Events

Centre for Family Business and Entrepreneurship (CFBE) welcomed the first cohort of the Ladies in Family Enterprise (LiFE) programme. LiFE is a uniquely crafted four-month programme for women from business families. This programme is designed to enhance the skills of women from business families, regardless of their level of participation or ownership in the family business. Prof. Tulsi Jayakumar, Executive Director SPJIMR CFBE, welcomed the participants and summarised their new journey with LiFE as evolving from ‘Chief Emotional Officers’ to ‘Chief Executive Officers’.

The chief guest Ms. Reni Pandya, Executive Director- Dak Systems Inc and PGPFMB Batch 13 alumna, shared her inspiring personal journey with the participants. She emphasised the importance of continuous learning and how evolving at each stage helps instil confidence in an individual. The participants from diverse business families were brimming with motivation and an inspiring determination to kickstart their transformational journey with LiFE and make the most out of the experiential programme.

LiFE programme envisions empowering women from business families by equipping them with not only the right skills and knowledge but, more importantly, the self-confidence, positive mindset, and self-worth needed to develop an entrepreneurial mentality. This foundation prepares them to manage their family business or embark on entrepreneurial ventures effectively.

Programme architecture

The programme covers a wide range of modules like understanding self, understanding target customers, family dynamics, basics of finance, developing an entrepreneurial mindset and more, over four months, where sessions will be delivered twice a month in the SPJIMR Mumbai campus. The participants further choose an elective in the 4th month, from- functional specialisation (HR/admin, marketing, finance) and new venture creation. The programme further culminates with a business plan presentation in the following month.

The programme recognises and works towards the challenges and opportunities that women from family-owned enterprises face, such as navigating familial expectations, managing intergenerational dynamics, and leveraging inherited business assets. The programme typically includes rich mentorship from successful entrepreneurs and industry experts who have successfully navigated similar paths, providing invaluable insights and practical advice. Networking, a key highlight of the programme, is not just about making connections, but about building a community where participants can share experiences and learn from each other. After successful programme completion, participants can also leverage the alumni connections. This sense of community is a crucial part of the LiFE programme.

By focusing on the specific needs of women from business family backgrounds, the programme not only fosters personal and professional growth but also looks forward to contributing to the broader goal of enhancing diversity and innovation in the entrepreneurial landscape. This unique opportunity for growth and innovation is what makes the programme truly exciting and motivating. Ultimately, the programme helps women leverage their family business heritage while pushing the boundaries of what is possible, leading to more dynamic and successful business ventures.

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