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Women in Family Business: Navigating Complexity and Opportunity

On November 3, 2025, Family Enterprise Canada (FEC) hosted a packed event with the Family Business Institute and the Diversity Institute at Toronto Metropolitan University bringing together Ted Rogers School students, alumni and FEC members.

From left: Frank Miller (Director, Executive Education - Ted Rogers School), Mary Thomson (National Director - FEC), Steve Beauschene (CEO - FEC), Francesco Barbera (Academic Director - Family Business Institute), Christina Sorbara (VP - Sorbara Group), Erica Herbert (CEO - Ode Hotel), Liz McBeth (CEO - Armour Valve), Wendy Cukier (Academic Director - Diversity Institute), Janie Goldstein (Advisor, Family Business - Ted Rogers School).

From left: Frank Miller (Director, Executive Education - Ted Rogers School), Mary Thomson (National Director - FEC), Steve Beauschene (CEO - FEC), Francesco Barbera (Academic Director - Family Business Institute), Christina Sorbara (VP - Sorbara Group), Erica Herbert (CEO - Ode Hotel), Liz McBeth (CEO - Armour Valve), Wendy Cukier (Academic Director - Diversity Institute), Janie Goldstein (Advisor, Family Business - Ted Rogers School).

Guest panel speakers

Professor Wendy Cukier, the Academic Director of TMU’s of Diversity Institute led a panel discussion with Erica Herbert (founder of Ode Hotel), Liz McBeth (CEO of Armour Valve) and Christina Sorbara ( VP Sorbara Group of Companies, winner of a 2024 Transformational Woman in Family Business Award).

The importance of education was stressed by each panelist. Conflict was cited as a positive and so was the importance of choosing your own career path. It was noted that what is demanded of leaders now is very different than in prior generations since emotional intelligence is more of a necessity, so even men need to lead differently. Division of roles in family businesses was also explored. There was agreement that women leaders have a platform and need to help improve female representation in senior roles.

Wendy Cukier moderates a panel discussion with Erica Herbert, Liz McBeth and Christina Sorbara seated at a table.
Francesco Barbera speaking at a podium beside a screen displaying the event title “Women in Family Business: Navigating Complexity and Opportunity.”
Francesco Barbera

The Family Business Institute’s Academic Director, Dr. Francesco Barbera, started off the event with a presentation on gender issues in family businesses.

Steve Beauschene speaking at a podium.

Steve Beauschene

Steve Beauschene addresses the audience beside a seated panel during the Family Business event.

Steve Beauschene, the CEO of Family Enterprise Canada (FEC), welcomed attendees. The lecture and panel were livestreamed for FEC members, alumni and guests who were unable to attend in person.

 

Networking

Attendees participated in a catered networking event hosted by FEC, bringing together alumni, industry professionals and students. The event highlights TRSM’s innovative pedagogy by offering real-world networking opportunities with family business leaders and alumni through the Family Business Institute.

Thank you to Family Enterprise Canada, the panelists and speakers, and all guests for making this a memorable and productive event!

Past events

Case Competitions

A team of undergraduate students represented Ted Rogers School in Vermont, USA in 2023 and 2024 at the Schlesinger Global Family Enterprise Case Competition and earned a podium spot both years. Students received a rewarding once-in-a-lifetime learning experience where they met students and executives from approximately 12 countries spanning 4 continents.