From the Bedroom to the Boardroom: Dealing with Divorce in the Family Business

Approximately ninety percent of all business enterprises in the United States are privately held. Of those businesses, fifty percent have another family member working at the firm, whether it is a spouse, sibling, or cousin, and are considered traditional family-owned businesses. So what happens when spousal issues get in the way of harmony within the family or the business? Whether it is a senior or junior generation member having spousal challenges, such as marriage conflicts, it can create devastating pitfalls in your family business. In this thought-provoking and engaging program, Laura Michaud teaches attendees key tactics to employ guidelines that will ensure your assets remain within the family and that spousal issues do not affect your business success or continuity. Regardless of your current situation, this program will give you the tools necessary to deal with any current or future spousal issues.

Learn how to:

• Keep family and spouse issues separate from business issues
• Implement what is needed before, during and after (if necessary) a marriage to ensure the least amount of interference and conflict between family members and business needs
• Utilize tools to handle tough situations with family members or spouses
• Create family systems, meetings, and councils to ensure quality communications
• Set up outside board of advisors that can help when conflict with family members or spouses occur
• Use appropriate legal documents to protect the business and family assets in case of divorce

This thought-provoking and engaging presentation has been well received by various industries and organizations. Even if spousal issues are non-existent, attendees leave this program with a new appreciation for protecting their business and have the tools needed, if necessary, for when divorce hits the family business. You can choose a 90-minute or three-hour presentation format, or Laura can deliver main points in an eye-opening keynote speech.

[back to programs ]

About Laura Michaud

Laura Michaud is an author and owner of The Michaud Group, a firm dedicated to bringing personal and business success to their family business clients. As the third generation owner and former VP of Sales and Marketing for Beltone Electronics, Laura managed a staff of over 300 employees and was the chosen successor before Beltone was sold. She now helps family businesses learn the best ways to maintain harmony while running a successful business. In addition, Laura offers keynotes, seminars and consulting to help organizations break through commonly held notions concerning sales, employee management, family-owned businesses and the rapidly changing workplace. Laura can be reached at The Michaud Group by calling 630-835-0333 or via email.

“The comments from attendees at the three seminars you conducted were tremendously positive. You were thorough and enjoyable, and our Dealers have learned new ideas they have taken back with them and applied to their businesses. We were pleased with your presentations and now are extremely pleased with the results that we see coming in.”
— Alan J. Rankin, President & CEO, Icynene Inc.

"Your enthusiasm and unique method of presentation provided a positive lift to everyone's spirits along with a valuable message. It was precisely the message I was hoping would come across during this somewhat trying time for Ameritech employees."
— Gary Kueltzo, Manager, Ameritech

"Thank you so much for a tremendously powerful and dynamic presentation!! The combination of your personal experiences with family businesses and the comfortable manner in which you presented created an ideal environment for learning!"
— Annika Sieler, Associate Director, USC Marshall School of Business

"A very big THANK YOU!!! You transformed an otherwise "long" meeting into an exciting memorable event for everyone in attendance."
— Diana Achim, RR Donnelley & Sons Company

“Our entire membership found your presentation dynamic and educational. You took great care in making a very sensitive topic comfortable for all. Thank you for making our first experience of hiring a professional guest speaker outstanding.”
— Heather Corvey, Executive Director, Sierra Pacific Crafts