Hi… I’m John Broons and I’m here to help you create a thriving family business.

My Manifesto
"Family Business"
What do you think of when I say this?
Do you think of harmony and success?
Or complications and heartache?
Perhaps you think it’s somewhere in between?
Most people expect the latter;
Tough conversations
Disagreements
Disharmony
And disconnection
Just to name a few
Today, to be in business we study
Leadership, accounting, law, economics
But we don’t study the complexities of being a family member
Within a family business
Business can be tough
We’re all operating in volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous environments
Being in business with your family adds an additional layer
Some would say the stakes are higher
The impact of failure, greater
For the most part, people avoid this layer
For fear it won’t work
To save their family relationships
Or to avoid the potential impact
I’m here to tell you it can work
In fact, it can be marvellous and rewarding
With the right education, clarity and conversations
Families in business together can thrive
It all started with a simple premise...
Running a family business
But that’s the part that’s missing from the MBAs, the masterminds and the networking groups. And all the traditional business consultants and professional services in the world won’t be able to out-strategise hidden hostilities, unspoken fears, or conflicting loyalties.
No one really talks about balancing the complex intersection of business and family dynamics, let alone dedicate their career to giving you the tools and guidance to navigate this delicate terrain.
The good news is that this is exactly what I do.
I help families and the enterprises they’ve built. To implement structures. Strengthen relationships. Develop comprehensive strategies. Make better decisions as a collective. Plan for the future.
Why this stuff?
Because it’s this stuff that means you won’t ever have to settle for unacceptable trade-offs. You won’t have to choose between pursuing profit and keeping your family connected. Between love and money. Between creating a legacy and human understanding.
I know how to help you lay the foundations for a successful family business that doesn’t require you to sacrifice your family in the process.
If you haven’t yet achieved a connected and thriving business, we can change that.
”
You won't have to choose between pursuing profit and keeping your family connected.
Before John came on board, I felt a lot of trepidation around around how it would work for me and whether paying a consultant would be value for money. Our family was. having a very tough time, but working with John has helped us turn around a very big ship. It has meant we moved from assumptions and avoidance to having a clear picture of where everyone stood and what everyone envisioned.
John currently facilitates two Family Business Australia Forum Groups. His expert skills as a facilitator, coupled with his knowledge and understanding of issues affecting family businesses have added a great deal of value to the support and services we offer our members. John conducts himself with calm professionalism, is always positive and supportive, and maintains a high level of confidentiality.
John has a global presence and an international reputation but, first and foremost, he is Australian and champions the cause for the Australian family business sector on the global stage. John is a fantastic ambassador for the sector as a whole, understands and helps overcome the unique challenges facing families in business together and is a real asset to the global field of family business, too.
In many cases it is the things we don’t know but need to know! John is proactive in helping each of us understand, comprehend and to find solutions. John is generous to a fault, caring and supportive. John brings to our table his wealth of knowledge and experience in running a family business as well as the years of experience he brings to the table of other businesses that he has worked with. We will always be grateful to him.
I believe........
IN PREPARING TOMORROW'S LEADERS
We must prepare tomorrow’s leaders for the complex and rewarding job of guiding a family enterprise, while honouring the values, principles, and purpose that the business was originally founded on.
A THRIVING BUSINESS IS AVAILABLE TO YOU
A thriving family and business is entirely possible. Not just for the lucky few, but for everyone.
PLANNING IS THE WAY FORWARD
Failing to plan is a risky business strategy. Planning - with input from every party - is the only way to move forward with deliberate action.
YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO IT ALONE
Knocking down walls can be hard for families to do alone, especially if they can't see them or don't know what's really behind them.
CONFLICT CAN BE REDIRECTED
Conflict is inevitable but it doesn't always have to be destructive. The energy and passion that drives it can be redirected for good.
FAMILY BUSINESS EDUCATION IS ESSENTIAL
Education is missing from the family business sector. If everyone understood their choices, and was invited to participate in planning, decision-making wouldn't be something to fear.


Why Trust Me In Your Business?

The Executive Connection’s (TEC) Gold Award 2012 – 2020

Founder of Family Business Australia (FBA) in Victoria and former FBA board member

Advanced Certificate of Family Business Advising

Winner, 2019/2020 National FBA Advisor of the Year

Family Business United Hall of Fame Inductee

Fellow of Family Firm Institute (Boston, USA). One of only three people in Australia to hold this title