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The concept of impact isn’t new, and in recent years has been discussed considerably from an investment and philanthropic perspective. But at FOX we believe “impact” can have a broader meaning, based on how each unique family defines it. While that can vary widely, the families themselves are similar in their ability to think strategically, embrace risk-taking, and align their vision and values.

Even as we head into 2022, the effects from the pandemic and events of 2020 continue to be felt, particularly in the philanthropic community. In this vibrant conversation with Glen W. Johnson, President of FOX, Bruce Boyd, Principal and Senior Managing Director of Arabella Advisors, Nancy Roob, CEO of Blue Meridian Partners and President and CEO of The Edna McConnell Clark Foundation, and Nick Tedesco, President and CEO of the National Center for Family Philanthropy, we discuss four separate-but-related issues.

We rely on – and have come to expect – real-time information to make decisions in every aspect of our lives. Family offices are no different. Unfortunately, many continue to use time-consuming manual processes for getting their data into the systems that need it. As a result, many family offices have been searching for technology solutions that function like additional back-office staff, to free up existing employees to handle tasks that can’t be automated.

FOX Foresight keeps you up to date on our latest thinking about matters affecting families, family offices, and their advisors. It gives you our forward look on what we're learning from our members and subject matter experts.

One of the greatest direct investing struggles is how to manage deal flow once opportunities start to come in. It sounds simple enough, but it is quite actually complex – in ways that might surprise you. Mainly, once word gets out you’re looking to invest, you’ll be inundated with opportunities. So before you work with your network to surface deals, be sure to proactively build your deal architecture and guidelines.

At our Family Office Exchange (FOX) Rising Gen Leadership Programs held in February and June, we noticed developing themes from our next-generation attendees. It became clear their needs and concerns were coalescing around three emergent areas. In this article we’re presenting a simple engagement pipleline to guide families and rising gen on their learning journey. This intentional approach is based on our research and the best practices of leading families.

Since the pandemic’s early days, employers have been wondering when – and how – they’d be able to return to the office. Those concerns only got more pressing as vaccinations grew and COVID-19 variants increased. In this piece, FOX’s family office members share their timetables, policies, and what returning to work looks like at this point in the pandemic.

Enterprise families are unique because they share ownership and stewardship of more than just family businesses. In addition to co-owning operating companies, they are the guardians of family legacy, family trusts, shared philanthropy, and joint properties. As leadership moves from founders to siblings to cousins and family priorities change, the decision-making structures must evolve to stay relevant.

The Importance of Family Learning: Developing Flourishing Families through Family Learning is an editable presentation featured in the FOX Family Learning Handbook designed to build a shared understanding of what family learning is and why it is important. Use it in a Family Learning Brainstorm Session to begin developing a family learning program, or use it in sections across several learning committee meetings. It is for you to customize based on your needs.

When wealth owners are asked what challenges them most, their first answer is frequently, “helping my children become productive adults.” Parents want their wealth to be a source of satisfaction and opportunity for their children and want to ensure that their children are prepared for the responsibilities that come with wealth. Getting this right is not easy, but those who have committed to educating the next generation will tell you that the return is well worth the investment.