Commentary

A Commentary provides thoughtful and insightful opinions or perspectives on events, policies or situations of interest to business owners, startups, educators, investors and policymakers. These should be short, readable, timely, interesting pieces that address current topics of interest, discussion or dispute.

Length: <1,000 words

Reviewed by Senior Editors


What Business Owners Can Learn From World War II Strategic Bombing

Like military strategists, business owners face decisions that must balance vision and resources, courage and caution, innovation and discipline. What can small business owners, family firms, and Read More...

Category: Commentary

Author: Joseph Giglio

Addressing Substance Use Disorders in a Family Enterprise

When a family member struggles with addiction, the consequences can ripple throughout the firm and increase its risks. Scott, a seasoned executive in a multigenerational family business, approached Read More...

Category: Commentary

Author: Diana Clark

Remembering and Learning from FedEx Founder Fred Smith

Smith died June 21, but the 11 management practices he encouraged at FedEx provide timeless wisdom for entrepreneurs and their ventures. EDITOR’S NOTE: FedEx Founder and Executive Chairman Read More...

Category: Commentary

Author: James C Wetherbe

5 Practical Tips for Making Business Decisions With Family Members

Running a family business doesn’t mean always seeing eye to eye, but you can still overcome challenges, resolve conflicts, and evolve as a team. At 13, I unknowingly took part in my first serious Read More...

Category: Commentary

Author: Rostyslav Vovk

The Role of the Champion: Practical Guidance for Venture Managers

At its core, a champion is the individual within the organization who takes personal responsibility for making the alliance succeed. For venture managers, understanding the champion’s role and how Read More...

Category: Commentary

Author: David Deeds

Making the Leap: From Consultant to Fitness Technology Innovator

EliteFit.ai provides AI-powered movement assessments and fitness programs for business and public sector clients. Just seven years ago, Ani Bhalekar was a Singapore-based McKinsey consultant who Read More...

Category: Commentary

Author: Catherine Buday

All-Time Greats: Announcing Our Wetherbe Award Winners

The Wetherbe Thought Leadership Awards recognize EIX and FamilyBusiness.org authors whose articles have had extraordinary impact over the past decade. EIX and FamilyBusiness.org are expected to Read More...

Category: Commentary

Authors: David Townsend and Kimberly Eddleston

More Than an Entrepreneur: How Best Buy Founder Dick Schulze Saves Lives

Along with funding worthy organizations and missions through his foundation, Dick Schulze also works behind the scenes to help individuals during a life-threatening health crisis. Founders who build Read More...

Category: Commentary

Authors: James C Wetherbe and Kimberly Eddleston

Stanford Team is 2025 e-Fest Grand Champion

MINNEAPOLIS – e-Fest 2025 came to an exciting conclusion on Saturday, April 26, with an incredible Championship Round judged by top business and entrepreneurship professionals: Ryan Kruizenga from Read More...

Category: Commentary

Author: Jennifer Gessner

Turbulence Ahead: How Businesses Can Navigate Tariffs and Uncertainty

Legal interpretations, taxes, regulations, judicial rulings, trade agreements, and the like change daily. How to keep your business and stakeholders on an even keel. Over the years, many successful Read More...

Category: Commentary

Authors: Joseph Astrachan and Claudia Binz Astrachan