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It's a mixed bag out there

It

The back-to-work push to restart our economy has been met with mixed results. Family businesses deemed essential have been working at full capacity and there are positive signs in the unemployment rate and in supply chain reporting. But uncertainty remains and the impact can be felt at work, at home, and in our communities. Some people are ACTING OUT.

I'm running low on inspiration

You need an 8-minute read. This week the Baumhart Center, one of our sister centers, tapped into the thinking of futurist Rishad Tobaccowala, the author of the bestselling “Restoring the Soul of Business: Staying Human in the Age of Data” for a conversation on the future of business. He shared his vision for how we harness this moment and begin to see the start of a great reinvention in business and beyond. His thoughts on resiliency, opportunities, threats, and white paper exercises will get your motor going and your people excited. If you missed Thursday’s webinar, that’s OK. Invest the time and learn more here.

Look into my crystal ball

If only we could see the future, we might take a deep breath and act accordingly. Quinlan’s own Abol Jalilvand (Ralph Marotta Chair and economic expert) points out that the current recession caused by COVID-19 is a reaction to the pandemic, a high-risk event. Jalilvand forecasts a future where “we will see corporations opt to be more conservative going forward, trading resiliency against efficiency. They will hold more cash, larger inventories, all focused on maintaining excess capacity, enabling them to absorb such externally low probability-high impact risk events.”  You  can read more of the professor’s helpful predictions here.

Restored by a good story

Listen here to the new podcast "No Stupid Questions" brought to you by Steven Dubner’s Freakanomics team member, Rebecca Lee Douglas. Rebecca talks about the power of stories to persuade and create compassion. Get yourself settled in your hammock and check it out.

More good programming, information and learning coming right up:

  • August 4th Legacy Peer Group Information Webinar
    Featuring Andrew Keyt and Edward Monte and co-hosted by Mark Hoffman and Anne Smart. What will your third chapter look like? If you’re curious about creating a post-CEO life that is vibrant, meaningful and relevant, then sign up for this free webinar.  Andrew and Edward will share findings from their latest work on one of the greatest challenges in family business transitions. Register here.
  • August 11th Governance Institute Information Session
    The Governance Institute (GI) helps family boards strengthen their capabilities and effectiveness, and prepares individual family members for board director positions. GI is taught by Andrew Keyt, Clinical Professor of Family Business with guest expert and governance scholar, Joe Astrachan.  We’ve moved our kickoff date from July 2020 to October 8-9, 2020 due to COVID-19. This free info session will cover COVID-19 planning for face-to-face meetings, virtual meetings, and interactive engagement of participants. Register here.

Hidey hey…baby don't you want to go

Even if you’re working at home (and if you’re lucky, you’ve decamped to your lake or vacation home to ride out the pandemic) we need to rest and recharge. Take a break with this special star-studded virtual video to benefit artists throughout Chicago and Illinois. Put on your headphones and dance!!!

I'm taking my own advice

And taking some time off. While I’m out, I’ve got a list of books to plow through.  Email me if you want to discuss:

My vacation book list:

Andrew is also taking some well-deserved time off and we will both be back and ready to connect with you later next week. Please drop us a note and let us know how you’re doing. We love to hear from you and can see how hard you are working!