Foundation for Research, Education and Development

I am deeply saddened and disheartened to pay a homage to my dear friend Kalpesh who attained the heavenly aboard today. He always supported the Foundation activities and a friend I always to trust upon personally and professionally. We deeply regret his demise and pray for his family to gain the strength and pass this phase. May his soul rest in peace 🙏🙏🙏

Couldn’t attend the session at IFBEC?

Join Shweta Shah online for a free session on Wealth Structuring & Estate Planning.

When: October 9th, 5:30-7:00 PM (Online)
Where: Online – From the comfort of your home!
Cost: Free!

Gain insights into protecting and growing your family’s wealth. Perfect for family business owners and the next generation.

Register here:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeRUSktvuNWInByk62PvRV_marXmS1s546zupFxV2n6h3V6YA/viewform?usp=sf_link

Join us for a free, online session on Wealth Structuring & Estate Planning with expert Shweta Shah.

When: October 9th, 5:30 - 7:00 PM
Where: Online – Free to join!

Whether you're a family business owner or part of the next generation, this session will guide you in securing your family’s wealth for the future.

Register now: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeRUSktvuNWInByk62PvRV_marXmS1s546zupFxV2n6h3V6YA/viewform?usp=sf_link

Missed the Session?
Join us for an online session on Wealth Structuring and Estate Planning with Shweta Shah.

When: October 9th, 5:30 – 7 PM
Where: Online
Cost: Free

This free session is perfect for family business owners and the next generation looking to secure their family's future.

Don't miss out!

Click here to register now: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeRUSktvuNWInByk62PvRV_marXmS1s546zupFxV2n6h3V6YA/viewform?usp=sf_link

Your family’s future is worth planning for!

Heartfelt Appreciation and Gratitude

The Foundation for Research, Education, and Development (FRED) extends its sincerest gratitude to Dr. Vinaya Shetty, renowned HR, OD, and Management Consultant from VIN Consulting, Mumbai.

Dr. Vinaya's exceptional hosting of the auction hour during the International Family Business Enterprises Conference gala dinner was truly commendable. Her engaging presentation of the gifts donated by participants and speakers made the event an outstanding success.

We appreciate Dr. Vinaya's unwavering support and availability for FRED's events, always willing to lend a helping hand.

FRED's Trustees, Dr. Mohanakrishnan and Dr. Bhavani, join in expressing heartfelt thanks to Dr. Vinaya for her contributions.

Scholarship Program

FRED's scholarship program, supporting deserving researchers and students, was made possible through the auction. Eight scholarships were awarded, covering accommodation, registration, and access to all conference events.

Thank you, Dr. Vinaya, for your vital role in making this initiative a success.

Day 3 of IFBEC 2024 was a dynamic academic day, commencing with insightful keynotes by Prof. Maksim Belitski (Director, Henley Centre for Entrepreneurship, UK) and Prof. Heiko Kleve (Academic and Managing Director, Witten Institute for Family Business, Germany). Renowned research scholars from across the globe, representing Germany, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, China, Russia, Latvia, Greece and India, presented their cutting-edge research papers. Academic sessions were chaired by Dr. Tobias Koellner and Dr. Bhavani M. Special thanks to academic review committee for their contribution.

We extend our gratitude to SDM Institute for Management Development, Mysore, for hosting the event in their picturesque campus. The day was marked by vibrant knowledge sharing, new collaborations, and stimulating debates, fostering an enthusiastic participation from all attendees. The collective expertise and passion of the participants significantly enriched the field, making the event a resounding success.

"Foundation for Research, Education and Development (FRED) recognizes the symbiotic relationship between Organization Development (OD) processes and Family Business Consulting. Our pioneering conference model converges three vital stakeholders – Family Businesses, Academicians, and Consultants – to foster impactful conversations driving 'Value and Wealth Maximization,' as illustrated in our distinctive triangle model.

Renowned OD practitioner, Sushma Sharma, delivered a captivating closing session at IFBEC-2024, leaving participants thrilled and inspired. She skillfully facilitated a reflective process, harnessing the conference's usefulness, meaning, and purpose. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees served as a resounding motivator for the organizers.

The second day concluded on a triumphant note, culminating in the announcement of the conference's relocation to SDMIMD campus in Mysore for its third day.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Sushma Sharma for her invaluable contribution to IFBEC-2024, expertly weaving together the threads of OD and Family Business Consulting."

Sibling entrepreneurs Mrs. Vijaya Belavadi and Mr. Raaghav Belavadi, pioneers in the luxury services industry, led an enlightening session on 'Sibling Dynamics - The Strength of Family Business: Harnessing Complementary Strengths.'

Their captivating discussion highlighted how their diverse skills and collaborative approach propelled their business to exceptional success. The audience was fascinated by their humble beginnings, remarkable journey, and rise to becoming leading luxury business leaders.

The session seamlessly transitioned into an engaging group discussion, sparking intriguing questions and candid responses from the sibling duo. Their down-to-earth demeanour, openness, and passion left a lasting impression on delegates, making their story truly inspiring.



Next-generation leaders Kalpesh M. and Manisha Kannur, who are successfully driving their family business with well-defined roles, joined the panel discussion on 'Succession of Business and Wealth.'

They shared invaluable insights from their personal experiences in succession and overcoming challenges within the family business. The audience gained immense knowledge from their candid sharing, making the session an inspiring and informative learning experience for all delegates.

We appreciate Kalpesh and Manisha's willingness to share their stories, offering unique perspectives and practical advice that resonated deeply with the audience.

Mr. Prasad Kumar delivered a captivating keynote address at the conference, titled 'Family Business Governance- a case of GMR.' He Began by outlining the fundamental concepts and significance of family businesses, then explored specific case studies from his 30+ years consulting tenure with prominent Indian business families.

The audience was fully absorbed by his insightful presentation, and the hall became transfixed as Mr. Kumar shared his profound expertise. His depth of knowledge and willingness to share his experiences made the session profoundly meaningful and impactful.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Prasad Kumar for generously sharing his time and expertise, enriching our conference with his valuable insights.

Dr Mohanakrishnan delivered an astounding session on Transformation of Families and Organization.

He narrated the importance of transformation based on raising values-based questions and experiences in life. He used the model developed by Prof. Gibb Dyer from Brigham Young University.

He shared the four types of family firms: Clan, Professional, Mom& Pop, and self-interested Family Firms. The session was workshop based and the family members did a questionnaire to understand their family types. Based on the family types, he took the participants through how the agency cost varies and the advantages of using the Family Capital, namely: Financial, Social and Intellectual capital available within the family.

Session Highlight: "Healing Conflict in Family Business"

The most impactful session for participants was the presentation by Leela Kirloskar, Embodied Leadership Coach & Facilitator, Author, and Affiliate at Aberkyn Wisdom Tree Leadership. Leela shared her profound insights on:

- Understanding the emotional and relational complexities that fuel conflicts in family-run businesses.
- The power of embodied leadership in addressing and healing these conflicts, by promoting mindfulness and empathy.
- How unresolved emotional tensions can hinder business performance and family dynamics.
- Effective strategies for transforming conflict into a source of growth, building stronger relationships and ensuring long-term business success.
- The role of trust, open communication, and emotional resilience in creating harmony within both the family and the business.

The session offered participants invaluable insights into the deep-rooted challenges of family business conflict and how adopting a holistic approach can lead to sustainable growth and healthier family relations.