Highlighting Our Unique Approach
Message from the Nulsen Family
Executive Director
We came out of the gate quickly this spring semester and haven't looked back. There has been a lot of excitement at the Bertarelli Institute for Family Entrepreneurship and I can't wait to share. 
 
In February, we traveled to Singapore for Babson Connect Worldwide. The marquee event attracted over 300 participants from 45 different countries. During the conference, I had the privilege of moderating a fascinating conversation with three incredible next-gen family business leaders about what motivates them to be family entrepreneurs. Our Global Family Entrepreneurship Network also held an incredible summit right before the start of BCW at which we explored key tools families can use to create value together.
 
Research has always been at the core of BIFE's mission and I am proud to announce that Babson professors Patricia Guinan, Keith Rollag, and Alisa Jno-Charles will have their BIFE-sponsored research recognized at the prestigious BCREC conference this June. The team also shared a glimpse into their research at this spring's Babson Faculty Research Day.
 
I am also excited to share my newest article featured in Family Business Magazine which delves into the ways a family systems approach can help families grow their businesses while strengthening family ties, a central topic of the Bertarelli Institute.

On the student front, we have showcased two amazing opportunities below that embody our unique, impactful student programs. With May quickly approaching we will celebrate all the hard work and accomplishments of our BIFE grads with a special stole ceremony and graduation reception.
 
With a busy year on the horizon, we have already begun planning for next year's programs and events. I look forward to sharing more of what's in store. For now please read on to find out more about the stories I have highlighted here. 
 
Sincerely,
Babson Connect Worldwide (BCW) 2024
Family Business Panel at BCW
Lauri Union moderated an impactful discussion with next-generation family entrepreneurial leaders at BCW, Babson's premier global summit for entrepreneurs.
The panel included compelling perspectives from Richie Eu, Nuttapong Hirunyasiri, and Crystal T. Lam.
Global Family Entrepreneurship Network Singapore Summit
Our Global Family Entrepreneurship Network hosted their second summit in Singapore this February. Network members came together from across the world to take part in curated thought provoking programs, a live case study, engaging cohorts and cultural excursions.
Family Business Magazine Feature
Article: Your Family’s Past Affects Your Business Today
In her latest article with Family Business Magazine, Lauri Union explores the intricate emotional dynamics involved in family businesses and functioning.

The article uncovers how healthy family relationships are the key to healthy family businesses and how an approach based on family systems theory can help you get to the root of your family issues.
On Campus
Babson Professors Recognized for BIFE Sponsored Research
Babson professors Patricia Guinan, Keith Rollag, and Alisa Jno-Charles recent work was accepted by the Babson College Entrepreneurship Research Conference (BCERC). BCERC is the world’s leading entrepreneurship research conference and will be held in Munich, Germany in June. Their research highlights how families view the impact of the business-family relationship duality on the entrepreneurial behavior of their children.

In addition, their work was selected for Babson's Faculty Research Day this February.
BIFE Spring Kick Off Event
We welcomed students back to campus with a unique networking event tailored to industry specific interests. Each student chose a hat in a color that correlated with their industry of choice, fostering networking with peers who share similar career aspirations. 

Students also had the opportunity to learn about BIFE's extensive program offerings and chat with our experts about all things entrepreneurship.
Thought Leadership Programs for Students
Student Advisory Forum (SAF)
Student Advisory Forum (SAF), one of our flagship programs, is an amazing leadership opportunity for students highly involved and engaged with BIFE.
Students selected for the program act as ambassadors for the Institute, help co-create and shape our student events.

At the end of the academic year, BIFE invites two student leaders to serve for a year on our prestigious BIFE Global Advisory Board, comprised of alumni family business leaders from around the world.
Freshman Family Entrepreneurship Mastermind (FFEM)
We are thrilled to launch the second cohort of our Freshman Family Entrepreneurship Mastermind (FFEM) program this fall. In this innovative program supporting family start-ups, freshmen from entrepreneurial families connect with peers to learn critical leadership and relationship skills needed to leverage family to chart their own path. Participants also have the opportunity to apply for seed funding for their start-up. Our creation of this program stemmed from the fact that 75% of all startups are family businesses*.

*Source: Global Entrepreneurship Monitor
Highlights of Babson Programs We Love
Leadership Program for Women & Allies
Looking for a women in leadership program that can provide executive development for the entire team? Want to nurture your personal network, executive development, and career growth? The Babson Executive Education Leadership Program for Women & Allies provides leadership training that expands your network, viewpoints, skill set, and knowledge of entrepreneurial leadership. This program takes places May 13-17, 2024. Learn more and sign up here.

Student Program: Not Your Usual Babson Family Business Club Summit
Join the Babson Family Business Club on Saturday March 30, 2024 for an innovative event exploring the challenges and triumphs unique to family businesses. With a focus on empowering students and aspiring entrepreneurs, this event aims to shed light on the intricate dynamics of building and sustaining a family business across generations. Learn more and sign up here.
JOIN BABSON'S GLOBAL COMMUNITY
OF FAMILY ENTREPRENEURS
Join the BIFE global community of 6,000+ family entrepreneurs to stay up to date on new events and updates, and get priority access to our programs.