivalry and family ethics are family issues, however, in family businesses they also become business issues, and in these areas Forum Groups can assist. All Forum Group members have dealt with conflicts within families, or are wrestling with succession issues. They understand the difficulties of balancing key employee needs and family needs and the fact that it can be lonely at the top