Reflection for Family members at Ashridge House
Necessity of Reflection for Enterprise Family Members
In our conversations with members of enterprise families, it becomes apparent that despite good governance, a family charter, a well-functioning family office, and a profitable family business, individual family members can struggle with their roles within the family structure and/or family business.


Our experience shows that three topics play a crucial role:
- Role and Task Positioning
How is the role and task of the family member positioned within the family structure and/or family business? Are all organizational conditions in place so that the family member can assume the role and perform the task effectively? - Family Dynamics
To what extent do family dynamics, the complex set of interactions and relationships among family members, result in tensions within both the family and business contexts? - Personal Identity and Purpose
Who am I truly, apart from my role and responsibilities within the family and/or family business, and what is my purpose here?
At SpringBoard, we work with individual family members one-to-one over two days at Ashridge House to explore these topics. Self-examination and reflection are key components of this program. Know that the time invested in reflection is not wasted; it is scientifically proven that reflection leads to improved performance.
Our program is a transformative experience aimed at understanding deeper causes, not just addressing symptoms. This approach leads to new insights that enable you to fill your role within the family system with greater confidence and effectiveness. By exploring these essential questions, you will rediscover who you really are, the unique gifts you possess, and the impact you can have, resulting in sustainable positive change within the family system.
Take the time for reflection that leads to a deeper understanding of your role and purpose and join us for two days at Ashridge House in the United Kingdom, a former estate of the British royal family outside London.
Reflecting is about daring to listen to yourself.

The Program at Ashridge House in Four Steps
Our program is specially designed and tailored for family members of enterprise families. The goal is to deeply explore your place and role within the family system, with a focus on the family dynamics in your family and your personal ambition. This exclusive individual one-to-one program is entirely dedicated to you. You will not only discover new perspectives on your role and task in the family system but also gain insight into the unique gifts you possess and the impact you can have as an individual.

Personal Introduction

Preparation for Our Program

Two Days at Ashridge House
- Role and Task Positioning: How is your role and task of the family member positioned within the family structure and/or family business? Are all organisational conditions in place so that you can assume the role and perform the task effectively?
- Family Dynamics:: To what extent do family dynamics, the complex set of interactions and relationships among family members, result in tensions within both the familial and business contexts and influence your behavior?
- Personal Identity and Purpose: Who am I truly, apart from my role and responsibilities within the family and/or family business, and what is my purpose here?

After the Program
Who You Will Work With
I, Ruud Hopstaken, have spent a large part of my career as an executive and supervisory board member, including within family businesses. After obtaining a Master's 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 new perspectives on their role and task in the family system, besides 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, 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 partners into the program. See SpringBoard (www.springboard.business).
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 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.
Conclusion
This trajectory is more than a program; it is a transformative experience aimed at understanding deeper causes, not just addressing symptoms. This approach leads to new insights that enable you to fulfil your role and task within the family system differently. This results in greater confidence in your actions and sustainable positive change within the family system.
We invite you to participate in our program with all your heart and ambition, and we will guide you with everything we have.