Entrepreneur and Family Business Council at DePaul University

06/08/2026

What makes a team truly perform? According to Google's Project Aristotle research, it starts with psychological safety. And only 26% of leaders are actively creating it.

That stat came up during our recent Signature Event with Colette Carlson and it sparked one of the most honest conversations of the evening.

Our latest blog explores what leading with intention really looks like, and how the culture you build determines whether people feel safe enough to bring their best.

Read it here: https://myefbc.com/many-hats-leadership-lessons-from-colette-carlson/

06/03/2026

A special thank you to Marcus Newman for leading an honest and practical evening at EFBC's Sales Roundtable, in partnership with Alera Group.

Marcus walked the group through the full landscape of sales strategies, from cold calling and referrals to networking, and challenged attendees to think honestly about which approaches actually move the needle. The evening was equal parts tactical and thought provoking, with plenty of moments that sparked real conversation among members.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for such an engaging night.

06/02/2026

Prospect Forum is EFBC’s open invitation to Chicagoland business owners who want to see what a peer forum looks like from the inside.

Current members share their experiences, answer your questions, and give you an honest look at what this community offers. This is your chance to come with curiosity and leave with clarity.

Swipe through to see if this is for you.

June 9 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM | 330 N Wabash Ave, Chicago

Register via the event page here: https://entrepreneur-and-family-business-council.us.hivebrite.com/networks/events/137646

05/27/2026

You can inherit a business. You cannot inherit the trust that built it.

For next generation leaders stepping into a family business, that distinction matters more than most people talk about. Our latest blog explores what it actually looks like to build your own network and your own credibility while honoring everything that came before you.

Read it here: https://myefbc.com/building-your-own-network-when-youre-part-of-a-family-business/

05/20/2026

Behind every great business is someone who figured out how to hire right, lead well, and keep good people around. In family and entrepreneurial businesses, that work often falls on the owner, operator, or leader who never had an HR title but carried the responsibility anyway.

Today, on International HR Day, we’re recognizing the important work behind strong teams and healthy organizations. We’re also grateful for EFBC’s HR Strategic Partner, George Karavattuveetil, and Psyched! for the leadership, expertise, and support they bring to the EFBC community.

Happy International HR Day.

05/15/2026

Today is the International Day of Families and a reminder that strong families build strong communities.

At EFBC, we see it every day. Family businesses don't just create jobs. They create opportunity, stability, and a future worth passing down to the next generation.

Happy International Day of Families from the EFBC family to yours.

05/11/2026

Last month, we kicked off our Business Leadership Seminar.

Over three days, emerging leaders in privately held businesses explored how decisions connect across the business, from cybersecurity and marketing to finance, HR, legal, and more.

A big thank you to our Strategic Partners for leading every session and bringing real-world expertise to the table, and to Private Vista LLC for hosting.

Swipe through to see highlights from the program.

05/06/2026

“The emotional component of the workforce is increasing as AI is being implemented.”

A point shared by our partner George Karavattuveetil of Psyched! during EFBC’s recent HR Roundtable.

As AI continues to reshape the workplace, the human side of business is becoming more important than ever. The leaders and teams who embrace the human side of AI and lean into emotional intelligence, communication, and connection will be the ones who stand out.

Thank you to our members who joined us for an engaging discussion around AI and the future of work and for our Strategic Partners George Karavattuveetil and Rachel Bossard for sharing your expertise and perspective as always.

03/27/2026

As we wrap up Women’s History Month, it’s a meaningful time to reflect on the role women play in strengthening leadership, especially in the boardroom.

Diverse perspectives lead to stronger conversations, better decisions, and more effective governance.

At EFBC, we see this every day. When different viewpoints are brought to the table, it leads to better thinking and better outcomes.

Read more in our latest blog: The Business Case for Women on Boards

https://myefbc.com/the-business-case-for-women-on-boards/



Why women belong in the boardroom. Learn how gender diversity strengthens governance, improves decision-making, and supports long-term business success.

03/24/2026

Great to partner with the Family Business Center: Loyola University Chicago on this workshop.

The mock board meeting brought governance to life in a way that is hard to replicate on paper. Thank you to everyone who joined us.