Ideas worth spreading

Family businesses are here to stay, and thrive

64,234 views |

Vikram Bhalla |

TED@BCG London

• June 2015

What do Wal-Mart, Mars and Newscorp have in common? They're family businesses. Vikram Bhalla analyzes the unique strengths and weaknesses of family businesses today, contrasting them with the humble mom-and-pop store the term usually brings to mind. Vikram's research reveals that family businesses in emerging economies are the fastest-growing and most ambitious breed of companies in the world. He maps out some valuable lessons that these successful ventures can share for both family and traditional companies.

What do Wal-Mart, Mars and Newscorp have in common? They're family businesses. Vikram Bhalla analyzes the unique strengths and weaknesses of family businesses today, contrasting them with the humble mom-and-pop store the term usually brings to mind. Vikram's research reveals that family businesses in emerging economies are the fastest-growing and most ambitious breed of companies in the world. He maps out some valuable lessons that these successful ventures can share for both family and traditional companies.

About the speaker

Vikram Bhalla

Vikram Bhalla

Family business expert

Vikram Bhalla is a Senior Partner and Managing Director in the Mumbai office of BCG. He leads BCG’s Family Business topic globally, as well as its Leadership and Talent topic. Bhalla is the author of several publications including: "Succeeding with Succession Planning in Family Businesses" and "Governance for Family Business: Sustaining the 'Magic' for Generations to Come." His work was featured in The Economist’s Dynasties edition.

About TED Institute

Every year, TED works with a group of select companies and foundations to identify internal ideators, inventors, connectors, and creators. Drawing on the same rigorous regimen that has prepared speakers for the TED main stage, TED Institute works closely with each partner, overseeing curation and providing intensive one-on-one talk development to sharpen and fine tune ideas. The culmination is an event produced, recorded, and hosted by TED, generating a growing library of valuable TED Talks that can spur innovation and transform organizations.

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