The Necessity of Reflecting on Family Dynamics for Enterprise Family Members

In our conversations with members of enterprise families, it often becomes apparent that despite good governance, a family charter, a well-functioning family office, and a profitable family business, unspoken and simmering issues and underlying tensions exist within the family. Not all family members feel acknowledged or recognized. These dynamic needs attention because it can lead to undesirable behavior that significantly impacts the family system and, consequently, the family business. These dynamics are exacerbated by external changes such as acquisitions and geopolitical tensions, as well as internal shifts like generational transitions.

At SpringBoard, we work with family members over two days to explore the deeper drivers within the family system and often bring to light the resistance to change. By making these causes visible, opportunities arise to better understand and address them. This approach leads to new insights among family members, resulting in greater confidence in their actions and sustainable positive changes within the family system.
Take the time for reflection that leads to a deeper understanding of your family dynamics and join us for two days at Ashridge House in the United Kingdom, a former estate of the British royal family outside London. Here, in complete privacy and confidentiality, you can participate in a transformative program with a small group of carefully selected family members from other wealthy entrepreneurial families. Reflecting is about daring to listen to yourself and being open to experiencing family dynamics differently, which will lead to new insights.

Who You Will Work With

I, Ruud Hopstaken, have spent a large part of my career as an executive and supervisor, including within family businesses. After obtaining a Master in Executive Coaching from Ashridge Business School, I now guide family members with positions within the family and/or family business in realizing their ambitions. My education at the Tavistock Institute in London has further deepened my understanding of dynamics in boardrooms and within enterprise families. My experience as CEO of a family office for an enterprise family in the Netherlands has further contributed to this.
My goal is to provide family members with the space to discover their unique qualities freely and to acquire knowledge about (family) dynamics. My experience shows that they can often achieve much more than they think and do. This applies to you as well, regardless of what you have already achieved. My role is to calmly show you this and help you experience how to function more effectively within the ever-changing demands placed on you within both the family and the family business.
I understand the challenges you face because I have been in the same shoes as an executive and board member of large organizations, including family businesses. I also know the feeling of being 'lonely at the top' and what you are going through. This mutual understanding allows us to quickly get to the heart of the matter.
During my time as an executive, I simultaneously went through a personal and business crisis. During this difficult period, reflection helped me and brought me to where I am now. It gave me the freedom to make my own choices and realize my ambitions. I want to share this knowledge and experience with you and help you reflect meaningfully on your role within the family. This will help you understand what is important to you now, what questions need attention, and what your ambition is. After these two days, you will be able to shape and define your role with new insights.

Partners

When it adds value for you, I also bring my partners into the program. See SpringBoard.

Location: Ashridge House near London

The location is Ashridge House, a former estate of the British royal family outside London. As a participant, you will have your own suite equipped with all comforts. Additionally, Ashridge House offers ample opportunity to stay together and enjoy the communal meals.

Financial information

The initial program, consisting of the first three steps, begins with a complimentary initial consultation to ensure we are a good match. The second step involves the BluePrint Scan and the preparatory session. The third step, which includes two intensive days at Ashridge House, covers all preparations, accommodation for two nights, meals, and a follow-up session. Travel expenses to and from Ashridge House are not included.
For a detailed quote for the initial program, the first three steps, please contact me.
Upon your return, we will create a tailored plan for step four, the ongoing support. This includes at least one comprehensive monthly session, with the option for additional sessions if needed. The pricing for this phase will be custom-made to fit your needs.