Peer advisory groups are discussion groups that complement the Family Business
Speaker Series. They are intimate groups of 6 - 12 participants who meet periodically
to discuss matters of business and personal interest. Advisory groups provide a confidential environment for idea exchange, family business education, and personal growth. They present an opportunity to learn by seeking advice from peers and professionals who have “been there, done that” and have insight to share.

Due to the nature of business - and depending on the imminent environment that family firms operate in - advisory groups alternate on an annual basis. Not all focus groups may be active at the same time - some go dormant for a year only to be reintroduced the following year. The purpose of alternating advisory groups is to maintain fresh content, meet the imminent challenges of our members, and give time for members to implement what they've learned with a near future follow-up and review.

Principles of a Successful Peer Advisory Group:

• Confidentiality - Peer Advisory Groups are successful due to the fact that each group has a shared purpose and expectations. Each member is committed to respecting the confidentiality of all members.
• Commitment - Group members are committed to attend meetings as regularly as possible. Members rely on one another for follow up, feedback and continuity and may be teleconferenced in depending on availability.
• Leadership - Expert facilitators allow each group to explore areas of common interest while adhering to selected topics on the agenda.

Peer Advisory Group Descriptions:


Advanced Curriculum in Excellence (ACE) Focus Group
Guiding Principle: Strategic Management

The ACE Focus Group focuses on relevant business strategy that owners, entrepreneurs, non-family executives, successors and co-preneurs face. Using the case study method, this group addresses issues such as technology and innovation, global competition, customer and supplier relationships, organization/employee development, and capital allocation.

Executive Forum on Succession
Guiding Principle: Transition

The Executive Forum provides a unique opportunity for leading generation family members and owners to meet with other family business owners, non-family executives and industry professionals to talk about succession, estate planning, retirement, mentoring, conflict resolution, children and rivalry, boards of advisors, business growth, and more.

Fairfield County Focus Group
Guiding Principle: Best Practices

The Fairfield County Focus Group focuses on the particular business and socio-economic needs of Fairfield county’s family business community. Topics include succession planning, skill set development, non-family executives, boards of directors/advisors, ethical business practices, social responsibility, and change management.

Forum for Leadership & Team Development
Guiding Principles: Leadership & Team Development

To be effective in current or future positions, business leaders must acquire, maintain,
and improve the abilities and potential of themselves and their employees. Utilizing a personal assessment tool, this forum drives family business members to identify their
own capabilities, understand the competencies required for leadership, and work to develop these competencies. Topics include: change leadership, strategic visioning, communication, driving for results, managing others, problem solving, and teamwork.

Forum for Women & Men in Management
Guiding Principle: Optimization

The Forum for Women & Men in Management helps family members and employees thrive in a mixed-gender workplace. The forum gives family business members and employees insights to best leverage the unique abilities of women and men in business working together.  This forum is NOT a gender-specific group – both male and female participants are encouraged to attend to best understand and maximize each individuals core competencies.  Discussion points will include how women and men make decisions and assess/drive value. 

Forum for Workplace & Family Unity
Guiding Principle: Harmony

The Forum for Workplace & Family Unity helps family firms thrive by maximizing the
potential of their people. The forum gives family business members tools and strategies
to best manage family/non-family/shareholder relationships through discussions
of various topics including tools for better communication, moving through difficult
conversations, work/life balance, group dynamics, wealth psychology, managing
diversity, preparing for transitions & retirement, managing conflict, building trust,
assessing personal and professional values alignment, gender roles, and fulfilling personal
and professional goals.